(MSC News)--It's Thanksgiving, with many of us spending time with family and loved ones, enjoying the traditional holiday meal. 

Another tradition, following the end of Thanksgiving, is the unofficial start of the Christmas season. 

Local communities will mark the occasion  by holding celebrations, complete with Santa Claus, Friday evening. 

That includes the City of Seneca where “Santa's Magic On Mainstreet” will be held, running from 6:00 until 9:00.  

At 6:00, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a horse drawn carriage, and will visit with every child eager to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Most of the stores on main street reamin open through the event 

Seasonal ceremonies are also planned in Sabetha Friday night, during the annual Christmas Window Opening event. 

It all starts when the Jolly Old Elf himself makes his appearance at 6:00, followed by a soup supper, caroling and music by Sabetha High School students, trolley rides, a business and craft expo, a Christmas country store, and various discounts and promotions from local businesses. Santa's magic will be on full display, as he visits Holton, where "It's a Wonderful Life on Main Street" will be held, complete with the traditional Christmas lighting of Holton's downtown square. 

The Christmas lights come on at 5:30, followed by the arrival of Santa, and numerous attractions, during the evening. 

Those wishing to meet Santa in the Jackson County Courthouse are asked to enter on the north side. 

Home for the Holidays is the theme for the Christmas Window Opening in Falls City Friday evening.

Santa will arrive at 6 p-m at his house at 17th and Stone Street.  

During the evening there will be free sleigh rides by Duncan Carriages with the rides loading in front of F & M Bank.  A chili cook-off will be held at the old Falter Clothing Store, which is now Sportin Falls City.  You can sample the chili for $5 and vote for your favorite.