Enjoy the festive wonders of Marietta with our detailed event guide. Whether Marietta is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide ensures you enjoy all the festive fun.
Popular events during the holiday season include the enchanting “A Christmas Carol,” which brings Charles Dickens’ classic tale to life with captivating performances. Additionally, “Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil” combines acrobatics and holiday magic for a unique family experience. And the timeless “The Nutcracker: Atlanta Ballet” is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing stunning dance and stunning visuals. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Marietta Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Marietta
- A Christmas Carol (Atlanta)
- The Nutcracker: Atlanta Ballet (Atlanta)
- Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil (Atlanta)
- Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet (Atlanta)
- Disney’s Frozen in Concert (Atlanta)
- Georgia Festival of Trees
- A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage (Atlanta)
- Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa on the Square
- Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Atlanta)
- Tree Lighting on the Square (Decatur)
See these and even more events listed below!
Marietta Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa on the Square
What to Expect:
Ugly Sweater Parade and Santa letter writing stations.
Description:
The City of Marietta's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting features local school and church choirs, an Ugly Holiday Sweater Walking Parade, Santa's arrival, and a tree lighting ceremony. Letter writing stations and decorated trees by local schools and organizations add to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa on the Square
Tree Lighting on the Square
What to Expect:
Santa lights the tree at 7 p.m. sharp.
Description:
Join us for the annual Tree Lighting on the Square in Decatur, GA, featuring holiday carols, hot cocoa, and a festive tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. sharp. Santa himself will flip the switch to illuminate the tree above the east entrance of the Decatur MARTA station.
Where: Decatur | More Info: Tree Lighting on the Square
Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes
What to Expect:
Holiday home tour benefiting local community organizations.
Description:
Explore historic homes in Grant Park, Atlanta, decorated for the holidays with candles and lights. The event benefits St. Paul United Methodist Church, the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool, and the Grant Park Parents Network.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes
World of Illumination
What to Expect:
Immersive audio-visual experience with synchronized lights and music.
Description:
World of Illumination features a drive-through holiday light show with over one million colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays, set to festive music. The event includes a space-themed display where guests can experience a cosmic sleigh ride with Shiny the Star, passing through celestial portals and orbiting around astro elves.
Where: Marietta | More Info: World of Illumination
Marietta Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker: Atlanta Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker is a reimagined, larger-than-life production set to the iconic Tchaikovsky score, featuring elaborate sets, costumes, and video projections. This holiday celebration transports audiences to a world of falling snowflakes, twirling flowers, and spinning stars, guided by the choreography of Yuri Possokhov and the creative team.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: The Nutcracker: Atlanta Ballet
Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
What to Expect:
Breathtaking acrobatics and heartwarming story inspired by the classic poem.
Description:
Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas classic, featuring thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack of holiday classics re-imagined by Cirque du Soleil. The show tells the story of a young girl who rediscovers the true spirit of Christmas through a whimsical journey filled with captivating performances and festive music.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Stunning set design and striking costumes bring Dickens' classic to life.
Description:
A Christmas Carol is a timeless adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, featuring a stunning set design and striking costumes. Audiences are transported to the streets of London to witness Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption story, told with beautiful live music and an all-star cast.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: A Christmas Carol
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
What to Expect:
Original score blending classic and new songs.
Description:
Based on Roald Dahl's famous novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a Broadway and West End musical featuring an original score by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The show follows young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners as they embark on a life-changing journey through Willy Wonka's world of pure imagination, including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels, and the great glass elevator.
Where: Tyrone | More Info: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Knock Knock
What to Expect:
Floor-to-floor holiday celebration with diverse characters.
Description:
Join a floor-to-floor adventure in "Knock, Knock," where residents of The Apartment Building prepare for the holidays and celebrate community, family, and warmth. Meet a variety of friends and discover surprises behind each door.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Knock Knock
Disney’s Frozen in Concert
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of Disney's Frozen soundtrack.
Description:
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presents Disney's Frozen in Concert, featuring Christophe Beck's GRAMMY-nominated score performed live to the film. Fearless optimist Princess Anna embarks on an epic journey to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped Arendelle in eternal winter. The concert includes iconic songs like "Let It Go" and features the voices of Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and more.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Disney’s Frozen in Concert
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
What to Expect:
Broadway-style production with immersive sets and traditional Christmas songs.
Description:
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage brings the timeless Peanuts holiday special to life on stage with a critically acclaimed Broadway-style production. The show features Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from the unforgettable musical score by Vince Guaraldi. The production includes all-new immersive sets, lighting, choreography, and colorful costumes, making it a heartwarming celebration of holiday music and spirit.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Fox Theatre features world-class dancers performing with towering puppets, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. This holiday ballet is a delightful treat for the whole family, blending whimsical storytelling with the richness of classical dance.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Jungle Bells
What to Expect:
Largest drum and bass event in America.
Description:
Jungle Bells is a celebration of the drum and bass community, featuring renowned artists like NETSKY, HYBRID MINDS, SIGMA, and more. The event promises an unforgettable experience with its diverse lineup and energetic atmosphere.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Jungle Bells
Atlanta Moth Mainstage
What to Expect:
Live storytelling event with five curated tellers.
Description:
The Atlanta Moth Mainstage features true stories told live without notes, celebrating the transformative power of personal narratives.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Atlanta Moth Mainstage
Alejandra Azcárate: “Lo Que se Permite se Repite”
What to Expect:
Emotional and humorous monologue performance.
Description:
Alejandra Azcárate's monologue "Lo Que se Permite se Repite" is a reflective, confrontational, and sarcastically humorous experience that explores personal moments with a touch of humor and sarcasm.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Alejandra Azcárate: “Lo Que se Permite se Repite”
85 South Show Live
What to Expect:
Unique blend of improv, freestyling, and roasting.
