The most wonderful time of the year is even more wonderful in a small town. The cheery smiles of shopkeepers, twinkling lights, festive window displays and a warm feeling of nostalgia give Forsyth the fuzzy glow of a beloved Christmas movie. As we all prepare for out-of-town guests and partake in our treasured family traditions, soaking in every memory and magical Christmas moment, let’s enjoy some essential small-town cheer together.
Kicking off the holidays with a day full of shopping sounds like the beginning of a Hallmark movie, but that is how we roll! Shopping from our many small businesses and eateries is a great way to support our community and ensures that our gift-giving is unique and sure to please. On November 25, our Shop Small Saturday, we proudly show our support to local shops and restaurants — finding that perfect one-of-a-kind item or grabbing a gift card to hide in a stocking.
This year, create a hat from the ingenious hat bar at Branded Starr Western Boutique or pick a personalized gift from Hometown Treasures while checking off your Christmas lists. For a hand-crafted Christmas, visit the 1823 Artisan Guild for their “Made for the Holidays” exhibit, full of handmade holiday-themed treasures from artisans around middle Georgia.
After a busy day of shopping and dining, nothing tops a cup of decadent hot chocolate from Scoops and a bag of sweet pecans from our new candy shop, Swint’s, before heading to the courthouse lawn for Forsyth’s Annual Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., November 25. The perfect way to ignite the Christmas season lives in the shared awe and wonder we feel, standing shoulder to shoulder with friends and watching the twinkling lights fill the night. To the delight of all, there will even be a photo opportunity with the big guy, Santa himself!
We are excited for Drafts & Crafts at Fox City Brewing for genuine small-town holiday fun. Charlie Rose Craft Studio will host a night of fun, crafts, beer, and cheer in the taproom on November 28 at 6 p.m.
When the sun sets on November 30, you can find us sitting with a front-row view of our beloved nighttime Hometown Holidays Parade. This is no ordinary holiday parade, folks. Colorful floats adorned with thousands of shimmering lights will parade through the square with the Mary Persons High School marching band, local businesses and organizations, fire trucks and even Santa and Mrs. Claus to celebrate over 200 magical Christmases in Forsyth!
December 9 will be a day to remember in Forsyth! Plan to spend time with us at our Bicentennial Birthday Bash at 11 a.m., where we will bury our time capsule filled with letters to the future beneath the Bicentennial Legacy Tree at City Hall. Afterward, there will be shopping at the Jingle n’ Mingle fundraiser for the Shop with a City Hero event from 12 to 5 p.m., where families will mingle with first responders, Santa and the Grinch while shopping, enjoying live music and helping make this Christmas extra BRIGHT for children in our community. The day of festivities continues into the evening, from 6 to 9 p.m., with the Candy Cane Crawl! Sip, Shop and Stroll through beautiful downtown Forsyth and consider upgrading your experience to VIP by purchasing a Candy Cane Necklace benefitting the Shop with a City Hero fundraiser!
History lovers will not want to miss the Tift College Legacy Tour on December 16, showcasing the campus and notable alumnae who left their mark on Georgia history. For more information, email Tiftgirlstour@gmail.com.
After the glow of Christmas begins to fade, we will join together for our New Year’s Eve Block Party and ring in 2024.
Let’s embrace the wonder and magic of what this holiday season brings. From our local events to memorable family moments, may our hearts warm and grow with the light of joy this year. Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays and a joyous 2024!!
