Christmas kicks off in Lockport today with Christmas on the Canal events scheduled throughout downtown.

Beginning at 4 p.m., downtown businesses will have an open house with specials, freebies, and holiday cheer. (click here for details)

Many of the businesses will offer a chance to win a "Hometown Holiday Gift Basket" featuring prizes from those businesses, including:

• $25 gift certificate to Shamus Restaurant
• Key Bank logo wear
• $50 gift certificate to Mills Jewelers
• $25 gift certificate to Pallister House Floristry
• $25 gift certificate to Art & Soul Gift Shop
• $20 gift certificate to KM Treats
• $50 gift certificate to Gould's Flowers
• An accessory from Julie Muscato Interior Designs
• Gift certificate for wine for two from Flight of Five Winery
• Gift certificate from Mericana Restaurant
• $20 gift certificate to The Artz Gallery & Cafe
• Specialty items from Antiques of Lockport and Just Lookin'
• $50 Garlocks gift certificate from the Lockport Retailer

The open house will be followed by the 2nd annual Lighted Christmas Parade down Main Street at 6 p.m. Christmas caroling will be held at the Palace Theatre at 7:15. The night will conclude with a free showing of Polar Express at the Palace.

The event picks back up Sunday at Day Road Park, where Santa Claus will arrive at noon. He'll remain at the park until 3 p.m. There will also be hot chocolate and other treats as well as horse-drawn carriage rides.