• WHITE LIGHTING CEREMONY NOVEMBER 30
• CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK DECEMBER 4
• CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES DECEMBER 11
• LIVE NATIVITY DECEMBER 16

The magic of history and the holidays will meld together in the enchanting town of St. Marys, Georgia beginning Tuesday, November 30 with the traditional White Lighting Ceremony and continue well into December with events for all ages and interests.

NOVEMBER 30 WHITE LIGHTING CEREMONY-begins at dusk at the old paper mill site on Osborne Street. Santa leads the entire town through the streets, lighting up each block with thousands of white lights as he goes. Then, at the waterfront, the giant town tree is lit accompanied by holiday music and good cheer. Click here to read more about the White Lighting!

DECEMBER 4 CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK-an old-timey Christmas that brings back the days when the paper mill hosted this beloved event. All children are given stockings stuffed with toys and treats. Lots of games and holiday characters (like The Grinch) who entertain in the Waterfront Park.

DECEMBER 11 AFTERNOON AND CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES-
1pm – 4 pm. Tour beautifully decorated small cottages and mill homes in Downtown St. Marys
5:30 pm – 9 pm. The town’s signature homes, historic churches, and quaint inns sparkle with charming décor and the spirit of yesteryear. Tickets for the Tour of Homes may be purchased at the St. Marys Welcome Center, 410 Osborne Street, in advance for $12, or on the day of the event at the Welcome Center for $15. Tickets cover both the daytime and evening tours. Other events are free to the public.

DECEMBER 16 LIVE NATIVITY-The message of the season is beautifully portrayed in a live rendition on the grounds of Orange Hall, complete with stable animals and carolers. To watch our video from the Live Nativity in St Marys, click here.

For more information about the tour, call 800-868-8687 or 912-882-4000 or visit www.stmaryswelcome.com.

From 8 – 10 am enjoy breakfast with the Grand Marshall of the Christmas parade, Santa Claus at the Okefenokee Education and Research Center. There are limited tickets available on first come basis.  Admission is $3 for children and $4 for adults.

For more information please call 912-496-2536 or email okechamber@alltel.net

The annual event starts at dusk at the old paper mill site. The parade proceeds down the holiday decorated Osborne Street with Santa & Mrs. Santa leading the way. Once Santa arrives at the waterfront the City Christmas Tree is lit. Music and performances at the waterfront.

This is a great way for your and your family to get into the holiday spirit.

Downtown Kingsland comes together for the City’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Presented by the Kingsland Community Betterment Program, this event is held at 6pm at the Kingsland City Park (in front of the Kingsland Police Department). Activities include: Live Christmas caroling, Christmas story reading, Santa Claus and features free holiday refreshments – hot cocoa, wassail, and Christmas cookies! Free & fun for all ages. For more information, contact the Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau at 912-729-5999 or www.VisitKingsland.com

On November 11th we will have our annual Christmas open house from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Downtown Merchants will be open late and invite you to begin your holiday shopping. Call 912-882-4000 for more info.

The public is invited to re-live the joys of an old-fashioned Christmas as they tour historic homes, inns, and Churches and other historic buildings from 5 to 9 pm on December 13, 2008.

An annual tradition hosted by St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau  partnering, with the Historic Preservation Commission; this year’s tour includes some sites that the public might not ordinarily have access to such as the old city jail in City Hall, the Historic St. Marys Railroad Depot.

Some of the city’s most beautiful bed and breakfasts and homes will be on the tour this year as well, each uniquely decorated in the fashion of their era. The Bachlott House (home of the National Park Service), the Stotesbury Johnson House (home of Family Matters), six private homes, two bed and breakfast inns, and five churches will open their doors for the event—many serving refreshments.

Carolers will further enhance the Norman Rockwell experience, and other entertainment includes bagpipes and hand bells.

Transportation between tour stops will be provided by golf carts hosted by members of the St. Marys Golf Cart Association , the St. Marys First Baptist Church bus, and the new Convention & Visitors Bureau trolley.

Tickets may be purchased at the St. Marys Welcome Center, 406 Osborne Street, Sheila’s Hallmark, The Goodbread House, Cumberland Inn & Suites, Spencer House, French Quarter, Once Upon a Bookseller, and at the ITT Department at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base for $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the tour.

This year’s Candlelight Tour is dedicated to the memory of St. Marys’ beloved resident and history lover Ann Stacy. Proceeds will benefit the Historic Preservation Commission of St. Marys and support tourism development by St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the tour, call 912-882-4000. For information about St. Marys, visit www.stmaryswelcome.com.