It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The city has been decorated with lights, wreaths and other holiday décor. Retailers around town have set up their Christmas displays. Inspired by post-Thanksgiving tradition, weekend raids on attics, closets and storage units kicked off the decoration of homes around the county.

If you still haven’t quite shifted into holiday gear, a few must-do events beginning next week are sure to jump-start your Yuletide spirit.

• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Greenville: Held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. in Confederate Park, the event will feature church choirs, hand bell choirs and a children’s choir. A number of local churches and faith groups will participate. The event will also include a reading of The Christmas Story. The streets around Confederate Park will blocked off and concessions will be available. The ceremony will not be held in the event of inclement weather.

• Greenville Christmas Parade: Applications to participate in the Greenville Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, are due by Monday, Dec. 5. The theme for this year’s parade, held downtown Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m., is “Candy Land Christmas.” Entries will be allowed to throw candy this year provided they follow safety guidelines outlined in the parade application. Competition for the best float has reached a new high in recent years. The parade promises a dazzling display of lights, entertainment and music. For more information, call 334-382-3251.

• Governor’s Mansion Tours, Montgomery: A select group of designers from around the state were invited to help decorate the Governor’s Mansion for the holiday season. Among them is Greenville’s Vesta Taylor from Vesta Taylor Interiors on Fort Dale Road. Taylor did a top-notch job decorating the First Lady’s Parlor. Be sure to check it out during one of the public tours Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free tickets are available at the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop at 30 Finley Ave. For more information, call 334-241-8824.