An old-fashioned Christmas

Southern Living, Dec 2002 by Thompson, Annette

You're invited to dress up for the holidays in this historic South Georgia town.

For a couple of evenings each December, Thomasville, Georgia, looks back to another time. Just after sundown in this charming village, Broad Street empties of modern vehicles and gives way to handsomely dressed people delicately stepping out onto the historic brick avenue.

Many display the splendid finerysilks and satins, long skirts and waistcoats, top hats and spats, canes and parasols-of bygone days. Others, comfortable in jeans and T-shirts, simply take in the glorious sight. Everyone is here to celebrate the town's annual Victorian Christmas.

Thomasville spruces up its downtown buildings with a warmth and friendliness as genuine as South Georgia's balmy December breezes. Between the 1890s structures, vendor tables along the street teem with treats, while roaming singers ring the air with melodies. Costumed storytellers enchant audiences with holiday tales, and small ensembles softly play favorite Christmas carols.

More than 100 shops and restaurants glow in an inviting welcome. At Kevin's, shoppers crowd the aisles stuffed with outdoors sporting gear. Fine fashions lure ladies into Hicks Clothing. The crammed corners of Josephine's Consignment Shop offer plenty of costume jewelry, stylish clothes, and vintage gloves and hatsall fitting for this festive night.

Revelers stop in at Buon Appetito, a fun kitchen shop, for steaming cups of coffee. Other locals relish the chili dogs served from the window at The Billiard Academy.

The sounds of "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" blend with the merry jingle of horses as they pull carriages full of riders around the historic district. And even though the temperature is mild, passengers cozily pull blankets over their legs.

Choirs from area churches perform on a small stage in front of the city's Welcome Center, a perfect celebration for the holiday season.

ANNETTE THOMPSON

Victorian Christmas: December 12-13. Hours: 6-10 p.m. For more information: Contact Thomasville Main Street at (229) 227-7020, 1-800-704-23 50, or www.downtownthomasville.com.