Video: Dickens of a Christmas, Y'all

Acworth is getting in the holiday spirit with community-wide Christmas festivities, starting with this Friday's Santa's Arrival followed by two continuous weekends of celebrations.

The Acworth Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Historic Downtown Acworth Merchant Group are inviting you to have a "Dickens of a Christmas, Ya'll".

"[This is] our first year to have this fun-filled event," said Suzi Riedling, who serves on the DDA Board. "It is our wish to give the community a chance to enjoy Christmas with their families the old-fashioned way, without spending a great deal of money."

Here's a breakdown of this year's festivities:

• Santa's Arrival: 6-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2. Bring the entire family to hear Mayor Tommy Allegood read The Night Before Christmas and watch the lighting of the Tree on Main Street. Enjoy pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and eating candy canes with all his elves. Arrive at the Depot at 5:15 p.m. to schedule your picture time with the Clauses, space limited.
• Dickens of a Christmas, Ya'll: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 10. There will be a Tiny Tim's Corner between Lacy's Drugs and , for children to enjoy free games, storytelling, caroling, and a few surprises that will delight one and all. Father Christmas will be at Franna Brown Park for Victorian era Christmas photos on both days. Bring the tiny tots for a free train ride.
• Community Christmas Caroling: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Enjoy a free historic homes caroling tour with the Ghost of Christmas Past. Meet at the Depot at 6 p.m. and sing for an hour before proceeding down Lemon Street to stop at four of Acworth's historic homes to sing carols and hear what it was like to live in Acworth back in their days. Caroling and stroll will be lead by and Mount Paran Christian School students.

During the festivities, you will also be able to find holiday specials and sales at Main Street stores, watch "how-to" holiday demonstrations, and taste the seasonal celebrations at the local restaurants. Call 770-974-3112 for more information.