Milton offers double holiday fun.

Courtesy Neighbor Newspapers

Two festive holiday events, Christmas in Crabapple and the lighting of the town Christmas tree, are scheduled for Dec. 4 in Milton.

Staring the fun is the third annual Christmas in Crabapple festival, held in historic downtown Crabapple from 2 to 5 p.m.

This year’s festival features 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 sale.

All businesses in Crabapple will be open for holiday shopping.

Vocal performances throughout the day will include Goddard School of Crabapple Children’s Chorus at 2:45 p.m., Northwestern Middle School Choir at 3:30 p.m. and Milton High School Chorale at 4:15 p.m.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves to contribute to the Crabapple Community Association’s clothing drive for Roswell-based the Drake House. This drive will continue through Dec. 17 at multiple locations throughout the city.

From 7 to 9 p.m., the tree lighting ceremony and other holiday activities are set for the corner of Ga. Hwy 9 and Webb Road.

The 30-minute lighting ceremony will include performances by the Hopewell Middle School and Bright Horizons at Deerfield choirs and local songstress Kaylin McClure singing “O Holy Night.”

After the tree is lit, a very special visitor will arrive by horse-drawn carriage, flanked by Milton’s police and fire departments to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

Following the ceremony, there will be refreshments, crafts, photos with Santa Claus and holiday music. Two United States Marines will be on hand to take monetary and new, unwrapped toy donations for Toys for Tots program.

For more information, go to www.cityofmiltonga.us or call (678) 242-2500.