The Christmas season will march on this week and next to the sights and sounds of twinkling lights, marching musicians, decorated floats and Santa visits as marching parades capture the spotlight throughout Morgan County.

The City of Hartselle traditionally holds its annual Christmas parade on the first Thursday night of December but opted to move it to Thursday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. this year because the Hartselle High School football team will be competing in the final six of the State football playoffs at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on that date.

The delay isn’t expected to take away from the highly charged and widespread interest the event always receives. Parade entries are still being accepted at the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce office.

The Kiwanis sponsored event will feature an amateur float competition with cash prizes going to the top three winners, music by the Hartselle High and Hartselle Junior high bands, a visit from Santa and handfuls of candy for the kids.

The Town of Priceville will be the frontrunner in this season’s parade of parades. Its parade will be Sat., Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. Featured will be the Priceville and Brewer High School marching bands along with a variety of other parade units. Santa will hitch a ride on the town’s new fire truck and his helpers will throw candy for the kids.

The City of Decatur will stage its annual Christmas Parade on Mon., Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. Its route will be Second Avenue and Bank Street. Floats, band music, a visit from Santa and candy for the kids will be featured.

The Town of Somerville will hold its Christmas parade on Sat., Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. with activities centering around and inside its historic old Morgan County Courthouse. Candy will be provided for the Kids, Santa will make an appearance and everyone will be invited to come in out of the cold and enjoy a bowl of hot chili and dessert in the courthouse. Donations will be accepted to defray the cost of the food.

The Town of Falkville will opt for its usual Christmas in the Park instead of holding a street parade.

The 15th annual event will be staged in the Jack McCaig Park Sun., Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. It will feature holiday music by the Falkville High marching band. The singing of Christmas carols and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. Falkville Community Pride, the sponsoring organization, will serve hot chocolate and cookies at the conclusion of the program.