With the Thanksgiving dishes cleaned and stacked and Black Friday loot tucked away, preparations are being made for the next big hallmark of the holiday season for many: Christmas.
The Friends of East Brainerd group is host its second annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Heritage Park Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
The free event will bring back a myriad of holiday favorites. There will be festive refreshments from cookies to hot chocolate; surprise visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a few mischievous elves; and carolers from East Hamilton School, Westview Elementary and Apison Elementary, among others.
Capping the event will be a candlelight walk from the Heritage House to the Christmas tree, placed close to Jenkins Road.
“We want everybody to come,” said Ruby Coffee, who pitched the idea to FOEB last year and has once again worked with the committee to make it a reality. “It’s a special treat around Christmastime, and we’d like for everybody to come out and join us.”