Christmas ON GREEN STREET
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
HiSToRic GREEN STREET
This busy thoroughfare through Gainesville was originally a trail used by Native Americans and later a wagon road to North Georgia, according to historical records with the city of Gainesville.
Homes included in the northern portion of Green Street were constructed between the 1880s and 1930s. The street reflects the prosperity of the agricultural and mining industries in Gainesville at the time.
Group Publisher
Stephanie Woody
Managing Editor
John Chambliss
Photography Various
Contributors
Contributors
Greg Finan, Jr.
Director of Revenue
Margie Rogers
Advertising
Jenna Wellborn
Christmas on Green Street is a publication of The Times 345 Green St. Gainesville, GA 770-532-1234
HiSToRy iN GaiNESvillE
1821: The town formerly known as Mule Camp Springs was chartered as Gainesville
1828: Gold discovered in neighboring Dahlonega
1838: Native Cherokees began their forced move from the area
1851: Fire destroyed much of Gainesville
1861-65: Civil War
1870s: Green Street became the prime residential district following the extension of the railroad to Gainesville
1875: The Gainesville Street Railway Company was formed and a streetcar line was constructed with horse and mule-drawn trolley cars
1902: Gainesville became the first city south of Baltimore to have street lights
1903: A cyclone struck Gainesville leaving 106 people dead
1909: The square and adjoining streets were paved
1936: Another tornado strikes Gainesville, killing about 200
1957: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructs Lake Lanier
Times archives and gainesville.org
FRom mulE camp
To mERRy TowN:
Gainesville’s Green Street dazzles with Christmas cheer and historic charm
G reg Finan Jr.
F
ounded in 1821 as Mule Camp Springs, Gainesville began its jour-
ney as a vital stopping point for Native Americans and wandering traders. Little did they know, this quaint settlement would soon transform into a bustling hub following the discovery of gold in the region in 1828.
The gold rush attracted miners, merchants and professionals, turning Gainesville into a thriving trading center. As the population surged, taverns, stores and offices sprang up around the town square, marking the beginning of an economic boom that would shape the community for decades to come.
The arrival of the first railroad in the 1870s marked another pivotal
Hall County Georgia Historical Photograph Collection
Join us this Advent at Gainesville First United Methodist Church for a “Season of Wonder.” Reflect on the awe of Christ’s arrival and explore the mysteries of God’s love. Discover how the wonder of Christ’s birth can transform our hearts and lives. We look forward to celebrating with you!
moment in Gainesville’s history. The new transportation route not only enhanced trade but also contributed to a prosperous cotton market, further solidifying the town’s status as a commercial center.
As the town expanded, Green Street emerged as the prime residential district. Elevated above the bustling business area, it offered a serene environment with ample greenery, making it an appealing route for stagecoaches and freight headed to the mining regions. Locally, it became known for its pleasant access to Gower’s Spring, a beloved community gathering spot.
Beginning in the 1880s, Green Street became home to an array of fine residences, showcasing the architectural elegance of the time. For over 50 years, it garnered recognition as one of Northeast Georgia’s outstanding neighborhoods. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has since designated Green Street as a historic district, emphasizing its architectural significance.
“Gainesville’s major thoroughfare, Green Street, is a broad, tree-lined street with a predominance of
Victorian and Neo-Classical Revival residences dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries,” the Georgia Department of Natural Resources declared when Green Street was given the designation as a historic district. “Although Gainesville has other areas worthy of preservation, rapid commercial and civic building development has forced this district into its own separated area. Architecturally, Green Street has one of the finest relatively untouched group examples of neo-classical architecture in north Georgia.”
Today, Gainesville continues to celebrate its rich history, with Green Street serving as a testament to its architectural heritage and community spirit. As the town evolves, the preservation of this historic district remains a priority, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the legacy of Mule Camp Springs and the vibrant community it has become.
Christmas shopping in a Gainesville department store in the 1950s.
Christmas decorations around the Gainesville Public Square, taken early to mid 1950s.
Images Hall County Georgia Historical Photograph Collection
Christmas oN GREEN STREET
Sunday, December 8th • 2 PM - 7 PM
Join the City of Gainesville for our annual Christmas on Green Street celebration! This magical event includes a parade of antique cars, holiday floats, marching bands, and community groups starting at the Gainesville Civic Center and continuing all the way down Green Street!
Before the parade, Green Street will be closed while people visit the historic homes and enjoy musical groups performing on front porches, strolling magicians, face painters, balloon artists, storyteller, jugglers, Santa Claus, miniature train rides, and food trucks. The night will end with the Christmas on Green Street Parade and the traditional Lighting of the Rotary Tree at approximately 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Green Street and West Academy Street!
EVENT TIMELINE:
12 p.m.:
Street closures ; Food Trucks open
1:30 p.m.:
Floats/cars begin lining up for parade; Food Trucks open
2-4 p.m.:
Activities and performances at the historic homes on Green Street.
