Families packed the Union County Community Center on Saturday morning for Holly Jolly Christmas & Breakfast with Santa, a festive annual event presented by the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce and United Community Bank.
As a showing of gratitude to the public, the celebration was once again entirely free and offered children and parents a cheerful start to the holiday season.
Continue reading with a subscription.
North Georgia News — serving Union County since 1909.
Cancel anytime.
The Community Center was transformed into a winter wonderland, with nearly a hundred decorated Christmas trees – both big and small – lining hallways, staircases and lobbies on both floors. Local businesses and organizations put their creativity on full display, and visitors were invited to vote for their favorite tree as they made their way through the Tour of Trees.
One of the busiest spots of the morning was Santa’s Workshop, where young artists gathered around tables covered in crayons, glue, and glitter to color holiday pages and make their own ornaments.
Close by, families settled near the fireplace for story time, where Les Kozma – local musician – read classic Christmas favorites like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
The lobby echoed with music from the Brasstown Ringers, whose familiar holiday tunes set a joyful tone for guests arriving through the front doors. The Unity Church of the Mountains Choir performed the second half of the morning to keep the musical merriment going.
Outside, the “Mayor’s Train” – a tractor driven by Blairsville Mayor Buddy Moore pulling a set of colorful barrel cars – made loops around the parking lot, offering kids a festive ride and plenty of giggles.
Upstairs, the U.S. Postal Service set up a “Letters to Santa” station, complete with a special North Pole mailbox. Postmaster Dylan Williams and lead clerk Michelle Allen helped children write and send their holiday wishes directly to Santa himself, who always writes back.
The fun continued with “Reindeer Games,” a lively area hosted by the United Community Bank Junior Board. Kids played a variety of interactive games as they awaited their turn to visit Santa. Meanwhile, the Grinch roamed around the building, delighting children by popping in and out of rooms with his mischievous brand of Christmas spirit.
Finally, the large conference room overlooking the golf course hosted Breakfast with Santa. The space was decorated floor to ceiling in holiday cheer, and United Community volunteers served warm biscuits, donuts, fruit salad, hot chocolate, and coffee.
Families filled the tables while Santa, seated beside the fireplace, listened carefully to each child’s Christmas wish list.
With music, crafts, games, good food, and endless holiday spirit, Holly Jolly Christmas once again gave families a chance to celebrate together in the heart of the Blairsville community.
