‘Christmas on Main’ begins in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — Residents made finishing touches Friday afternoon in downtown Savannah for a magical Christmas weekend ahead and the Christmas on Main extravaganza.

The canopy of lights turns on Friday night for Christmas cheer.

“We have planned for an entire year,” said Betty Lynn Collier, the chairman of the events. “I’ve got the most amazing, incredible committee that have just been outstanding.”

The Christmas celebrations will last three weekends leading up to the holiday with different events each night, but you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus every night.

“Tomorrow night, we’re offering Polar Express, so that will be free. Just get some tickets to get into the theater,” said Marilee Tice, Hardin County Chamber of Commerce executive director. “There will also be hot chocolate, coffee and cookies, all kinds of neat little Christmas festivities.”

Friday night kicks off the celebrations with a first-of-its-kind ice skating rink.

“Ice staking is open for everyone to come and participate. It will be $5 per person. That is a 15-minute skate. The skate rental is included in that,” Seth Sumner, the assistant city manager, said.

The best part is almost everything is free and open to the public. Events start at 5 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights.

“We have a horse-drawn carriage ride that will take people around the downtown homes,” Tice said. “Lots of beautiful Victorian homes around Savannah, and that’s at no cost at all.”

Each night concludes with a Christmas church service at the First Methodist Church downtown.

“The community has been so excited,” Collier said. “They’re behind us all the way. We’re on Facebook. There’s always notes, and it’s even touching people I didn’t expect.”

The celebration begins this weekend and runs every weekend until Christmas. You can visit the Christmas on Main Facebook page to find more information.