MADISON – In 2021, the Grinch won’t spoil the fun as he did in 2020 with COVID-19. Plans are finalized to celebrate Christmas in 2021.

On Nov. 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Madison Station Historical Preservation Society will launch the “Walk Historic Madison Smartphone App.” Society historians John Rankin and Billie Goodson will guide app users around historic Madison homes.

The historical society also invites the public to the unveiling of Roundhouse renovation. Society member Charlie Nola spearheaded the work, including new windows, siding, updated HVAC and exterior lighting. Members will serve refreshments during the tour, Society President Debbie Overcash said.

On Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail will be illuminated on Main Street. Madison City Community Orchestra will perform. Madison Public Library staff will read “The Polar Express.”

Registration for the Tree Trail is open through Nov. 19 while trees last. Workers will place trees on Nov. 24, and participants can decorate their trees afterwards. Sponsors are the historical society and the City of Madison.

After tree lighting on Dec. 2, Madison’s downtown merchants will present the first annual Wassail Fest. The public can enjoy samples of residents’ best recipes and vote for their favorite. Door prizes will be presented.

Downtown stops open for business will be Old Black Bear, Noble Passage Interiors, Balch Realty, Main Street Cafe, Lemon & Lavender, Filthy Gorgeous, South & Pine, Madison Station Antiques, Hook and Frog, The House of Pilates and Pure Barre.

The 2021 Madison Christmas Parade, coordinated by Madison Parks and Recreation Department, will fill the streets on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.

Registration is open until Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. For a parade application, visit madisonal.gov, and click “Community.” Then, click “Special Events,” and scroll to click “Registration Form.”

A mandatory meeting will be held on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. Each parade unit must have a representative to attend; otherwise, the unit will be removed from the parade.

Parade entrants should decorate their vehicles, floats or other properties to match the theme, “The Magic of Christmas.” Judges will evaluate parade entries during lineup.

Parade units will line up on Plaza Drive, and proceed south on Hughes Road to Insanity Complex at 100 Skate Park Drive.

‘Live’ Santas are not permitted in the parade, so anticipation will build for Santa Claus ‘himself’ in his sleigh.

Winning groups will receive awards during a City Council meeting in January 2022.

Parade participants must submit registration forms by Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. Participants can email forms to SpecialEvents@madisonal.gov, use postal mail to Madison Christmas Parade, 8324 Madison Pike, Madison, AL 35758 or deliver in person to Dublin Park’s front desk. Organizers will not accept late registrations.

The parade’s rain date will be Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

In other activities, the city and historical society will present the third annual Madison Christmas Capers on Dec. 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. Lifelong residents will reprise the legend with ‘Doc’ Hughes tossing live chickens from his drug store’s roof to spectators below.

At 4 p.m., Doc Hughes’ grandsons, Larry and Walt Anderson, will re-enact the legend by pitching rubber chickens with gift vouchers tied to their legs from Hughes Drug Store’s balcony. Gift vouchers are valued in thousands of dollars.

Rotary Club of Madison will serve free hot chocolate and cookies. Madison City Community Orchestra will entertain the crowd.

Christmas Capers will continue when the city and Torch Technologies present the second annual “Madison Christmas Night at the Movie.” The free film will be shown at Home Place Park at 5:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Madison City Schools Stadium. Food trucks will be onsite.