Fayetteville Main Street officially marks the beginning of the Main Street Holiday Season with the Downtown Christmas Parade and the annual Tree Lighting festivities Saturday, Dec. 1.

The public is invited to gather downtown for this annual celebration that includes music, food, and free carriage rides with Santa.

The parade starts at 5 p.m. and will roll up Ga. Highway 85 through the downtown square. Across the street at the Gazebo, the Southern Komfort food truck will be serving food/drinks for the spectators before, during and after the parade.

Immediately following the parade, the tree lighting program will feature a variety of local performers and groups. Members of New Vision Church, Gospel Community Church and others will provide a festive musical program in front of the big Christmas tree, while members of Rolling Hills Baptist Church will serve free hot chocolate. Gospel Community will also be serving up free popcorn.

Also during the entertainment at the tree, children of all ages can get a chance to take a free ride with Santa in his very own horse-drawn carriage. Rides will begin shortly after the parade from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This year’s honored guest performing the actual “lighting” of the tree will be Alex Sheffield, a student from the Joseph Sams School. The Joseph Sams School, staff and children will also perform during the tree lighting program.

For more information on this and other Main Street events, call 770-719-4173 or visit Fayetteville-GA.gov/Events.