Christmas Tree Lighting On Saturday in Alpharetta

ALPHARETTA, GA -- Saturday will usher in the Christmas holiday season in downtown Alpharetta as the city hosts its annual festivities.

The city's lineup of events will kick off at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, community holiday performances, a chance to grab dinner and beverages from downtown businesses and food trucks and a window of opportunity to pick up gifts at the Alpharetta Christmas Farmers Market.

For the youngsters, a snow playground and a roasting marshmallow station will take place on Old Roswell Street. Of course, there will be free children's crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and other activities.

Holiday performances are scheduled to take place on the community stage by Northpoint Community Church, Dance Now, St. James UMC Angel Kisses, city of Alpharetta Rhythm n’ Shoes Dance Program, Alpharetta Community Chorus, Alpharetta Christian Academy, Alpharetta High School and King's Ridge Christian School and Alpharetta Elementary Chorus.

The community stage will be situated along Milton Avenue where Roswell and Canton Streets meet.

At 6:45 p.m., Mayor David Belle Isle and his family will take the stage to perform a read-along of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Following the read-along will be the moment residents in downtown Alpharetta will have been waiting for: the lighting of the tree, which will take place at 7 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of free parking at the Milton Center at 86 School Drive and the Alpharetta City Hall Parking Dec at 2 Park Plaza.

Of course, road closures are needed to accommodate this event, and those will go into effect early Saturday.

The following roads will be closed from 6 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 to 4 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4:

• Milton Avenue from S.R. 9 to Roswell/Canton Street
• Old Roswell Street from Roswell Street to Milton Avenue
• Old Canton Street from Milton Avenue to Canton Street

Additionally, Academy Street will be closed from Haynes Bridge Road to S.R. 9/Main Street from 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 to midnight.

Image via Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau