Christmas decorations are already going up in downtown Troy preparing for the city’s annual Christmas parade on Dec. 2.

There are already more than 55 entries for the parade and Troy’s Department of Public Relations and Tourism will be accepting entry forms through noon on parade day.

“It’s open to any one, any group or individual, and it’s free,” said Caitlin Sexton, student assistant to the director of Public Relations and Tourism. “All anyone has to do is fill out a form and we’ll assign them a number in the parade.”

The event begins at 6 p.m., but Sexton said the parade route roads will likely close about 5:15 in preparation. The route will run down Elm Street to the square and flow backwards through the square to the Pike County Courthouse.

The theme this year is “May Your Christmas be Magical.”

“This season is always such a magical time. It’s a time we want to relive our childhoods and wake up with anticipation,” Sexton said. “Personally, I love seeing all the Christmas lights in the parade. It’s my favorite time of year and it’s fun to see how people get into character on their floats.”

Immediately following the parade, spectators are invited to the city’s tree lighting on the square where Mayor Jason A. Reeves will be joined by four area students to light the tree. Then, everyone’s favorite jolly old elf will make an appearance at the gazebo on the square to take pictures with children and give them a special treat.

“We are just so excited to share this time of year and these memories with our community,” Sexton said. “We are hoping for a truly magical night.”