ONEONTA — The heart of the city is getting into the holiday spirit with a host of activities for everyone to enjoy this month.
The festivities include a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday lights, visits with Santa, parades and lots of Christmas cheer.
The Community Arts Council of Blount County (CACBC) presents the popular holiday movie “Polar Express” along with refreshments today at 2 and 6 p.m. The CACBC Theatre is at 6801 2nd Avenue West. Tickets may be purchased at www.blountcountyarts.com.
Next week, 25 decorated Christmas trees will be lit at the community Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the gazebo area. The lighting countdown will begin 6 p.m. Thursday and trees will be illuminated 24 hours a day through Jan. 1.
The ceremony, from 5 to 8 p.m. also includes horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, holiday music, festive firetruck rides by the Oneonta fire department, live nativity scene and snow. The gazebo is at 1st Avenue East and 4th Street, in front of the angel wings mural.
Shoppers are encouraged to have their shopping lists prepared and make their way downtown Dec. 10 for the City Christmas Market. Vendors will be set up at Gazebo Green from 4 to 7 p.m.
At 6 p.m., Santa Claus will lead the way in the second annual Christmas Creatures Parade. The route runs down 1st Avenue East to the City Market at the Gazebo. Horse-drawn carriages will also be available for free rides through downtown Oneonta from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Blount County Christmas parade takes to the streets Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. The streets of Oneonta this night will be filled with marching bands from all over the county, creative floats and more.
More shopping opportunities are available Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. during the Christmas in Oneonta night in the gazebo area.
Restaurants will also be open and there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides, a live nativity (at the angel wings mural), snow, fire truck rides by the Oneonta fire department and Santa Claus will be available in the gazebo for photos.
For more information including a complete schedule of holiday activities, visit https://www.
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