Find your holiday happiness in Alpharetta with our comprehensive event guide. Whether you're a native or a newcomer, our guide is your key to Alpharetta's holiday magic.
This season, join the community for the Georgia Festival of Trees, where beautifully decorated trees are on display, showcasing the creativity and spirit of the region. Experience the charm of The Lighting of Avalon, where stunning light displays create a festive atmosphere that envelops visitors in holiday cheer. And the Holiday Tree Lighting at Atlanta History Center is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a breathtaking tree illuminating the historic grounds. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Alpharetta
- Georgia Festival of Trees (Atlanta)
- The Lighting of Avalon
- Holiday Tree Lighting at Atlanta History Center (Atlanta)
- The Nutcracker: Atlanta Ballet (Atlanta)
- A Christmas Carol (Atlanta)
- Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting at Downtown Loganville (Loganville)
- Tree Lighting at The Plaza at Battery Atlanta (Atlanta)
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Snellville Towne Green (Snellville)
- Santa on the Square at Downtown Newnan (Newnan)
- Jingle Mingle at Historic Downtown Gainesville Square (Gainesville)
See these and even more events listed below!
Alpharetta Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Tree Lighting at Atlanta History Center
What to Expect:
Children's train ride and magical snowfall.
Description:
Join Atlanta History Center for its third annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Veterans Park. The event features a 50-foot Christmas tree, musical performances, a cash bar, and pictures with Santa. AHC members enjoy early access and exclusive activities like photos with the Pink Pigs and a children's train ride.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting at Atlanta History Center
Christmas Tree Lighting at Snellville Towne Green
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with lighted parade and festive activities.
Description:
Join Snellville for a festive evening at the Towne Green, featuring a lighted Christmas parade, tree lighting, and family activities like cookie decorating and s'mores.
Where: Snellville | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting at Snellville Towne Green
Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa on the Square
What to Expect:
Ugly Sweater Walking Parade with Santa's arrival.
Description:
The City of Marietta's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting features local choir performances, Santa letter writing stations, and an Ugly Holiday Sweater Walking Parade. Santa arrives at 5:15 PM, and the tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6:00 PM.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa on the Square
Alpharetta Holiday Markets and Shopping
Alpharetta Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts and local vendors.
Description:
The Alpharetta Christmas Market offers a variety of handmade crafts, food, decor, jewelry, and more. Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere.
Where: Alpharetta | More Info: Alpharetta Christmas Market
Holiday Spirit at Oakland Cemetery
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with decorated mausoleums and live music.
Description:
Holiday Spirit at Oakland Cemetery features decorated mausoleums, live holiday music, wreath sales, a holiday gift market, and family craft activities.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Holiday Spirit at Oakland Cemetery
Alpharetta Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Lighting of Avalon
What to Expect:
Annual tree lighting with festive music and family activities.
Description:
The Lighting of Avalon is an annual holiday event featuring face painting, balloon art, and live performances. Enjoy festive music and free activities for the whole family, including the annual opening of Avalon on Ice and the magnificent tree lighting. Jolly Old Saint Nick makes an appearance, making it a special occasion for all to enjoy.
Where: Alpharetta | More Info: The Lighting of Avalon
Tree Lighting at The Plaza at Battery Atlanta
What to Expect:
Live music and Santa's arrival to light the Christmas tree.
Description:
The Tree Lighting at The Plaza at Battery Atlanta features live music, guest appearances, and a movie screening following the lighting of the Christmas tree. The event starts with early live music performances and culminates in a festive celebration.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Tree Lighting at The Plaza at Battery Atlanta
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting at Downtown Loganville
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local participation.
Description:
The Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting at Downtown Loganville features over 75 entries from local businesses and civic groups, culminating in a festive celebration with Santa Claus and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Where: Loganville | More Info: Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting at Downtown Loganville
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Timeless redemption story with beautiful live music and all-star cast.
Description:
The Alliance Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol features a stunning adaptation with a magical set design and striking costumes. Described as "high art of the season...a nostalgic feast for the eyes," audiences will be transported to the streets of London for the timeless redemption story of Ebenezer Scrooge, told with beautiful live music and an all-star cast.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: A Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker: Atlanta Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker: Atlanta Ballet is a reimagined, larger-than-life production of the holiday classic, set to the iconic Tchaikovsky score played live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Featuring elaborate sets, costumes, and video projections, this performance transports audiences into a world of falling snowflakes, twirling flowers, and spinning stars.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: The Nutcracker: Atlanta Ballet
An Alpharetta Holiday
What to Expect:
Classical holiday music performance by hometown orchestra.
