Christmas in Crabapple.

Courtesy The Examiner

Mark your calendars for the event that brings bundles of holiday cheer to North Fulton. The City of Milton holds an entire day of festivities in two locations on Dec. 4.

Christmas in Crabapple from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The third annual Christmas in Crabapple festival, held in historic downtown Crabapple, kicks off the red-letter day (click here for directions).

The festival will feature pictures with Santa Claus at Ashley Blencoe Photography, roving carolers from the Milton High School Chorale group, crafts at the Broadwell Cottage, a visit from the Gingerbread Man, carriage rides, hot chocolate, a bonfire, and a baked goods sales.

In addition, all businesses in Crabapple will be open for holiday shopping.

There will also be vocal performances throughout the day by:

Goddard School of Crabapple Children's Chorus at 2:45 p.m.
Northwestern Middle School Choir at 3:30 p.m.
Milton High School Chorale at 4:15 p.m.

As for the gift of giving; make someone else's holiday a little brighter by bringing warm coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for Crabapple Community Association's clothing drive, which benefits Roswell-based The Drake House. The drive will go on through Dec. 17 at multiple locations throughout the city. So, please give what you can.

Then, the perfect ending to a perfect day:

Milton's 2nd Annual Tree Lighting from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the corner of Ga. 9 and Webb Rd (click here for directions).

After the sun goes down, Milton will prepare for the lighting of its town Christmas Tree. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. with performances by the Hopewell Middle School, Bright Horizons at Deerfield choirs, and local songstress Kaylin McClure singing "O Holy Night."

At 7:31, or thereabouts, Milton's Mayor and City Council will count down to the big moment - the tree lighting. Subsequently, while the tune "Here Comes Santa Claus" plays, Good St. Nick will arrive by horse-drawn carriage that will be flanked by Milton's Police and Fire Departments.

There will be refreshments, crafts, photos with Santa, and holiday music for all. It's an evening of fellowship and good cheer. What surroundings could be better for holiday shopping?

And as you shop 'til you drop at Deerfield Place, don't forget to donate an unwrapped toy or two for Toys for Tots. Two United States Marines will be on hand for the donations -- toys or monetary. All the items and funds stay in Metro Atlanta. So, give as much as you can. But, above all, partake in the festivities with an ardent Christmas spirit and those around you will have a brightier and merrier holiday.