The lights are up. The decorating’s (almost) done. It’s now time for some Christmas fun! This weekend officially kicks off the Christmas season in and around Habersham County.
Alto got a jump start on things Thursday with a tree lighting and community gathering outside City Hall. Here’s a quick rundown of other upcoming holiday happenings in and around Habersham:
Friday, December 1
A Christmas Story opens on stage at the Habersham Community Theater. Show dates and times are as follows: Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 3, 10, and 17 at 2 p.m. Click here to order your tickets online or visit habershamtheater.org for more information.
Baldwin Tree Lighting Come light up the night sky with lights and music at Mitchell Gailey Park. The celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include music and refreshments. Mitchell Gailey Park is located at 155 Willingham Ave, Baldwin, GA 30511.
Toccoa’s 8th annual Festival of Trees Enjoy an array of festive lights and activities in downtown Toccoa from 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, December 2
Breakfast with Santa Join in this community-wide event at Cornelia United Methodist Church (CUMC) beginning at 9 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, games and pictures with the big man in red. CUMC is located at 275 Wyly Street, Cornelia, GA 30531.
Toccoa Christmas Parade The annual Christmas Parade through downtown Toccoa begins at 4 p.m. This year’s theme is “All about Christmas.” It will follow its traditional route starting on Doyle Street and heading through downtown, turning onto Sage Street, then Foreacre Street and Alexander Street, before turning onto Savannah Street and ending at Toccoa Elementary School.
19th Annual Christmas in the Mountains Celebration and Lighted Christmas Parade This popular community event in downtown Cleveland is full of festive fun and fantasy. Enjoy visits and pictures with Santa, the Holiday Market on the Cleveland Courthouse Square, food, fun, musical performances and the community Christmas tree lighting in Freedom Park beginning at 5 p.m. Soak up the sights and sounds of the lighted Christmas parade as it makes its way through downtown Cleveland beginning at 7 pm.
Tuesday, December 5th
Love Light Concert at Cornelia United Methodist Church (CUMC) beginning at 7 p.m. The concert is free but donations will be accepted to benefit the Habersham Medical Center Auxiliary.
Friday, December 8th
Grinch Movie Night in Cornelia at Foothills Church. Bring the whole family for a community screening of the beloved Christmas classic Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Doors open at 6, movie starts at 7 p.m. Seating will be on the floor so bring something comfortable to sit on. Visit with Santa, grab some popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate, and prepare to be harassed by the GRINCH himself! Admission is FREE. Donations of coats and blankets are requested to benefit families served by Circle of Hope and the Ninth District Opportunity. Foothills Church is located at 193 N. Main Street, Cornelia, GA 30531.
Saturday, December 9th
Helen Christmas Parade Combine your Christmas shopping with the Bavarian town’s annual parade. The costumed characters and floats are sure to delight young and old alike. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be in the bandshell after the parade to take special orders. The parade starts at 2 p.m.
Habersham County Christmas Parade Join in the fun in downtown Clarkesville beginning at 5 p.m. Come line the parade route to catch a glimpse of your favorite Christmas storybook characters. Stick around for A Downtown Clarkesville Christmas featuring the lighting of the tree, photos with Santa, live entertainment, Windows at Woods, s’mores, and more!
Sunday, December 10th
Christmas in the Park at Demorest Springs Park. Bring the family for an evening of magical Christmas fun starting at 5:30 p.m. There will be snow, singing, a tree lighting, giveaways, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate! Hosted by the City of Demorest and Concord Baptist Church. The park is located at 559 Georgia Street, Demorest, GA 30535.
Thursday, December 14th – Saturday, December 16th
Christmas in the Park in Cornelia. The three-night event will be held at the Cornelia Community House and Cornelia City Park. It will be open nightly from 5-10 p.m. Come enjoy hayrides through the city park light display, marshmallow roasts, live entertainment, arts & craft shopping, and visits with Santa. A synthetic ice-skating rink also will be set up in the park to give revelers a chance to experience what it’s like to glide on skates. Admission to Christmas in the Park, visits with Santa and live entertainment are free. Hayrides and s’mores are $1 each, ice skating is $5, food vendor and Holiday Market prices vary. The Cornelia Community House and park are located at 601 Wyly Street, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.
