St. Petersburg launches its season of festivities on Nov. 29. The Santa Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony mark the start. A month of activities will run through Jan. 1.

The illuminated parade begins at Albert Whitted Park at 6:30 p.m., winding through streets before reaching North Straub Park for the Tree Lighting. Organizations, groups, and businesses can sign up online to join the procession.

Lights blaze across downtown after the tree lighting. Thousands of bulbs and decorations will transform North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier from Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, creating a glowing waterfront spectacle.

Snowfest arrives Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in North Straub Park. Kids can race down toboggan slides, bounce on inflatables, make crafts, and grab food from trucks. Wristbands cost $5. They cover all activities except food. Buy them online or at any city recreation center until Dec. 5 at noon.

Free outdoor movie screenings happen on three December Saturdays. Activities start at 6:30 p.m., with films rolling at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 brings Home Alone 2: Lost in New York to Vinoy Park. The Santa Clause screens on Dec. 13 at Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, while A Miser Brothers’ Christmas plays on Dec. 20 at Huggins-Stengel Field. Photo ops with Santa and concessions will be available before each screening.

Santa sets up shop in North Straub Park from Dec. 13 through 23 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Bring your own camera.

Cookies with Santa runs Dec. 13 and 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement. The $5 admission gets you s’mores, crafts, and time with Santa. Registration is required. Walk-ups are accepted Saturday only for those attending the movie screenings.

St. Pete Libraries will host Santa visits at five locations from Dec. 15 through 18. Each child receives a free book. The schedule includes stops at the West Community Library at SPC/Gibbs Campus, North Community Library, South Community Library, Johnson Community Library, and President Barack Obama Main Library.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve will host a Cocoa Night Hike on Dec. 20 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rangers will lead the walk under the stars to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Tickets cost $5 per person.