TIFTON — As the holiday season approaches, the Market at Rutland Farms is making sure to stock well up on Christmas spirit.

The staff of Tifton’s local farm and farmer’s market have been working on a full schedule of holiday events to put on for their local community throughout the winter, including both the events, activities, and classes familiar to local residents and a few new surprises to make the season bright.

Paige Fox, Rutland Farms manager, confirmed their iconic Elf Run will be returning, inviting the residents of Tifton to walk, jog, run, and race in either a 5K marathon through the farm or a one-mile Fun Run Dec. 9.

Participants are encouraged to dress up in festive costumes and compete for the best Christmas clothes, and the event will raise funds for local nonprofits, organizations, or families in need.

The Christmas tree farm is set to open Nov. 18 to give Tifton residents the opportunity to accentuate their holiday celebration with a locally grown tannenbaum.

It will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Fox confirmed that wreath workshops were planned to make a return as well, inviting local residents to craft their own personalized holiday wreaths using boughs and bundles from various fir and winter trees.

And of course, no holiday celebration could be complete without a visit from jolly old Saint Nicholas, who will be available for photos Nov. 19 and 26. Timeslots will need to be scheduled ahead of time.

Fox also reported that Rutland Farms is planning on hosting their own holiday festival. While most of these plans are still in development, plans are to implement attractions such as a petting zoo and wagon rides into this event, as well as plenty of Christmas lights and decorations to make the farm a true winter wonderland for residents of Tifton to enjoy.

“I hope we can spread the word of Jesus Christ, bring families together, and just spread some joy,” Fox said.