Those looking for something to do this weekend will have plenty to choose from. From shopping to Christmas parades, there is little need to leave Selma in order to get into the Christmas spirit.

Tonight, there is an open house at Sturdivant Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., free of charge. Several local florists decorated the downstairs and their works are on display. There will be light refreshments served and music provided by pianist Miriam Coffee, Claudia Simpson on flute, and Elvira McCrory playing the piano.

Continuing through Saturday, the Holiday Festival is going on at the Larry Striplin Performing Arts Center. The center is filled to capacity with tables full of arts, crafts and holiday sweets.

On Saturday, the annual Holiday Parade will take place, starting at 9 a.m.

Lauri Cothran, vice president of tourism with the Selma-Dallas Chamber of Commerce, said that there is a large variety of participants this year.

The parade will start on the corner of Water Ave. and Washington St. From there, it will turn onto Broad Street and march up Broad until it reaches the Brown YMCA.

There are several treats for Saturday evening. The annual Christmas Boat parade will take place on the Alabama River beginning at 5:30 p.m.

During the parade, there will be fireworks and prizes awarded to the top three entries in the parade.

There will also be a fireworks show.

Those wanting to get a good viewing area for the boat show can try LaFayette Park, Songs of Selma Park, the marina and the St. James Hotel.

Starting at 6 p.m., there will be a Christmas tour at old Live Oak cemetery, complete with ghost stories. The cost is $3 per person.

Finally, on Sunday, Southside High School choir will hold its annual Christmas concert.

It will take place at Ellwood Community Church starting at 6 p.m.

The theme of the concert, said choir director Lois Minor, is &uot;Sing the Miracle of Love.&uot; It will include songs such as &uot;Angels We Have Heard on High,&uot; &uot;Carol of the Bells&uot; and excerpts from Handel’s &uot;Messiah.&uot;

There are around 50 members in the choir.