The joy of the Christmas season was in the air last Friday as thousands of visitors and locals gathered to celebrate the annual lighting of the Public Square.
The Festival of Trees in Hancock Park was lit following the Lighting of the Square as local group Bells and Whistles entertained visitors with holiday songs. The two dozen trees will be on display through December. They are sponsored by different groups in the community, each one having a decorative theme.
Now, the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration has officially begun in Dahlonega and the lights remain on display on the Square until January 8.
There are many downtown activities throughout the holiday season.
Santa is on hand to greet children on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Carriage rides last throughout the holiday season on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Food Trucks will be downtown on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season.
The Holly Theater will present A Christmas Carol through Dec. 22. This classic play, with a twist, recounts the story of Evelyn Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of her husband, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Shows on Thursdays through Sundays
St. Lukes Catholic Church women’s guild will host the annual Christmas cookie walk in the parish hall across from Hancock Park Dec. 13-14. Purchase a cookie platter or a tin and fill it with an assortment of homemade cookies. Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
The annual Christmas Parade will fill the downtown streets Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon. The parade is planned rain or shine. Roads will be closed beginning a half hour before.
