Inclement weather won’t kill Toccoa’s Christmas spirit – or ChristmasFest

Christmas Fest will prevail, in spite of inclement weather. 

That’s the word from Toccoa officials, who say they are watching the radar every hour, but have  already taken precautions to have most of this Friday’s activities moved indoors to keep people out of the cold and rainy weather if necessary.

The lighting of the tree will still be held at 6 p.m. on Friday at the corner of Sage Street and West Doyle Street. If it’s raining, there will be a live stream of the lighting at the Ritz Theatre, but we’ll also have tents set up for viewing the tree in person.

The entertainment will be held inside the Ritz Theatre, with The Dance Studio at 5:30 p.m., Toccoa Jazz at 6 p.m., Toccoa Carolers at 7 p.m. and Tugalo Holler at 8 p.m. Santa Claus and elves will also be set up at the Ritz Theatre for photos and visiting.

The Festival of Trees will be held at Thacker Hall at 59 West Doyle Street. Voting will be open throughout the evening, 5-9pm. It is $1 per vote. In the same location, the live nativity scene will be on display. 

Sage Market will be held inside The Venue at the Star Theatre. There are 30+ vendors, so it will be a full house of hand-crafted goods, art, and more. The Victorian Carolers will be singing at this location and moving throughout the evening.

The Horse Carriage Rides and Polar Express Train Rides will both depend on the weather as of Friday. If it’s not raining, the Carriage Rides will be located outside of First Citizens Bank on Alexander Street/Doyle Street. The Polar Express Train Rides will be at the corner of Sage Street and Doyle Street (outside of Cornerstone). 

Lastly, while Toccoa on Ice is set to kick off this weekend, it is only open with weather permitting. Therefore if it’s wet Friday, it will be closed. 

Businesses will be open downtown, welcoming everyone in their doors to shop for gifts and warm up with a beverage or a delicious meal. 

For more information and to keep track of Friday’s weather-related schedules, visit facebook.com/mainstreettoccoa or contact Main Street Manager Kristen Deal at (706) 898-5777 or Toccoa Special Events Coordinator Misty Richardson at (706) 282-3309.