Politics & Government

Tree Lighting, Open House Dec. 1

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on the Duluth Town Green precedes arrival of Santa Claus. City Hall Open House at 4 p.m. Games and crafts start on Town Green at 5 p.m.

Santa Claus will again arrive by sleigh pulled by live reindeer on the Duluth Town Green Saturday, Dec. 1, signaling the start of the holiday season in the city. Santa will hand out candy canes and pose for photos with children in his sleigh. The festivities include an Open House at Duluth City Hall.

Santa's appearance will follow the lighting of the giant Christmas tree next to the Duluth Festival Center and a holiday program. Choral groups from Duluth High School and B.B. Harris Elementary School will perform seasonal music on the center’s stage.

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is sponsored by the Duluth Fall Festival and the City of Duluth. The entire community is invited to attend the ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Duluthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Duluth Fall Festival Committee recently recognized Mark Terrell for playing Santa Claus at the tree lighting event for the past 30 years.

Free games and crafts will be available under a tent on the Duluth Town Green starting at 5 p.m. Also, pick up a map to see which downtown merchants are offering special activities.

Find out what's happening in Duluthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There will be an Open House at Duluth City Hall, beautfully decorated for the holidays, beginning at 4 p.m. The Duluth High School Chorus will perform in the lobby at 5:30 p.m. Donations of canned goods for the local food pantry will be collected.

A collection of international dolls has been added to the display cabinets in the lobby of City Hall. Both the international doll collection and a collection of Presidential First Ladies in their Inaugural Ball gowns are being shared with the community by members of the Parsons family.

Here's an updated schedule of activities:

4 p.m.: City Hall Open House to view the beautiful Christmas decorations and doll collections. Hot cider will be served free to the public.

5 p.m.: Enjoy free craft activities and games on the Town Green under the big white tent. The first 500 will receive a Whole Foods canvas bag filled with goodies. Pick up a map to see which downtown merchants are offering free  craft activities, cookie decorating and giveaways. Monkey Joe’s mascot will be onsite, and the Gwinnett County Library will be hosting a special storytime. Face painting will be offered by Duluth High School Art Club for a nominal fee, and the Duluth High School Band will be selling hot chocolate, hot dogs and baked goods.

5:30 p.m.: Caroling by Duluth High School Chorus in the lobby of City Hall.  Cookies and hot cider will be served free to visitors. 

6:30 p.m.: Tree Lighting Ceremony program on the Duluth Festival Center Stage will include a special performance by B.B. Harris Elementary and Duluth High School choral groups followed by the arrival of Santa.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here