WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — There is nothing quite like Christmas in the Mountains! Somehow, the mountains and those who live there seem to capture true spirit of the season.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the annual Christmas in the Mountains Celebration & Lighted Parade will kick off the holiday season in White County. This popular community event is full of festive fun and fantasy.

The fun begins with a Holiday Market on the Cleveland Courthouse Square, including the Merry Merchants Open Houses starting at 4 p.m., followed by the Christmas Tree lighting at Freedom Park at 5 p.m. and the lighted Christmas Parade at 7 p.m.

Stores all around the town square will put on their best Christmas displays to compete in the Merry Merchants Storefront Decorating Contest. Winners will be announced before the parade.

White County collectible Christmas ornament will be available. Each year’s ornament depicts a different historic site.