Wow! December 1 might be the most over-scheduled day of the year – everyone wants to kick off their holiday season Saturday. Makes me wonder what we’re going to do the rest of the month besides fight the crowds at the mall.

If you like a parade, there’s four to choose from:

Homewood: 9 a.m.
Starts at Homewood Library, through downtown Homewood and ends on Central Avenue at Homewood Park. Downtown Homewood is said to be the best location to view the parade.

Center Point: 11 a.m.
Starts at Cathedral of the Cross church near the Birmingham city limits and ends at the Post Office Shopping Center.

Vestavia Hills: 10 a.m.
Parade travels down Highway 31 South from Shades Crest Road to Canyon Road.

Mountain Brook: 3 p.m.
Starts at Crestline Elementary, heads through Crestline Village to end at Dan Watkins Drive. The shops of Crestline Village will have their annual Home for the Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Craft fairs and movies on the other side of the jump…

Though it’s late in the craft fair season, there are two to choose from this weekend — Bottletree (3719 3rd Ave. South) is hosting its second Holiday Craft Bazaar (Timetable listing) from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday. The Redmont School (1220 50th St. South) has a Holiday Faire from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Besides handmade crafts and baked goods, there will be student performances and children’s activities.

Don’t forget your four-legged friends this holiday. Pictures With Santa Paws will be held at Molly & Max Pet Boutique (4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Vestavia Hills) on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to dog pictures with Santa, there will be local artists selling items and a gourmet bake sale. All profits from the pictures go to Great Dane Rescue, Inc.

I’m real excited about this Sunday at Sloss Furnaces – The first-annual lighting of the Water Tower followed by a special holiday viewing of the movie The Polar Express. You’re invited to bring chairs, blankets and your own food and drinks. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available for purchase but the movie is free. The fun starts at 5 p.m.

There’s lots more happening in the Magic City especially now that the magically holiday season is here. Tell us what we’ve missed in the comments section.