ChristmasFest

From ChristmasFest Website:

The city of Toccoa welcomes the Christmas season the first weekend of December with the annual ChristmasFest in the Historic Downtown area. Just in time to kick off the season, this magical event is staged from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday and continues Saturday and is guaranteed to ignite the Christmas spirit for all who attend.

Take in the sounds of the holiday season during this special evening as carollers stroll the streets and stores throughout the evening, serenading the shoppers. A carriage will take you through the town's historic district to see the beautifully lit streets. The carriage rides are $1 for children and $3 per adult and begin on Doyle St. near the Toccoa Record.

A live nativity allows children to enter the manger, pet the animals and experience what it may have been like on the first Christmas.

Santa drops in for a visit and pictures on Doyle St. and personally collects letters from excited children. Also for the children, Santa's Express train will take the little riders around the town.

The Festival of Trees is celebrated at the Stephens County Historic Courthouse from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Visitors are asked to vote for their favorite from an assortment of beautifully decoated trees. Admission is free but it is $1.00 per vote. Proceeds of the contest will go to the charity or nonprofit organization represented. The winning tree will receive a grand prize sponsored by local businesses. Musical entertainment is also offered throughout the evening.

Special entertainment will be performed at the stage located in front of the city Christmas Tree on the courthouse lawn and following a countdown led by city officials, the city tree is lit for the Christmas season.

Details of this year's festival will be provided as they are finalized.