Friday, December 6, the city of Acworth hosted its annual Santa’s Arrival festival to welcome in the Christmas season. Decked out in holiday decorations, including red and green lights, snowflakes, wreaths and anything Christmas, Downtown Acworth lit up and brought the community together. Although the evening reached frigid temperatures, the Acworth family and friends could not resist marking the beginning of the Christmas season.
“I love the Christmas tree lighting. The first time I came to Santa’s arrival I was about one year old, and the last time I was here I danced on stage, so it’s fun to see the dancers this year. This event is really helping me get into the Christmas spirit and I really love the music. It is so cold tonight but it’s worth being here for Christmastime,” senior Monica Goodman said.
Beginning with the annual Acworth Christmas tree lighting and Santa’s arrival promptly at 5:30 p.m., the event kicked off with a joyous feeling. The city of Acworth partnered up with local NorthStar Church to host this year’s event, allowing the festival to include activities involving the church’s members. Additionally, Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
NorthStar Church youth students sang Christmas tunes on stands near the Christmas tree, inviting visitors to watch and sing along. A separate stage rested on the other end of the street where local dance studios such as Great Gig Dance Studio performed spirited dance numbers for entertainment. Numerous booths also took place lining Downtown, including Cafe Coco, Donut NV and craft and photo tents to appeal to younger kids. These booths also allowed businesses to swarm into local restaurants and shops such as Center Street Tavern, Scoops and Henry’s Louisiana Grill.
Along with the bright Christmas lights, several stands lined Center Street. NC’s Key Club helped the Acworth Community Garden run its candy cane ornament stand, which allowed kids to create their own designs while learning about volunteer opportunities to better their city.
Various renowned holiday characters also showed off their appearances throughout the night, providing photo opportunities and laughter. Additionally, families took free pictures of their kids on the lap of Mr. Claus, accompanied by his helper elves — students from the community, including NC. Attendees donned their festive Christmas gear, bundled up and used the provided heat lamps and firepits where they enjoyed the warmth as well as roasting marshmallows.
“I heard about the event through a club I’m in called Acworth Young Alderman. I signed up as a volunteer who just handed things out such as jingle bell bracelets and was a handler for one of the mascots. I had fun because it was an event that brought the local community together and I got to help set up something that the kids enjoyed. My favorite part was seeing the mascots walk around and take pictures with them,” magnet junior Omar Balogun said.
On the main stage, Great Gig performed numerous exciting dances. From “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” to “Hot Chocolate,” the dancers stood as a highly memorable highlight of the night, as friends and family huddled to watch the mesmerizing dances.
This early celebration of Santa’s arrival proved a success, as hundreds of families visited Downtown Acworth solely for the Christmas vibes and energy of the night. If any holiday fanatics could not attend, the next day, Saturday, December 7, Downtown Kennesaw hosted its Santa’s arrival as well. With this annual event’s success, families continue to appreciate the preparation for Christmas following the Downtown Acworth celebration of Santa.
