The Christmas season gets into full swing this weekend in downtown McDonough.

  Santa and Mrs. Claus will be out this Friday from 4 until 7 p.m. for the first of four appearances on the Square. The famous couple will also be on hand each of the next three Saturdays to interact with children in a very 2020 way.

  No one will be sitting on Santa’s lap to share his or her Christmas list. Instead, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be sitting in rocking chairs as part of a brand-new configuration that will allow families to have their photos taken with them while adhering to social distancing protocols.

  “There will be pictures, but at a safe distance,” said McDonough Main Street manager Cinderella Bennett.

  Dates and hours for Santa and Mrs. Claus include December 5, 12:30-4 p.m.; December 12, 1-5 p.m.; and December 19, 4-8 p.m.

  Another special feature this season in the downtown area is “A Hometown Christmas Experience.” Merchants, businesses and residents will compete for prizes as they decorate their storefronts and other parts of the Square to reflect what the holiday means to them.

  Shoppers are encouraged to bring their cameras and take advantage of plenty of photo opportunities while also casting their votes for the best holiday displays. Registration is required to participate in the judging.

  “It’s kind of like the scarecrow contest but for Christmas,” said Bennett. Complete information about what’s going on over the next few weeks can be found on Main Street McDonough’s Facebook page as well as the city’s website