ONEONTA — The heart of Oneonta is getting into the holiday spirit with a host of activities planned for everyone to enjoy next month.
The festivities begin Dec. 7 and include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday lights, visits with Santa, parades and lots of Christmas cheer.
Beautifully decorated Christmas trees will be lit Dec. 7 at the community Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the gazebo area. The lighting countdown will commence at 6 p.m. and trees will be illuminated 24 hours a day through Jan. 1. The gazebo is at 1st Avenue East and 4th Street, in front of the angel wings mural.
The ceremony highlights a cavalcade of events from 5 to 8 p.m., including horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, holiday music, festive firetruck rides by the Oneonta fire department, snow and a live performance of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Art Alive Children’s Theatre.
Shoppers are encouraged to have their shopping lists prepared and make their way downtown Dec. 9 for the City Christmas Market. Various vendors will be set up at the McDaniel Gym from 4 to 7 p.m.
The third annual Christmas Creatures Parade will take place at 6 p.m. beginning at the library parking lot and down 1st Avenue East to the Gazebo. All proceeds are donated to the Blount County Animal Adoption Center & Crossing Paths Animal Rescue.
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 7 p.m. Dec. 12 . 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. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. during the Christmas in Oneonta night at the gazebo area. Restaurants will be open and there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides, free live back to back performances of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Art Alive Children’s Theater (located at the angel wings mural), snow 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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