Celebrate the start of the holiday season with us!

Back in a new time slot, Hometown Holidays is Spring Hill's annual Christmas festival, held the first Friday in December. For many years, this fun, free event has treated families to pictures with Santa, holiday-themed crafts, treats, activities, and entertainment hosted by local organizations. 

The evening begins with caroling and the lighting of the Mayor's Christmas Tree. Once the tree is lit, Santa and Mrs. Claus are delivered to the event by Johnson County Fire District No. 2 and spend their evening taking free photos with children. Families then can enjoy sipping hot chocolate, nibbling on Christmas cookies and listening to the sounds of carolers provided by the City of Spring Hill and local businesses and organizations. 

Hometown Holidays 2017 is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 in Spring Hill's historic downtown on Main Street. Planned activities include pictures with Santa sponsored by the Spring Hill Recreation Commission, free hot chocolate and cookies, Christmas carolers and giveaways. 

Schedule of events

6 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. — Madison Avenue Performing Arts will begin caroling at the Mayor's Christmas Tree near the Spring Hill Police Department. 

6:10 p.m. — Mayor Steven Ellis will give opening remarks before the tree lighting. 

6:15 p.m. — Watch as Citizen of the Year Cindy Squire lights the Mayor's Christmas Tree, signaling the start of the season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also arrive, courtesy of Johnson County Fire District No. 2. 

6:20 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Travel up to 112 S. Main St. for photographs with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate and cookies and a donation booth for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund. 

Shuttle service

Parking downtown will be extremely limited. Please plan to use our shuttle, courtesy of Apple Bus. 

Residents are strongly encouraged to park at the Spring Hill Middle School North parking lot, 301 E. South St. Shuttle route will run 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from the middle school to the corner of Hale and Main streets.

Road closures

• Main Street from Hale Street to Nichols Street will be closed 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to all traffic. 

• Nichols Street from Railroad Avenue to Main Street will be closed 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to all traffic.