— Daily Freeman-Journal file photo
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd during the lighted parade through downtown during Christmas in the City in 2017. This year, the Claus' will make a similar entrance into the community during Christmas in the City on Saturday. Following the tree lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m., the Jolly Old Elf and Mrs, Claus will tour of lights, leading a parade of cars through the city.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be the honored guests on Saturday as Webster City welcomes in the holiday season with Christmas in the City.

This year will be a little different, as the Jolly Old Elf and his wife will not be gathering to hear Christmas wish lists as in past years, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead they will be leading a parade through the community to view the special lights on display.

According to Jen Peterman, chamber of commerce director, following the tree light at about 5:15 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus, riding atop a decorated fire truck, will tour downtown area which will be aglow with about 900 luminaries that night.

Community members are invited to join Santa and Mrs. Claus in the parade around town to view the creative and festive lights on display in the residential areas. The parade will line up in front of the Daily Freeman-Journal, according to Peterman.

Peterman also said good seats were still available for the free holiday movie, “Prancer,” which will be shown at the Webster Theater on Saturday at 1 p.m. Those interested in attending can contact the chamber office for tickets. The movie is sponsored by Iowa Central Community College. Concessions will be available during the movie.

“This is a socially-distanced event,” Peterman said, noting that seating will be spaced out around the theater. For ticket information, call the chamber at 832-2564.

Following the movie, Peterman said some special characters will be on hand to greet children and pass out goodie bags filled with treats and a make-at-home ornament.

“This will be a nice way to kick off the Christmas season,” she said.