Christmas In The Country returns to Livingston Friday Night, complete with a visit from Santa and a Lighting of the city center Christmas tree.
President and CEO Shannon Cantrell said the Livingston tradition has been going strong since the 1990s. Cantrell said the event brings in people from all over the Upper Cumberland and is a great boost for local businesses.
“The overall togetherness that it does bring about for our community is what it’s all about,” Cantrell said. “I mean I think that this time of year it’s like a lot of the negativity that happens, people tend to set aside.”
Cantrell said Christmas In The Country event spans multiple weekends through December 8. Cantrell said every night hosts wagon rides, hot chocolate, and smores for residents as well as an appearance from Santa to greet the children.
“I always look forward to the first night and Santa actually making his entrance, “Cantrell said. “Watching the kids when he comes in is always, always enjoyable.”
Cantrell said each night also features Christmas music on the downtown square and local businesses mostly stay open later.
“This is one of our best-loved events,” Cantrell said. “And being able to work with the others that have been involved with getting this together is always a joy.”
Cantrell said the first night of Christmas In The Country is this Friday, with the following nights scheduled for December 1st and 8th. Cantrell said all nights begin at 5 pm on the Livingston downtown square and will be concluding at 8 pm.