Holiday happenings throughout Franklin County

Here is a rolling list of holiday happenings taking place in Franklin County this year.

Know of an event that should be added to this list? Email details to news@franklincounty.news.

Santa visits the Hill

Santa is coming to the Hill on Friday, Dec. 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. to the Project Impact site, at 190 14th Street behind the community services building. All community children are invited, not just Project Impact children. Hot dogs and chips provided by Mayor Brenda Ash, and books provided by Bring-Me-A-Book Franklin.

St. George Island lights the palms

The St. George Island Business Association will host the annual St. George Island Lighting of the Palms, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 at the lighthouse. Visit with Santa and enjoy Christmas crafts and games, hot chocolate and cookies, books and gifts, the lighting of the palms at dusk, followed by the golf cart parade.

Apalachicola’s Holiday Fresh Market

On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce presents the Holiday Fresh Market, on Avenue E between Market and Water streets. Shop in a relaxed, hassle-free environment in an outdoor setting. Buy hand-crafted Apalachicola specialties such as baked goods, artwork, wood carving, pottery, and hand-knitted goods.

Carrabelle Country Market

This country market at the Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. features vendors from the community with perfect gifts and goodies. including freshly roasted coffee, baked goods, artisan bread, art and photography, handcrafted balms and soaps, fresh herbs, vegetable seeds, handmade goods, craft items, produce, and exotic starter plants.

Guests can also visit the free museum and browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop for unique nautical gifts. New and returning vendors are welcome; cost to be a vendor is $10. For more information, contact 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com.

Ilse Newell presents A Baroque Christmas

The Ilse Newell Fund for the Performing Arts presents Tallahassee Bach Parley, A Baroque Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 79 Sixth Street, Apalachicola. Admission is $20 per person, with open seating. Start your holiday season with this inspiring concert of Baroque Era Christmas music, done with a fresh sound. Includes classical pieces by Bach and Schmelzer, all played on period instruments. A reception will be held in Benedict Hall next door to the church after the concert. Tickets are available in advance through Eventbrite at www.inconcertapalachicola.org. Or, pay a cash donation at the door.

Eastpoint Christmas Parade and Celebration

The Eastpoint Christmas Parade and Celebration is on Friday, Dec. 9 starting at 4:30 p.m. This spirited parade travels down Highway 98 from Seller’s Plaza to Fisherman’s Choice, followed by a visit with Santa at the firehouse.

Crooked River Lighthouse’s Blues and BBQ

The Crooked River Lighthouse will host a special Blues & BBQ Full Moon Lighthouse event on Friday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Carrabelle. This outdoor event will feature live blues music, a glowing bonfire, and BBQ. Live music will be provided by the musical duo, “Blues Meets Girl,” so bring a chair and enjoy the evening. The museum and gift shop will be open for browsing and shopping. Admission for this special Full Moon event is $15 per adult and $8 per child. Admission must be purchased in advance. For info email carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or call 850-697-2732.

Apalachicola Farmers Market

The Apalachicola Farmers Market is Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mill Pond Pavilion at the end of Market Street. The market offers local seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, and other regional specialties every second and fourth Saturday. For more info email farmersmarket@cityofapalachicola.com

Carrabelle’s Holiday on the Harbor

The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 8 p.m. in downtown Carrabelle,on the harbor along Marine Street.

This free, family-friendly street festival features children’s activities, arts and crafts, food and drink, live entertainment, a lighted boat parade and a fireworks finale. New this year there will be a Children’s Petting Zoo, in addition to the bouncy house, and a huge inflatable slide. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a mini-train ride, enjoy face painting and a book giveaway by Bring Me a Book Franklin.

There will be live music by Cody Barber and by the band, Cheap Sunglasses, a festive dance performance, and a street dance with a DJ. The boat parade starts at around 6:15 p.m. and proceeds around the harbor between the Marine Street Fishing Pavilion and the Tillie Miller Bridge on US 98. The grand finale is a fireworks display courtesy of the city of Carrabelle.

For more information and vendor or boat parade registration forms, please visit www.carrabelle.org or contact Chamber@nettally.com or 850-697-2585.

Bay Area Choral to perform ‘It’s Christmas’

The Bay Area Choral Society will perform “It’s Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Apalachicola. The society will perform 10 pieces including two pieces by John Rutter that Director Dana Langford has chosen – “What Sweeter Music” and “Ensurientes” from Magnificat. The concert concludes with tunes such as The Drifters’ “White Christmas” and Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas.” Dr. Ian Henning will accompany on piano. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance online at Eventbrite.com; or by calling 850-247-2164.