Medford's Winter Light Festival kicks off the holiday season Saturday, Dec. 3, in downtown Medford.

Hosted by Medford Parks and Recreation, the event includes a candy-cane hunt for kids 12 and younger at 4 p.m. in Hawthorne Park, corner of Jackson and Hawthorne streets, followed by a marshmallow roast for all ages. Kettle corn and coffee from Starbucks will be available.

The annual parade from Hawthorne Park to Vogel Plaza — led by Santa riding a firetruck and high-school marching bands — will begin at 5:15 p.m. Mascots such as the University of Oregon's Duck and Oregon State Univesity's Benny Beaver will be featured in the parade.

At 5:45 on the plaza, the South Medford High School Choir will sing holiday songs, and Mayor Gary Wheeler will throw a switch to illuminate a 30-foot evergreen tree. Santa will be available for photographs. For information, see www.playmedford.com or call 541-774-2400.