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COTR Lighting of Christmas Tree Tower

The Christmas on the River holiday festival begins Friday, Dec. 29, at 5:30 p.m. when the switch will be flipped on Christmas Tree Tower by the Black Warrior EMC.

Drive through lights show

The Glitter and Glow light show at The Cedars will be held on Thursdays through Saturday on weekends between Thanksgiving and Dec. 28. The park is also closed Friday, Dec. 13 for a private party. Cost is $20 per car, pickup, or SUV at 21765 Highway 80 W, Demopolis, AL. For more information, log on to www.GlitterandGlowal.com.

Christmas on the River Special Child

Whitfield Regional Medical Center will be hosting the annual introduction of the Special Child and the lighting of the Love Light Tree at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. This is one of the favorite events of the festivalgoers. Oliver Sullivan of Demopolis was recognized as the 2023 Christmas on the River Special Child.

City Council meeting

The Demopolis City Council will have their regular council meeting at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Rooster Hall.

Lighting of the public square

On Thursday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m., the chamber will have the lighting of the public square. St. Nick will be introduced along with the reading of the Christmas story and photo with Santa at the Demopolis Public Library. For more information, log on to https://www.christmasontheriverdemopolis.com/,

Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-Off

On Friday, Dec. 6, the Alabama State Championship BBQ Cook-Off will be held at George Franks Field beginning at 5 p.m. Admission is $5, and residents can bring drinks. Winners will be announced on Saturday at 2 p.m. For more information, log on to https://www.christmasontheriverdemopolis.com/,

Christmas at the Canebrake plus Parlors and Trees Tour

Christmas in the Canebrake will be on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. where visitors can tour Lyon Hall for $5. They are also offering their Parlors & Trees tour which includes a tour of Lyon Hall along with an exclusive tour of four private homes for $20.

Gaineswood Candlelight Tour with Glitter & Glow

The Gaineswood Candlelight Tour will also be going on for just $5 or they can purchase a combined tour of Gaineswood, Glitter & Glow at the Cedars and a tour of the Whitfield farmhouse at the Cedars for $20.

COTR Public Fair

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the public fair at the square begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues all day until 3:30 p.m. King said they will have wide array of vendors that will have all kinds of Christmas gifts, food and other items available for purchase. For more information, log on to https://www.christmasontheriverdemopolis.com/,

Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk

The Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk will begin on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8:30 a.m. at Rooster Hall and continue through downtown Demopolis. For more information, log on to https://www.christmasontheriverdemopolis.com/,

COTR Day Parade

The Christmas on the River Day Parade will begin on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 11:30 a.m. It will travel down Walnut and Strawberry avenues north of Pettus Street. All of the Christmas on the River queens will be riding in the parade. Numerous businesses and organizations will have floats for the parade, and several marching bands including the Demopolis High School band will be performing for the crowds. For more information, log on to https://www.christmasontheriverdemopolis.com/,

Bluff Hall Tours

Tours of Bluff Hall will be available on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1-6 p.m. for $5 for adults and $3 for children 6-18. Under 6 is free.

Gaineswood Guided Tours

Guided tours of Gaineswood will also be available on Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for students.

COTR Nautical Parade

Christmas on the River culminates with the Nautical Parade & Fireworks Show on the Tombigbee River and Lake Demopolis on Saturday, Dec. 7 beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, log on to https://www.christmasontheriverdemopolis.com/,

COTR Gala

The Christmas on the River Gala kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Demopolis Civic Center with a great view of the nautical parade and fireworks show. General admission for the entire night is $75 per person. Ages 20 and under will be allowed to attend the event from 6 to 9 p.m. for $20 per ticket. Those ages 21 and older who want to attend the event from 9 p.m. to midnight can purchase tickets for $45 per ticket. For more information, log on to https://www.christmasontheriverdemopolis.com/,

Demopolis City Schools Board of Education meeting

The Demopolis City Schools Board of Education will hold its December meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 5:15 p.m. at the central office meeting room.

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