Santa, seasonal music, extended shopping to highlight annual celebration
Residents and visitors will find Clarkesville to be merry and bright on the occasion of the annual Christmas celebration set for Dec. 8.
A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas, hosted by the City of Clarkesville, Clarkesville Main Street and the Clarkesville Business and Community Association is a time for families and friends to gather downtown to savor the season.
Activities for this year’s celebration will commence with the annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. Mayor Barrie Aycock invites the community to join her for the city’s ceremonial start to the season. “All of downtown rolls out a holiday welcome mat on this special evening,” Aycock said.
From 6-8 p.m., musical performances will take place on the stage adjacent to the gazebo where Santa will visit with children and youth. Refreshments, including hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows will be available for a nominal charge. An expanded live nativity is also planned.
According to Clarkesville City Manager Barbara Kesler, downtown business owners dress up doorways and buildings for the season, adding festive elements to the lights and wreaths already on display by the city. Extended hours for downtown shopping will encourage those in attendance to shop local, Kesler said.
“We invite everyone to join us for a generous portion of Christmas cheer,” she said.
Another favorite Clarkesville Christmas tradition is the annual Windows at Woods, showcasing a set of skits to match the spirit of the season. This year, Habersham Community Theater actors will present “The Gifts of Christmas, with the windows featuring live performances from 6:15-7:30 p.m.
“A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas is a very special night of community as business owners, organizations and volunteers come together to bring the best of Clarkesville to our historic square,” said Sherry Callahan of Woods Furniture. “You can actually feel the friendliness of our city.”
Additionally, the city is sponsoring a photographer for free photos with Santa. The images will be posted to the Facebook page after Dec. 11.
For more information, call 706-754-4216, visit clarkesvillega.com or find the City of Clarkesville on Facebook.
