Native-American fiction writer Stephen Graham Jones says, “Some people are born for Halloween, and some are just counting the days until Christmas.” Fortunately, if you are one of the latter and you live in and around Georgetown, there are plenty of decades-old traditions that usher in the most wonderful time of the year.
Starting November 29, Georgetown will celebrate the official start of the City’s holiday celebration. Mayor Dale Ross will headline the festivities and pull the switch to light up Texas’ Most Beautiful Town Square.
Customarily, around 6pm, the Mayor and his special guests lead the crowd in a “Santa!” chant to bring the big red man to the stairs before turning on the million-plus lights, supported by Georgetown Utility Systems. Crews are already hard at work wrapping trees for the event.
The growth of the holiday lighting project was spearheaded by a joint fundraising collaboration between city leaders and the Main Street Advisory Board. Downtown businesses continue to support these efforts through beautification and lighting additions of their own, and private contributions are always needed and welcomed to continue the expansion.
There is also a window decorating contest for businesses on and around the Square and the shops will be open late for the crowd. Entertainment will be provided by the Austin Carolers, with help from more than 100 youngsters.
Santa will be available for photos and accept donations for needy kids throughout Georgetown and Williamson County for the Blue and Brown Santa programs respectively.
(Wilcobrownsanta.com for Brown Santa or Bluesanta.georgetown.org for Blue Santa.) Both programs accept toy donations until mid-December. Look for donation barrels at the Courthouse and at All Things Kids on Main Street.
What’s Next?
The 39th annual Christmas Stroll is coming up in downtown Georgetown around the Courthouse Square. This holiday festival, sponsored by the Downtown Georgetown Association is 5-9pm on Friday, December 6; 10am to-8pm on Saturday December 7.
The Stroll is a rain or shine event. In the event of severe weather conditions such as lightning or high winds, festival activities will be adjusted as warranted. Check the City social media pages for updates. Saturday begins with a parade at 10am, live entertainment on three stages, and holiday shopping at 150 booths as well as downtown merchants. The Bistro Food Court offers hot chocolate, funnel cake, and other seasonal treats. Enjoy Santa’s Village all day Saturday; photos and visits with Santa and the Whoo-village children’s area Friday night and Saturday. There will be rides for the kids, the popular Whoo-hair booth, and the Grinch himself.
