Tis the season of making hot chocolate, exchanging presents, and decorating the tree. While Christmas can be enjoyed solely with these classics, there are also many local events students can attend to truly get into the spirit. 

Paranoia Haunted House is hosting a Holiday of Horror event on Dec. 11. During this occasion, students can take pictures with their favorite Christmas characters that have a haunted twist. More information can be found here. 

“I think having a haunted house with a Christmas theme is unique because it brings in both holidays. I love haunted houses in general, but the Christmas theme makes the experience even more great because it adds a twist to the haunted experience,” Emma Tipper, junior, said. 

Holiday Lights of Hope, an event located in Hobgood Park, is one way students can enjoy the Christmas season. With only a $10 admission fee, people can enjoy the spirit by looking at a variety of lights with friends and family. The pathway around the baseball fields is decorated for the holiday season and has concessions that attendees can purchase. 

“It [Holiday Lights of Hope] really gets me in the Christmas spirit, and I love this season,” Cooper Gilreath, sophomore, said. 

Downtown Woodstock is a well-known location where peers can spend time together. The city hosts many Christmas events, such as the holiday parade on Saturday, Dec. 3 that the Etowah High School Band participated in along with other schools and companies. Throughout the month of December, Sparkling Nights of Lights is another way one can locally enjoy the spirit. More information for events can be found here.  

“My favorite part [of Downtown Woodstock] was seeing all the different lights and different creations,” Alanna Lantrip, freshman, said. 

Whether one prefers staying home and watching Hallmark movies or is up to enjoying the holiday season with Christmas light viewings, December can truly be “the most wonderful time of the year.”