There is so much happening in Andalusia this week as Christmas in Candyland 2021 opens!

TREE LIGHTING AND PARADE
On Thursday, Dec. 2, we’ll flip the lights on the huge Christmas Tree on the Square at 6 p.m. The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas Parade. The parade rolls down East Three Notch at 7 p.m. led by our Andalusia 10U Baseball All-Stars, who just happened to win the Dixie Youth World Series this past summer.

RIBBON CUTTING
On Friday morning at 10 a.m., we will cut the ribbon on the Square to officially open Candyland. We’d love to have area children join us. Bundle up, because there is 100% chance of snow, and we need cute kids in the photographs.

CANDYLAND OPENS
Candyland will open to the public at 5 p.m. on Friday. The monthlong schedule is available at christmasincandyland.com, but here’s what’s happening this weekend.

Friday
Open on the Square from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Open at Springdale from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Carriage rides from 5 until 7 p.m. , originating in front of the Prestwood Building on the Square.

Saturday
Open on the Square from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Open at Springdale from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Carriage rides from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., originating in front of the Prestwood Building on the Square.
Santa will visit from 2 until 4 p.m.
Elsa will visit from 5 until 7 p.m.

Sunday
Open on the Square from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Open at Springdale from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Carriage rides from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., originating in front of the Prestwood Building on the Square.
Santa will visit from 2 until 4 p.m.
Elsa will visit from 2 until 4 p.m.

SANTA’S MARKET
This new market will open Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4, from 1 until 8 p.m. on Pear Street, just off of the Court Square. The market will feature handmade crafts and vendors. Similar markets will be held on Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18.

EVENING IN BETHLEHEM
First Baptist Church of Andalusia will host An Evening In Bethlehem, a drive-through, live nativity, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3, 4 and 5, from 6 until 8 p.m. each evening. The narrated “tour” starts on Tisdale Street. Look for directional signage in the downtown area. Last year, the event, which features actors and live animals, drew 6,000 people.

PILOT CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST
For as long as anyone can remember, the Pilot Club has sold pancake and sausage plates on the first Saturday in December. This year, the event is set from 5:30 a.m. until noon in the Kisanis Community Center. Plates are $7. The Pilot Club also has an arts and crafts event at the breakfast.

CANDYLAND 5K AND HALF MARATHON
If you’re gonna eat pancakes, you’ll need some exercise. Sign up for the Candyland 5K and Half Marathon, which takes you through scenic downtown and raises money for the track teams at area high schools. The race begins at Andalusia City Hall at 7:30 a.m. Online registration is available at chrontrack.com.

And that’s just the first weekend, y’all. We’ve got a whole month of magic planned, so don’t miss the fun!