3:30 p.m.:
Walking groups stage at Civic Center; floats/cars get ready; roads clear of pedestrians
4 p.m.:
Christmas Parade begins, immediately followed by Rotary Tree lighting to end the event.
5:30 p.m.:
Rotary Tree lighting (immediately following parade to end the event)
7 p.m.: Roads re-open
PARKING:
To be honest: It’s tricky! While there are a few parking lots and decks nearby with handicap accessible parking, all of them still require walking a block or two to get to the parade route. There are a lot of side street parking options along the
route, and people typically flock in from everywhere!
With an anticipated 20,000 people in attendance and road closures starting at 12pm, we suggest planning ahead, arriving early, wear good shoes and dress warm! Consider whether you need to be near restrooms, if you have a student performing at a specific house before the parade, if you plan to grab a bite downtown after the parade, etc.
Here are a few parking areas to consider: City Park: Glenwood Drive NE
Civic Center’s back and lower lots: 830 Green Street NE (front lots are used for parade staging)
North Parking Deck: 100 Brenau Ave. NE
Hall County Parking Facility: 225 Green St. SE
Main Street Parking Deck: 301 Main St. SW
Note that First Baptist Church and the Civic Center are Staging Zones for the Parade.
Information provided by the city of Gainesville
Road cloSuRE and STaGiNG mapS
Christmas oN GREEN STREET
December 8 • 2 PM - 6 PM
Roads close at noon
Parade starts at 4 PM
FloaTS and aNTiquE caRS:
Float and Antique Car Line up
Walking Groups Only Staging:
Civic Center Parking Lot 730 Green St NE
Parking Options for School Buses / Trailers for walking groups:
1. City Park: 549 Glenwood Dr NE
2. First Baptist Churh: 751 Green St
Parade Line Up Entry Spot
Parade Starting Spot
Parade End Spot
Road Closures: 12 PM
Road Closure: One way
All vehicles in the parade will line up on Thompson Bridge Road between 2 and 4 PM. Judging starts at 3:30 PM!
cHRiSTmaS oN GREEN STREET: A Magical Holiday Tradition in Gainesville, Georgia
Greg Finan Jr.
Nestled in the charming town of Gainesville, Georgia, Green Street transforms each year into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Known for its picturesque historic homes, towering oak trees, and lush greenery, Green Street offers a quintessential backdrop for the annualChristmas on Green Street celebration, a beloved tradition that attracts visitors from across the region.
A Historic Setting
Green Street itself is a key feature of Gainesville’s history, lined with stately homes dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these homes are examples of Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman-style architecture, their intricate designs and grand facades enhanced by twinkling Christmas lights and festive decorations during the holiday season. The event takes place along a stretch of Green Street, which is often referred to as the “Gateway to Gainesville” because it connects the downtown area to some of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
This neighborhood has long been associated with the city’s history, and many of its homes are on the National Register of Historic Places. The combination of old-world charm, festive lighting, and the crisp December air makes Christmas on Green Street a truly magical experience.
The Lights and Decorations
Each year, homeowners along Green Street go above and beyond with their holiday decorations, adorning their historic homes with elaborate lights, wreaths, and seasonal displays. The vibrant colors, creative themes, and cheerful holiday spirit create a festive atmosphere that spreads joy to all who stroll the street.
While the lights and decorations are stunning in their own right, one of the most endearing qualities of Christmas on Green Street is the sense of community that it fosters. Residents take pride in their holiday displays and often collaborate with one another to create a cohesive, visually striking experience. The street itself becomes a living, breathing Christmas card—a place where nostalgia and the joy of the season converge.
Holiday Events and Activities
Christmas on Green Street isn’t just about the lights—there are plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the month
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of December. The city of Gainesville hosts a variety of holiday-themed events, with many taking place on or near Green Street. These include:
• Holiday Home Tours: One of the highlights of the Christmas on Green Street celebration is the annual Holiday Home Tour, which gives visitors a chance to explore the beautifully decorated historic homes along the street. The tours are a popular attraction, allowing people to step inside these magnificent homes, some of which are privately owned, to see firsthand how each homeowner has put their own spin on the holiday spirit.
• Santa Visits: For families, a visit from Santa Claus is one of the main draws of the event. Children can meet Santa, take photos and share their Christmas wish lists in a fun and festive setting. In addition to Santa’s visits, there are also often holiday parades, carolers and other entertainment throughout the area.
• Christmas Markets and Vendors: The surrounding areas often feature local craft fairs, farmers markets, and holiday bazaars where visitors can purchase unique gifts, artisan goods, and delicious seasonal treats. These markets offer an opportunity to support local businesses and bring home one-of-akind items for loved ones.
