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Top 10 Christmas Tree Lighting Events in Georgia

Welcoming the season with a tree lighting has been a tradition for generations. Something about this ritual really makes us feel like the holidays have truly arrived, and it’s a great opportunity to bond with family as well as the community. Throughout Georgia are many celebrations in a variety of fun Christmas towns—each one has its own unique offerings and ways of making its lighting special. With a bit more beyond simply plugging in a bunch of lights, these gatherings will have you singing Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls in no time.

Christmas Lights at North Point, Alpharetta Christmas Lights at North Point, Alpharetta
Credit: Christmas Lights at North Point, Alpharetta by Awesome Alpharetta, Georgia

Christmas Lights at North Point, Alpharetta

Alpharetta’s 40-foot tree is the real deal. Adorned with loads of lights, 275,842 to be exact, it is quite a grand, authentic Christmas symbol. This isn’t your average tree lighting display — with lights that dance to your favorite holiday tunes, you’ll want to stick around to really take in the festive atmosphere.

Annual Lighting of the Tree, Braselton Braselton's Annual Tree Lighting
Credit: Braselton's Annual Tree Lighting by Downtown Braselton

Annual Lighting of the Tree, Braselton

Braselton turns their cheerful gathering into an all-day event, starting with a classic parade complete with hometown bands, dancers and creative floats. At the Gazebo in Town Green, a celebration kicks off later in the day with live music. Food trucks are the thing when it comes to concessions these days, and you’ll also be able to browse some town shops that will stay open late if holiday shopping inspiration strikes. A secret special guest will flip the switch to light up the grand evergreen.

Christmas Tree Lighting, Blairsville Invoice 2006-IMG-021 Vogel State Park
Credit: Invoice 2006-IMG-021 Vogel State Park by gastateparks.smugmug.com

Christmas Tree Lighting, Blairsville

Vogel State Park’s old-fashioned feel ups the cozy game — hayrides in the comfortably crisp air offer more glimpses of the beautiful grounds, and Santa Claus will be waiting for the kids after. Join in caroling around the tree while sipping complimentary hot chocolate and cider, and the 35-foot blue spruce comes to life when it’s dark. You can bring an unwrapped gift for the police department’s toy drive.

Lights on for Tybee, Tybee Tybee Island Lighted Boat Parade
Credit: Tybee Island Lighted Boat Parade by Tybee for the Holidays

Lights on for Tybee, Tybee

After the traditional tree, surrounded by palm trees of course, is lit by the mayor, a parade of carolers marches crowds to the decorated Historic Carbo House for a community Christmas sing-a-long. There’ll be more performances from pianists and dancers, while imitation snow flurries down from the sky. Some of Tybee’s favorite restaurants will be filling bellies with delicious snacks, on the house — now that’s getting into the giving spirit of things. For something different, make sure to add the Tybee Island Lighted Boat Parade to your itinerary.

Olde Town Christmas Party and Conyers Christmas Parade, Conyers Olde Town Conyers Christmas
Credit: Olde Town Conyers Christmas by Olde Town Conyers

Olde Town Christmas Party and Conyers Christmas Parade, Conyers

Kick off the holiday season at the Olde Town Christmas Party, where you’ll find complimentary carriage rides and train rides and visits with Santa. Old town Conyers’ colorful display of historic buildings is an idealistic scenic setting for holiday festivities. Around 70 floats brighten the street during the parade, along with festive classic cars and marching bands.

The Lighting of Downtown, Covington

The Lighting of Downtown, Covington

Not too far from Conyers is the lively Covington Square, filled with eclectic dining, an ice cream shop and an adorable bakery with plenty of Christmas goodies. Not only do they light the tree but the entire town square will burst into a twinkling masterpiece as local choirs add angelic sounds to the magical moment.

Atlantic Station Tree Lighting, Atlanta Atlantic Station
Credit: Atlantic Station by atlanticstation.com

Atlantic Station Tree Lighting, Atlanta

Atlantic Station’s tree is surrounded by glorious candy shops, restaurants, stores with great gifts and plenty of side activities like ice skating and mini train rides. A German-themed market with simplistic Christmas trinkets resides in the heart of it all, along with Santa’s cottage. When the giant tree is lit, Atlantic Station cranks up their snow machines, and it’s mesmerizing.

McDonough Tree Lighting, McDonough

McDonough Tree Lighting, McDonough

McDonough Square is a quaint area south of Atlanta but still not too far away. Their lighting is great if you want to bypass the more shockingly large crowds of the city but still want the excitement. Some great restaurants, like a street taco joint and a retro burger place, are awesome for a pre-lighting meal.

Jingle and Mingle Dublin, Dublin Dublin, Georgia
Credit: Dublin, Georgia by Dublin, Georgia

Jingle and Mingle Dublin, Dublin

Founders Park hosts Dublin’s annual lighting festival with all the classic fun we hope for in these celebrations. Santa will be taking children’s present requests while everyone can enjoy beloved holiday tunes and sweets, of course. A shopping game will take place with the help of local stores—get your provided card punched by all participating merchants for a chance to snag a basket of goodies.

Macy's Great Tree Lighting, Atlanta Atlanta
Credit: Atlanta by bigstock.com

Macy's Great Tree Lighting, Atlanta

If there were ever a tree lighting that epitomizes the tradition, it would be this one. Beginning with Atlanta’s Rich’s Department Store, which has now merged with Macy’s, generations of folks have gathered to witness the towering holiday icon convert into a glittering wonder, taking us back to childhood. Choirs echo through the city, stores get in on the festive adornment, and the classic Pink Pig train chugs along on top of the roof. Riding the Pink Pig has been a part of Atlanta’s Christmas tradition seemingly forever, and although the train has changed, a cart from the old one sits under the big white tent filled with pink everything!

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