Lights, music, parades set in south E.V.

’Tis the season to celebrate, and cities and towns in the south East Valley will be doing just that. Here is a list of holiday festivities in Gilbert, Queen Creek and Florence:

• Gilbert is celebrating the holidays with Winter Wonderland at the Freestone Park Amphitheater, 1015 E. Juniper Ave.

The free event, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13, will feature a holiday tree lighting, an appearance by Santa and performances by the Dickens’ Carolers.

For information, call Gilbert Community Services at (480) 503-6200.

• Queen Creek is kicking off the holiday season by lighting up Town Hall and the 40-foot holiday tree out front with more than 20,000 lights.

The event will feature local group performances, a snow play area and visits with Santa. Several new activities will be added this year, including a fine art market.

The free event runs 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Town Hall, 22350 S. Ellsworth Road.

For information, visit www.queencreek.org or call (480) 358-3700.

• Florence will host Christmas on Main Street on Dec. 7 with festivities, including pictures with Santa, games and other entertainment.

The free event starts at 5 p.m. at Arriola Square, at the corner of Main and 10th streets downtown.

The Holiday Light Parade will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the Pinal County Courthouse lighting ceremony.

There will be more arts and crafts, games and food at Arriola Square after the ceremony.

To enter a float in the parade, call (520) 868-7589 or pick up an application at the Parks and Recreation Office, 133 N. Main St. The cost to enter a float in the parade is $5 per entry.