Main Street Bath kicks off “An Old-Fashioned Christmas in Bath” at 11 a.m. Saturday with activities for children at Patten Free Library on Summer Street. Face- painting, ornament-making and a story time are planned.

Santa will arrive at 3 p.m. for a children’s tree lighting at the gazebo in City Park. Children are encouraged to hang their handmade ornaments on the tree.

Jingle bells will be distributed for the annual Jingle Bell Walk with Santa to City Hall for cookies, photos, caroling, refreshments, and a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The holiday kickoff events coincide with Small Business Saturday specials and open houses at downtown Bath businesses.

“ Santa bags” have been placed in the lobbies of Bath City Hall, Patten Free Library and the Bath Area Family YMCA. Beginning Saturday, “ children and adults are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift or toy to stuff the bag with presents for needy children,” a Main Street Bath release states. “The donated gifts will be distributed at the Bath Soup Kitchen holiday party. Donations of nonperishable foods are also welcome.”

Maine Street Bath plans to place “ Red Letter Boxes” throughout the downtown area. “Take a moment to drop in a letter for Santa or a holiday card for the seniors,” the release states. “Holiday cards will be distributed to Bath area seniors and Santa’s letter will be sent off to the North Pole. All will promote a feeling of good will and holiday spirit.”

For details, visit www.visitbath.com.