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Savannah’s colorful ‘Christmas on Main’ kicks off holiday season Friday

Savannah Mayor Bob Shutt is set to light the Christmas tree at Court Square on Friday at 5 p.m., marking the start of the city’s colorful “Christmas on Main holiday season.

Savannah’s annual Christmas on Main weekends start Friday, with city Mayor Bob Shutt lighting the 30 foot tall Christmas tree on the lawn at the downtown gazebo at 5 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Blake Walley said a lot of effort goes into ensuring Christmas on Main is a success.
“This is our eighth year. Our dedicated volunteers and city crews have been working all year to bring these activities to inspire our holiday spirit and enhance our heritage of the Savannah community,” Walley said.
Downtown Savannah becomes a Christmas wonderland with plenty of photo opportunities, especially during its Christmas on Main events, the first three weekends of December.
Main Street businesses are outlined in starry white lights. A canopy of lights is strung across Court Square, showcasing performances and appearances by a variety of holiday characters, all providing a family-friendly series of festivities for people to enjoy each weekend leading up to Christmas. Use the lights and sights on Main Street to take holiday photos with a great backdrop.
There will also be many other activities for attendees to enjoy, all of which are free.
“Christmas on Main is a great event and it really sets us apart from other cities in the area. We work hard to offer families this magical Christmas event with many activities all for free,” Walley said.
Hardin County Tourism Director Beth Pippin agrees.
“Christmas on Main brings together members of our community with the goal of creating a magical Christmas for all. We take great pride in maintaining this as a completely free event with the help of our dedicated organizers and volunteers. Thousands of families remember Savannah as the backdrop of their holiday memories, and that is what it’s all about,” said Pippin.
Activities in addition to the tree lighting include:
•Open-air ice skating
• Christmas performances
• Train rides
• Movies at Savannah’s Historic Theater
• Carriage rides
• Trolley rides
• Arts and crafts
• Face painting
• Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus
The only charge at the event will be for those opting to enjoy the Christmas on Main Cafe at Courthouse Square. There will be a variety of food vendors offering hot beverages and food for sale, and there will be places to sit and enjoy a rest amid the holiday commotion.
Other attractions include the North Pole Mailbox, where children of all ages can mail their Christmas wishes to Santa, assorted Christmas and children characters such as the ever-popular Grinch, and Elf Land, an area similar to Santa’s workshop where kids can interact with Santa’s helpers, and live musical performances.
There is also a Festival of Trees at the Tennessee River Museum. Visitors can view a seasonally theme hallway of trees decorated by elementary students and vote for their favorite.
“Christmas on Main is the city’s highlight event. It is what we are known for, not just locally, but across several states. We invite all our friends and neighbors to come and enjoy our city as we celebrate this wonderful time of year,” Walley said.
Christmas on Main will be held on Friday, Dec. 2; Saturday, Dec. 3; Friday, Dec. 9; Saturday, Dec. 10; Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17. Activities are from 5-8:30 p.m, with announcements being made before any lines are closed for participation.
Movies will be shown at Savannah Theater during these nights, starting at 7, but seating is limited and it is advised movie-goers arrive early to ensure a seat.
The city is also seeking volunteers to assist with the event on any of the dates, except Friday, Dec. 16. To volunteer, call Haley Collier at 731-925-3300.

 

 

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