There is something truly special about the holiday season in Thomasville. Twinkling lights and beautiful holiday decorations combined with events like Holiday Open House, Victorian Christmas, and so much more come together to create “Christmas in Thomasville,” a magical and festive celebration for friends and families to enjoy. This celebration will officially begin with Holiday Open House on November 20 from 1-5 pm. Additional events are planned through mid-December for travelers and locals to experience and enjoy everything Thomasville has to offer.
“Holiday Open House is the perfect event to showcase our beautifully decorated Downtown and our wonderful shops and restaurants,” noted Madison Eaton, Tourism & Events Manager. “This event typically gets everyone into the holiday spirit and is the perfect opportunity to check some things off your shopping list in a fun and festive atmosphere.”
Downtown shops and restaurants will be open, holiday music will play throughout the Downtown streets, and food trucks will be on site. Guests have opportunities to win Downtown Dollars gift certificates and enjoy sipping and shopping with an adult beverage. Customers will receive a raffle ticket for every $20 spent during the event and possibly win $100 in Downtown Dollars. Ticket locations will be located throughout Downtown Thomasville.
Following Holiday Open House, shops and restaurants will welcome guests for Black Friday (November 25) and Small Business Saturday (November 26). 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 traditionally one of the largest shopping weekends of the year,” said Brandy Avery, Main Street Manager. “Events like Black Friday and Small Business Saturday focus on supporting small businesses and shopping locally to make an economic impact in our community.”
Sip & Shops have become cherished monthly events in Downtown Thomasville, and Christmas in Thomasville will provide guests with ample 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 2-December 17 will feature a Sip & Shop event.
“The highlight of our Sip & Shops will be our First Friday on December 2, which will include a tree lighting ceremony and live concert by the Emerald Empire Band,” said Eaton. “Guests can enjoy extended shopping and dining hours during Sip & Shops each weekend in December. Each event will also feature holiday music or sidewalk entertainment throughout the night and photo opportunities with our beautiful holiday displays.”
December 8 and 9 will bring Thomasville’s Victorian era to life during one of the largest events of the year – Victorian Christmas. Carriage rides, a live nativity, food vendors, horse and carriage rides, and so much more will add to the Victorian celebration. The public is encouraged to rent a Victorian outfit from the Thomasville Visitors Center to add to the event’s festivities and stroll the streets in style. Costume rentals are $10 with a $25 refundable deposit and available November 28-December 7.
“Dressing in Victorian costume truly makes you feel like a part of Victorian Christmas,” said Eaton. “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 beautifully detailed dresses for women.”
Christmas in Thomasville will also feature a Christmas movie night at The Ritz Amphitheater on December 17. The movie “Santa Clause” will air on a big screen beginning at 6:30 pm. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy this free event.
“Memorable events create the perfect backdrop for family gatherings and showcase the beauty of Thomasville during the holiday season,” said Eaton. “We want these experiences to create special memories that 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.