to do
Light the Tree
HERE COMES SANTA
by Megan Hodgkiss
Photos (top to bottom): by Dave Mitchell; courtesy of City of McDonough; of Tailfin.com
Giant trees covered with twinkling lights, Santa Claus patiently listening to everyone's Christmas lists, and mugs overflowing with hot chocolate. The holiday events planned around the Perimeter this winter will have you singing, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Whether you live in Alpharetta or Peachtree City, there are plenty of opportunities this December to have some fun and start some new holiday traditions.
ALPHARETTA
34th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 5, 5 p.m., Historic Downtown Alpharetta, 678.297.6078, alpharetta.ga.us
City of Alpharetta firefighters are giving Mr. and Mrs. Claus a ride to Historic Alpharetta's Milton Square City Park for the lighting of the Holiday Tree. Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas and his wife, Sally, will be on hand to read a holiday favorite to the crowd. There will also be train rides, hot chocolate, and plenty of visits with Santa. This event is free and open to the public.
DOUGLASVILLE
City of Douglasville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m., Downtown Douglasville and O'Neal Plaza, 770.947.5920, visitdouglasville.com
The City of Douglasville will host its annual holiday celebration, beginning with a parade through downtown Historic Douglasville. Santa Claus will ride in the parade, and will be available afterward to take photos with children. The evening includes a holiday concert and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event is free and open to the public. Visit the website visitdouglasville.com for updates on the event, or to register for the parade.
FAYETTEVILLE
Downtown Christmas Parade–Tree Lighting–Carriage Rides with Santa
Dec. 3, beginning at 5 p.m., Downtown Fayetteville and Heritage Park, 770.719.4173, fayetteville-ga.gov
Fayetteville has an entire evening of holiday festivities planned, beginning with its annual parade at 5 p.m. The tree lighting will follow at 6 p.m. and then family-friendly holiday entertainment will ensue. Be sure to take a carriage ride with Santa Claus himself, from 7–9 p.m. at the Gazebo at Heritage Park. This event, including the carriage rides, is free and open to the public.
HAMPTON
Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov. 24, Hampton Depot Park, cityofhampton-ga.gov
Head over to Hampton's Depot Park Thanksgiving night, for the city's annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree. This year's tree is 26 feet tall, and adorned with hundreds of lights! Spend the evening signing Christmas carols, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying some Christmas cookies. Visit cityofhampton-ga-.gov for updates.
Christmas-at-Home
Dec. 1, Santa Claus and his reindeer fly into the City of Hampton for the annual Christmas parade, kicking off 7 p.m. at Hampton Elementary School. Hampton businesses will stay open until 9 p.m., for shoppers looking to find the perfect holiday gifts. Many of the local merchants will provide tasty holiday treats. Be sure to see the city's Winter Wonderland, complete with snow and a picture opportunity with Santa.
JONESBORO
Mistletoe Market Festival
Dec. 1-17, Arts Clayton Gallery in Jonesboro, 770.473.5410, artsclayton.org
Christmas shoppers can find special presents for friends, co-workers, family and other loved ones during the Mistletoe Market Festival at the Arts Clayton Gallery. The annual master craft and gift festival includes handcrafted gifts, jewelry, home décor, and much more! The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Festival of Trees and Lights
Dec. 2-18, Clayton County International Park, 770.477.3766, claytonparks.com
Hundreds of families travel to the Clayton County International Park every holiday season, to see the Festival of Trees and Lights. The opening ceremony celebration on Dec. 2 will feature arts and crafts, face painting, live entertainment, hayrides, cake walks, gingerbread decorating, concessions and photos with Santa.
Visit with Father Christmas
Dec. 10, Stately Oaks Plantation, 770.473.0197, historicaljonesboro.org
Children are invited to the Stately Oaks plantation, to visit with Father Christmas! There will be two separate tours, 9–10:15 a.m. and 10:30–11:45 a.m.
LOCUST GROVE
Lighting of the Tree
Nov. 24, 7PM, Locust Grove, 770.957.5043, locustgrove-ga.gov
The City of Locust Grove's annual Christmas tree lighting will take place Thanksgiving night, at 7 p.m. Watch the lighting of the great tree, and listen to local musical groups and choirs sing some of your holiday favorites. There will be a special guest joining the celebration, so be sure to bring your camera for a picture with someone with a very "jolly" character.
