Roughly a year ago, Liberty County played host to a tourism resource team, which is a part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. After traipsing through areas long forgotten, members developed a report that assists in the investment and development of new tourism products and adds depth to current products.

One suggestion that came from the report was to consolidate. Rather than having so many events throughout the year, it was suggested we take one thing that is done well and turn it into something great. Due to this, Liberty County is celebrating its first “Week of Christmas.”

Historic sites and local organizations were encouraged to host their Christmas events during the first week of December, and that they did. This year, there are 11 events during the first eight days of December.

• On Saturday, Dec. 1, individuals can attend a variety of events. Enjoy a Christmas Bazaar and Fish Fry at the Dorchester Civic Center from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Head down Islands Highway for the Holiday Festival of Lights and Music at Dunham Farms, which begins at 2 p.m.

The Liberty County Pre-K center is hosting Winterfest from noon-3 p.m. Attendees can enjoy games, food and a gift-basket silent auction.

After such a busy day, attend the second annual Lighting of the Tree at the city of Walthourville for an evening of relaxed fun from 6-8 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 3 features Christmas in the Park from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Hinesville. This free event is geared toward children, giving them the opportunity to create, make and take crafts, decorate cookies and much more. There also is the chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, plus real reindeer.

• On Tuesday, Dec. 4, revisit everyone’s favorite sugary event — the holiday edition of Cupcake Wars. Visit Stafford Park Pavilion from 5:30-7 p.m. to help choose which of the 21 teams wins. You get to sample as many cupcakes as you’d like for free.

• A highlight of the week is the 16th annual Illuminated Christmas Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec.7. The parade route includes Welborn Street, West Gen. Screven Way, West Hendry Street and Main Street.

• Saturday, Dec. 8, will finish out the week with a bang. The Midway Museum will host the 53rd annual Christmas Tea, which includes a full tour of the museum and English-style tea and homemade desserts.

A Christmas Tour of Homes and High Tea will take individuals throughout Liberty County for spectacular holiday views.

Fort Morris Historic Site is hosting A Colonial Christmas from 5-8 p.m. with free admission. Visitors can enjoy dancing, caroling, firing of the Christmas guns and more.

Dunham Farms will host a final event, Illumination Night, which includes traditions and a feast, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

However, this is not all of the community events for December. There are so many things to do in this community in December that all you have to do is point at a day and there is something!

More information can be found at www.facebook.com/LibertyCVB or at www.libertycounty.org.

If you have any questions about the above events, please email me at tourism@libertycounty.org or call 368-3580.