POCATELLO — Historic Downtown Pocatello will usher in Christmas this weekend with two festive events designed to transition the community from Thanksgiving to the holiday season.

The Christmas Night Light Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by Small Business Saturday the day after. Registration for parade participants remains open through Wednesday evening at historicdowntownpocatello.com, according to Stephanie Palagi, CEO of Historic Downtown Pocatello.

The parade has been a downtown Pocatello tradition for at least 35 years, drawing thousands of spectators despite frigid temperatures and late hours.

“We’ll have 100 entries or so,” Palagi said. “Then along the route, you see about 10,000 people.”

The event has become multigenerational, with parents who attended as children now bringing their own families.”

Palagi added, “People have come for generations. That’s what we do. We create memories for families.”

Parade lineup begins at 4 p.m. under the Benton Street overpass on First Avenue. Dignitaries and sponsors will lead the procession, with remaining entries following in order of arrival. The route ends at West Sublette and North Main Street.

Officials are urging spectators to park away from the parade route and walk to viewing locations. Roads along the route close at 5 p.m., and vehicles parked there will be towed.

“That is a safety factor,” Palagi said. “It’s hard to drive floats in the dark and we never want a child to get hurt.”

Small Business Saturday features activities throughout downtown, including visits with Santa at The Yellowstone restaurant, a Talking Christmas Tree and free crafts such as wooden train whistles, gingerbread kits and jingle bell necklaces.

A new addition this year is Fries with Frosty, hosted by Homefire Comfort Foods in the parking lot at West Lander and Main Street. Families can get free fries, visit Frosty the Snowman and take trolley rides.

Palagi said Small Business Saturday encourages residents to support local merchants while enjoying holiday decorations.

“Families walk from shop to shop supporting our merchants, shopping locally and enjoying the decorations,” Palagi said. “It’s just heartwarming.”

For more information, visit historicdowntownpocatello.com.