Description:
Join the Alpharetta Symphony for an evening of holiday music featuring themes from beloved movies, beautiful carols, and classical hits. Enjoy the concert with members of the Alpharetta Symphony Chorus in their debut performance, creating a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a roaring fire and hot chocolate.
Where: Alpharetta | More Info: An Alpharetta Holiday
Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
What to Expect:
Breathtaking acrobatics and re-imagined holiday classics.
Description:
Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas classic, featuring thrilling acrobatics and lovable characters inspired by the classic poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." The show weaves a tale of rediscovering the true spirit of the holidays through captivating performances and a soundtrack of re-imagined holiday classics.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
Disney’s Frozen in Concert
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of Disney's Frozen film score.
Description:
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presents Disney's Frozen in Concert, featuring Christophe Beck's GRAMMY-nominated score performed live to the film. The concert follows Princess Anna and Kristoff as they battle elements to save the kingdom of Arendelle from eternal winter, with iconic voices including Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Idina Menzel, and Josh Gad.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Disney’s Frozen in Concert
Home for the Holidays with the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra
What to Expect:
Classical holiday music performance by hometown orchestra.
Description:
Join the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra for an evening of holiday music, featuring themes from beloved movies, beautiful carols, and classical hits. The event includes the concert debut of the Alpharetta Symphony Chorus, making you feel like you're next to a roaring fire with hot chocolate in hand.
Where: Alpharetta | More Info: Home for the Holidays with the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra
Alpharetta Other Holiday Activities
Georgia Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Dazzling Christmas tree auction and live entertainment.
Description:
The Georgia Festival of Trees is a holiday event featuring a forest of fully-decorated Christmas trees, children's activities, live entertainment, boutique gift shops, sugar cookie decorating, and a Christmas Gingerbread competition. Proceeds benefit organizations fighting human trafficking.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Georgia Festival of Trees
Jingle Mingle at Historic Downtown Gainesville Square
What to Expect:
Lighting of a 25-foot metal chicken sculpture.
Description:
Join us at Historic Downtown Gainesville Square for Jingle Mingle, a fun and family-friendly event featuring a 25-foot metal chicken sculpture lighting up Main Street Market. This quirky event is a great way to start your holiday season in the Poultry Capital of the World.
Where: Gainesville | More Info: Jingle Mingle at Historic Downtown Gainesville Square
Santa on the Square at Downtown Newnan
What to Expect:
Santa's arrival on a firetruck lights the Courthouse Square Christmas tree.
Description:
Santa on the Square at Downtown Newnan features Santa arriving on a firetruck, lighting the Christmas tree, and offering photo opportunities amidst holiday shopping and dining.
Where: Newnan | More Info: Santa on the Square at Downtown Newnan
Avalon on Ice
What to Expect:
Rockefeller-inspired ice skating rink with advance booking required.
Description:
Avalon on Ice features a Rockefeller-inspired ice skating rink open from November 24th to January 20th. Guests must book reservations in advance, with walk-ups also welcome but not guaranteed. The rink operates from 3 PM to 10 PM on weekdays, 10 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays, and 12 PM to 7 PM on Sundays. Holidays extend the hours to 10 AM to 10 PM.
Where: Alpharetta | More Info: Avalon on Ice
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Milton (4 miles)
- Roswell (5 miles)
- Johns Creek (6 miles)
- Peachtree Corners (8 miles)
- Dunwoody (9 miles)
- Duluth (10 miles)
- Sandy Springs (12 miles)
- Chamblee (13 miles)
- Woodstock (13 miles)
- North Atlanta (15 miles)
- Sugar Hill (15 miles)
- Brookhaven (15 miles)
- Canton (16 miles)
- Tucker (16 miles)
- Marietta (17 miles)
- Smyrna (18 miles)
- Kennesaw (19 miles)
- Lawrenceville (19 miles)
- Decatur (21 miles)
- Acworth (22 miles)
- Atlanta (23 miles)
- Candler-McAfee (24 miles)
- Mableton (24 miles)
- Redan (25 miles)
- Stonecrest (27 miles)
- East Point (29 miles)
- Cartersville (30 miles)
- Gainesville (31 miles)
- Douglasville (34 miles)
- Union City (37 miles)
- Stockbridge (37 miles)
- South Fulton (40 miles)
- McDonough (44 miles)