Barrett, 2, is hoisted up by his father, Zack Young, to wave as the Spirit of Christmas Parade marches down Main Street in downtown Butler. Associated Press file photo

Knoch’s Marching Knights were on hand to participate in a previous Saxonburg Holiday Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. Butler Eagle file photo

Barrett, 2, is hoisted up by his father, Zack Young, to wave as the Spirit of Christmas Parade marches down Main Street in downtown Butler. (Steven Dalton Photo)

Three holiday parades are among the holiday festivities planned for Butler County residents this weekend.

The Saxonburg Holiday Parade will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, led by the Knoch High School marching band.

The parade marks the beginning of the holiday season in the borough, sponsored by the Saxonburg Business Association. Starting at the Dollar General, the parade will travel straight down Main Street.

Kerri Kadyk, vice president of the Saxonburg Business Association, said there will be close to 40 units marching this year.

Activities will accompany the parade, with a holiday market, strolling carolers, free horse and buggy rides and cookies with Santa Claus available around Main Street from 5 to 9 p.m.

Food trucks will also be set up along Main Street for food and beverage options.

Michelle Lesniak, South Butler Community Library director, added that there would be a community tree lighting on the library’s patio, a new event this year. Ornaments will be available for attendees to help decorate the tree around 5 p.m., which will be lit at 6 p.m.

The annual Butler Spirit of Christmas parade kicks off the holiday season in the city at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, when dozens of entries from individuals, businesses and community organizations will traverse Main Street.

The parade route will start at the intersection of Penn and Main streets and will head south on Main Street to the courthouse.

Main Street will be closed starting around 4:30 p.m. and will open shortly after the parade finishes at 7 p.m.

Accompanying Butler’s parade are free activities for children from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Peoples parking lot at 205 North Main Street. Activities include face painting, balloon art and scratch-and-win games for children 10 and younger.

Adding to holiday fun, Chicora Light-Up Night will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, on Slippery Rock Street. The Santa Claus is Coming to Town Parade will go around the block at 3:30 p.m.

Activities will feature live local entertainment, carriage rides, crafts, food vendors, a bonfire and a caricaturist alongside a tree-lighting. Children also will have the opportunity to get pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.