DEMOPOLIS-One of the most anticipated holiday events is only months away.

The schedule for Demopolis’ 34th Annual Christmas on the River has been released.

Kelly Smith, COTR coordinator, said four new items have been added, but everything else is “routine.”

“A Taste of Christmas” was added on November 26.

“It’s a tasting party at Civic Center,” Smith said. “There will be booths with caterers, bakeries, and restaurants from all over the state.”

On the 27th “Santa’s Market” will be in the Demopolis Civic Center.

According to Smith, local and area retail vendors will have their products for sale.

On November 30 there will be a gospel concert and December 2 will feature a Silver Bells dance, both events will be held in the Civic Center as well.

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra from Birmingham will also perform on the 29th for the second year in a row.

“That is a huge honor to have them here because they chose us,” Smith said.

Smith said the new items were added in attempts to expand the week to appeal to all of their guests and to better the event.

“It’s one of the largest holiday fest in the southeast,” she said. “There will be week-long events that will appeal to everyone’s interests.”

She said whether it is a barbecue, a parade, or a concert, COTR has something for everyone.

Last year’s COTR had approximately 20,000 participants. This year, Smith said they are expecting 25,000.

The tentative schedule for COTR is as follows:

Nov. 26

“A Taste of Christmas,” 6 to 8 p.m. in the Demopolis Civic Center. Admission is $15; cost for children is $10.

Nov. 27

“Santa’s Market,” 1 to 4 p.m. in the Demopolis Civic Center. Admission is free.

“Lighting of the Love Tree,” 5 p.m. at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital. Admission is free.

Nov. 28

St. Nicholas Ceremony and Lantern Light Parade, 5:30 p.m. in the Demopolis Public Square.

The Demopolis Singers in concert, 7 p.m. at a site to be announced.

Nov. 29

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra in concert, 7 p.m. in the First Baptist Church gym. Admission is free.

Nov. 30

Community wide church service, 6 p.m. at a site to be announced.

Gospel concert, 7:30 p.m. in the Demopolis Civic Center.

Dec. 1

“Christmas in the Canebrake” featuring tours of the historic Gaineswood, Bluff Hall and Lyon Hall, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is $3 at each house. Children age 12 and under are admitted free.

Dec. 2

Alabama State Championship Barbecue Cook-off, 5 p.m. at the City Landing. Admission is $5.

Open House at the main branch of Robertson Banking Company, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Silver Bells dance, 7 p.m. in the Demopolis Civic Center.

Dec. 3

Judging for the Barbecue Cook-off, noon to 4 p.m. at the City Landing.

Fair in the Square, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Demopolis Public Square.

Entertainment Stage on Main Avenue, 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

Jingle Bell 5K and Fun Run at the Demopolis City Hall. Registration is at 8 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $12 advance, $15 the day of the race.

Children’s Day Parade, 11:30 a.m. in downtown Demopolis.

Nautical Night Parade, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. along the Tombigbee River with the fireworks display at 8:30.

COTR Gala, 6;30 p.m. to midnight at the Demopolis Civic Center. Admission is $25 and includes food and live music with semi-formal attire required.

COTR Dance featuring the Second Coming band, 9 p.m. to midnight at the Demopolis Civic Center. Admission is $10. Adults only.

Dec. 4

Demopolis Singers in concert, 2 p.m. in a site to be announced.

Call 1-334-289-0270 for more information.