GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Nov. 2, 2023) – Escape the cold at Jingle Mingle, if only briefly, and warm up with a cup of cocoa or cider at the kickoff of the City of Gainesville’s fourth annual Festival of Trees event.
Happening simultaneously with Main Street Gainesville’s Jingle Mingle and the Lighting of the Chicken, the 2023 Festival of Trees grand reveal is slated for 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, on the first floor of the Gainesville Administration Building, located at 300 Henry Ward Way.
A yearly display of themed Christmas trees decorated by City departments, the Festival of Trees allows visitors to vote for their favorite Christmas trees, thereby helping choose the winning department, while enjoying festive backdrops for family photos. The kickoff will offer all this and more, like delicious holiday treats – cups of piping hot chocolate and apple cider, and Christmas cookies, of course.
City staff will be located in The Station, positioned at the end of the hallway/row of Christmas trees. After casting their votes and taking advantage of the photo backdrop, visitors can take a seat, enjoy their treats and warm up before returning to the Jingle Mingle festivities on the historic and Roosevelt squares in downtown Gainesville – just don’t miss the Lighting of the Chicken outside Main Street Market at 6:45 p.m.!
Though voting is limited to Nov. 18, those unable to attend may observe and photograph the trees at the admin building during regular operating hours – 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. In observance of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, City administrative offices will be closed Nov. 23-24, Dec. 22 and Dec. 25. Departments will start to dismantle trees after Christmas.
Please note parking outside the admin building is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Find free and covered parking at any one of the following downtown parking decks, all located within walking distance to the holiday fun: Main Street Parking Deck, 301 Main St.; Gainesville North Parking Deck, 100 Brenau Ave.; and Hall County Parking Facility, 225 Green St.
Find additional information about Jingle Mingle here.