FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381

EMAIL: info@northalabama.org

 

Downtown Oneonta to Host Christmas Festivities

Decatur, Ala. – The heart of Oneonta is getting into the holiday spirit with a host of activities for everyone to enjoy. The festivities begin Dec. 2 and will take place throughout the month of December and include a live nativity, horse drawn carriage rides, holiday lights, visits with Santa, parades and lots of Christmas cheer.

The Community Arts Council of Blount Company (CACBC) presents the popular holiday movie “Polar Express” along with refreshments Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 3 with showings at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The CACBC Theatre is located at 6801 2nd Avenue West. Tickets may be purchased at www.blountcountyarts.com.

Twenty-five beautifully decorated Christmas trees will be lit Thursday, Dec. 8 at the community Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the gazebo area. The lighting countdown will commence at 6 p.m. and trees will be illuminated 24 hours a day through Jan. 1, 2023. The ceremony, from 5 to 8 p.m. also includes horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, holiday music, festive firetruck rides by the Oneonta fire department, live nativity scene and snow. The gazebo is located at 1st Avenue East and 4th Street, in front of the angel wings mural. 

Shoppers are encouraged to have their shopping lists prepared and make their way downtown Saturday, Dec. 10 for the City Christmas Market. Various vendors will be set up at Gazebo Green from 4 to 7 p.m. The second annual Christmas Creatures Parade will take place at 6 p.m. beginning at the library parking lot. Santa Claus will lead the way down 1st Avenue East to the City Market at the Gazebo. Horse-drawn carriages will also be available for free rides through downtown Oneonta from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Blount County Christmas parade takes to the streets Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. The streets of Oneonta this night will be filled with marching bands from all over the county, creative floats and more.

Two more shopping opportunities are available Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. during the Christmas in Oneonta night in the gazebo area. Restaurants will also be open and there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides, a live nativity (located at the angel wings mural), snow, fire truck rides by the Oneonta fire department and Santa Claus will be available in the gazebo for photos.

For more information including a complete schedule of holiday activities, visit https://www.oneontabusinessassociation.com/christmas.html or call 205-813-7194. 

About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)

AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @VisitNorthAL and like us at www.facebook.com/VisitNorthAL.    

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