Wide-eyed kids and spirited shoppers descended on towns across Northeast Georgia this weekend as they ushered in the Christmas season.
A weekend of wonder
Toccoa kicked off the weekend of Christmas wonder with its Festival of Trees on Friday, December 6. The town hosted its annual Christmas parade on Saturday. Downtown Toccoa is now decked out with lights and even has an ice-skating rink set up through the end of this month.
Saturday was a big day in Cleveland too. People there packed into the downtown district for White County’s 19th annual Christmas in the Mountains celebration and parade. Vendors set up booths, shops stayed open late, and kids got a chance to visit with Santa.
WATCH White County’s Christmas parade
Rabun County hosted a birthday bash and Christmas celebration on Saturday. The county celebrated its bicentennial birthday with a party at the historic Rock House in Clayton. The party, reminiscent of one thrown last December for Habersham County, was the culmination of 30 plus events Rabun County sponsored this year to celebrate its 200th birthday.
The county officially turns 200 years old on December 21, 2019.
The bicentennial party was followed by an evening Christmas parade that drew visitors from all over the region.
On Sunday, December 8 thousands of people turned out in Gainesville for Christmas on Green Street.
The event featured an afternoon parade, open houses in the historic district, food, children’s activities, and entertainment.
Upcoming Christmas celebrations
Hardman Farm State Historic Site in Sautee Nacoochee kicked off its Victorian Christmas celebration over the weekend but there’s still more to come. You can enjoy tours of the decorated Victorian mansion every Friday and Saturday from now until Christmas. Admission is required but advance reservations are not necessary.
Cornelia will host its big three-day Christmas event December 12-14 from 6-9 nightly. Christmas in the Park will feature a holiday market, entertainment, food, photos with Santa, and hayrides.
The City of Helen will host its annual Alpine Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
Baldwin will host Habersham County’s annual Christmas parade at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. The theme of this year’s parade is A Hometown Christmas. Baldwin will light its Christmas tree at 7:30 p.m. and kids can visit with Santa.
Also on December 14, Clarkesville will host its annual A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas. The event is from 6-8 p.m. and will include a tree lighting, singing, and pictures with Santa.
Feature photo by Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham
