Events
Decatur Holiday Ornament Unveiling
Thursday, November 5
Ready for some holiday magic? Decatur’s kicking off the holiday season with the big reveal of the 2026 City of Decatur holiday ornament! Join us for the unveiling at Squash Blossom at 6 pm. A limited number of ornaments will be available for sale at local shops.
Grinch Alert!
Thursday, November 12
The Grinch is slinking around town, sneaking into shops and restaurants and stirring up mischief wherever he goes. Can you catch the curmudgeon in his holiday hijinks? Take a pic and tag @VisitDecaturGA. Surprise our grumpy green guest with holiday cheer! Who knows, by the end of the night, his heart may even grow a few sizes.
Brought to you by DBA.
Santa Pictures With Pets
Saturday, November 21
Bring your pets and snap a photo with Santa! Furry, feathery, or scaly – all are welcome! Remember to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the fun!
Treat your pup and yourself! Decatur’s Taj Ma Hound will be selling puppy, holiday-themed treats. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and apple wassail, courtesy of Oakview Coffee while supplies last.
This is a free event. Donations for LifeLine Animal Project will be accepted.
All pets must be well-behaved, properly restrained, and up-to-date with vaccinations.
Santa on the Square
Saturday, November 28
Santa is coming to town! Bring your wish list and your camera to take photos with Ol’ St. Nick! Then enjoy warm cookies and cold milk.
Kids can create a special make and take ornament with the Decatur Makers at their free crafting station. And the Santa Mail station will be set up where they can write their letters and send them straight to the North Pole! Enjoy holiday music, too.
While you’re here, make the most of Small Business Saturday. “Shop Small” around the city and then enjoy free gift wrapping for your city of Decatur purchases from 10 am to 2 pm. While you wait, enter the raffle for our splendiferous gift basket packed with Decatur-branded goods and local treats. It’s a wonderful day of holiday cheer and supporting local businesses!
Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 3
Light up your week at the annual tree lighting in Downtown Decatur! This year the tree will take center stage on the renovated Decatur Square.The fun starts at 6 pm with our annual tradition of holiday carols, hot cocoa, and mini gingerbread cookies by the tree. The F.AVE Chorus will perform, and we’ll have a community sing-along too.
At 7 pm sharp, Santa himself flips the switch to light the tree! Afterwards, there’ll be “snow”!
Sponsored by the Little Shop of Stories. The event is free and family-friendly.
Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 6
Join in the Chanukah celebration in downtown Decatur. Enjoy hot drinks, latkes, music, photos with Mr. Dreidel, and the Chanukah gelt drop by the Decatur Fire / Rescue.
Hosted by Chabad Intown, chabadintown.org.
Bonfire + Marshmallow Roast
Thursday, December 10
Join us for a giant, roaring bonfire on the Decatur Square and roast yourself a marshmallow (or two). The event is free — hot chocolate, marshmallows and roasting sticks, too, while supplies last! Or, bring your own.
Marshmallow roasting is from 7-8 pm. Want to see the bonfire lit by the Decatur Fire Department? Come at 6! The Talley Street Chorus performs holiday classics starting at 6:30 pm.
Brought to you by the City of Decatur and supervised by the Decatur Fire Department.
Naughty and Nice Holiday Hijinks
Thursday, December 17
Santa’s Out. The Grinch Is Too. Join the Terrific Thursday holiday fun as these two holiday icons roam around downtown, spreading holiday cheer, and plotting mischief… No schedule, no stage, just unexpected pop-ups. Keep your camera ready as you shop and dine downtown. Tag @VisitDecaturGA in those selfies and group pics!
Terrific Thursdays
Sip and shop! Snag snacks and sales! Live DJs, trunk shows, pop-ups, and more! Beyond our annual events and Santa sightings, you never know what special offerings and events you might find in stores on Terrific Thursdays. Take a peek at all our standout shops here.
Small Business Saturday
Skip the scroll, shop merry, and support Decatur’s local businesses! There will be free gift wrapping on the Square for City of Decatur purchases, 10 am-2 pm. Plus more fun (and Santa)!