Christmas season officially kicks off this week

Once you finish your turkey dinner Thursday and veg on the couch waiting for the ball games, the Christmas season officially begins. The madness of Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday gives people the opportunity to finish their shopping…or start it, whichever fits your personality. Don’t forget to shop locally to help the economy, their families deserve a good Christmas too. A few special shopping opportunities for unique items will be available at some of the local holiday activities such as the Gum Drop Shop in Orange next weekend.

West Orange starts the season off with its annual Christmas tree lighting celebration at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2. Santa will visit with children and refreshments will be served. The event is held outside City Hall on Western Avenue.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens kicks off its lighted Christmas walks on Dec. 3. Stroll the gardens full of holiday decorations and Christmas trees on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. through December 21. Admission is free, but donations of non-perishable food items to benefit Orange Christian Services.

A senior, mobility friendly and sensory sensitivity hour is offered 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with no music, no flashing lights and smaller crowds for guests with mobility challenges or sensory sensitivities and their families. This sensory-friendly atmosphere provides an opportunity to view the lights at dusk. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available in the front office.

The Stark Museum of Art opened a special "Reindeer Trail" exhibit Nov. 20 tying in the artwork of reindeer and wildlife artwork in the museum's collection with a colorful and sparkling array of model reindeer decorated by area artists. The exhibit runs through Dec. 21.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the museum will have an open house from 2 to 7 p.m., conveniently allowing parade-goers a chance to make a tour before gathering outside along Green Avenue to see the floats.

The city of Bridge City hosts Christmas in the Park and the community tree lighting Friday, Dec.6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the park off West Roundbunch Road.

Santa will be available for kids of all ages to take photos. In return, Santa is asking everyone getting a picture to donate a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to the Bridge City-Orangefield Ministerial Alliance.

A "Breakfast with Santa" fundraiser sponsored by Kiwanis will be held 7:30-10 a.m., Dec. 7, at Spanky's Restaurant on 16th Street in Orange. The tickets are $12 and include a pancake breakfast plus a visit with Santa for photographs. Tickets are available at Spanky's or through Kiwanis members and the club's Facebook page.

Christmas Downtown Orange

The Gumdrop Shop opens its doors for holiday shopping from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stark Park, 201 7th St in Orange.

Free tours at The W.H. Stark House for Stark Family Christmas are scheduled from noon to 5 p.m.

Pictures with Buddy the Elf in Stark Park from 1-7 p.m. and a children’s holiday craft is offered at the Stark Museum of Art from 3-5 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Orange is sponsoring the 75th annual Christmas Parade through downtown Orange beginning at 6 p.m.

Immediately following the parade, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held in Stark Park followed by pictures with Santa and “Mickey’s Christmas Carol Movie.”

Christmas on the Bayou

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce sponsors the 15th Annual Christmas Lighted Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at the First Baptist Church on West Roundbunch Road, on FM 1442, and travel northward to the area of the Bridge City Intermediate School.

The Christmas on the Bayou theme this year honors the late A.J. Judice and his family legacy as parade marshal this year. Michelle Judice, A.J. Judice’s daughter-in-law said they were filling up “the pontoon boat, airboat, mudboat” with family members to ride in the parade. "AJ was funny and kind, a sincere, mischievous, entertaining character who was genuinely interested in people. He would be so happy and proud to be named parade marshal," she said. "He would have had A LOT to say about this honor.”

Later this month

Reindeer Games Day - 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 14, Stark Museum of Art. Free Admission

Holiday Night at the Stark House – 4:30-6:30 p.m., Dec. 18, W.H. Stark House. Free Admission

Dreaming of a Green Christmas – 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dec. 14, Shangri La Botanical Gardens. Free Admission

A Very Electric Christmas – 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Dec. 11 and 12, Lutcher Theater. Call 409-886-5535 for tickets.

Dear Evan Hansen – 7 p.m., Dec. 17-18, Lutcher Theater.