Black Friday is a day usually spent in crowded big-box stores fighting to get that must-have gift on someone special’s Christmas list, but the Oxford Square Alliance is offering a less stressful alternative.

The annual Holiday Open House returns on Friday, providing a full day of holiday activities and a chance to shop at the local stores surrounding the Lafayette County Courthouse. The day is sponsored by Belles and Beaus and will include a photo opportunity with Santa and end with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in front of City Hall.

Santa will arrive on the Square at 11 a.m. in his antique sleigh, escorted by the Oxford Fire Department. Families and kids can have their photo taken in the sleigh with Santa from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Courthouse lawn. There will also be a Christmas ornament decoration station where kids can decorate using their handprints.

Christmas music will begin playing on the City Hall steps at 11 a.m. and the Oxford Civic Chorus will perform from 4 to 6 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage rides around the Square will also be available beginning at 2 p.m. and running until 6 p.m.

While on the Square, shopping can be done by using Square Dollars, which are like gift certificates to stores and restaurants on the Square, which can be purchased at Visit Oxford. The dollars are accepted at business that are members of the Oxford Square Alliance only. Following the tree lighting, there will be a raffle for $500 worth of Square Dollars. Tickets for the raffle can be earned by shopping on the Square all day Friday. The winner must be present to win the drawing.

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill will be light the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. on the City Hall steps.

For more information you can visit the Oxford Square Alliance’s Facebook page.