The annual First Friday Tree Lighting during Holiday on Hancock will kick off the holiday season at 6 p.m. Dec.5, rain or shine.
All patrons are encouraged to enjoy the event as Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan lights up the tree, donated and decorated by Fowler Flemister and Custom Signs and Designs.
Each year Milledgeville Main Street, in partnership with Visit Milledgeville, also hosts a window decorating contest for downtown businesses. The winner will be announced at the tree lighting. and receive $200 in Milly Money.
Immediately following the tree lighting, visitors can watch the community’s talented youth perform in the street. Performances will include the Oak Hill Middle School cheer team, instrumental and dance groups from GCSU, and music from Jackson Gray of John Milledge Academy.
Santa Claus will be at Exchange Bank, at 250 W. Hancock St., for Cookies with Santa. Just across the parking lot, Visit Milledgeville, at 200 W. Hancock St., will have the cynical, grumpy Grinch at the Visitor’s Center for pictures, cookies, and fun.
Allens Market, located at 101 W. McIntosh St., will host the Milledgeville Holiday Giving Market for patrons to shop for symbolic gifts to support over 10 Milledgeville non-profits.
The Market will also feature kid crafts, hot cocoa, and Thunder Santa pictures.
Then, the 2025 Merry Milly Market will open Saturday Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with outdoor vendors on site in the 100 block of South Wayne Street.
On Sunday, the Exchange Club Christmas Parade will be held downtown at 3 p.m.
Special thanks to Champion Sponsors WMVG, Robins Financial CU, Wright heating, cooling and electrical, Fickling Lake Country, 1800Water Damage, Exchange Bank, The City of Milledgeville Public Works and Fire Departments, the downtown merchants, the Georgia College Department of Theatre and Dance, OHMS Dance Team, Visit Milledgeville, Custom Signs and Designs, and Fowler Flemister for making this First Friday incredible.
For more information about First Friday or how to get involved, contact Milledgeville Main Street by phone at 478-414-4014 or by email at lwooten@milledgvillega.us.
— Contributed