The holiday season officially gets under way in Renton this weekend with two major events on back to back nights.

First, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park will one again light up with the Ivar’s Clam Lights on Friday.

The celebration begins at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and the official lighting at 7 p.m. by Mayor Denis Law. The Rainier Yacht Club’s “Parade of Boats” will sail by at 7:30 p.m., with the Argosy Christmas Ship following at 8:20 p.m.

The festive lights will run nightly, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., through Jan. 1 at the park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N.

Then, on Saturday, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive as part of the annual Piazza Tree Lighting celebration.

The event begins runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Law will officially lighting the tree at 5 p.m.and Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving after.

Also attending this year will be the Seagals and Blitz, the Seahawks mascot.

Then, on Sunday, the holiday kick-off continues with the K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run and Walk at 9:15 a.m., Dec. 6, starting at the Renton Community Center, 1715 S.E. Maple Valley Highway.

The run/walk will travel along the Cedar River Trail before looping back to the center. Competitive runners, fun runners, walkers, junior athletes, families (with or without dogs) are invited. Online registration is at signmeup.com/109786.