Christmas in The Grove
Dec. 3, 10 a.m. –2 p.m., Locust Grove, 770.957.5043, locustgrove-ga.gov
Everyone is invited to downtown Locust Grove to enjoy the annual Christmas parade, sponsored by Locust Grove Better Hometown. The parade begins at 10 a.m. in The Grove. Be sure to get there early to find a great view. Following the parade, there will be live family-friendly entertainment, food for purchase, train rides, a rock climbing wall and craft vendors. Locust Grove merchants will have an "open house," for those looking to do some Christmas shopping. Santa Claus will be escorted to the event via fire truck, for a visit with all the children.
MARIETTA
Holiday Tree Lighting 
Dec. 1, 5:30–8 p.m., Historic Marietta Square, 770.429.1115, mariettaga.gov
Santa Claus is traveling from the North Pole to the City of Marietta, just in time for the annual lighting of the giant Christmas Tree. Mr. Clause will be at square at 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m., followed by live entertainment from local chorus groups.
Santa on the Square
Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, Historic Marietta Square, 770.429.1115,
Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Dec. 22 and 23, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Dec. 24, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
He's making a list, and checking it twice...but you might want to pay Santa Claus a visit, just to make sure! Have your picture taken with Mr. Claus when he stops by Marietta Square this December.
MCDONOUGH 
Santa Saturdays on the Square
Dec. 3, 10, 17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., McDonough Square, 770.898.9868, mainstreetmcdonough.com
Spend your Saturdays this December visiting with Santa Claus in McDonough Square. Make sure Mr. Claus knows everything on your Christmas wish list, and be sure to take a photo while sitting on his famous sleigh.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
Dec. 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m., downtown McDonough, 770.898.9868, mainstreetmcdonough.com
Hurry down to McDonough Square, to find the perfect spot to watch the city's annual Christmas Parade. The celebration begins around 5:30 p.m. with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at McDonough Square, sponsored by Main Street McDonough. Immediately following is the popular McDonough Christmas Parade, featuring festive floats and performances by local schools.
A Heritage Christmas – at Heritage Park
Dec. 10, 2–6 p.m., Heritage Park, 770.957.5786, henrycvb.com
Celebrate Henry County's Heritage and the beginning of the Christmas Season. The annual festival at Heritage Park begins at 2 p.m. and will feature caroling, crafts, hayrides, photos with Santa Claus and other beloved Christmas characters, local entertainment, cookie decorating and Elf School. Connecting Henry will be collecting new-unwrapped toys. Be sure to sign the patriotic banner and holiday cards for U.S. troops. The event concludes with the lighting of the Great Heritage Christmas Tree.
MORROW
Christmas in the Park
Dec. 3, 2–7 p.m., Southlake Mall, 770.968.1623, morrowtourism.com
This December, the City of Morrow is moving its annual Christmas event from Old Towne Morrow to inside Southlake Mall. Christmas in the Park begins at 2 p.m., with performances and vignettes by local businesses, non-profit organizations and churches stationed throughout the mall. There will be plenty of children's activities ahead of the grand finale, the lighting of Morrow's Great Tree. This event is free and open to the public.
Yule Log Celebration
Dec. 9, 7 p.m., Reynolds Nature Preserve, 770.477.3766, claytonparks.com
Mark your calendars for the Yule Log Celebration, a unique holiday event taking place at Reynolds Nature Preserve. The annual, outdoor event begins at 7 p.m. with music, fun and refreshments. Guests will walk a candlelit path into the woods for a bonfire, and a search for the fabled Yule Log. This is a free event, with shuttle service from Babb Middle School.
NEWNAN
Santa's Arrival to Newnan
Nov. 25, 6–8 p.m., Downtown Historic Newnan, 770.253.8283, mainstreetnewnan.com
Take a break from your Black Friday shopping, and head into downtown Newnan to watch Santa Claus light the city's Christmas tree. This annual tradition begins at 6 p.m. Bring your camera and your Christmas wish list!
Main Street Newnan Christmas Parade
Dec. 4, 3–5 p.m., Downtown Newnan, 770.253.8283, mainstreetnewnan.com
Main Street Newnan's annual Christmas Parade has earned the reputation of being one of the largest holiday parades in the area. This popular event features tons of floats, performances by local marching bands, and of course, an appearance by Santa Claus.
