Douglas Athas, Mayor-Elect

The City has planned a greatly expanded Christmas on the Square celebration this year.

It will be somewhat nostalgic as much of the Downtown lit this year will have changed by this time next year. Construction on the new Trammell Crow mixed-use facility across from the Performing Arts Center will start in a couple months, the square will begin the process of a redesign, and the community college campus construction will be nearly finished by next Christmas.

I for one will be trying to capture the memory of our last Christmas in old Downtown and I very much look forward to the wonder of a Parade of Lights in the new Downtown next year.

This year's Christmas on the Square is going to be very special in very many ways. See you there!

Santa Claus is Coming to Garland!

Garland, Texas — Downtown Garland is donning its holiday glitter as the City’s annual Christmas on the Square celebration approaches. Christmas on the Square 2007 is set for Thursday, November 29, 2007, from 5:30-9:30 p.m., and will feature the City’s annual Parade of Lights, musical entertainment, holiday crafts and even snow!

 

“The holidays in Garland just wouldn’t be the same without Christmas on the Square,” said Mayor Ron Jones. “This year will be no exception, and I look forward to seeing everyone down on the square to enjoy this wonderful event.”

 

The Parade of Lights will feature lighted floats and walking units representing scout groups, antique car clubs, dance groups, area businesses, civic organizations, school organizations, and more. Santa Claus will have his own special float, greeting children along the parade route. The parade will begin at Tenth and Main Streets and travel east to Fifth Street. It will continue north on Fifth to State Street and turn east on State to Museum Plaza Drive. It will proceed north on Museum Plaza Drive to Austin Street. The parade will then travel west on Austin to Glenbrook Drive where it will end. [Map of parade route]

 

At the conclusion of the parade, Santa will invite everyone to help light up the square. This year’s tree lighting ceremony will pay a special tribute to our nation’s servicemen past and present. Witness the magic as thousands of twinkling lights come to life on command. You won’t want to miss this spectacular event complete with confetti, snow and fireworks!

 

Then Santa will settle in at his Downtown Garland workshop for Christmas wishes and free photo buttons.

 

A new feature this year will be a snow covered tubing hill … yes, that’s a real snow hill in Downtown Garland! Children of all ages can slide down a 12 foot hill and glide across 100 feet of fresh snow. This new feature will be located in the north parking lot of City Hall.

 

Christmas on the Square also features Garland Power & Light’s “Avenue of Lights” that can be enjoyed aboard horse-drawn carriages. “Each year, the area around City Hall becomes more beautiful due to the trees growing taller and fuller,” said Bonny Patrick, coordinator of the event. “GP&L, Facilities and the Parks and Recreation department do a spectacular job in decorating this area. Along with the Christmas music and sleigh rides, it’s just a wonderful experience. And, it’s free!”

 

Garland Independent School District bands and choirs contribute most of the music for the event each year. Elementary choirs, high school jazz bands and marching bands can be heard performing their wonderful renditions throughout the event.

 

And what would a holiday festival be without delicious treats? Patrons can enjoy such goodies as hand-dipped corn dogs, popcorn, caramel apples and hot chocolate as they stroll through the Christmas Bazaar surrounding the downtown square filled with invitation-only artisans.

 

Parking will be available at the DART parking lot at Fifth and Walnut. Christmas on the Square is co-sponsored by the City of Garland, Garland Power & Light, Baylor Medical Center at Garland and Ahern Rentals.

 

In case of ice or heavy rains, a “bad weather” date has been scheduled for December 6.

 

For more information about Christmas on the Square, go to www.christmasonthesquare.com or call 972-205-2749.

 

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