The Vista Chamber of Commerce is coordinating WinterFest, a festival focusing on holiday arts and fun from Nov. 30 through Christmas. Several organizations are sponsoring events, including the annual holiday parade, downtown street lighting and caroling, a home tour, an art gallery reception, a bridge-lighting ceremony, a snow play area, free pictures with Santa and more. The Chamber is organizing two of the events, and other groups are organizing their own events. Here is the schedule:

NOV. 30 (FRIDAY) - Downtown tree lighting – in Historic Downtown Vista. The Vista Village Business Association presents the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony along Main Street from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. Main Street trees from South Santa Fe Avenue to Vista Village Drive will be filled with lights at the ceremony. A decorated Christmas tree will be unveiled at the Main Street clock as a centerpiece for the downtown decorations. Mr. and Mrs. Santa and elves will pose for photographs with children at the gazebo located at the corner of S. Indiana Avenue and Main Street. Youth performers will also sing at the gazebo. Information: 760-414-9391.

DEC. 1 (SATURDAY) - VISTA CHRISTMAS PARADE - The Vista Chamber of Commerce is producing Vista's annual Christmas Parade, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. The parade theme is "All Aboard the Vista Express," in honor of debut of the Sprinter commuter train in Vista and North County in December. The parade route will be the same as recent years, starting on S. Santa Fe Avenue at the corner of Pala Vista Drive, proceeding north on Santa Fe Avenue to Main Street, turning right to Citrus Avenue, right on Citrus and ending at Broadway. This year’s grand marshal is Rod Groenewald, longtime director of the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, located in Vista. The parade is organized by the Chamber with major funding from the City of Vista. The parade will include marching bands, an aerial fly-over, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Nearly 10,000 spectators are expected. More info and entry forms.

DEC. 1 (SATURDAY) - Pictures with Santa Claus - Immediately after the parade, from approximately 2:30 to 5 p.m., sponsored by Krikorian Theatres which will also have a play area with five tons of snow in front of the theaters at 25 Main Street.

DEC. 1, 8, 15, 22 (SATURDAY) - Vista Farmers Market takes on a holiday flavor at this time of year. The weekly market features more than 50 vendors, including farmers, arts and crafts, and food from 7:45 to 11 a.m. every Saturday in the parking lot adjacent to Vista City Hall, 600 Eucalyptus Ave.

DEC. 2 (SUNDAY) - 21st annual Holiday Home Tour fund-raiser sponsored by Vista Community Clinic, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature four exquisite North County homes professionally decorated for the holidays, as well as the opportunity to tour the historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit VCC’s Kare for Kids Fund, which enables the clinic to fulfill its commitment to "never turn away a sick child." Tickets purchased prior to Dec. 2 are $20, and are available by calling VisTix at (760) 724-2110 or VCC at (760) 631-5000 x1139. Tickets are $25 if purchased at the homes or the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe on the day of the tour.

DEC. 6-22 – 14th Annual Christmas Theater Festival, Premiere Productions at the Avo Playhouse, 760-806-7905.

DEC. 8 (SATURDAY) – La Hacienda Holiday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. The second annual family event will feature acclaimed roping artist Tony Munoz’s unique roping tricks as well as entertainment in Spanish and English. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children under 12; and $10 for families. The Adobe is located at 640 Alta Vista Drive. Munoz, who has been roping in the Mexican rodeo tradition since he was a child, has appeared on ABC for “The 2006 Alma Awards,” hosted by Eva Longoria. He performed with the country western group Big & Rich in concert and helped them film a music video with Billy Joe Shaver at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Also featured at the event will be the Rancho Buena Vista High School Ballet Folklorico group, along with storytellers, musicians and demonstrations. In the children’s activity area, kids can make a tooled leather ornament or create corn husk wreath ornaments. Food vendors will on hand to sell refreshments. Sponsored by the City of Vista, Friends of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, Moonlight Stage Productions, and Moonlight Cultural Foundation, “La Hacienda Holiday” is a community event. For information, call 760-639-6164.

DEC. 14 (FRIDAY) - Art gallery reception at the Vista Art Foundation, 127 Main St. at 5:30 p.m., featuring holiday food and drink. Children’s art will have a special place at the reception. Info: 760-305-7549.