A Look at Winterfest Schedule

Billions of dollars are expected to change hands nationwide during the  holiday shopping season, and the wants shoppers to keep more of that money in Towson.

This season's Winterfest includes many returning favorites, including roasted chestnuts, ice sculptures and happy hour specials.

The festivities officially kick off Saturday with the  at Olympian Park.

The tree lighting will feature county officials and musical performances from groups including Perry Hall Middle School's eighth grade Jaguar Choir, the Chapel Hill Music Sensations, the Anna Apicella School of Dance and Purrrfect Pitch. The most special guest, however, will be the big man himself, who will arrive on a fire engine with Mrs. Claus that evening.

Parking that evening will be free at the Allegheny Plaza garage (at the corner of Allegheny and Washington avenues).

Starting Thursday and continuing every Thursday until Christmas, participating bars will have "HoHo Happy Hours" with holiday drink and food specials.

Other highlights include the return of ice sculptures and the on Dec. 9. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the sculptures will be stationed around town and selected Towson restaurants will offer free roasted chestnuts and s'mores.

Kids can also have breakfast with or Afterwards, kids can go shopping or catch a holiday film in Santa's Workshop, located in the Towson Circle building. Earlier this month,

The county is also offering when the holiday draws closer.

Check out the schedule attached to this post, and for more holiday events, check out our events calendar.