For many, winter is full of traditions. Santa, elves and reindeer prancing are enough to carry residents away to a winter wonderland. However, Alpharetta is far from the North Pole and, to some, does not stand as the epitome of a winter paradise.
To bring a taste of the North Pole to the town square, the city of Alpharetta has spared no expense. All the amenities of a winter seventh heaven have been brought a little closer to home this holiday season.
The city will kick off festivities with a tree lighting ceremony scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. The festivities are to be more than just a tree chock full of decorations and a star on top; it will be a festival celebrating the entire winter holiday season.
Among the attractions at the celebration will be the performance of an off-Broadway play, WXMAS. Supported by the music of the Milton High School Jazz Band, the play is set as if in a 1940s radio station.
The holiday season would not be complete without a visit from Santa Claus. He, Mrs. Claus and a host of elves will arrive in style at the town square on a fire engine and greet children in a lighted sleigh.
Along with Santa, there will be live reindeer available for the enjoyment of old and young alike.
The reindeer, which reside on a farm in Smyrna, Ga., have been a part of a parade in Albany, Ga., in past years. However, when city officials expressed interest in the animals, the owner decided to travel to nearby Alpharetta rather than Albany.
Mayor Chuck Martin will read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” from a specially designed book.
A choral group dressed in 1940s period clothing will serenade passers-by with traditional holiday carols. In addition, for a nominal fee, a horse and buggy will be available to whisk pedestrians around town to local shops.