Christmas season kickoffs in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE - Two events over the next week will serve to officially welcome the Christmas season to Gainesville.

Santa is arriving Saturday at Lakeshore Mall and the annual downtown Jingle Mingle is scheduled next Thursday.

Santa's arrival at noon Saturday at Lakeshore will kick off a two-hour celebration welcoming the holiday season. (Click on the first link below for full details.)

The annual Jingle Mingle in downtown Gainesville begins at 5:00 next Thursday and runs through 8:00. (Click on the second link below for details.)