After Thanksgiving's turkey and football-focused festivities, residents around north Fulton will officially start their holiday celebrations with shopping, decorating and baking. The cities are joining in the holiday fun with tree lightings and celebrations across the area.

Milton will celebrate the fourth annual City of Milton Tree Lighting Nov. 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Ga. Hwy. 9 and Webb Road in the Deerfield Place shopping center.

The tree lighting ceremony will include local school choruses and Off Broadway Expressions.

“It’s basically the same concept we’ve had every year but this year we also have Cambridge High School chorus also performing,” said Milton Special Events Coordinator Angela Thompson. “We have a variety of holiday music that night.” The mayor and city council will join Alpharetta High School student Hayden Moore to count down to the big tree-lighting moment.

After that, Santa will arrive and be available for photos by Blencoe and Co. Photographic Arts.

In Alpharetta, the giant Christmas tree on Milton Ave. will be lit Nov. 30 with a ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. The 45-foot tree will be lit at approximately 6:15 p.m., along with lights around downtown. Mayor David Belle Isle will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free photos from 5 to 8 p.m.

North Point Community Church will be performing, and shops and restaurants in downtown Alpharetta will have holiday activities available. To kick off Johns Creek Founders Week, city council will light the Christmas tree and dreidel at city hall Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Local elementary school choirs will sing at the event and attendees will have a chance to sign personal cards for military personnel designed by local 5th graders.

In Roswell, the city will usher in the holiday season with the Annual Lighting of Historic Town Square Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and local school choruses will sing festive songs for the season. Santa Claus will also be there to take photos with children for a nominal charge.

Santa’s Secret Gift Shop will also open its doors that night at 6 p.m. At the gift shop children ages 12 and younger will be able to pick out gifts for family members and friends with the help of one of Santa’s elves. Proceeds from the gift shop benefit the Roswell Ramblers Club.