A slew of Christmas activities is scheduled this evening in downtown Hampton.

Sponsored by the Hampton Business and Merchants Association, the Christmas celebration will begin with the annual Christmas parade at 7 p.m.

Santa Claus, in a sleigh with reindeer, is the guest of honor in the parade, along with featured appearances from Luella High School’s marching band and ROTC.

The parade will begin at Hampton Elementary School and head towards the downtown area.

In conjunction with the evening, selected businesses will be open, providing hot chocolate and cookies.

Chris Moore, the director of the parade, said attendance is expected to surpass last year’s.

“I took over organizing the event last year,” he said. “In previous years, we never had more than 1,000 people. Last year, we were able to get almost 5,000 people.”

Moore hopes to improve upon that number with tonight’s event, especially with the other aspects of the evening aside from the parade.

At the parade’s conclusion, Santa will take pictures with those interested for $5.

Additionally, Angela Newton, the winner of Hampton Idol — a county wide American Idol-inspired contest — will perform a free outdoor concert, with back-up from 15 Zion Baptist Church choir members.

To add to the atmosphere and to create a winter wonderland, a snow machine will blow snow down Main Street.

For pre-parade entertainment, the Rocky Creek Elementary choir will perform at the train depot.

The event is free, aside from pictures with Santa and food for sale from a food vendor.

Moore encouraged the community to attend what he described as a “magical event.”

“I am involved personally because I love my town,” he said. “This town has become my canvas, as I have painted art and signage all over. This is my way of giving back and supporting the hometown I am proud of.”

Information: www.cityofhampton-ga.gov.