Scheduling for next week’s Christmas in the Park is finishing up as the planning committee from the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority finalizes the participant and activity lineup.
Live reindeer will lead the way as “one of the bigger features,” Vicki Davis, director of the Hinesville downtown Authority, said.
An estimated four reindeer will take a trip down South and be attached to Santa’s sleigh.  
The reindeer will be available for petting and people allowed in the sleigh.
Christmas in the Park will take place from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Bradwell Park and along Main Street.
“This is a new name, but not necessarily a new event,” Davis said.
The county is familiar with the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
And Santa in the Park, which enables children to visit with Santa Claus prior to his making toy deliveries Dec. 25, made its debut last year.  
“This year we combined it so it’s bigger,” Davis said.
Elves from Santa’s workshop are scheduled to set up shop at the vacant lot on Main Street and be available to “meet kids and take them back to Santa,” according to Davis.

Although activities will be targeted for children, Davis said she is “sure parents will want to come out.”
Downtown shops will have extended hours and the public can look forward to hearing holiday melodies from the Bradwell Institute and Snelson-Golden Middle School choruses.
“... they’re really popular around this area,” Davis said.
There will be two entertainment sites with carolers strolling about and free refreshments will be available.
The tree ceremony will be at 7:45 p.m. where local dignitaries, such as the Mayor and a Fort Stewart representative, will have comments. Then at 8 p.m. they will “actually throw the switch,” Davis said.