The first weekend of December features Galesburg's annual Holly Days Parade and Santa Rescue and much more.

Here are nine things to do this weekend in the Galesburg area.

2023 Galesburg Holly Days Parade and Santa Rescue

What: This lighted, nighttime parade welcomes local businesses, community organizations, and individuals to celebrate the holidays. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be joining in on the fun, after Galesburg Firefighters Association rescues them from atop of First Mid Bank & Trust at 4:30 p.m. The route starts at the corner of S. Chambers and Main Streets, heading west on Main Street, before turning left onto South Cherry Street, ending at the Knox County Courthouse.

When: 4:30 p.m. Santa Rescue, 5 p.m. Parade Sunday, Dec. 3

Where: Downtown Galesburg

For more: 309-315-4288

24th Annual Festival of Trees

What: Come for complimentary food and drinks, live and silent auctions, raffles and more, all to benefit Discovery Depot Children's Museum.

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30

Where: Discovery Depot, 128 S. Chambers St., Galesburg

Cost: $50, $45 in advance

For more: 309-344-8876

Sing We Now of a Christmas Carol

What: Choral Dynamics will bring the choral version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to the stage. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Marley and all the characters you know will tell the musical ghost story of Christmas past, present and future. Proceeds benefit the Galesburg Public Schools Foundation.

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3

Where: The Orpheum Theater, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

Cost: $18; youth $9; free for age 12 and younger with purchase of an adult ticket

For more: theorpheum.org

Local Author Fair

What: Meet more than a dozen local authors, browse their books, buy signed copies. Free gift wrapping available.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Galesburg Public Library, 40 E. Simmons St., Galesburg

For more: 309-343-6118

Merry Markets

What: Get ahead on your holiday shopping and support local artisans. Merry Markets is held in our Middle Gallery. The featured artists Dec. 2 are Jeanne Clark and Ellen McDowell.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: Free admission

For more: 309-342-7415

Holiday Open House on Historic Seminary Street Downtown District

What: Enjoy Seminary Street Historic Downtown District during the holiday season. Visit the merchants of Seminary Street Downtown District for samples, snacks, demonstrations, decorations, gift options, strolling musicians and carolers as well as a visit from Santa Claus as he strolls Seminary Street and visits each store.

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: 62 S. Seminary St., Galesburg

For more: 309-343-5376

Repoussee Ornaments

What: Repoussé is the ancient technique of embossing metal sheets to make raised designs. Come create a holiday-themed ornament with the warm glow of metal to grace your decor. Artist Carolyn Seeger will help you learn to manipulate the surface of soft, easy-to-work metal with simple tools. Patterns will be available, if desired. All ages welcome.

When: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 E. Main St., Galesburg

Cost: $7; $5 for members

For more: 309-342-7415

Quick Holiday Bites with Michelle Kim

What: Come for the first Coping in Kitchen demo with Michelle Kim. Learn about three quick and easy holiday nibbles that are sure to stand out at your next gathering. There will be two 1-hour sessions going over all three recipes.

When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Cornucopia Natural Market & Deli, 180 S. Seminary St., Galesburg

Cost: Free

For more: 309-342-3111

Brunch, Sip and Shop with Santa and Holiday Hop

What: Bring the whole family for a day of fun with Santa & Mrs. Claus. The first 60 children will receive a gift donated by a local business. There will be one large gift giveaway. Santa will be photo ready from 10 a.m. until he is needed downtown for the parade. After brunch, move over to the Holiday Hop, where you will get to enjoy 10 stations of cookie decorating, hot cocoa, crafts, snacks, interactive games, movies and more. All proceeds go back the Knox County CEO students.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3

Cost: Holiday Hop is $5 per child; free for adults

Where: The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg

For more: 309-541-1010

Coming next week:

Mrs. Claus’ Night Out

What: Eat, drink and be merry with your friends. There will be a bead bar set up to make keychains, pens and wristlets.

When: 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4

Where: Sidetrax, 441 E. Main St., Galesburg

For more: Mrs. Claus Night Out on Facebook

Candyland Ball

What: Holiday festivities start with Knox County's premier, magical, and memorable adult and child date night. Activities include dinner, line dancing, a craft, seasonal songs, and a special visit from Santa. For grades Kindergarten through 6th.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6

Where: Lake Storey Pavilion, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg

Cost: $72 per couple, $25/additional child,

For more: 309-345-3683

Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Holly Days Parade & Santa Rescue among 13 things to do in Galesburg