Christmas will come to the Imperial Valley this week.

Thursday evening will see the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Calexico City Hall. The festivities start at 5:30 p.m.

Friday will be busy with the NAF El Centro Parade of Lights on the Navy base. The public is invited. Gates open at 6:00p.m. and the parade starts at 7:00p.m.

Also Friday, the City of El Centro Tree Lighting. This year the tree lighting and street fair will take place at Fire Station #3 on Waterman Avenue across from Walmart. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. 

On Saturday the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Christmas Parade, " The Gingerbread Village".  The parade will form at 12th and Main and travel east on Main to 8th Street and then South to Bucklin Park. A Fiesta will follow the parade at Bucklin Park.

The Imperial Valley Desert Museum will host a Traditional Craft Day Saturday at the Ocotillo Museum. The free event will run from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday is also the day for a performance by the Southwest High School Orchestra. The Traditions of Christmas concert will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and the performance at 7:00. The Annual Holiday Tour at the Pioneer's Museum will be held from 6:00 pm. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday.