OAKLAND — The “Twinkle Lights on a Festive Night” kicks off Oakland’s Christmas activities this year.
From children’s activities to lighting of Oakland’s historic Christmas tree with a Victorian caroling choir, Saturday, Dec. 6, has special moments for everyone.
A special Twilight Children’s Tea Party begins at 4:30 p.m. on Oak Street in downtown Oakland. Santa has agreed to join the fun and children will make Christmas crafts and receive a personalized ornament to put on their own Christmas tree. Dress for outside fun. Inclement weather moves the activities into the Chamber offices at 304 Holly Street, next door to the Oakland Public Library.
At 5:30 p.m., activities shift to the grounds of the Oakland Public Library on Holly Street where the town’s 65-year-old, 50-foot-tall Christmas tree will once again be lit for the holidays. Chamber President Mike Robinson was part of the Cub Scout troop who planted the tree 65-years ago. Actually, they planted it twice because a pony pulled it up after being tied to it! The tree survived and continues its service to the town.
Joining in the tree lighting ceremony this year will be the Staying Alive Singers from DeSoto County, who will bring Christmas music in Victorian costume.
Following the tree lighting, everyone is invited to the Oakland Area Chamber offices for a brief community Christmas service.
The Oakland Christmas parade will be Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3:30 p.m. The parade route will begin with lineup at 3 p.m. at Town Hall and proceed through the downtown area. To enter the Christmas parade, contact Marzet Bland at 662-647-7750 or Vera Walls-Tellis at 662-709-0440.
