As the end of November has arrived, it’s hard to believe that the holidays are right on our doorsteps. But if you take a short drive though our communities and towns, you’ll see that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
There will be an abundant number of opportunities to ring in your Christmas spirit in Newton County beginning this week. The following is a schedule of Christmas events in our area.
Friday, December 1
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Annual Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade on December 1 at 6 p.m. The Grand Marshalls for the 2023 Christmas Parade are Olin and Janet Thomas.
Saturday, December 2
The day starts off with the Town of Hickory Christmas Parade at 2 p.m.
Later that evening, the Town of Lake will host the Lake Christmas Parade beginning at 6 p.m. The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Your Christmas Story’. The Grinch can also be seen at the Lake Public Library and photos with Santa will be at Western Way Nutrition.
First Baptist Church Lake will also be hosting Fellowship and Fun that evening and a food truck will be set up so families to grab dinner.
Monday, December 4
The Lake Public Library will host Dinner and a Movie beginning at 6 p.m., where they will be showing “The Polar Express”.
Tuesday, December 5
The Newton Chamber of Commerce will host the Newton Christmas Express 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting at Raphael Payne Park at 6:45 p.m. There will also be free photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a story reading of the birth of Baby Jesus, entertainment provided by Colt Cleveland, and the T&J Food Truck will provide concessions.
Wednesday, December 6
The first night of the Town of Union’s Holly Jolly Christmas begins with a small band performance, followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. At 6:15, there will be a reading of The Christmas Story with Live Nativity. Ending the evening will be performances of various church groups at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 7
The Newton Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Newton Christmas Express 2023 Christmas Parade in Downtown Newton at 6 p.m.
Also on Thursday, the Town of Union will present the Mr. and Miss Holly Jolly Christmas Pageant beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be five divisions to the pageant, including Baby (0-2 years), Tiny (3-6 years), JR Miss (7-9 years), Pre-Teen (10-12 years), and Miss/Mr. Holly Jolly (13-18 years). Entry fee is $25 for first child and $10 for each sibling of the first child that is registered. Deadline to register is Nov. 30.
Friday, December 8
The air in the Town of Union will be filled with the sounds of train whistles and Christmas tunes as they will be hosting Train Rides and Christmas Karaoke beginning at 6 p.m.
Also on Friday, First Baptist Church Lake will host their first performance of their Singing Christmas Tree at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 9
The day starts with Christmas Around the Courthouse, hosted by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Decatur, in Downtown Decatur from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be a number of activities, Christmas story readings, photos opportunities, and more fun.
That evening, the Town of Union’s Christmas Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Immediately after the parade, there will be a Tacky Sweater Contes at the Main Stage in Downtown Union, followed by performances by various musical groups.
Ending events for Saturday evening, First Baptist Church Lake will host their second performance of their Singing Christmas Tree at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 16
The Newton Chamber of Commerce invites you to bring the whole family to a free movie night at the Gazebo Park, located behind the Newton Depot, at 6 p.m. The movie will be “The Polar Express”.
Those wishing to spread Christmas cheer though song are invited to the Lake Depot, where the City of Lake will have Community Caroling at 6 p.m. Hot Cocoa and fun treats for the family will be available.
