Dec. 1: ZBOA Meets. The Valdosta-Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals will hold its monthly meeting at 2:30 p.m., in City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room. The ZBOA hears all variance requests and appeals regarding staff interpretations of the City of Valdosta Land Development Regulations. Contact the city's Planning and Zoning Office at (229) 259-3563 for information.

Dec. 4: Valdosta Christmas Tree Lighting to Kickoff Holiday Season. Mayor John Gayle invites citizens to the annual Valdosta Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m., on the front lawn of the Valdosta City Hall. The event will feature music from the St. John Catholic School Choir, visits with Santa, refreshments and more. The Valdosta Youth Council will host a table for citizens to donate gifts to the Parkwood Development Center (click here to view event flier) and to sign holiday cards that will be mailed to service members who are deployed for the season.

Dec. 4: First Friday. 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 combines the love of art and historic Downtown Valdosta and allows citizens to experience art in Downtown's most elegant shops. Purchase a $20 "Passport to Art" for a chance to win fabulous gifts. All Art Walk proceeds benefit the Public Art Advisory. Click here for more information.

Dec. 5: Holiday Open House and Christmas Parade. Saturday, Dec. 5 features a full day of holiday events in Downtown Valdosta. Click here to download information from the City Beat newsletter that details Dec. 5 activities.

-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."