As Christmas approaches, it is time for Georgia’s cities to start decking the halls (and city halls) in their slate of annual holiday kickoff festivities. From Whoville-inspired displays and visits with Santa to Christmas boat parades, here’s what you and your family can expect from a tree lighting ceremony near you.
The City of Lilburn Will Have a Tree Lighting Followed By A Parade
The Lilburn Tree Lighting, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 6 p.m., includes live holiday music, character visits, and a life-sized snow globe photo opportunity. The Lilburn Middle School Chorus and the Lilburn First Baptist Proclamation Handbell Ensemble are both returning this year to entertain the crowd. Additional entertainment at the event will include the Atlanta Trombone Ensemble, the Lilburn Elementary School Chorus, and the Salem Missionary Baptist Youth Choir. Macaroni Kid Snellville will offer a free kids craft inside Lilburn City Hall-Library while supplies last. After the countdown, guests can take pictures in front of the 25+ foot. tree in front of city hall. The Lilburn Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, will feature floats, classic cars, marching bands, and more. The parade begins at 10 a.m.
The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta Goes Big
The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta will kick off the holidays with their biggest event of the year during the annual Tree Lighting Spectacular on Sunday, Nov. 24. The community is invited to get in the spirit and join the festivities, which run from 3 to 7 p.m. in and around the center. Similar to previous years, The Outlet Shoppes will be transformed into a Whoville-inspired winter wonderland, and the weather forecasters are predicting a 100% chance of snow. This can’t-miss extravaganza will feature live entertainment, giveaways, activities for kids and free photo opportunities with Cindy Lou Who, The Grinch, Mrs. Claus, and the man of the moment, including a few of his holiday helpers.
The Big One
No list of Christmas tree lightings would be complete without the lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree at Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta. This year will mark the 72nd annual Great Tree lighting. The celebration includes musical performances, an appearance by Santa and a fantastic fireworks finale set to holiday music. Unlike previous years, the lighting of the Great Tree will not be held on Thanksgiving. Instead, it will be Nov. 24 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Boat Parade in Savannah
Savannah is ready to set sail with its annual lighted boat parade. Over 40 lighted vessels parade both sides of the waterfront. Festivities start Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. featuring The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, Choirs, General Oglethorpe, a tree lighting, bagpipes, Santa Claus and a fireworks extravaganza.
Johns Creek Will Light A Christmas Tree and A Dreidel
The traditional Dreidel and 30-foot Christmas tree lightings help kick off the holiday season at Newtown Park in Johns Creek Thursday, Dec. 5. The event will feature Santa, his reindeer, and other activities. Festivities start at 6 p.m. with Christmas and holiday songs by local elementary school choruses, followed by the lighting of the tree and Dreidel on the Park Place event lawn at Newtown Park.
Valdosta is Hosting A Parade and Tree Lighting
Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Valdosta First Lady Peggy Gayle will officially kick off the holiday season at the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting, on Friday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. Attendees of all ages can enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus, as he assists with the lighting of the fully-decorated 30-foot Christmas tree located on the Lee Street Grass Lot, located at the corner of Lee Street and Central Avenue.
Alpharetta Will Light Two Trees
It’s double your pleasure, double your fun in Alpharetta this holiday season. The Technology City of the South plans to light two trees simultaneously. The magic of the season glistens at Downtown Alpharetta’s annual tree lighting event, Season of Celebration presented by WellStar, Friday, Dec. 6. This year, two trees will be lit simultaneously to usher in the holidays. The traditional spruce tree in Ole Milton Park and a tree of lights on the Town Green will both be lit at 6:30 p.m. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and will fill the downtown area with several attractions: musical performances, Santa, children’s activities, food trucks and more! The event is free to attend for all.
Lantern Parade in East Point
The City of East Point will kick off the holidays with its annual lantern parade Dec. 6. The Points of Light Lantern Parade will begin at 6:45 p.m. and wind through historic downtown East Point leading back to the East Point City Hall Square. Participants only need a lantern to participate in the parade. There will be music and performances after the event which will include the lighting of the city Christmas tree.
Jungle Bells at Zoo Atlanta
Join the third-annual lighting of Zoo Atlanta’s 20-foot holiday tree in the Grand Patio. Participants can enjoy holiday-themed African storytelling with Deb Strahorn; a traditional eastern European holiday experience with Rosa Bulgaria; orchestral performances of holiday favorites; scenes from The Nutcracker from Neighborhood Ballet; caroling with The Graduates; an appearance by the Magical Juggling Elves; children’s crafts; a DJ dance party; and a very special visit from Mrs. Claus. Activities will take place from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Jungle Bells activities are free with general admission; free for Members and children under 3.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.
