Monticello Christmas is this Friday!

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

This Friday, Dec. 2, downtown Monticello will come alive with holiday cheer, as the city gears up for one of the most anticipated and festive nights of the year! This holiday celebration is being hosted by Experience Monticello, and this year's theme is “Christmas Around the World.” All are invited to come out and enjoy a delightful evening full of small-town hospitality. The fun will include a Christmas Light Parade, a tree-lighting ceremony and visits with Santa. Participants can also enjoy local cuisine, entertainment and extended hours on local shopping destinations. There will be a designated children's area, live music and unique gifts offered by local vendors, who will be set up around town. For more information, call Michele Arceneaux at (850) 755-7277 or email her at MonticelloChristmas@ gmail.com. Grab your fill of holiday magic, and maybe even get a leg up on your holiday shopping list. Here's what you can expect and when:

5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.:
The Christmas Market on E. Dogwood Street
Entertainment Dogwood Street Stage
Kids Village

6 p.m.:
Light Parade

6:30 p.m.:
Santa arrives!

6:45 p.m.:
Tree and Street Lighting

While you're in downtown Monticello having a great time, don't forget to stop on by the First United Methodist Church, located at 325 W. Walnut St., for their Mini Bethlehem in Monticello. This yearly tradition offers a nativity vignette with live animals in conjunction with Christmas Around the World. For more information, call (850) 997-5545.
Jefferson Arts Gallery, located at 575 W. Washington St. will also have extended hours, and will be open during Monticello's Christmas Around the World celebration.
We would like to also remind everyone that registration is still open for the 2022 Jingle Run! This festive and family-friendly event is being hosted by yours truly; that's right, Monticello News will be hosting our very first Jingle Run, and you're invited! This holiday event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 a.m., and will be hosted at the UF/IFAS Extension Office, located at 2729 W. Washington St. in Monticello!
Runners may register for the 5K run or the 1-mile fun run. The cost is $35 per person. You can sign up by visiting us on the web at ecbpublishing.com. and clicking the Jingle Run tab, or by calling us at the office at (850) 997-3568. Each runner will receive a metal upon completion of the race and the overall male and female runners will receive a gift card to a local business!
All participants are encouraged to come wearing their most festive holiday garb! So break out those bells, tie up that tinsel, and fasten those Santa shoes! There will also be an award for best dressed runner!
We do ask that all participants be mindful of their outfits; while we do want them to be festive, we do not want them to become a tripping hazard of any kind for you or the person running beside you. So, whether you dash like Dancer, bolt like Blitzen or run like Rudolph, we will see you there! Register today!