The Christmas Parade next Saturday will begin as no other Napa parade before, with a skiing and snowboarding exhibition.

In Napa?

Yes, in Napa. This is the same event that took place in Pac Bell Park a few weeks ago. Turns out the organizers, brother Tyler and Trevor Skivington, are Napans, and want to be able to share this with their community.

Napa’s ski exhibition will take place on Nov. 24, from 1-3 p.m., on First Street at Dwight Murray Plaza (the old clocktower.) This is going to be a blast, real snow and all.

At 4 p.m., the pre-parade activities begin, followed at 5 by the parade, which will march down First Street and end at Copia. Someone you know: a friend, neighbor or co-worker, is bound to be in the parade — it’s a Napa event in the truest sense of the word.

Come early to get a good spot on the sidewalk, and enjoy. Announcing and judging will take place at Dwight Murray Plaza. If he shows up, Santa will be at Copia after the parade to talk to children. Hot chocolate and cookies, thanks to Copia, make this the perfect day.

B&B Tour

The Napa Bed and Breakfast inns will host their annual Holiday Tour event on Dec. 1, from 2 to 7 p.m. This event sells out quickly. Innkeepers and staffs are on hand to show their homes, all decorated for the holidays. Some of Napa’s premier chefs and wineries will be on hand, offering food and wine that will remind you of why they are the best. Most of the 13 homes on the tour will also have musical entertainment, from the Tarrabini’s Classic Jazz group, to Johnny Smith, to the Napa High Choral Group.

Shuttles will take attendees from house to house, and will begin at Copia’s south parking lot, making it easier for Napans. You’ll also travel in style: the shuttles include classic cars, stretch limos and luxury shuttles. Tickets are $45. Those and more information are available at www.historicinns.com. Looking for something to do with the out of town relatives? After attending, you’ll all understand why this one is a sellout.

CandleLight Tour

One week later, on Dec. 8, Napa County Landmarks will present the 19th annual Candlelight Tour. Featuring the Abajo/Fuller Park area, this year’s tour includes some recently renovated homes, never before shown on a tour. The self-guided tour begins in another Napa landmark — First United Methodist Church, where guests will enjoy refreshments and holiday music. The tour is open from 2-7 p.m. More information and tickets are available by calling 800-838-3006, or visiting www.brownpapertickets.com.

Let there be lights

By the time you read this, the trees on First Street in downtown Napa should be ablaze with lights. Thanks to the city of Napa and the guys who install those lights every year. Special thanks go to Dick Clark of Zellar’s Ace Hardware, for so generously donating the lights year after year. Check out the lights, and stop in Zellar’s (corner of Third and Randolph) to thank Dick.

See you downtown!

Craig Smith is the executive director of the Napa Downtown Association, and can be reached at 257-0322 or craig@napadowntown.com.