MARIPOSA’S MOUNTAIN RIDERS PARTICIPATE IN A PAST MERRY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS PARADE, WHICH WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR ON DEC. 12. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even if the weather doesn’t think so. Downtown Mariposa is decorated with seasonal garland and holiday lights. All over the county, residences and businesses are putting up holiday displays as the season begins in earnest.

There is no shortage of activities planned to get the season underway. Beginning this weekend, Mariposa County residents can enjoy any number of things to get them in the spirit.

A big, two-day craft show will be Dec. 4 and 5 at the Mariposa Fairgrounds. On Friday, Dec. 4 the show is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This annual Christmas Craft Show is sponsored by Soroptimist International of Mariposa and has gained a reputation as the “season’s best.” Crafters will be showing off their skills and wares in both buildings.

Anyone who likes homemade breads, cookies, candies and all kinds of unique handmade gifts and crafts, can catch the holiday spirit. There will be over 75 local crafters and new items will arrive each day of the show. From aromatherapy to handcrafted wood items they will have anything and everything for any Christmas list, all skillfully hand-crafted by local artists.

The 18th annual Holiday Home Tour, sponsored by the Mariposa Friends of the Library, opens on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. Distinguished homes primarily in the Mariposa, East Whitlock and West Whitlock Road areas will show off their holiday displays.

Homes remain open until 4 p.m. on Saturday, and reopen on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. This year, there is a special feature to the tour, as the Mariposa Museum and History Center will have a special arrangement with memories of past Christmas seasons. On Saturday only, the senior center will have an open house with the John C. Fremont Hospital Volunteers hosting lunch.

If the home tour isn’t enough Christmas spirit on Dec. 5, residents can head north. In its third year, the annual tree lighting will again take place at Coulterville Station 26 on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. The Coulterville Community Club, Coulterville Fire Brigade and Mariposa County firefighters will welcome the holiday season with a bonfire, s’mores, hot chocolate and the official tree lighting.

Saturday is also the first day of “Winter Wonderland.” Winter Wonderland will be held in the Cedar Room of the Hotel Jeffery from Dec. 5 to 19 during the hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. In its fourth year, clubs, organizations and individuals have donated a decorated tree, wreath, garland or other holiday treasure to be raffled on Dec. 19.

The following weekend, holiday celebrations continue. The Mariposa Lions Club and Mariposa/Yosemite Crafter’s Guild hold their Christmas craft show Dec. 11, 12, and 13, at the American Legion Hall in Mariposa.

The show is part of the Merry Mountain Christmas celebration, which takes place on Dec. 12. This year’s parade starts at 1 p.m. in downtown Mariposa and is followed by a host of events into the afternoon and evening.

The parade grand marshalls for 2009 are Delores Hahn of Habitat for Humanity and Charles (Chuck) Bill, the chief executive officer of John C. Fremont Healthcare District. Parade entry winners will be presented with trophies at the Mariposa County Courthouse at 4 p.m. on Dec. 12. Courthouse tours will operate from 1 until 6 p.m.

The Mariposa Lions Club has confirmed that Santa Claus will be in town on Saturday, Dec. 12. Beginning at 5 p.m. the Mariposa Lions Club will host a bonfire and visits with Santa at the Courthouse. This event follows an afternoon of activities sponsored by the chamber of commerce. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, hot cider, coffee and popcorn will be available for everyone in attendance. There is no charge for this event.

The weekend before Christmas promises big happenings in Northern Mariposa County. For more than 20 years, Santa has visited the firehouse in Coulterville spreading joy, laughter and bringing smiles to kids of all ages. During the past four years, what is now known, as “Christmas in Coulterville” has become quite the celebration. The fun and festivities of “Christmas in Coulterville” take place on Saturday, Dec. 19 from noon to 8 p.m.