Summerville Main Street is preparing to kick off the Christmas season with the Official Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting and Midnight Madness shopping event on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, November 26.

The annual holiday tradition will bring residents together at the Chattooga County Courthouse for Christmas caroling, the lighting of the courthouse Christmas tree, and an evening of holiday shopping at participating downtown businesses.

Festivities begin at 8 p.m. with a Community Choir featuring local church choirs and residents singing Christmas carols on the courthouse steps. The official lighting of the courthouse Christmas tree is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

Downtown Midnight Madness shopping begins at 9 p.m., with participating merchants opening their doors for late-night holiday shopping.

A complimentary shuttle sponsored by South Summerville Baptist Church will provide transportation to participating downtown stores from 8:45 p.m. until midnight.

Summerville Main Street is also inviting local churches, church choirs, and individuals who enjoy singing Christmas carols to participate in the Community Choir. Participants will receive a song list and copies of the lyrics, while Summerville Main Street will provide microphones and a sound system.

Those participating in the choir should arrive at the Chattooga County Courthouse by 7:45 p.m. to organize before the performance begins.

For additional information or to participate in the Community Choir, contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900, extension 1337, email slocklear@summervillega.org, or visit the Main Street Office at 10034 Commerce Street.

The Thanksgiving night celebration will officially welcome the Christmas season to Downtown Summerville while encouraging shoppers to support local businesses.