ELKINS — The annual “Jingle All The Way” Elfkins Christmas Parade will make its way through the streets of downtown Elkins on Friday, Dec. 5, and conclude with a tree-lighting ceremony.

The parade, which will feature marching bands, twirlettes and dance teams, school groups and clubs, businesses and organizations, community groups, families and friends, and street-legal side-by-sides, will begin in the area of Southern States in South Elkins and will head up Davis Avenue, ending at Elkins Town Square.

In order to give the parade a festive glow, participants are encouraged to include plenty of lights while making their way through the parade. Those taking part are also asked to refrain from dressing as Santa or Mrs. Claus, due to the two already being penciled in to appear as part of the parade.

At the parade’s conclusion, participants and those watching are asked to gather in Elkins Town Square behind the Elkins Railroad Depot for a Tree Lighting Ceremony that will be performed by Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco and his wife Paula.

The new 22-foot Christmas tree in Town Square was constructed by Kathy Vance of Kathy’s Decorating & Design. Smith Backhoe and Dozer Services and a host of volunteers worked on getting the tree, which holds 825 ornaments and a 4-foot, 3-D “star burst” tree topper, to its standing point.

“This tree represents the heart of our community — coming together to bring joy, connection and holiday spirit to Elkins,” said Elkins-Randolph County Chamber Executive Director Karrah Washington. “We cannot wait for families to experience this moment.”

Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate and cookies will be available on the Rotary Amphitheater Stage after the Tree Lighting ceremony.

Parade participants must submit an application by mail to Elkins-Randolph County Chamber, 10 11th Street, Elkins, WV, 26241, or email executivedirector@erccc.com. For additional information, call 304-636-2717.