Still trying to decide how to celebrate the holidays?
You can kick off the Christmas season this weekend with fireworks, snow, Christmas lights and carols. Join one of these holiday celebrations around the Valley:
Thursday: Christmas Fireworks at The Phenix City Amphitheater: Start your holiday off with a bang at this fireworks show at 6:30 tonight at the amphitheater on Dillingham Street. The show will begin with live entertainment from the Patty Taylor Dance Company, the Sherwood Elementary School Singers and Hand Bell Choir and the Central High School Red Devil Regiment. Santa will also make an appearance, followed by the fireworks display.
Rebecca Harris with Phenix City Parks and Recreation said the program won’t be long, due to the cold temperatures, but she recommended bundling up and bringing a blanket to sit on. Admission is free and there will also be free hot chocolate available.
Once the show is over, drive or stroll down Broad Street in Phenix City to take a look at the holiday light display. Harris said the display was moved from the River Walk to Broad Street after the new streetscapes project was completed. This year’s display features holiday light decorations in 43 different flower beds along Broad Street.
For more information on the Christmas fireworks or the Christmas lights, call Phenix City Parks and Recreation at 334-291-4711.
Friday, Dec. 2: Broadway Holiday: No matter what the forecast says, you can bet there will be snow in downtown Columbus this weekend.
The snow is part of the annual Broadway Holiday, which begins at 6 p.m. in the 1100 block of Broadway on Friday. This year’s celebration will also feature vendors selling holiday items, an appearance by the Coca-Cola polar bear and horse and carriage rides for $1 per person. Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Councilor Judy Thomas will preside over the official lighting of Columbus’s Christmas tree, followed by a traditional Christmas carol sing-a-long.
Spokesperson Stephanie Woodham said parents should be sure to dress their kids in warm, waterproof clothing if they are playing in the snow, and bring a camera to take pictures with Santa. The event is free. For more information, call 706-596-0111.
Sunday, Dec. 4: Holiday concert: Come out to the RiverCenter to hear a holiday concert from the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band. Concerts will be held at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The concerts are free, but tickets are required and can be picked up on post at Omega Travel and at the RiverCenter box office. For more information, call 706-545-5313.
Tuesday, Dec. 6: Fort Benning’s annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremony: This event begins at 6 p.m. and will include holiday music from the Infantry Band. After the lighting, Fort Benning military police will escort Santa to “Santa’s Workshop,” where he will hear holiday wishes. For more information, call 706-545-6674.