Description:
The 85 South Show, produced by 85 South Media, unites three of America's funniest, talented, and most fearless comedians. With over two million subscribers on YouTube and over half a billion independent views, the 85 South Show has completely changed the comedy industry. DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean first teamed up in Steve Harvey’s studio to begin recording a podcast that showcased their improv, freestyling, and roasting skills. Comedy fans quickly discovered the chemistry between the three performers, and now they are continuing their 85 South Show Live across the country.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: 85 South Show Live
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Stunning set design and costumes bring Dickens' classic to life.
Description:
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale of redemption, featuring a stunning adaptation with a beautifully reimagined set design and striking costumes. Audiences are transported to the streets of London to witness Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation, told with beautiful live music and an all-star cast.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Frozen: The Musical
What to Expect:
EGOT-winning creative team brings theatrical magic to the stage.
Description:
Frozen: The Musical is a thrilling adaptation of the Disney film, featuring a dozen new songs and a sister-centric tale of true love and acceptance.
Where: Sandy Springs | More Info: Frozen: The Musical
Santa on the Square
What to Expect:
Meet Santa in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
Visit Santa on the Square to meet the man himself and share your wishlist with him. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere and festive activities.
Where: Decatur | More Info: Santa on the Square
Marietta Holiday Giving Opportunities
Cobb Christmas Stuff-A-Bus
What to Expect:
Unique holiday program using a transit bus to collect gifts.
Description:
Cobb Christmas Stuff-A-Bus is a holiday program where a specially wrapped CobbLinc bus travels through the county, collecting donations of food and toys at various host sites, including businesses and schools. Volunteers organize these drives starting in November.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Cobb Christmas Stuff-A-Bus
Marietta Other Holiday Activities
Georgia Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live entertainment and charity support.
Description:
The Georgia Festival of Trees is a holiday event featuring fully-decorated Christmas trees, children's activities, live entertainment, boutique gift shops, sugar cookie decorating, and a Christmas Gingerbread competition. It supports local nonprofits fighting human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Georgia Festival of Trees
Ugly Sweater Block Party Marietta Square
What to Expect:
Unique holiday celebration with outrageous sweaters and festive fun.
Description:
Join the Ugly Sweater Block Party in Marietta Square for a night of fun and fashion. Wear your most outrageous holiday sweaters and enjoy free admission to 10+ bars and restaurants, complimentary shots, drink and food specials, entertainment, and party beads.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Ugly Sweater Block Party Marietta Square
Pop-In For Family Fun: Holiday Crafts
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday crafts and interactive exhibits.
Description:
The Marietta History Center's Pop-In for Family Fun: Holiday Crafts offers a variety of activities where families can engage in creative holiday crafts, explore exhibits, and participate in interactive sessions.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Pop-In For Family Fun: Holiday Crafts
Atlanta Jingle Bell Jog
What to Expect:
Unique holiday-themed running event with Santa costumes and Jingle Bells.
Description:
The Atlanta Jingle Bell Jog 5K is an annual running event celebrating festive winter holidays with Santa, Jingle Bells, and holiday-themed medals. Participants receive a Santa Suit costume and Jingle Bells to tie to their running shoes.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Atlanta Jingle Bell Jog
Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
What to Expect:
Tour of five lovingly restored and decorated private homes.
Description:
The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour offers a glimpse into five beautifully restored private homes in the Whitlock Avenue Neighborhood, each lovingly decorated for the holiday season. Community volunteers from Visit Marietta and Cobb Landmarks Historical Society organize this annual event, which has been featured in Southern Living as a Top 100 Event in North America.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
Menorah Lighting on the Square
What to Expect:
Traditional Hanukkah music and festivities.
Description:
The Menorah Lighting on the Square is a joyous celebration of Hanukkah, featuring Hanukkah music, free hot chocolate and donuts, and the distribution of chocolate gelt. Hosted by Congregation Ner Tamid, this event aims to bring the community together regardless of faith or background.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Menorah Lighting on the Square
Christmas Tree Recycling
What to Expect:
Free yard waste service for Christmas tree recycling.
Description:
Residents of Marietta can recycle their Christmas trees through the city's free yard waste service or by dropping them off at designated locations, including select Home Depot stores. This initiative helps create mulch, fuel, and wildlife habitats.
Where: Marietta | More Info: Christmas Tree Recycling
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Smyrna (5 miles)
- Kennesaw (6 miles)
- Mableton (9 miles)
- Sandy Springs (10 miles)
- Woodstock (10 miles)
- Acworth (11 miles)
- Roswell (12 miles)
- Dunwoody (12 miles)
- North Atlanta (14 miles)
- Brookhaven (14 miles)
- Chamblee (15 miles)
- Atlanta (17 miles)
- Alpharetta (17 miles)
- Douglasville (18 miles)
- Peachtree Corners (19 miles)
- Milton (19 miles)
- Decatur (19 miles)
- East Point (20 miles)
- Canton (20 miles)
- Tucker (20 miles)
- Cartersville (21 miles)
- Johns Creek (21 miles)
- Candler-McAfee (22 miles)
- Duluth (23 miles)
- Union City (25 miles)
- South Fulton (26 miles)
- Redan (28 miles)
- Stonecrest (29 miles)
- Sugar Hill (31 miles)
- Lawrenceville (32 miles)
- Stockbridge (34 miles)
- Peachtree City (38 miles)
- Carrollton (40 miles)
- Rome (41 miles)
- McDonough (42 miles)
- Newnan (42 miles)