The Christmas holiday season will be ushered in downtown Smithville with the annual Christmas on the Square celebration on Thursday evening, Dec. 7. 

The event will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on and around the public square.

The schedule of events is as follows:

The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. at the 303 building on the north side of the square with holiday music, a live nativity (no animals) and a “Festival of Trees” decorated by local businesses, community groups and the Justin Potter Library.  Cast members of the upcoming theater production “Steel Magnolias” will be mingling and sharing good cheer.

The outdoor activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the official welcome from County Mayor Tim Stribling and presentation of the flag by Boy Scout Troop 347.  The Community Chorus, led by Faye Fuqua and Tecia Puckett Pryor, will perform Christmas classics on the steps of the courthouse immediately following the welcome.

The official courthouse tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:55 p.m. on the west side steps of the courthouse.  All will be invited to join in a verse of "Silent Night."

Following the tree lights, courthouse officials and the Chamber of Commerce will have an Open House. County officials will be providing food and drinks on the main floor (2nd floor) of the courthouse. A free photo booth and holiday music will add to the festivities in the courthouse compliments of the City of Smithville.  

Children are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa and deposit them in the big North Pole mailbox. 

The Justin Potter Library will be getting a very special visit from Santa at 6:30 p.m. so remember to bring your camera. Santa’s Workshop will also have supplies for children to make their own Christmas ornament to take home with them.

And don’t forget about all the great downtown shopping!

Ring in the holiday season and enjoy this special night on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. - Christmas on the Square!