• Live Music and Performances: During Christmas on Green Street, visitors are treated to a variety of live performances, including local choirs, bands, and dance groups. From classic Christmas carols to contemporary holiday hits, the sound of festive music fills the air, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Community Spirit and Charitable Giving
Christmas on Green Street is more than just a visual spectacle, it also
embodies the true spirit of the holiday season, with a focus on giving and community support. Each year, the event encourages attendees to bring donations for local charities, including food banks, toy drives and clothing collections. Many of the events associated with Christmas on Green Street, such as the holiday parade or home tours, offer opportunities to contribute to these charitable causes.
This sense of community is perhaps best represented by the way that residents and local organizations come together to make the event a success year after year. Volunteers, local businesses and neighbors all play a part in ensuring that Christmas on Green Street is a joyous and meaningful occasion for everyone involved.
A Tradition for All Ages
Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor to Gainesville, Christmas on Green Street offers something for everyone. For families, it’s a chance to make memories while enjoying the magic of the season. For history enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to appreciate the architectural beauty of one of Georgia’s most charming streets. For those who love the holidays, it’s simply a delightful way to embrace the Christmas spirit.
As the holiday season approaches each year, the excitement for Christmas on Green Street builds, and it’s clear that this festive tradition is here to stay. Whether you’re strolling the street to admire the lights, attending a local event, or simply taking in the atmosphere, Christmas on Green Street offers a heartwarming reminder of the joy, beauty and community that the holiday season brings.
o cHRiSTmaS TREE: Gainesville welcomes the holiday season with annual tree lighting ceremony
Greg Finan Jr.
with the holiday season upon us, the spirit of community and tradition shines brightly in Gainesville. This year marks the 91st anniversary of the dedication of the Park at Green, located at E.E. Butler Parkway and Academy Streets, to the beloved Mary John Dunlap Mitchell. A member of the Rotary Club, Mitchell was passionate about local improvement projects, and her legacy continues to flourish through the ongoing efforts of the Rotary Club of Gainesville.
The Rotary Club has lovingly maintained this open space, providing year-round landscape services that include regular pruning of the native holly tree (Ilex opaca), which stands proudly at the park’s center. As the holidays draw near, the tree transforms into a beacon of light, heralding the arrival of Christmas.
Since December 1982, the lighting of the Native Holly Tree has been a cherished tradition in Gainesville. The Rotary Club, in collaboration with the City of Gainesville, ensures that the park is adorned with festive lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all. This year, community members are invited to gather for the annual Christmas
Tree Lighting as part of the beloved Christmas on Green Street celebration.
The festivities will culminate in a spectacular parade, with the Rotary Club leading the way just ahead of Santa on his fire truck. Together, they will count down to the lighting of the tree, marking the grand finale of the event festivities. Families and friends are encouraged to come out and join in the celebration, as this moment symbolizes unity and joy within the community.
This year’s lighting ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 8, and promises to be a magical evening filled with holiday cheer, music and the warmth of togetherness. The Rotary Club of Gainesville invites everyone to embrace the season and celebrate the spirit of giving, in honor of Mary John Dunlap Mitchell’s dedication to making the Gainesville community a better place.
Witness the brilliant lights illuminate the park, ushering in the Christmas season with joy, hope and community spirit.
The Gainesville Times
Explore Gainesville/ The Rotary Club
HiSToRic HouSES
380 Boone-Garner-Norton House
Lazenby Law Group
Legion Mediation
393 Matthews-Marshall-Norton House
The Fudgery
404 Lathem-Barrett-Moore House
403 Turner-Estes House
Gillsville Law
417 Wallace House
424 Hosch House
My Sister’s Place
427 Adams House
Corso Law Center
434 Nalley-Martin House
Norton Agency
446 Smith-Palmour-Estes House
Brightstone Transitions
454 Burns-Moss-Palmour House
517 Daniel-Delong House
Mitchell-Shelby House
529 Robertson-Thurmond House Hasty Pope
539 Pruitt-Wheeler-McBrayer House
Whitmer and Law
605 Riley-Newman-Quinlan House
Strong, Gaddy, Lee
615 Braswell-Rudolph-WardNorton House Green Street Smiles
616 Garner-Hulsey House
625 Charters-Smith House Collision Specialists
634 Adams-Smith-EdmondsonWard House
635 Dunlap-Burroughs House
The Spa on Green Street
700 Dixon-Rudolph House Mellow Mushroom
718 Parker House
Jackson-Walters House
736 Quillian-Brown-Millican House
746 Longstreet-Newton House Wellness Winner
756 Miller-Banks House Smith Hulsey Law
Etiquette for Open Houses in Historic Homes:
These historic homes are mostly occupied by local businesses. They are not museums, and are not normally available for full tours and may very well need to keep certain rooms off limits to visitors for business confidentiality purposes. Should a historic home offer an open house, please be respectful of their available, or not-available, options for viewing the house, as well as restroom options.
Enhance your experience at this event by downloading a copy of the Historic Green Street Walking Tour! This will give you a full look inside all historic homes, even if they are not hosting an open house.
