Roswell Holiday Celebration Kicks Off Dec. 1

ROSWELL, GA — Roswell will kick off the 2018 holiday season with two events in the heart of the city, and the entire community is invited to attend these celebrations with their neighbors and loved ones.

The city's annual Holiday Celebration on the Square will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and will feature local school choruses singing Christmas carols, the lighting of Town Square, a reading of‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Mayor Lori Henry and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Holiday shuttle buses will take residents to and from the Santa’s Secret Gift Shop, which will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Adult Recreation Center at 830 Grimes Bridge Road. Roswell's event is free and open to the public.

The gift shop opens immediately after the Lighting of Town Square, and children ages 12 and younger will enjoy shopping for relatives, making arts and crafts, and face painting. On Sunday, the Gift Shop will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and photo opportunities with Santa Claus will be available. Gifts are priced affordably, and proceeds benefit the Roswell Ramblers senior club. Concessions will be available for purchase.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here)

The fun continues Sunday, Dec. 2 when the popular Caroling on Canton serenade returns to downtown Roswell. Residents and patrons can sip hot chocolate while they walk up and down Canton Street enjoying seasonal decorations and listening to their favorite holiday tunes.

If you get a bit cold from your walk, a community bonfire at the corner of Canton and Woodstock streets will be available to enjoy. Of course, you'll be able to roast marshmallows and make s'mores by the fire.

Be sure to make time to stop by the Heart of Roswell Park, as there will be hot chocolate to enjoy while you have a brief chat with Mayor Henry. Caroling on Canton will also provide the perfect opportunity to get some holiday shopping done, as merchants and restaurants will be open later in the evening.

The city has a slew of holiday-related events and activities that provide something for everyone. Many events require pre-registration and/or have a program fee. You can click here to see a list of events planned for Nov. 30 through December.

Image via Shutterstock