It’s beginning to look like the holidays throughout LaGrange as the community readies for the 33rd annual Christmas parade next week.

Parade chairman Kimberly Skiff said this year’s theme, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” struck a chord in the community.

“It’s been a tough year for everyone, and we want our community to come together to celebrate family, friends and community - those people and values that get us through tough times,” she said.

Thursday’s parade, sponsored by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 6 p.m. at Granger Park and head south on North Greenwood Street. Marching groups will be merged into the parade from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with the procession going down North Greenwood to Haralson Street. From Haralson, the parade will turn right onto Church Street to Lafayette Square and Bull Street until it intersects with Main Street. The procession then will turn up Main Street, then go past the square to Ridley Avenue.

“There are so many great places to view the parade throughout downtown,” Skiff said.

Viewing stands will be placed on the square for those who arrive early.

The Downtown LaGrange Development Authority asked Santa Claus to arrive early at Lafayette Plaza on Thursday. From 3 to 5 p.m., children can take pictures with Santa, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Santa will leave promptly at 5:30 p.m. to get ready for his ride on the fire truck in the parade.

Meanwhile, downtown merchants are preparing for the holidays, with several traditional events taking place next week.

Wednesday’s “White Lights Contest” recognizes the business with the best white lights display.

Local artists are preparing for the annual ornament decorating contest. Their ornaments will be displayed around the square starting Wednesday, and the winning entry will receive a $200 downtown gift certificate.

A tree lighting ceremony will be at 5 p.m. Thursday on Lafayette Plaza with parade grand marshals Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Solomon flipping the switch to turn on the downtown lights.

The chamber will have holiday ornaments and Troupopoly games for sale.

Hot chocolate will be served at several locations during the parade, including Sugermeyer’s Sweet Shop at 2 E. Lafayette Square, Callaway High School Band Boosters in the parking lot of Mallory Agency at 301 W. Haralson St. and Family Life Fellowship on the promenade on Bull Street.

Other upcoming holiday events include:

— Christmas parades will be held in Hogansville, Pine Mountain and Hamilton on Friday, and in West Point/ Greater Valley on Dec. 10.

— Highland Baptist Church will have a “Hanging of the Green” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Church members will decorate the sanctuary in a Christmas theme while singing praises to God and welcoming the Christmas season.

— King’s Pasture Community Church at 13377 U.S. 27 in Hamilton will have a live nativity scene from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5-6.