Gainesville’s most iconic thoroughfare will close down Sunday, making way for the annual holiday parade and community celebration, Christmas on Green Street.

“It is a wonderful tradition we have started here in Gainesville,” said Martha Hodge, member of the Historical Society of Hall County and co-chairman of the event. “It is a great way for the community to stroll up and down Green Street, which is usually full of traffic, and see these beautiful historical homes, which is something precious we have here in Gainesville.”

Santa Claus will lead the procession beginning at 4:45 p.m. perched atop a firetruck. Antique cars and floats will follow. Face painters, balloon artists, jugglers, magicians, a miniature train ride for children and carriage rides will be present at the free event. The Georgia State Patrol also will accept donations for the Toys for Tots Foundation.

Church groups and school organizations will play music from the porches of surrounding homes, most of which will be open to the public and offering entertainment and complementary beverages.

Green Street is in a designated historic district and as such, each home has an interesting and well-preserved past. Members of the Gainesville Newcomers Club will be at each location, dressed in Victorian-style costumes and guide visitors through each history.

All but two of the homes are occupied by businesses. Most businesses are event sponsors and actively participating. The Norton Agency will host Mr. and Mrs. Claus, The Fudgery will give away free fudge to visitors, local artist Rosemary Dodd will sell some of her 1,400 collectible angels benefitting Grace Episcopal Church and First Baptist Church will host a live nativity conducted by Corinth Baptist Church.

The Quinlan Visual Arts Center will host a Children’s Art Party for kids 5 to 14 years old at 5:30 p.m. Gardens on Green will roast marshmallows and have live music.

For more information, call 770-503-1319 or visit hallcountyhistoricalsociety.org.