Christmas weekend in Tallassee

By Michael Butler

The arrival of December brings an abundance of holiday events to Tallassee. This weekend is the big kickoff including the annual lighting of the city tree and parade.

There are some new additions to the Christmas lineup. Bell Park is open for visitors with the inaugural Christmas Tree Walk from Dec. 1 -30.

"There will be a sign for each tree to see where it came from with a lighted path around the gazebo," Tallassee Chamber of Commerce executive director Jerry Cunningham said. "We're doing more. I appreciate the city workers."

The holiday market kicks off a jam-packed weekend of activities. The market will have more than 30 vendors set up at Veterans Park both Friday and Saturday. A children's hayride with Mrs. Claus is also new for 2022. Santa will also be standing by in the park for pictures.

The Christmas tree lighting will be 6 p.m. on Friday. The parade is at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The route will run from the East Tallassee Church of Christ to Tallassee High School. Entry fee to be a parade participant is $10 and free to Chamber members.

Cunningham, who also serves as director of the McCraney-Cottle Arts Council, noted the MCAC production of "A Christmas Carol" on Friday, Dec. 9 at Restoration 49. The social hour starts at 6 p.m with production at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 with limited seating.

"We'll have coffee, hot chocolate and desserts," Cunningham noted. "The program lasts about an hour."

After the show, there will be a horse and carriage ride in downtown with carolers.

For more information on any of the events, contact Cunningham at 334-283-5151.

Lineup (Friday, Dec. 2) *Events at Veterans Park (unless otherwise noted)
2 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Holiday Market
5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. - Children’s Hayride with Mrs. Claus
6 p.m. - Christmas Tree Lighting
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Santa
6:15 p.m - 7:45 p.m. - Children’s Hayride with Mrs. Claus
8 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Sounds of the Season (Restoration 49)

Lineup (Saturday, Dec. 3)
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Holiday Market
10 a.m. - Christmas Parade
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Train Ride for Children
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Santa (Grove Station)