Woodstock Christmas Jubilee Celebration On Dec. 1

WOODSTOCK, GA — The official start of winter is inching closer in Woodstock, and the city is in the midst of finalizing the mechanics of its annual Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights celebration. Woodstock's event will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, and features a parade, visits with Santa Claus and the official Christmas tree lighting.

The fun begins at 2 p.m. for the theater lovers, as Elm Street Arts will host a free performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Chambers at City Center. In exchange for the complimentary entry, residents are asked to bring a can of chili, stew, soup, peanut butter or monetary donations to benefit Papa's Pantry.

At 4:30 p.m., be sure to stop by the Park at City Center to get to know your neighbors and grab a bite to eat from one of the food vendors. Of course, you're more than welcome to venture around the downtown area and patronize the other restaurants along and around Main Street.

The Christmas parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m., with the procession beginning at Woodstock Elementary School. Marchers will travel south on Rope Mill Road and continue on Main Street until they reach Sam's Club at Ga. 92. Viewers and participants should note the parade will be held rain or shine, unless there's serious inclement weather.

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The city at 5:15 p.m. will close the following intersections to accommodate the parade: Main Street at Sam's Club, Serenade Lane, Bowles Drive, Ingram Street, Barnesdale Terrace, Dupree Road, Fowler Street, Oak Street, Elm Street, Mill Street and Dobbs Road; Arnold Mill Road at Hubbard Drive, East Main Street and Main Street; Rope Mill Road at Woodstock Elementary School, Kyle Street and Rusk Street; and Towne Lake Parkway at Woodstock Parkway and Main Street.

After the parade, the fun continues at the Park at City Center, as Santa Claus will be on hand to hear what your little ones want for Christmas. Mayor Donnie Henriques and Kris Kringle will also light the Christmas tree. Woodstock will also give awards for the Best Holiday, Most Original, History and Heritage Award, and the People’s Choice parade floats winners, and Preservation Woodstock will present the Citizen of the Year Award.

If you want to indulge in some sweets, you'll be able to enjoy cookies, hot cider, chocolate. Other activities include a children's craft area, free moonwalk, music, food and holiday vendors and other children's activities.

Finally, youngsters will have a chance to mail their letters to the North Pole by using Santa's Mailbox at the Gazebo. If your kids post the letter Dec. 1-16, they will receive a personalized response from Santa Claus.

Be sure to follow the city of Woodstock's Facebook page to keep track of any updates to the Dec. 1 event.

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