Snellville's Christmas tree lighting is back on.

After slashing the annual lighting ceremony amid the city's $1.1 million budget shortfall, city leaders have turned to private donations to fund the $2,000-plus event. They met their goal Thursday.

"We counteracted the Grinch," said Councilman Tom Witts, who said he got the fund-raising ball rolling after he was sworn into office Nov. 9.

The 28th annual event will be at 7 p.m. Monday on the lawn of Snellville City Hall. It will feature performances by Britt Elementary School 4th-5th grade chorus, Snellville Middle School 6th grade chorus, and South Gwinnett High School choir and marching band.

"It'll be a nice Christmas in Snellville," said Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer, who will lead the countdown to the tree's lighting just before Santa’s arrival.

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Cooling towers for Units 3 and 4 are seen at Plant Vogtle, operated by Georgia Power Co., in east Georgia's Burke County, May 29, 2024. (Arvin Temkar/AJC/TNS)

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