Boats lighted and decorated for the holidays will cruise down the James River this weekend at the 24th Annual James River Parade of Lights.

The free event starts at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, with entertainment at Libby Hill Park, 28th and Franklin streets in Church Hill, where spectators can have a great vantage point to see the lighted boat parade that starts at 6 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the James River Advisory Council and includes several official viewing locations, including the dock at Intermediate Terminal, Dock and Water streets.

Information: www.jrac-va.org or (804) 717-6681.

The 30th Annual Court End Christmas, an annual open house extravaganza celebrating 19th century style in Richmond, will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

The Valentine Richmond History Center and the Wickham House, the John Marshall House, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, the Virginia State Capitol, Virginia’s Executive Mansion, St. Paul’s Church and St. John’s Church all are participating.

Admission to the venues is free and various activities will be featured, including carriage rides, carolers, living history presentations, music, children’s crafts, gift shops and more.

A free shuttle will circulate among all the sites.

Details: www.richmondhistorycenter.com/CEC or (804) 649-0711 ext. 301.

The Church Hill Association is hosting its 52nd Annual Holiday House Tour from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

About a dozen homeowners will open their decorated homes for visitors. Some of the homes date to the 1700s.

Transportation will be available between St. John’s Church, 2401 E. Broad St. in Church Hill, and Court End Christmas locations.

Advance tickets are $25; $30 the day of the house tour.

For information and tickets, visit www.churchhill.org/holiday-weekend/.

Revelers also can enjoy horse and carriage rides around Shockoe Slip during the holidays. A 12-passenger wagon will pick up and drop off riders every half hour at the James Center, 10th and Cary streets in Downtown. The rides, provided by James River Carriages, last about 20 minutes.

They are available Friday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec.11; Friday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 18; and Friday, Dec. 23.

Times: 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Cost: $10 per person; children 4 and under sitting your lap are free.

For reservations and information: (804) 350-7752.