The Groton Holiday Lights Parade will mare its 19th anniversary Saturday, and with it will come floats, marchers, and musical groups decked head-to-toe in bright and colorful Christmas lights — surely a spectacle to behold. We're looking forward to sparkling drum and fife bands, light-up Grinches and Rudolph's red nose to lead the way. For those who love the town’s annual 4th of July parade, this is sure to please, especially for children who will get to meet Santa after.

Starting from Poquonnock Road at South Road, the parade will wind down Long Hill Road to the Groton Shopping Plaza, where a tree lighting ceremony will be held by Santa himself. There will be free refreshments at the ceremony, and kids can grab a small gift donated by Grader Jewelers. The Groton Business Association, which sponsors the event, will also judge participating floats for best design.

To ramp up downtown Groton’s holiday spirit for the event, the GBA urges all businesses along the parade route to decorate their windows and store fronts.

Groton Holiday Lights Parade, 5 p.m. Saturday, Long Hill Road, Groton; free; (860) 446-4095; www.grotonbiz.com.