Christmas Open House at The Peddler
Holiday Shopping
If Black Friday and Small Business Saturday weren’t enough for you, check out local arts and crafts markets for plenty of holiday shopping. The Sixth Annual Winter Art Market in Rome, goes from Dec. 2 – 3 and features over 60 different vendors where you can shop Georgia Made Georgia Grown items, from hand-crafted necklaces to homemade jams, you’ll find unique gifts for everyone on your list! The second market in Cave Spring, is Small Town Christmas in the Country and goes from Dec. 2 – 3 and will also give children a chance to see Santa in the famous Cave Spring Cave! Even Lindale is getting in on the fun this year complete with a parade and art market, Christmas in Lindale, be sure to stay for the Star Lighting Ceremony! Remember to check out the Cave Spring Christmas Parade on Dec. 9 where Santa will bring holiday cheer for all the residents.
As you wait for Santa to come to Rome, you can follow our Instagram to see a special visitor spreading some mischief before Santa makes his annual trip.
Fine Arts for the Holidays
Let’s say you prefer music and arts. You can really get into the spirit of the season with the Berry College Theatre Company for MAKE MERRY a student-written production from Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, or even enjoy an evening of Lessons and Carols on Dec. 2, drawing upon the traditions of the Lessons and Carols Services in England, the Berry College Choirs will perform in the beautiful Berry College Chapel. The joyous occasion will feature traditional scripture readings paired with renaissance motets, new compositions and familiar carols. As soon as December comes you can dive in and join Scott Thompson for Christmas Back Home, where he is joined by Brent McDonald on Dec. 2 leading an eight-piece all-star band of musicians through a new take on timeless holiday masterpieces and new Christmas songs sure to become your new favorites. For family-fun, see Rome Little Theatre‘s Peter Pan Jr. from Dec. 1 – 10. You could even catch the Rome Symphony Orchestra Magic of Christmas performance on Dec. 9 where guests can experience the wonder and charm of the holiday season through music and song. For more live music, you can join the NWGA Winds for the annual Rome for the Holidays and the Clocktower Jazz Ensemble for A Clocktower Christmas on Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 respectively. Finally, Historical DeSoto Theatre Foundation is hosting it’s annual Polar Express Pajama Party at the DeSoto Theatre on Dec. 3.
Holiday Fun with the Community
Santa waving during the Christmas Parade
For some more community oriented events, you can participate in the River City Bank Half Marathon on Dec. 2 and get a good run in before indulging in the holiday spirits. That way you can enjoy those Christmas cookies guilt-free! On Dec. 3, the Cave Spring Historical Society will host Community Christmas Singing, and the Vintage City Carolers will travel down Broad Street in vintage, Victorian attire and spreading holiday cheer through carolers, all are welcome to join! The Oak Hill & Martha Berry Museum will be hosting Victorian Christmas Tours on Dec. 16. Tour the childhood home of Berry College’s founder, Martha Berry, decked for the holidays and learn about how Christmas was celebrated during Victorian times.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College horticulture students will be selling poinsettias through Dec. 6 from the greenhouse building L on the Floyd County campus. Local animal nonprofit, PAWS, will also be waiving adoptions fees through Dec. 15, with the donation of new, unwrapped children’s toys.
For some arts and crafts, you can take the kids to the Rome E.C.O. Center for Christmas Craft Day on Dec. 19. Learn to make animal friendly ornaments to hang outside and even see Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Admission is free! Another sweet option is the Gingerbread House Decorating Classes at Honeymoon Bakery, where their talented bakers will work with you to create amazing gingerbread houses. Ticket are limited, so call and reserve your seat for Dec. 9, 16 and 21!
For more info on all of these events, please visit romegeorgia.org/calendar for times, locations and more.
Is there a Christmas market at the Rome civic center on Saturday, December 10?
The Winter Art Market is Dec. 3 & 4 at the Civic Center from 10am – 6pm Saturday and 11am – 5pm Sunday.
Are there any restaurants (aside from fast food) open on Thanksgiving day? Thanks!
Hi Scott, the easiest way to find out availability is to call ahead and ask, The only one I know of is HArvest Moon and they are catering only. A few others are offering full deals ahead of time. See our list of Thanksgiving deals from some of our restaurants: https://romegeorgia.org/2017/11/rome-eats-find-thanksgiving-deals-treats/