The third annual Candlelight Christmas Walk, hosted by Clarkesville Main Street, lit up the streets of downtown Clarkesville on Monday evening, as nearly 70 participants gathered to rekindle a beloved holiday tradition.
Historic tradition
The event began at the Burns-Sutton House (Norton Agency) on Washington Street, where Clarkesville Main Street Director Colby Moore greeted attendees and handed out flameless LED candles to the crowd. Although this was the third time the event had been held in recent years, Moore shared with the crowd that the tradition had deep roots dating back to the 1920s and 1940s.
During those decades, residents of the community would gather for a similar candlelight walk, making their way from the Burns-Sutton House to the city square to celebrate the Christmas season in unity.
Stops along the way
With candles in hand, the group of walkers began their journey up Washington Street, spreading festive cheer with each step. Their first stop along the route was at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville, where church members warmly welcomed the group and sang Christmas carols. The sound of voices raised in song echoed through the chilly evening air, adding to the sense of community and tradition that filled the streets.
The procession continued as they made their way to the Clarkesville First Methodist Church, where participants were greeted by church members accompanied by a band. The group was treated to more Christmas carols, further enhancing the holiday spirit of the evening.
Next, the walkers stopped at the Clarkesville Baptist Church, where the congregation greeted them with a performance by the church’s bell chorus. The sweet, melodic tones of the bells resonated down Washington Street, captivating the crowd and evoking feelings of warmth and joy.
The final musical stop was at The Attic where members of Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church gathered and serenaded the growing crowd with even more Christmas carols. At this point, the procession had grown to nearly 100 participants.
Arrival at the square
As the group arrived at the square, the crowd had swelled to over 120 people, where they were met by Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock. The mayor offered a warm “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” to all.
The festive atmosphere on the square was further enhanced by the performance of the North Habersham Middle School choir. The students treated attendees to a selection of a few favorite Christmas carols. Choir Director Sarah Glover encouraged everyone to join in, turning the square into a collective chorus of Christmas cheer.
Reverend Michelle Fritch of Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church wrapped up the evening with the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible. The crowd listened in reverent silence, reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday.
The Candlelight Christmas Walk was a heartwarming reminder of the importance of community and tradition during the holiday season. As participants walked together under the glow of their candles, they were united not just by the season, but by the enduring spirit of Clarkesville itself.
For those who missed this year’s walk, the event will return next December. It will offer another opportunity to experience the warmth and joy that make Clarkesville’s Christmas season special.
