Students go Downtown to celebrate the...Ho-Ho Holidays!

HARLINGEN - Downtown Harlingen is the place to be today as businesses kick off the holiday season with the HO-HO Holiday Happenin' event.

Downtown merchants who are organizing the event will host activities from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and many of them will stay open late for business.

Many of the businesses will also offer hors d'oeuvres, drinks and one-time discounts for shoppers.

Downtown businesses staying open late are Lupita's, Roberts Jewelry, Nip ‘n Tuck Draperies, That Lime Green Store, Tony Schaub Art Studio, Janine Marie Photography, Flowers by Jesse/The Gift Connection, Paperie & Co., Java Café, Alexandre's Fine Jewelry, The Antique Emporium, HiLites, D'Arte Centre, The White Lion, Casa de Novia and Simply Elegant.

The holiday festivities will continue Friday with the 62nd annual Christmas Parade, themed "Summertime Christmas."

The parade sponsored by the Harlingen Jaycees is expected to have more than 70 entries, including marchers, bands, floats and Santa Claus, Jaycee Andi Atkinson said Tuesday.

Bryan Hale, weatherman for news channel KGBT-TV4, will be the master of ceremonies and Mayor Chris Boswell and Justice of the Peace Dan Sanchez will be among the guest judges for the parade.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. The route is on Jackson Avenue from 4th Street to A Street.

Also on Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Harlingen's Downtown will host the annual Piñata Festival at Gutierrez Park, at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and D Street.

The event will feature music, piñatas, food and snow for children to play in.

The event is free and open to the public.

Jackson Street Market Days will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Jackson Avenue from 4th Street to Commerce Street.

The open-air market hosted by downtown merchants will feature booths with crafts, collectibles, plants and fresh produce as well as music and food.