With all due apologies to the Hallmark movie of the same name, THIS is the real Mystic Christmas.

Saturday is chock full of Christmas activities in Mystic. Santa arrives by tugboat. The Christmas tree in Mystic River Park is illuminated. Lighted boats parade by on the Mystic River.

During this 20th annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, folks can line the river to watch the decorated vessels. Afterward, back at Mystic River Park, boats are judged on creativity and team spirit.

In the afternoon, kids will be able to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and to get photos with him.

And speaking of Mystic: Over at Mystic Aquarium, there is the inaugural Home for the Holidays Lights Extravaganza, running 6-9 p.m. on select nights from Friday through Dec. 30.

Santa Arrives By Tugboat, 2 p.m. Saturday, lands at Mystic River Park, Cottrell Street, Mystic; Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. Saturday, at Mystic River Park, Cottrell Street; Lighted Boat Parade 6:15 p.m. Saturday, along the Mystic River.