The trees that sparkle with lights each night in downtown Tracy are a clear sign that the holiday season is here.

The Christmas season will begin in downtown Tracy with a holiday open house Dec. 1 and 2.

Kicking off the festivities is a general open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 in the downtown. Nonprofits are invited to set up booths for free at the event. For information: 831-4170.

Continuing the fun on Dec. 2, the public can enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Primrose Lane Tea and Crumpets open house. For dining times and reservations: 830-0175.

The Holiday Christmas Parade will also wind through downtown that day, starting at 10 a.m.

The Roasted Bean will host its open house from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2, and the Tracy Bookstore will have its open house from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. the same day.

The McHenry House family shelter will host a five-home tour on Nov. 3 from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. Each home will be beautifully decorated for the holidays, and guests will enjoy fabulous raffle prizes and delicious desserts.

Applications for the Holiday Christmas Parade, hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area, are available now at the Tracy Press, 145 W. 10th St.; or the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, 223 E. 10th St. Applications for the open house and parade must be turned in by Friday.