FOLEY – Christmas is coming to Foley as city crews and volunteers begin putting up lights, trees, and festive displays throughout town.
Work is underway in Heritage Park and along major roads to set up the city’s Christmas tree and the many decorations that have made Foley a holiday destination.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the growing number of displays means preparations now start earlier each year.
“It takes a long time to get them up,” Hellmich said. “We also have outside partners, and so we’re already putting those up. Years ago, we used to wait until after Thanksgiving, but some of the businesses asked us to move that up to support them during the Christmas season.”
Foley has become known for its elaborate decorations, especially in the historic downtown area.
“We have really invested in all of these decorations, and Foley has become a kind of destination when it comes to Christmas decorations,” Hellmich said.
In 2023, the website AZ Animals included Foley in its list of “9 Small Towns that Belong in a Hallmark Christmas Movie,” highlighting both the downtown décor and the Christmas Trail display at Graham Creek Nature Preserve.
After Thanksgiving, the holiday season will officially begin with the Foley Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park celebration during the first weekend in December.
The Second-Annual Christmas Night Market will take place at the Foley Farmer’s and Fishermens Market from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11. The event will include vendors offering artisan crafts and baked goods as well as food trucks. The market will also include carolers from Foley High School and a visit from Santa Claus.
“It’s a fun thing to do,” Hellmich said. “We’ll have all our Christmas activities the first weekend in December. It’s a good time for the kids to come out. There will be concerts and all kinds of fun stuff.”