The holidays are here, bringing with them a long list of activities for folks to take part in and spread some holiday cheer this year.

According to information from the Cumberland Tourism Commission, the holidays bring ample opportunity to get together and celebrate the season.

On Friday, the Shriner’s Park and Fairgrounds will be lit up for the season for the first time, with the spectacle continuing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6-10 p.m. throughout the holiday season. For more information, call 606-273-0845.

The city of Cumberland will be having the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 28, complete with refreshments, carriage rides, entertainment and a visit from Santa and his elves. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Gazebo on Main Street in Cumberland.

The Tri-City Christmas Parade will be rolling down Main Street in Cumberland at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1. Following the parade, folks may hang around for a viewing of “The Polar Express” at the Main Street Auditorium. There is a $2 admission for the movie, but the parade is free for all.

Club 180 is hosting a pancake breakfast, with the theme of “Happy Birthday Jesus” from 10 a.m. until noon on Dec. 2. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. The breakfast will be held at 716 School House Road.

On the evening of Dec. 2, The Kentucky Coal Museum will be open for the “Festival of Trees” from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Along with the Christmas trees, live music and face painting will also be on hand.

Firehouse Gifts and Crafts is holding an open Christmas paint. Folks may paint their choice of items from $7 up to $25. Call 606-894-0175 to reserve a space.

The Empty Stocking Fund will hold the annual program at the SEC TV studios on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College on Dec. 4 and 5 from 6-8 p.m. This year’s program is dedicated to the memory of Muggins Bennett, who started the Empty Stocking Fund decades ago. For more information call 606-733-0499.

On Dec. 8, come and see Santa and enjoy some cookies at the “Cookies and Cocoa with Santa” event. The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Lynch Depot.

The Betty Howard Memorial Coal Miner’s Theater in Benham will have a showing of “The Santa Clause” on Dec. 8. The show starts at 7 p.m. for a $2 donation.

The Pine Mountain Settlement School will have a Nativity Play on Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. with doors opening 30 minutes before each performance. After the performance, visitors are invited to tea in the Laurel House. The programs are free and open to all. For more information call 606-558-3571.

Santa will be visiting the Rebecca Caudill Library from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 12.

The Tri-City Senior Center is hosting a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. on Dec. 12. Everyone is welcome, just bring your favorite side dish or dessert. Call 606-589-2120 for more information.

The Betty Howard Memorial Coal Miner’s Theater will be featuring Tammy Chapman and Common Ground at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. Call 606-589-3041 for more information.

The Stables at Creekside Glen is hosting a live nativity tour from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 16. Call 606-589-6910 for more information.

The Betty Howard Memorial Coal Miners Theater in Benham will host a movie night at 7 p.m. on Dec. 22 with a showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Admission is a $2 donation.