Santa Claus didn’t come to town as planned on Saturday night.

The opening of the Winter Wonderland in City Park was canceled because of heavy rain showers.

But the 40-foot tree at City Park is lit, as are the 20 animated figures that will brighten City Park through the holiday season.

Many holiday-related events and activities remain:

Ice skating

This year, ice skating won’t be at City Park -- it’s been moved to an even better spot at the Pohanka Riverwalk Amphitheater.

The rink will be open on weekend afternoons beginning Saturday, Dec. 1, through the Christmas season.

Sandy Fitzgerald-Angello of Pohanka of Salisbury also agreed to purchase an ice skating rink for the city. Last year, Pohanka paid for the rental of a rink.

Salisbury Parade

The Salisbury Jaycees will dedicate the 72nd annual Salisbury Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 2, in memory of late Salisbury Police Officer Aaron “Bull” Hudson.

Hudson had portrayed Santa Claus at the parade in recent years and was scheduled to do so again this year.

“We had the privilege of working with Bull not only through the parade, but as the assigned officer most years for our annual Treat Street safe Halloween trick-or-treating event in Downtown Salisbury,” said Kristy Johnson, Salisbury Jaycees president and parade chair.

Sponsored by Mountaire Farms, the parade is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the corner of Civic Avenue and Mount Hermon Road, turning onto East Main Street and ending at Wicomico Middle School.

The judges’ stand will be near the fountain at City Park. Rain date is Sunday, Dec. 9. This year’s theme is “A Wicomico Winter Wonderland.”

There will be more than 100 entries in the parade, as well as local dignitaries, fire trucks, marching bands and Santa Claus joined by Saul the Salisbury Jaycees Bear.

The Nutcracker

The Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre, in its 28th season, will present its annual and much-loved The Nutcracker Ballet at Wicomico High School.

Shows will be Friday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens and free for children.

Tickets will be available at the door one hour prior to each performance. See esbt.org.

SU Chorales

On Saturday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., the Salisbury and University Chorales will perform with the Capital Ringers, a premier hand-bell ensemble, at Holloway Hall.

Selections for hand bells and choir and musical numbers featuring hand bells only and choir only will be presented and include a preview of spring 2019 work.

Call 410-543-6228 or see salisbury.edu/performingarts.

Poplar Hill Open House

At Poplar Hill Mansion, the annual Yuletide Open House will be on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Visitors can get into the holiday spirit as they enjoy seeing floral decorations by the Four Seasons Garden Club throughout the first floor of the mansion.

A Christmas tree with more than 1,500 ornaments will be on the second floor, along with a trolley and Nutcracker Nursery featuring more than 100 nutcrackers.

Local harpist Kara Dahl Russell will play and light refreshments will be served.

There is no admission charge to the open house, but those attending are asked to take a nonperishable item to donate to Joseph House. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

Call 410-749-1776.

Salisbury Symphony Orchestra

On Saturday, Dec. 8, the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra will present Winter Holiday Is in the Aire, featuring Melissa Harvey at 7:30 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium at Salisbury University.

Harvey’s impressive stylistic versatility is described as being able to be heard in “operatic and concert repertoire spanning over four centuries.”

“Her recent activity in 20th and 21st century opera includes the world premiere of Douglas Pew’s Lo the Bridegroom Comes, Alice in Unsuk Chin’s Alice in Wonderland, Flora in New York City Opera’s production of The Turn of the Screw, three world premieres with the Cincinnati-based NANOWorks Opera, and Lucinda with Gotham Chamber Opera and Opera Philadelphia for the world premiere of Nico Muhly’s Dark Sisters,” according to information about the presentation.

Call 410-543-8366 or visit salisbury.edu

Mardela Springs Festivities

Mardela Springs invites everyone to join in the 13​th​ annual Christmas Heritage Tour on Saturday, Dec. 8, beginning with a parade at 3:30.

The tradition began with a joint idea from the town’s two heritage organizations, Westside Historical Society and the Adkins Historical Complex & Museum, later joined by the town’s Volunteer Fire Company, town churches, and civic organizations. Their hope, which has become a popular holiday activity, was to remind every one of the simple joys of the Christmas Season with an “old-fashioned” traditional celebration.  Home-made decorations, home-baked goodies, and the pleasures of spending time with family and neighbors and friends – all play a central part in this celebration. As a prelude to the parade – beginning at 3:30 and coming down Main Street – there will be a Jingle Bell 5K Run (or walk), open to all ages.

The Parade ends at the Fire House, where Santa will leave his parade float and welcome visits from children for the rest of the evening.

For more information, call the Westside Historical Society at 410-726-8047 or adkinshistorical.com.

Allen breakfast

Santa and Mrs. Claus have agreed to take a break from all their work this time of year and come to Allen for breakfast with children of all ages.

The breakfast will be Saturday, Dec. 8, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Allen Community Hall, 26575 Collins Wharf Road.

The hearty menu includes a variety of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, fruit, juice, coffee, cereal and more.

Cost is $8 for adults; $6 for ages 6 to 12; under 6 free.

Proceeds benefit the ongoing restoration and educational efforts of the Allen Historical Society. Call 410-546-2043 for more information.