CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
The 41 st Annual Christmas
By Hayli Zuccola
A Little Christmas Charm
Every December, downtown Live Oak transforms into an idyllic Christmas village that could outcharm even the most festive Hallmark movie, making the 41st Annual Christmas on the Square theme,“ A Little Christmas Charm,” especially fitting.
The festivities began Thursday, Dec. 4, with the lighting of the Christmas tree, the official kickoff of the threeday event. Organized with support from the city and county, the evening began at 5:30 p. m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the tree lighting. The Jingle Bell Fun Run / Walk, organized by Becky Skipper, followed, with winners receiving gift cards provided by LT Pro Enterprises.
The crowd favorite, the Movie on the Square, closed out the night, but this year featured a twist. A Facebook poll allowed attendees to choose between three holiday classics:“ Frosty the Snowman,”“ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and“ Elf,” with“ Elf” taking the win. While enjoying the movie, guests also enjoyed popcorn provided by First Federal Bank, hot chocolate from Frank and Mandy Allen, coloring pages from HCA and cookies from the RIVEROAK Technical College culinary department.
Friday offered a sneak peek at the arts and crafts vendors, but the evening centered on Snow on the Square and a visit from Santa. Sponsored by Coca-Cola Florida, Santa made his grand entrance aboard a City of Live Oak fire truck, escorted by the Live Oak Police Department and the Suwannee County Sheriff’ s Office. Children who visited Santa received gifts and snacks before exploring the snow-covered wonderland of Snow on the Square, sponsored by Busy Bee. The night concluded with a fireworks display, also sponsored by Busy Bee.
Saturday may have been the final day of the celebration, but it’ s certainly the biggest, running from 8 a. m. to 4 p. m. More than 300 vendors from across the United States filled downtown with arts, crafts, handmade goods and festival favorites. Inside Santa Land, sponsored by Lowe’ s, Lafayette State Bank hosted Santa’ s Workshop, where children wrote letters to Santa and had their faces painted. The Florida Peanut Federation handed out peanut butter cookies and sugar cookies for those with nut allergies, while FFA hosted a petting zoo. Decorated Christmas trees, created by the local schools, were displayed for the community to vote on. The car show drew auto enthusiasts, and although weather forced the parade to be postponed, its rescheduled date the following Friday welcomed 50 to 60 entries and an enthusiastic crowd.
The 42nd Annual Christmas on the Square, themed“ Unwrap the Magic of Christmas,” will be held Dec. 3rd-5th 2026. For more information about the event lineup and vendor opportunities, visit suwanneechamber. com.
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