SALEM — The annual Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will usher in the holiday season Dec. 4.

This year’s parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 with the theme “Home for the Holidays.” As always, floats will be judged on appearance, originality/creativity, costuming and use of theme in three categories, commercial, non-profit, and religious with awards presented for each category.

The lineup for this year’s parade will be on North Ellsworth Avenue between East Third and Second Street, and on Second Street between North Ellsworth and North Lincoln Avenue. Once the lineup is complete, the parade will proceed South on Ellsworth to the intersection of East State Street and continue east on State Street to the intersection of State and Lincoln, concluding at Lincoln Plaza.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alicia Johnston said that as always, Santa Claus himself will be bringing up the rear of the parade, and new this year, he will be joined in the parade by Mrs. Claus. After the parade Mr. and Mrs. Claus will have a meet and greet for children at Lincoln Plaza and hand out candy canes.