Instead of spending the first official day of the Christmas season inside busy, cramped chain stores, the Oxford Square Alliance is inviting everyone to the Square on Friday for a fun day of crafts, carriage rides, pictures with Santa himself and of course, Black Friday specials at local stores.

A long-standing tradition for the alliance, the Holiday Open House features a host of family-friendly activities and events to usher in the holiday season.

When Santa arrives at the Square, he will land his antique sleigh on the lawn of the Lafayette County Courthouse where citizens young, old and in between can sit and take photos with him between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Free horse-drawn carriage rides around the Square will begin at 2 p.m. and last until 6 p.m.

Carolers from Oxford Civic Chorus will perform in front of City Hall from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The annual Christmas tree lighting in front of City Hall will be at 6 p.m. Immediately following there will be a Square Dollars raffle with $500 worth of gift certificates being awarded. Shoppers earn raffle tickets while shopping in the stores around the Square on Friday. You must be present at the drawing to win.

Have someone on your list who is hard to buy for? Square Dollars can also be purchased, like gift certificates, which can be used at any of the retail shops and restaurants that are members of the Oxford Square Alliance. Square Dollars can be purchased at Visit Oxford on the Square all year long.

For more information on the Holiday Open House visit the Oxford Square Alliance on Facebook.