2017 Christmas Fest & Courthouse Wonderland

The City of Toccoa welcomes the Christmas season the first weekend of December with the annual Christmas Fest 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, December 1 and continues Saturday, December 2, 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.

New this year is “Courthouse Wonderland”, a self-guided holiday tour.  Wander at your own pace into a series of Christmas Silhouettes on the Historic Courthouse square, including a Victorian Horse & Carriage, Santa's North Pole Express Train, and a Magical Gingerbread House.  Follow the path to a Friendly Snowman, past Santa's Grazing Reindeer, and to the front Courthouse entrance, where a Trio of Dickens Carolers wait to serenade you.  Santa's Sleigh & Reindeer, rests on the East Lawn.  Best of all, Jolly Ol' Saint Nick will be waiting for you at Santa's Toy Shop on the West side of the Courthouse for pictures and a visit.  Letters for Santa will be collected at a special Santa Mailbox at the Magical Gingerbread House.  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 decorated 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.

The Christmas Sage Market, an Arts & Crafts show with handmade & homemade items with be at the Star Theater on Doyle Street.  The Market will be open on Friday evening from 5-9 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm

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 Christmas Tree & the Courthouse Wonderland will be lit for the Christmas season at 6:00 p.m.