UPPER COUNTY -- Note to Santa: Get some sleep quick, big boy. You're going to need it.

After all, the holiday season officially launches in the Upper County this weekend.

And there will be no shortage of Santa appearances and things to do even if, right at the moment, snowflakes are in short supply.

Santa clearly has a place in his heart for Roslyn because that's where he makes his first pre-Christmas appearance this year.

Today marks the town's Winterfest 2008 festival from noon to 6 p.m., an event that includes photos with Old St. Nick and a Christmas tree lighting.

As he does every year, Santa returns to Roslyn on Christmas Eve to hand out candy to children from the back of a Roslyn fire truck.

If one Winterfest isn't enough, travel a short distance down the road to Suncadia resort where a tree lighting ceremony will include holiday, music, hot chocolate, ice skating and an appearance by Santa and his elves is today. Music begins at 5 p.m. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m.

Also on tap at Suncadia: horse-drawn sleigh rides (weather permitting) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Dec. 6, 12, 20, 24 and 27; sled dog rides (weather permitting) from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays in December; and a chance for children, families and others to have snowmen built from non-snow materials displayed at The Lodge at Suncadia through Jan. 2. The snowmen will be auctioned off in a silent auction that will benefit Kittitas County food banks.

On New Year's Eve, Suncadia will offer a family-friendly evening of ice skating including hot chocolate and a champagne or apple cider toast at 10 p.m.

Other Suncadia events include Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Holiday Hot Toddy events for adults and a Santa's Workshop. For full details, go to www.suncadia.com.

Tinsel and Glitz, a holiday dinner and tree auction, happens today at Suncadia. The event benefits Life Support, a non-profit organization working to enhance medical services along the I-90 corridor. Attire for the event, sure to be replete with holiday cheer, is "festive casual." Tickets are $75 per person. For information or to order tickets, go to www.lifesupporti90.org.

In Cle Elum, Judy Tokarsyck does duty as executive director of the Cle Elum Chamber of Commerce.

Santa knows her by another name: Head Elf for Cle Elum's annual Christmas in Cle Elum celebration. It happens Saturday, Dec. 6, with a list of activities that have become community tradition.

And, whether or not the weather gods cooperate, there will be snow for the celebration.

"We're having a snow sculpturing contest. They're going to truck snow in. They've got dump trucks committed to doing this. You do what you have to do," Tokarsyck says, laughing.

The Dec. 6 celebration includes a children's coloring contest (with a Wii for grand prize). Forms are available at local real estate offices. The Carpenter Library will host a book sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pictures with Santa are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Intermountain/Radio Shack. Interactive Toys will offer children a chance to paint ornaments from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The snow sculpturing contest sponsored by Upper Kittitas County Young Life is at noon at the Wye Lot, West First Street and South Cle Elum Way. Judging is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event includes food, music and a bonfire.

High Country Artists host an old-fashioned holiday open house from noon to 4 p.m. at Carpenter House, West Third Street and Billings Avenue. Refreshments will be served.

Caroling in the downtown area is from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The Upper County realty group will offer a free chili feed from 2 to 6 p.m. at First Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Vogue Theatre Holiday Open House runs from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. with refreshments available.

The annual Parade of Lights -- a parade of vehicles of all shapes and sizes decorated with lights -- happens at 5 p.m. on First Street with judging at 4:30 p.m. Members of the Eastern Star will serve refreshments at the Masonic Lodge above the post office.

Santa travels the parade route on the back of a fire truck, bearing candy canes and a load of good cheer. (Last year, this writer's 5-year-old granddaughter couldn't get over her elation after she tentatively approached Santa in the street and he reached down and gave her a hug.)

 A Tree of Love tree-lighting ceremony by Hospice Friends features music and refreshments. It's scheduled at the Centennial Center.

Also on tap in the Upper County: The Swauk-Teanaway Grange serves up holiday cheer on Sunday, Dec. 14, when it holds its annual Christmas dinner. Call Violet Burke at (509) 674-2708 for information.