Holiday Celebrations in Ellijay

Christmas time in Ellijay, Ga. can be spectacular, particularly when you see all the wonderful things going on for the holiday season. Each year the downtown area hosts a 'Light Up Ellijay,' a celebration that begins with a parade and ends with the entire town being lit up with holiday decorations.

Think small town, old-fashioned Christmas, and you've got Ellijay. The parade naturally boasts floats from different school, community and business groups. If you have never been to a small town parade, Ellijay's one of the best example I have seen. There are clowns, Shriners flying around in tiny cars and students throwing candy to kids. It culminates with Santa Claus arriving a bit early, but making an appearance nonetheless.

Light Up Ellijay happens November 29 in the downtown square. Festivities begin at 6 p.m.

Another great event is the Gilmer County Bank holiday kick off and annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This takes place November 22, at the main branch of Gilmer County Bank on Industrial Blvd. in Ellijay. People can gather about, kids can meet with Santa (who arrives by helicopter, to give the reindeer the night off!), play with Mickey and Minnie and eat a whole lot of holiday goodness. Festivities begin at 5 p.m.

Gilmer High School will be hosting their annual holiday pageant December 4. The show begins at 7 p.m. in the Ellijay Elementary Auditorium, and takes audience members on a whirlwind ride around the globe to celebrate Christmas and the holidays. Led by teacher Brian Barrantine, the chorus features three groups: advanced choir, concert choir and treble choir. They will perform separately and together during this two-hour program. If you were fortunate enough to see their fall performance concert "Come Sail Away," then you know that this group is incredibly talented. If you missed it, don't miss this performance!

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway will also be hosting a holiday special train ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The four-hour long train ride takes passengers through the Blue Ridge Mountains, from Blue Ridge, Ga. to Copperhill, Tn. The train will stop in McCaysville, Ga. to say hello to good old Santa Claus.

The Santa Claus Express will begin service Thanksgiving weekend and run on the weekends until Christmas. For all times and dates, check out their website at www.brscenic.com.

This is just a small sampling of the events happening in and around Gilmer County, Ga. For more information, check the Ellijay newspaper, The Times-Courier, for other holiday events and celebrations.