Chicora is getting into the Christmas spirit.

The borough kicked off its holiday festivities with Christmas in Chicora on Friday and Saturday, and will hold its sixth annual Light Up Night Dec. 1.

Christmas in Chicora is organized by Quality Life Services in Chicora and will feature events and activities throughout downtown Chicora.Nancy Lenigan and Leslie Stewart are co-organizers. Lenigan said the event showcases the businesses and people of Chicora.“They just like jumping all over town and becoming more familiar with our little town,” Lenigan said. “I think people have a lot of fun.”Many local businesses will hold open houses, with refreshments, prize giveaways, discounts and lunch specials.The event also will feature a number of vendors and a craft show. Admission and parking are free.

On Dec. 1, Light Up Night will bring a day full of festive fun with a toyland theme.The Candy Cane Crawl and Pooch Parade will begin the day's festivities. Registration starts at 1:30 p.m., and the event begins at 2 p.m.There is a fee to participate, and Chicora Mayor Lisa Nagy said all funds raised will be given to the Karns City Regional Ambulance Service.“Our goal always is to give back to the community via the event,” she said. “(The ambulance service) is vital here for the residents who need emergency care and transport. We want to do what we can to help them do that.”Runners, walkers, crawlers and their pets — dressed in festive holiday wear — will join in a one-mile trek through town. Prizes will be awarded for both participants and their pets.Entertainment begins at 4 p.m., and Santa Claus arrives around 4:45 p.m. at the Chicora Post Office. “Toy Story” characters Woody and Jessie will be roaming the area to say “howdy.”Local students will perform live music and cheer routines.A Spirit of Community Award will be presented to a community member who is known for his or her gift of heart, soul and service.Later in the evening, people can warm up around a bonfire managed by the Chicora Independent Hose Co. as it sells tickets for its annual Christmas raffles.Before departing, guests will gather for caroling and the blessing and lighting of the community Christmas tree by the Rev. Matt McClain, pastor of Mater Dolorosa Church.Nagy said when they first started Light Up Night, she saw crowds of 150 to 200 people. She said in recent years, the borough has seen crowds of 450 to 500 people.“This year, we're hoping for more,” Nagy said.Slippery Rock Street will be closed to traffic that day beginning at 10 a.m., and will reopen at 9 p.m.