'Tis the season to welcome back all the holiday events we missed last year, including the annual Mystic Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive that returns on Saturday.

It's a lovely event, with boats, all elaborately decorated with lights, motoring down the Mystic River. The boats are judged in various categories, including the most charismatic crew and most innovative vessel. The parade starts at 6:20 p.m., right after the Christmas tree lighting at Mystic River Park at 6 p.m.

But before all that, at 2 p.m., a certain bearded man whose belly shakes like a bowlful of jelly will arrive at Mystic River Park via tugboat. Joining him: Elvis, in the form of "Legends in Concert" tribute artist Bill Cherry. Also at the park, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center will collect unwrapped toy donations.

— Kristina Dorsey

Mystic Holiday Boat Parade, 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Mystic River Park, Cottrell Street, Mystic; Santa arrives by tugboat at 2 p.m.; mysticchamber.org.