Christmas is right around the corner and local municipalities will get in the holiday spirit this weekend with tree lightings, parades and other events.
Fayetteville will start things off with a parade that starts at 5 p.m. and will roll up Hwy 85 through the downtown square.
Immediately following the parade, the tree lighting program will feature a variety of local performers and groups. Members of New Vision Church, Gospel Community Church and others will provide a festive musical program in front of the big Christmas tree, while members of Rolling Hills Baptist Church will serve free hot chocolate. Gospel Community will also be serving up free popcorn.
Also during the entertainment at the tree, children of all ages can get a chance to take a free ride with Santa in his very own horse-drawn carriage. Rides will begin shortly after the parade from 6-8 p.m.
This year’s honored guest performing the actual “lighting” of the tree will be Alex Sheffield, a student from the Joseph Sams School. The Joseph Sams School, staff and children will also perform during the tree lighting program. For more information on this and other Main Street events, please call 770-719-4173 or visit Fayetteville-GA.gov/Events.
Motorists are advised to arrive early at the Stonewall Complex and adjoining downtown parking areas to view the parade and to enjoy the festivities afterwards.
The best viewing areas for the parade are along Hwy 85 between City Hall and the Stonewall Complex.
Traffic will be delayed in the downtown area from 5-6 p.m. as the parade makes its way south on Hwy 85 and turns east on Hwy 54. The Fayetteville Police Department recommends that you use alternative routes through Fayetteville during this time period.
Peachtree City’s festivities will also start at 5 p.m. with their annual Hometown Holiday at City Hall. Load your lawn chairs and blankets onto the golf cart for an evening of winter holiday fun. Activities include children’s holiday crafts and live musical performances by the J.C. Booth and Rising Starr Middle School Choirs, Music Alive, and the McIntosh High School Band.
Peachtree City’s Special Events Coordinator, Becky Kimble, said, “Since this is the first year we will be having the entire event at City Hall, we’ve expanded the activities and included some exciting new elements.”
In addition to the holiday crafts, a special story time reading and presentation of “The Peachtree City Night Before Christmas,” written by Carole Marsh and narrated by Colt Ford, will add to the evening’s festivities. The musical performances begin at 6 p.m., and will be followed by the story reading and the arrival of Santa Claus. Santa will officially light Peachtree City’s Grand Tree at 7:30 p.m. Afterward, children will be able to visit with the jolly old elf to share their Christmas wish lists.
Hometown Holiday will also serve as an official Toys for Tots drop-off location to help provide Christmas gifts to local families in need. Attendees are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at the event.
Peachtree City’s Hometown Holiday is a free event, and parking is also free. Additional parking will be available at the Peachtree City First Baptist Church on Willowbend Road. Sponsors for this year’s Hometown Holiday are Powers Heating & Air, 92.5 The Bear, The Citizen.com, Bulldog Supply, Gallopade, Saville Studios, Georgia Pain Care, Brain Balance Achievement Centers, Minuteman Press, Christian Brothers’ Automotive, China Bistro, and the Peachtree City Convention and Visitor’s Center.
For more information, visit www.peachtree-city.org/recreation.
“Light Up Senoia” kicks off the celebration on Saturday, Dec. 1 with a festive parade through downtown. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. “Light Up Senoia” will include decorated floats, live music and entertainment. Charlie Filkins and Scott Sargeant, “The Car Guys,” will emcee the event.
For the kids, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, along with pony rides, Santa’s Workshop, and the lighting of the big tree at Main Street Square near the gazebo. The parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. Grand marshal for this year’s parade is Rutledge Wood, star of the popular television series, “Top Gear,” along with his family. Parents may bring their cameras to take a photo of their child with Santa. For hungry spectators, the food court with pizza, funnel cakes, cotton candy and homemade goodies will open at 4 p.m.
Tyrone will have their celebration on Sunday from 4-7:30 p.m. at Shamrock Park. Take a horse driven sleigh ride, enjoy cookies and sip hot chocolate provided by the Fayette Daybreak Rotary Club and popcorn by Hopewell UMC Youth and listen to holiday favorites performed by local schools and churches. Don’t miss the Zumba and Jazzercise ladies rock around the Christmas tree. Help welcome Santa and his special guests as he arrives on his sleigh to light the Tyrone Christmas tree. The lighting event will last from 4-7:30 p.m. at Shamrock Park on Senoia Road, Tyrone.
Brooks will have their annual tree ceremony and arrival of Santa downtown at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Brooks Elementary’s chorus will provide the Christmas music.
Newnan will have their annual parade at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
