LEWISTON — The third annual Twin Cities Holiday Celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2,with a tree lighting at Dufresne Plaza (formerly Courthouse Plaza) and a parade across the Longley Bridge to Auburn’s Festival Plaza.

Complimentary hot chocolate and doughnut holes will be provided by the Salvation Army. Rain date is Friday, Dec. 4.

Once Lewiston’s tree is lit, the Parade of Lights will step off the plaza and head toward Main Street, proceed across the Longley Bridge, turn left on Mechanics Row and left again on Main Street, arriving at Festival Plaza for the lighting of Auburn’s holiday tree.

Participants in the parade will include Sparky the Fire Dog, Frosty the Snowman, Mr. Gingerbread, the Walking Christmas Tree, Monty the Moose, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Lewy of the Maineiacs.

In addition, multicolored vehicles and floats, the Edward Little High School Band, Lewiston-Auburn Youth Cheering League, Regional Explorers, Boy Scout Troop 007, Nick Knowlton of the Music Connection, Lewiston Regional Technical Center Law Enforcement Cadets and various other groups will join in the fun.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to arrive at Festival Plaza for the lighting of the tree and a Menorah, compliments of Temple Shalom. Season’s greetings will be bestowed by Mayor Lawrence Gilbert, Auburn Mayor John Jenkins and Rabbi Hillel Katzir.

Auburn mayor-elect Richard “Dick” Gleason will serve as master of ceremonies, and various December holidays will be highlighted. In addition, Lewiston High School and Edward Little High School chorale groups will provide musical entertainment, and Photo Finish will provide free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Free pre-parade activities are also on tap with the Androscoggin Dance Holiday Showcase from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. at the Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St., arts and crafts activities hosted by Auburn Parks and Recreation will be available at Auburn City Hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., 60 Court St. And wagon rides provided by Stillbrook Acres will be available at Festival Plaza from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

The holiday activities are a partnership between Oxford Networks, the Lewiston Downtown Holiday Celebration Committee and the Auburn Business Association. Lewiston’s Christmas tree was donated by Yvette Rousseau, and Auburn’s tree was formerly sited in New Auburn.