Annual Christmas in Forest City begins November 24

The Town of Forest City never shines brighter than it does during the Christmas season.

The Town's annual hometown holidays will kick-off again on Thanksgiving night at 6 during the lighting of the Christmas lights. This year the lights will be turned on by Mayor Steve Holland and Amy Warlick, who is battling breast cancer.

Following the lighting, the 2016 Facebook Community Grants will be presented and the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce raffle drawing held. Open house at Santa house with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will follow.

Christmas lights have been a staple on Main Street for almost 80 years, said Amy Bridges, downtown community development manager.

"Our archives go back to December 1928, and there is a news article that talks about the lights being strung then," she said.

This year marks the 25th for carriage rides, Bridges said. Carriage and hayrides continue to be popular for attendees, and there is usually at least one marriage proposal during the season.

"We have a lot of people who come from Tennessee to visit," she said. "We've found that more local people come out on Friday and those from out of town on Saturday."

One group from Tennessee always comes on the first weekend, she said, bringing a large group.

"It's tradition for many people to come and see the lights," she said. "We know it is a tradition that will continue for generations to come."

Christmas festivities will be held each weekend beginning Dec. 2. Events are as follow:

Friday nights

- Santa's House from 6 to 8:30pm.

- Hayrides from 6 to 9pm.

- Ice skating from 6pm until

Saturday nights

- Santa's House from 5 to 8:30pm.

- Carriage rides from 6 to 8:30pm.

- Ice skating from 5pm until

Sundays - Santa Paws Pet Pictures from 2 to 6pm.

Christmas in Forest City wraps up on December 18. For more information, visit townofforestcity.com.