PEACHTREE CITY
Hometown Holiday at the Fred
Dec. 3, 5:30–7 p.m., Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, 770.631.0630, peachtree-city.org
Peachtree City knows how to throw a Holiday Party. This December, be sure to catch the live entertainment at "The Fred," followed by the golf cart parade to City Hall and the lighting of the Grand Tree.
ROSWELL
A Very Southern Christmas at Barrington Hall
Nov. 11–Dec. 30, Barrington Hall, 770-640.3855, roswellgov.com
Roswell's Historic Barrington Hall will be transformed this holiday season into a "Very Southern Christmas" showcase. Visitors can watch and participate in traditions, including the holiday fruitcake, festive fireworks, Christmas bags and Macy's Pink Pig. Guided tours of the antebellum home and gardens are offered daily.
Roswell's Holiday Celebration on the Square
Dec. 3, 5 p.m., Roswell, 770.641.3950, roswellgov.com
Roswell's annual Lighting of the Square is a fun-filled, holiday tradition. There will be Christmas carolers from Roswell schools, a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Santa Claus will help light the Town Square. Pictures with Mr. Claus will be available for a nominal fee.
Santa's Secret Gift Shop
Dec. 3, 6–8 p.m. and Dec. 4, 1–4 p.m. (photos with Santa), 770.641.3950, roswellgov.com
Immediately following the Lighting of the Square, children ages 12 and younger can ride Roswell's Holiday Bus over to the Adult Recreation Center for some holiday shopping. There, they will be paired with a personal "Elf" shopper, who will help them find the perfect presents for their friends and family. This event also includes gift wrapping, button making, balloons, coloring and other children's activities. All proceeds benefit the Roswell Ramblers Senior Club.
SENOIA
"Light Up Senoia" Parade and Tree Lighting
Dec. 3, 4 p.m., Downtown Senoia, 770.599.8182, enjoysenoia.com
Watch the annual Christmas Parade through Downtown Senoia, followed by the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Main Street Square. Previous years' celebrations have included a live nativity scene at the First Baptist Church of Senoia, and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
SMYRNA
Coming Home for the Holidays
Nov. 29, 5-9PM, Smyrna Community Center, ci.smyrna.ga.us
Come to the Smyrna Community Center on Village Green Circle for the city's annual Christmas Tree Lighting and holiday celebration. The festivities begin at 5 p.m., with musical performances and other family-friendly entertainment. Then at 7 p.m., Santa Claus will help light the Christmas Tree on Smyrna's Village Green. This event is free and open to the public.
STOCKBRIDGE
Merle Manders' 10th Annual Holiday Festival
Nov. 29, 5–9 p.m., Stockbridge, 770.389.5982, mmccevents.com
Ring in the holiday season at the Merle Manders Conference Center in Stockbridge. The 10th annual festival begins at 5 p.m., with both Mr. and Mrs. Claus on-hand to greet all of the guests. Families can see Santa's sled, visit with his reindeer, or take a ride on the popular Christmas train. There will also be an elf on stilts, lots of entertainment and plenty of refreshments.
VILLA RICA
Christmas Tree Lighting and Arrival of Santa
Dec. 3, 6 –8 p.m., THE MILL Amphitheater, 678.840.1160, villarica-mainstreet.com
The Mill Amphitheatre in historic, downtown Villa Rica is hosting an evening full of holiday cheer. Santa Claus will help light the Great Christmas Tree. There will be carriage rides, vendor booths giving away holiday favorites like hot cocoa and cookies and performances by the Villa Rica High Chorus and other local carolers. The Marine Corps will be collecting new, unwrapped toys and collecting money for Toys for Tots.
VININGS
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting 
Dec. 1, Tower Stage at Vinings Jubilee, 770.438.8080, viningsjubilee.com
The Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Vinings Jubilee is a popular tradition for the Vinings community. Each year, families gather to watch the twinkle lights, as they signal the start of the holiday season. Attendees will enjoy holiday music, pony rides and train rides. Santa Claus will stop by, to take pictures and listen to the children's Christmas lists.
photo courtesy Jacquie Rives Photography