Photo courtesy of Jefferson Area Chamber

Today and tomorrow, the holiday season will be bright and merry in downtown Jefferson.

The new Winter Festival: Tour of Trees event will take place at the former hardware store at the intersection of East State and Chestnut streets. There will be several kid-friendly activities going on both days. Kids can make their own wrapping and decorate gift bags, write letters to Santa, and decorate a tree. Additionally there will be storytelling from the Friends of the Jefferson Library from 1:45-2:15pm and 3-3:30pm today, along with horse carriage rides around the square from 5-7pm. On Sunday, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures with kids.

Plus, there will be several opportunities for live music performances from the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower. The highlight of the event is the 45 decorated Christmas trees inside the building, where people can vote on their favorite and bid on some of them as part of a silent auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to New Opportunities Toys of Greene County. Admission to the event is a free-will donation. Today the event will be from 1-7pm and tomorrow, it is from noon-4pm.