Mayor John Gayle and Valdosta First Lady Peggy Gayle will officially kick off the holiday season in Valdosta at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, on Friday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus, as he assists with the lighting of the fully-decorated 30-foot Christmas tree located on the front lawn of City Hall, located at 216 E. Central Avenue.

This year’s event will feature the St. John’s Catholic Church Youth Choir, who will lead attendees in the singing of a few holiday favorites. The City is especially pleased to host this 32-member choir, as it has been invited to travel to Rome, Italy to perform for Pope Francis at his New Year’s Day Mass.
 
At the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Valdosta Youth Council will be accepting donations for the Mayor’s Holiday Gift Drive. VYC members will also host a table where citizens may sign cards for military service members who are deployed during the holidays.
 
While enjoying the festivities, citizens may also enjoy hot cocoa, hot apple cider and other light refreshments provided by the Valdosta Main Street office.
 
Citizens are encouraged to stay downtown after the Christmas Tree Lighting to enjoy the fun dining, shopping and entertainment experience of First Friday, through 9:30 p.m. This First Friday will also include the year’s final Art Walk, from 5 to 8 p.m., which allows citizens to experience art in Downtown’s most elegant shops.
 
On Saturday, Dec. 5, citizens are invited back downtown to enjoy the following annual holiday favorites:
 
·         The annual Holiday Open House will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Valdosta, where citizens will be able to stroll through the unique downtown shops and restaurants. The steps of the historic Lowndes County Courthouse will feature a full schedule of adult and children’s choirs and dancers from the local area, and the lawn surrounding the courthouse will feature a variety of activities, entertainment, a farmer’s market and visits with Santa.
 
·         The annual Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade will begin at 5 p.m., following the Holiday Open House event. The parade will start at Woodrow Wilson Drive, proceed down N. Patterson Street, and end at the Department of Health Building. The creative holiday floats will be judged on overall appearance, special effects, creativity, workmanship and use of the theme, which this year is “A Christmas Story.”