Downtown Bastrop will be transformed into a Texas winter wonderland Dec. 9 for the annual Merry on Main event.

The gist

The holiday cheer will kick off at 10 a.m. along Main Street until 3 p.m. when officials will put the finishing touches on Main Street for the Lost Pines Lighted Christmas Parade.

The free, family-friendly fun at Merry on Main will include:

• Letter-writing to Santa Claus
• Photo ops inside a giant inflatable snow globe
• Pop-up snack booths with sweet treats
• Alpacas for pets and treats

Attendees are also invited to explore downtown Bastrop's local retailers and restaurants during and after the event.

What else?

The parade will kick off at 6 p.m. with over 100 floats, fire trucks, cowboys and more, starting at Cedar Street before traveling down Main Street and ending at Emile Street.

Afterward, spectators can head to the River of Lights at the June Hill Pape riverwalk trail in Fisherman's Park, near Neighbor's Kitchen and Yard.

Each year, the River of Lights offers lighted displays in a range of seasonally appropriate themes stretching about a half-mile. It is open daily from dusk until 10 p.m.