Roswell Kicks Off Holidays With Christmas Events

ROSWELL, GA -- Residents are invited to begin their holiday celebrations with the city of Roswell this weekend. Dec. 2-3 mark the first five Christmas-related events the city will host for 2017: Breakfast with Santa, Gingerbread Christmas at Smith Plantation, the Annual Holiday Celebration on the Square, Santa’s Secret Workshop, and Caroling on Canton.

Here are a few more details about each event set to take place over the next few days:

Breakfast With Santa, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Enjoy a yummy breakfast along with crafts, face painting, dancing, and of course, Santa! Pictures with Santa will be available for purchase. Each person must be registered to attend and all children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Held at the Bill Johnson Community Building in Roswell Area Park at 10495 Woodstock Road. Fees are $14 for residents and $21 for non-residents. Register online by following the event link at www.roswellgov.com/holidays.

Gingerbread Christmas as Smith Plantation, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Come out to Smith Plantation to get into the spirit of the season with our Gingerbread Christmas event. Clarissa Clifton will present each workshop, showing participants how to prepare and decorate gingerbread cookies baked over the open hearth in the historic 1863 cookhouse. In addition, children will also have the opportunity to make a holiday craft ornament. Reservations are required by calling the Smith Plantation office at 770-641-3978; workshops (set for 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.) are limited to 10 children ages 5 and up. $5 per person. Regular tour hours and special discounted house tour rates for those who attend workshops.

Holiday Celebration on the Square, 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Join your friends and neighbors at 610 S. Atlanta Street, as we kick off the holiday season by lighting up Roswell’s Historic Town Square. This fun-filled, family-friendly evening includes choral performances by local elementary schools, a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, tasty treats and coffee, a visit from Santa (pictures available for purchase), and two bicycle giveaways, courtesy of Bike Roswell.

Santa’s Secret Gift Shop, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3

Immediately after the Holiday Celebration on the Square, hop on the Holiday Bus for a free ride over to Santa’s Secret Gift Shop at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center at 830 Grimes Bridge Road. The elves in the Roswell Ramblers Craft Club have been hard at work all year, so children 12 and under can buy gifts for their families. Gifts are affordably priced, and wrapping is provided. The Adult Recreation Center will also feature children’s activities such as button-making, coloring, and concessions. All proceeds benefit the Roswell Ramblers Club.

Caroling on Canton, 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3

Stroll up and down historic Canton Street from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, and listen to your favorite holiday tunes while sipping hot chocolate, warming up by the community bonfire, and enjoying the seasonal celebrations of local merchants. For more information, contact Roswell Special Events Manager Chris Ward at 770-594-6271 or cward@roswellgov.com.

Many more events are planned throughout December, and you can learn more by visiting www.roswellgov.com/holidays.

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