Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 7268 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 6 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 69 Lights! Lights! Thanksgiving is considered the official start to the holiday season and downtown Moultrie is where it all begins in South Georgia. Bring the family on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 24, to witness the spectacular display of more than 10,000 lights. Downtown stores will start opening at 4pm and the official lighting ceremony starts at 6pm. The event is open to the public free of charge and is organized by the City of Moultrie Main Street Program. For more information, email amy.johnson@moultriega. com or call 229-890-5455. downtownmoultrie.com 30th Annual Victorian Christmas Festival Stroll back in time to an evening filled with the sights and sounds of a Victorian Christmas. The annual Victorian Christmas Festival captures the imagination of children and adults as they enjoy live musical entertainment, carriage rides, a live nativity scene, a winter wonderland, and a visit from Santa. The festival is a nod to Thomasville’s rich Victorian-era history that can still be seen in the architecture of many downtown buildings and historic brick streets. This year’s festival takes place from 6-9pm on Dec. 8 and 9 in downtown Thomasville. For more information, call 229-227-7020. thomasvillega.com PHOTO: MOULTRIE MAIN STREET PHOTO: THOMASVILLE MAIN STREET Experience South Georgia’s Holiday Celebrations Nov. 19-20: Merry Marketplace is one of South Georgia’s favorite holiday traditions. Merry Marketplace at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center, Valdosta, offers an extraordinary shopping experience showcasing the latest styles in holiday and home décor, women’s fashions, children’s clothing, gourmet goodies, and much more! This event will feature more than 100 boutique vendors and artisans from across the Southeast. There are two sessions for the Character Breakfast on Nov. 19, at 9am and 10am. Tickets are $12 and available to purchase at Steel’s Jewelry and Toads & Tea Cups. Early Bird Shopping on Nov. 19, from 8-10am, tickets $10. Regular times are Nov. 19, 10am to 5:30pm and Nov. 20, noon to 5pm. Adults $6 and children $1. Active duty military personnel admitted free with military ID. Merry Marketplace is sponsored by the Valdosta Junior Service League. vjsl.org Nov 26- Dec. 23: The Twelve Days of Christmas Downtown. It’s the most wonderful time of the year in historic downtown Valdosta. A festive setting greets you as you stroll through the unique shops and restaurants that downtown has to offer. This year, Valdosta Main Street will sponsor a month-long celebration with 12 events to put everyone in the holiday spirit! Events will take place at various locations in and around downtown and will be announced on Valdosta Main Street Facebook page. For more information, call 229-259-3577. valdostamainstreet.com Dec. 2: The City of Valdosta Christmas Tree Lighting starts at 5:30pm in front of City Hall, 216 E. Central Avenue. Mayor John Gayle, city leadership and staff invite members of the community to the traditional lighting of the city’s Christmas tree to officially kick off the holiday season in Valdosta. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge to attend. For more information, call 229-259-3577. valdostamainstreet.com Dec. 3: Holiday Wine Festival at Still Pond Vineyard, Winery and Distillery, 1575 Still Pond Road, Arlington, Georgia. The 13th annual festival is from 10am to 5pm and features live music, food, and wine. This is a family event with hayrides, activities for the children, craft vendors, and wine tasting for the adults. Open to the public and no charge for admission. For more information, call 229-792-6382 or visit the Still Pond Vineyard Facebook page. stillpond.com Dec. 3: Valdosta Community Christmas Parade begins at 5pm at Woodrow Wilson Drive, moves south on North Patterson Street, and ends at the Department of Health Building. Creative holiday floats will be judged on overall appearance, special effects, creativity, workmanship, and use of the theme. For more information, call 229- 259-3577. valdostamainstreet.com Dec. 8: Downtown Moultrie Festival of Lights Christmas Parade at 6pm in downtown Moultrie. For more information, email amy.johnson@ moultriega.com or call 229-890-5455. downtownmoultrie.com Visit South Georgia Business + Culture Magazine for more listings of South Georgia holiday celebrations. sgamag.com South Georgia Holiday Events