Holiday events start next week, continue through Christmas

Candlelight shopping kicks off a busy Christmas shopping season that brings crowds of shoppers to Washington businesses like The Christmas Shop, along with other activities and events.

Tuesday night's Candlelight Shopping will kick off a Christmas season full of activities and events that packs the holiday calendar in Washington-Wilkes with tours, concerts, and other events.

"With Candlelight Shopping, the Square comes alive with local music, beautiful luminaries, special sales, free refreshments, hot cider and hot chocolate - and Christmas shopping!" Tourism Director Ashley Barnett said.

Candlelight Shopping returns for an encore Tuesday night, December 4. "People are realizing they can finda lot of what they're looking for when they shop in Washington," Barnett said.

Shops stay open until 9 p.m., and sponsor Downtown Development Authority will be awarding prizes in Downtown Dollars in $100, $50, and $25 amounts.

To set the tone for the season on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, a holiday favorite will return to Washington as Handel's "Messiah" will be presented by a 42-voice community choir accompanied by a string ensemble from Augusta. Directed by Shirley Gunter and sponsored by Washington-Wilkes Arts Foundation, the concert will be Sunday evening, November 25, at the First Baptist Church. Admission is free.

But that's just the beginning.

Always a favorite in years past, the annual Christmas Tour of Homes December 7-8 will put the spotlight on several of Washington and Wilkes County's beautiful old homes decorated for the holidays.

Adding to the Tour that weekend will be Christmas at Callaway and old-time Christmas vignettes at The Robert Toombs House.

Friday evening, December 7, Christmas at Callaway will show off the fivehistoric homes of Callaway Plantation decorated in authentic period Christmas decorations.

The staff at Callaway Plantation and the chairman of the event, Elaine Filipiak, are asking for help from individuals, groups, or businesses to help decorate.

Rooms, on a first come, first served basis, may be adopted and the City of Washington will provide cedar, holly, smilax, magnolia foliage, and mistletoe from the woods around the Plantation. Decorating will begin on December 4 and should be completed by December 7. Any person, group, or business who can assist with decorating is asked to call 706-678-7060.

That Saturday, December 8, the Robert Toombs House will present "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. "This Victorian favorite will be an ongoing presentation that will capture your heart," said Marcia Campbell. Dickens characters present scenes in each room, and "the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future will present a haunting performance, as they guide visitors through the Robert Toombs House."

And throughout the season, every one of the scores of churches throughout Wilkes County will be holding special Christmas services to remember "the reason for the season." Watch The News-Reporter for a listing of special Christmas events for each church.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
The Office Cat	2
Neighborhood vandalism is out of control	1
The Office Cat	1
Drug problem growing; little is being done	1
The Office Cat	1
Family escapes death in semi hit-and-run	1
Feed a family of four for $10 a week	1