There is something different about the holiday season in Thomasville this year. Why does it seem so magical? To some, this time of year means they will get to see friends and family they haven’t seen all year, to others it simply means they’re “going home.” So, take a trip “back home” with us!
Street entertainment and trolley rides with events like Holiday Open House, Victorian Christmas, and so much more come together to create “Christmas in Thomasville,” a magical and festive holiday celebration for friends and families to enjoy. This celebration kicks off with Holiday Open House on November 19 from 1-5 pm along with additional events through mid-December for everyone to experience and adore Thomasville during the holidays.
“Holiday Open House is the perfect event to showcase our charming Downtown, distinguished shops, and renowned restaurants,” said Brandy Avery, Main Street Manager. “This is a great event to get a jump start on Christmas shopping while supporting small businesses and experiencing all that Thomasville has to offer.”
Enjoy holiday music while strolling the brick streets. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open and ready to spread holiday cheer. Guests will have opportunities to win Downtown Dollars by stopping at the information booths. Customers will receive a raffle ticket for every $20 spent during the event and be entered for a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars.
Following Holiday Open House, shops and restaurants will welcome guests for Black Friday (November 24) and Small Business Saturday (November 25). Merchant specials and discounts valid on these shopping days will be listed on the Thomasville Visitors Center website, thomasvillega.com, and promoted on Downtown Thomasville’s social media pages.
“Thanksgiving weekend is one of the largest shopping weekends of the year,” said Nicole Elwell, Special Events Manager. “Black Friday and Small Business Saturday focus on supporting small businesses and shopping locally to make an economic impact in our community.”
Christmas in Thomasville will also feature a Christmas movie night at The Ritz Amphitheater on December 9. The Dr. Seuss version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas will air on a big screen beginning at 6:30 pm. Bundle up, bring a chair or a comfy blanket to enjoy this free event.
Sip & Shops have become unforgettable monthly events in Downtown Thomasville and Christmas in Thomasville won’t be any different! Guests will have a plethora of opportunities to enjoy extended shopping and dining hours while strolling the entertainment-filled sidewalks with their favorite beverage from a participating business, each weekend from December 1 - December 16.
“The highlight of our Sip & Shops will be our First Friday on December 1, which will include a tree lighting ceremony,” said Elwell. “Guests can enjoy extended shopping and dining hours during scheduled Sip & Shops in December. Each event will also feature holiday music or sidewalk entertainment throughout the night and photo opportunities with our beautiful holiday exhibitions.”
Thomasville will come alive in a magical way on December 14 and 15 with Victorian Christmas, one of the largest events of the year! Street performances, a live nativity, food vendors, horse and carriage rides, and so much more will add to the celebration. The public is encouraged to join in on the experience and rent a Victorian outfit from the Thomasville Visitors Center to add to the event’s festivities and stroll the streets in style, as the Victorian era comes alive! Costume rentals are $10 with a $25 refundable deposit and available November 27-December 6.
“Dressing in Victorian costume during the holidays immerses you into the Victorian era, a time when Thomasville was known as the Winter Resort of the South,” said Elwell. “If you’ve never taken part in this fun tradition, we have clothing for all ages, including top hats and bow ties for men and strikingly detailed dresses for women.”
“There’s nothing more magical at Christmas than taking your kids to meet St. Nick,” said Avery. “Memorable events like this make the perfect backdrop for family gatherings and display the beauty of Thomasville during the holiday season. Special memories like this, last a lifetime!”
Christmas in Thomasville will feature many other community events throughout December. A full itinerary can be found by visiting thomasvillega.com/holidayevents or by calling the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-228-7977.