Christmas is definitely here as Covington prepares for its annual Christmas in the Country and Deck the Rails celebrations starting this weekend.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas downtown with garland light swags on Columbia Street and angels, reindeer, stars and candles lighting the way on lampposts.

Saturday will see a flurry of activity as Deck the Rails will light up the Covington Trailhead at 419 N. New Hampshire St. and Santa will join the fun. The celebration begins at 4 p.m. with Stories in Motion by Frank Levy to entertain the children. Cookies and cocoa will be served, while we anxiously await Santa’s visit and lighting of the Trailhead at dusk, approximately 5:15 p. m. The event is free and open to children of all ages.

Help Deck the Rails Saturday in Covington at the Trailhead when lights will be lit and Santa pays a visit. (Photo by Jack Glover)

Festivities for the celebration kick off on Friday with holiday shopping specials, activities and events plentiful throughout the season on Lee Lane.

The historic downtown celebration of Christmas in the Country kicks off Friday, but continues throughout the Christmas season. This year special events have been coordinated to recreate the quaint festive holiday ambiance visitors have loved at the celebration for over 60 years.

Some of the events planned include the following:

Dec. 2, 9 a. m. -2 p. m. —Mimosa Stroll – the day starts with breakfast, followed by shopping specials and incentives, door prizes and complimentary mimosa’s throughout the day!  Sign up to participate through the Downtown Development office at 985-892-1873 or toll free 866-892-1873. 

Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m. — Lee Lane Christmas Open House

Dec. 10, 5-8 p.m. —Lee Lane “Cocktails in the Country”

Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.—Northshore Art Market on Lee Lane

Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m. — Second Saturday Evening Stroll – Coordinated Gallery Openings, Columbia Street

Saturdays – Live music at the Covington Farmer’s Market; Santa & Storytelling on Lee Lane

In addition, shoppers are promised plenty of holiday shopping specials in a stress-free joyous atmosphere.

Pam Keller, director of economic development said that Covington’s Downtown Historic District has been nominated in the “Best Local Shopping Experiences” category for the State of Louisiana’s Top 50 for 50+ initiatives celebrating the best of the best that Louisiana has to offer.

The Covington Association of Retailers also reminds shoppers that as a cultural district, original art is sales tax free, city and state so the savings begin immediately. Many galleries on Columbia Street are also offering Christmas specials, sales on framing and special hours, such as Arts and Frames Gallery will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 27 through 29 and Dec. 4 and 5 as part of Christmas in the Country.