CLAY COUNTY – No matter where you go this Saturday evening, expect a lot of holiday cheer – and traffic.

At least seven major Christmas events are planned for what has become the Clay County Sheriff’s Office's busiest night.

Four city parades, a boat parade, a live nativity scene and a Christmas festival will all take place simultaneously. Each would be a major event by itself, but all at the same time will stretch the resources of law enforcement and fire rescue, as well as the patience of revelers throughout the county.

 “This weekend is going to be super busy,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said in a social media post. “Please plan accordingly and allow yourself plenty of time to get to events/parades.”

One of the biggest challenges will be the Oakleaf Christmas Parade because there is limited parking. Many of the surrounding neighborhoods are gated with narrow streets, so parking is prohibited because fire rescue vehicles must be able to pass.

Fun in Oakleaf starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. The event includes vendors, food trucks and hot cocoa, all leading up to the 6:30 p.m. parade, which will start at the Oakleaf Baptist Church on Oakleaf Plantation Parkway, turn north on Plantation Oaks Boulevard and end at Oakleaf High. Expect road closures in the area during the parade.

The Middleburg parade moved to the Outdoor Adventure Park (the gun range) at 3829 Sgt. Bradley Crose Road due to construction on C.R. 218. However, organizers have added a festival with vendors, food trucks and crafts. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The parade will go down C.R. 215 toward Camp Blanding, or 1.5 miles, and make a U-turn before returning to the gun range.

One of the most significant events is the celebration at Keystone Heights. The Christmas Parade will make its annual run from the Historic Keystone Beach Pavillion at Lake Geneva along Lawrence Boulevard to State Road 100.

The event runs between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but guests can arrive early and visit the Parade of Trees in the Natural Park across from City Hall or shop locally with local vendors at the first Christmas Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall. Enjoy food, gifts and crafts with your neighbors.

Clay County Fire Rescue will get Fleming Island into the holiday spirit with its Firetruck Christmas Parade at 5 p.m.

The parade route starts at R.M. Paterson Elementary, Harbor Island, Pace Island Royal Fern and Sale Myrtle Loop, Oak Creek (with a stop), Eagle Harbor, Fleming Island Elementary (with a stop), Habersham Harbor neighborhood, County Road 220 to Winn-Dixie (with a stop), Fleming Island Plantation/Town Center Boulevard, and if the gate’s open, to Margaret’s Walk.

One of the most popular events is the 22^nd annual Whitey’ s Lighted Boat s Parade at 6:30 p.m. to raise funds for the Safe Animal Shelter.

Reserve a seat at Whitey’s or watch from the bridge or along the dock. Afterward, join the festivities inside and bid on the hundreds of auction items, raffles, food, drinks and live music, with all proceeds going to the no-kill shelter.

The River Christian Church’s Journey to the Nativity was so popular last year that the guided walking tour through the nativity, which includes actors and live animals, was expanded from two nights to three. RCC is located at 5900 U.S. Highway 17 on Fleming Island.

Stroll through the live experience to see the story of Christ’s birth. When you return, enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and fellowship at the campfire.

Also, the monthlong Night of Wonders will continue from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Orange Park Mall parking lot near JCPenney. Guests can enjoy ice skating, a live nativity, a vendor village, children-friendly live shows and entertainment, rides, a beer and wine garden, snow globe rentals, food and photo opportunities.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” the sheriff’s office said. “We want to make sure you’re prepared. There will be road closures and traffic delays that could impact you and your family.

“We will communicate real-time information through the SaferWatch App during the events. It’s an essential tool to keep our community informed, and it’s free to download in the App Store and on Google Play!”