The theme of this year’s Twin Cities Holiday Celebration, “Celebrating Cultural Holidays” was inspired by the rich and diverse cultural influences that shape our way of life here in the Androscoggin River Valley.

In the afternoon on Monday, November 26, of this year, Lewiston-Auburn will be lit with free activities and merriment for all ages.

In Lewiston:

4-4:45 p.m., at the Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon Street, in the Children’s Room on the 3rd floor, enjoy holiday guitar music, a sing-a-long and hot cocoa.

5-5:45 p.m., also at the Lewiston Public Library in Callahan Hall on the 3rd floor, LA Arts will sponsor a comedic performance by Clown, Michael Trautman.

From 5-8:30 p.m., wagon rides, provided by Stillbrook Acres, will run continuously, leaving from Park Street.

In Auburn:

4-4:30 p.m., “Story Time” at the Auburn City Hall, 60 Court Street, Community Room 206, sponsored by the Auburn Public Library.

4:30-6 p.m., arts and crafts, also at the Auburn City Hall and sponsored by the Auburn Public Library.

Then, at 6 p.m., the “Parade of Lights” will entertain Lewiston-Auburn. Beginning on Academy Street, the parade will turn left onto Main Street. Led by the Auburn Police Department, and Mayors Jonathan LaBonte of Auburn and Robert Macdonald of Lewiston, its first stop will be at Festival Plaza where the holiday tree will be lit. In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts will be serving free hot chocolate and donut holes to warm our hands and our hearts.

After a stop at Festival Plaza, the Parade of Lights will continue to Court Street where it will turn right and cross the Longley Bridge. Taking the reins from Auburn, the Lewiston Police Department will lead the parade up Main Street to Park Street.

The Parade of Lights will feature the Edward Little High School marching band and Auburn Elementary School chorale groups, as well as the Twin Cities’ fire trucks. Floats from various businesses and other organizations are registered to participate and, riding on the very last float, Santa and Mrs. Claus!

There is no fee to enter a float in the parade, and more floats are welcome. Visit www.lewistonmaine.gov to apply.

The parade will end at Dufresne Plaza (formerly called Courthouse Plaza) where the Salvation Army will be serving free hot chocolate and donut holes while revelers enjoy Lewiston’s tree and Menorah lighting.

In addition to the tree and Menorah lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Clause, other free activities at Dufresne Plaza include:

Photo Finish pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Prizes awarded for best business float, best non-profit float and best youth-based float.

Dave Dionne, of Dionne Entertainment, will emcee the events.

Musical entertainment at 6:15 p.m. provided by the Lewiston High School and Edward Little High School Chorale Groups.

Sparky the Fire Dog, Rudolph and Monty the Moose will mingle with holiday revelers.

All activities are free and in the true spirit of giving, Oxford Networks has generously sponsored the 2012 Twin Cities Holiday Celebration. In addition, a significant contribution was made by the Auburn Business Association and in-kind donations were made by both of the twin cities. A donation was also made by Austin Associates and special thanks are extended to Temple Shalom, Dunkin Donuts and the Salvation Army.

Like the river that joins us, Lewiston-Auburn is alive and evolving and the holiday celebration this year is a celebration of the cultural diversity of Lewiston-Auburn, and a reflection of the atmosphere of welcome we strive to create.