Light Up Brookhaven on Dec. 4 heralds arrival of the holiday season

​Popular annual event delivers holiday cheer to kids

Brookhaven, GA, Nov. 8, 2019 --- A gift wrapped evening of Christmas magic, all merry and bright, will launch the holiday season in Brookhaven at this year’s Light Up Brookhaven planned for Dec. 4 in Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road from 6:30-9 p.m.

The fun-filled event will be packed with holiday-themed activities including food, music, crafts, holiday movies and giveaways leading up to the dramatic arrival of Santa, once again via the Children’s Heathcare of Atlanta helicopter, followed by the lighting of the City’s dazzling 40’ Christmas tree.  Rabbi Brian Glusman and members of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will also be returning this year to light the City’s Hanukah Menorah.

Snow isn’t in the forecast, but don’t worry. Utilizing movie magic, man-made snow is planned to create the perfect holiday mood. To add even more fast-paced fun, this year a snow mountain for kids to glide down has been added. Flashing holiday necklaces will be given away on a first come, first served basis along with candy canes and other treats. Speaking of candy canes, new this year will be a flashlight candy cane hunt, so don’t forget to bring a flashlight to find the hidden treats.

Do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? When not crafting penguin, snowman and other holiday ornaments, don’t forget to pose with two of Santa’s live reindeer, returning with their big red sleigh. Remind mom and dad to bring their cameras to get that perfect holiday greeting card photo.

Giving the gift of holiday entertainment, local music groups will come a-caroling for everyone’s entertainment. Setting the holiday tone will be performances by choirs from Woodward Elementary, Weber School, Misión de Cristo Rey, and the Marist Singers along with the Salvation Army Band.

These activities are bound to work up an appetite. Food trucks scheduled to appear, offering holiday goodies at a nominal cost, include Gyro Chef, Lil Bites, Yumbii, and Petite Rendevous Creperie.  To take the chill off a cool December evening, the Girl Scouts will be offering hot chocolate, also for a small charge, as a holiday fundraising project.

Light Up Brookhaven guests are encouraged to bring a toy for the annual Toys for Tots campaign, a holiday staple. Representatives will be there collecting unwrapped toys to help those less fortunate celebrate the season.

At the height of the evening, young patients from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will be on hand to help Mayor John Ernst flip the switch lighting the towering City holiday tree. “We are very excited about this year’s Light Up Brookhaven,” said Ernst. “Thanks to our team of ‘Santa’s helpers’ from Parks and Recreation, I think residents will find this year’s event even bigger and better than ever. All of their hard work makes the effort worthwhile when we all see the joy in the faces of the youngsters. I look forward to seeing everyone there!”

Sponsors for this year’s Light Up Brookhaven are Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Gunnison Tree Specialists.

Mark your calendars and plan to ho, ho, hurry to Blackburn Park Dec. 4 for holiday memories to warm the coldest of winter days.