SALEM The holidays arrive in downtown Salem tonight as the annual Christmas Parade of Floats steps off at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s event carries the theme "Home for the Holidays." The parade will begin at the intersection of North Ellsworth Avenue and East State Street, proceed east through downtown, and conclude at North Lincoln Avenue.

Organizers announced a new addition to the festivities this year: Mrs. Claus will join Santa Claus in the parade lineup.

Immediately following the parade, a holiday celebration will take place at Lincoln Plaza. The schedule includes the official lighting of the downtown Christmas tree and lights, accompanied by holiday music performed by the Salem High School Encore Ensemble.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will also host a meet-and-greet at the plaza to distri

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