NEW HAVEN — Christmas is just around the corner.

As the area gets closer to Dec. 25, more and more holiday events are being scheduled.

Santa Claus will pay a visit to the Bend Area today as he is set to participate in both the New Haven and Mason Christmas parades. Both parades will feature floats of various groups and organizations. In addition, the Wahama High School Band will march in the parades.

In New Haven, the parade is slated to begin at 1 p.m., while Mason’s parade will take place at 2 p.m. In Mason, parade line-up will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church. The parade route will continue to the fire station on Anderson St. Following the parade’s conclusion, Santa Claus will be at the Mason city building to give treats to children ages 12 and under.

Another holiday event which will take place today in New Haven is the Christmas Craft Bazaar. The bazaar is slated to begin at 10 a.m. at the fire station. The event will continue after the parade as well. Several craft items will be featured. In addition to the bazaar, there will be an indoor flee market at the Bend Area Community Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas will be celebrated 17th century style in Point Pleasant with Fort Randolph’s Christmas on the Frontier event, which is slated to begin at 10 a.m. today. Christmas on the Frontier will feature demonstrations as well as depict how Christmas was celebrated in the 17th century. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated. The event will be the last activity scheduled at Fort Randolph for the 2009 tourism season.

Another holiday activity to take part in this weekend is the Christmas Fantasy Light Show at Point Pleasant’s Krodel Park. The light show runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night through Dec. 31. Various light displays are featured at the park including a Santa Claus, sternwheeler boat and the legendary Mothman.