CAMBRIDGE - For the third year running, historic Pine Street will host a celebration of the season in the heart of the community.

Veronica Taylor, executive director of the Groove City Black Heritage and Culture Group, which spearheads the event, is excited for the opportunity to share the Christmas spirit with all ages on Dec. 16 and 17.

The holiday weekend begins Friday evening, Dec. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., with the official Christmas tree lighting, a community prayer and Linda Harris' singing of “Silent Night.”

In addition to her efforts coordinating programs with the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center on Race Street, Harris delights in sharing her vocal gifts at venues near and far with jazz, historic code songs and other musical stylings.

Saturday, Dec. 17, from 3 to 8 p.m., features a Christmas shopping bazaar with at least 15 local entrepreneurs and vendors. Fire pits, with marshmallows for s'mores, will help shoppers stay warm, along with apple cider and hot chocolate, courtesy of Temple 224 Daughters of the Elks.

"We will light up the Christmas tree in the 600 block of Pine Street, and the fire pits will be in three different spots on in the 600 to 700 block of Pine Street," Taylor said.

The Cambridge Empowerment Center will offer a DIY ornament station for kids and families to enjoy.

Gift baskets will also be raffled off.

"There's no fee required to set up a table at the bazaar," Taylor said. "We just ask for a donation going to the drive for seniors."

"Christmas On Pine is about uplifting and bringing families together with activities and exposing them to experiences they otherwise would not have," Taylor noted.

"Every year, we give away toys, gift cards and gift baskets to children, teens and adults. We believe everyone should receive something during the holiday season, not just children. Parents work hard to provide their children with Christmas gifts but most parents do not receive gifts. Last year, we gave out gift baskets to 10 seniors. This year, we decided to do a senior drive which is going very well. We have asked for a care package for seniors in the nursing homes and various items for seniors that live at Conifer Village and the Bradford House," Taylor said.

Among those contributing to helping the Christmas on Pine event and community donation efforts are Lion Heart Medicare and Mortgage Protection, Harriet Tubman Tours and Chesapeake Grove Intergenerational Center.

Boxes to collect contributions are located at the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce office at 306 High Street, the Blue Awning shop at 430 Race Street, and the Dorchester County Visitors Center at 2 Rose Hill Place.

For more information, call 443-225-0819 and visit the Groove City Black Heritage and Culture Group Facebook Page.