MONROE - If you're not in the Christmas spirit yet, you'll have no excuse after this weekend as area communities plan a full slate of holiday activities.
FRIDAY
• Santa Claus arrives in Monroe on Friday in the annual lighted Winter Wonderland Parade around the Square. Following the parade, which begins at 6 p.m., the Monroe Noon Optimists host a reception for Jolly St. Nick at Wisconsin Community Bank.
• Trolley rides to see Christmas lights around the city will be offered Friday at 4:45, 6 (which will be part of the parade), 7:15, 8:15 and 9:15 p.m. Tickets for the trolley rides are available from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.
• At 7 p.m., Turner Hall will host an Alpine Christmas Carol Sing and Tree Lighting along with its Gingerbread House contest.
• The Monroe Theatre Guild opens its production of "A Christmas Carol" at 7:30 p.m. at the Monroe Arts Center. Silent auction items for MAC's annual holiday fundraiser will be available for viewing and bidding.
• In Brodhead, carriage rides will be offered at 5 p.m. A lighted parade is at 7 p.m., followed by the Christmas tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Walk will feature downtown retailers.
SATURDAY
• In New Glarus, St. Nicholas Day will be celebrated by holiday shopping specials at local merchants and a Christmas cookie sale at the Swiss Church.
• The Christmas Walk featuring downtown retailers will continue in Brodhead during the day.
• The Apostolate to the Handicapped is hosting its annual Christmas Party at 9:45 a.m. at Monroe High School.
• In Albany, the Albertson Memorial Library will have a Snack With Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Albany Lions Building.
• The Swiss Historical Village in New Glarus will have its 4th annual Swiss Christmas Walk at 5 p.m. with a visit by "Sami Klaus."
• Clarno Zion United Methodist Church will have its holiday luncheon, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and auction, beginning at 7 p.m., at the church.
• The Monroe Chamber's Festival of Trees benefit for the Green County Humane Society, Green Haven Family Advocates and Habitat for Humanity of Green County will begin at 6 p.m., with a program, dinner and auction to follow.
• The Darlington Chamber/Main Street "Snow Place Like Home" parade will be at 6:30 p.m. in Darlington.
• MTG's "A Christmas Carol" will be staged at 7:30 p.m. in MAC. Silent auction items will be available for viewing and bidding.
SUNDAY
• St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe will host its annual German Communion Service at 2 p.m. The service will be conducted in German, but English translation is provided. The church's live outdoor nativity will be on display from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
• MTG's "A Christmas Carol" will be staged at 2 p.m. in MAC. Silent auction items will be available for viewing and bidding.
• The Monroe City Band will have a free public concert at 3 p.m. at Monroe United Methodist Church. Those attending are asked to bring nonperishable food items for Green County Interchurch Food Pantry.
FRIDAY
• Santa Claus arrives in Monroe on Friday in the annual lighted Winter Wonderland Parade around the Square. Following the parade, which begins at 6 p.m., the Monroe Noon Optimists host a reception for Jolly St. Nick at Wisconsin Community Bank.
• Trolley rides to see Christmas lights around the city will be offered Friday at 4:45, 6 (which will be part of the parade), 7:15, 8:15 and 9:15 p.m. Tickets for the trolley rides are available from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.
• At 7 p.m., Turner Hall will host an Alpine Christmas Carol Sing and Tree Lighting along with its Gingerbread House contest.
• The Monroe Theatre Guild opens its production of "A Christmas Carol" at 7:30 p.m. at the Monroe Arts Center. Silent auction items for MAC's annual holiday fundraiser will be available for viewing and bidding.
• In Brodhead, carriage rides will be offered at 5 p.m. A lighted parade is at 7 p.m., followed by the Christmas tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Walk will feature downtown retailers.
SATURDAY
• In New Glarus, St. Nicholas Day will be celebrated by holiday shopping specials at local merchants and a Christmas cookie sale at the Swiss Church.
• The Christmas Walk featuring downtown retailers will continue in Brodhead during the day.
• The Apostolate to the Handicapped is hosting its annual Christmas Party at 9:45 a.m. at Monroe High School.
• In Albany, the Albertson Memorial Library will have a Snack With Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Albany Lions Building.
• The Swiss Historical Village in New Glarus will have its 4th annual Swiss Christmas Walk at 5 p.m. with a visit by "Sami Klaus."
• Clarno Zion United Methodist Church will have its holiday luncheon, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and auction, beginning at 7 p.m., at the church.
• The Monroe Chamber's Festival of Trees benefit for the Green County Humane Society, Green Haven Family Advocates and Habitat for Humanity of Green County will begin at 6 p.m., with a program, dinner and auction to follow.
• The Darlington Chamber/Main Street "Snow Place Like Home" parade will be at 6:30 p.m. in Darlington.
• MTG's "A Christmas Carol" will be staged at 7:30 p.m. in MAC. Silent auction items will be available for viewing and bidding.
SUNDAY
• St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe will host its annual German Communion Service at 2 p.m. The service will be conducted in German, but English translation is provided. The church's live outdoor nativity will be on display from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
• MTG's "A Christmas Carol" will be staged at 2 p.m. in MAC. Silent auction items will be available for viewing and bidding.
• The Monroe City Band will have a free public concert at 3 p.m. at Monroe United Methodist Church. Those attending are asked to bring nonperishable food items for Green County Interchurch Food Pantry.