Holiday Happenings in Alpharetta

Spend the most wonderful time of the year in Alpharetta by planning a relaxing Alpharetta holiday retreat to get you and your crew in the joyous spirit. From tree lighting events, ice skating at Avalon, and culinary celebrations to holiday plays, there is a wealth of family-friendly events for everyone to enjoy. Also, check out our holly jolly places to see Santa and Holiday Lights.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Merry Grinchmas Pop-Up Bar
Now through January 3
Tuesday–Thursday | 5:00–11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday | 5:00 pm–2:00 am
Mercantile Social, 20 N Main St.
More information
Step into Whoville this holiday season at Mercantile Social! Our bar has been overtaken by full-blown Grinchmas chaos — festive cocktails, mischievous vibes, and just the right amount of holiday mischief to make even the Grinch crack a smile.

Winter FairyTale Village
November 13-30, December 4-31, and January 2-4 | Times vary.
North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Cir.
More information
Meet live characters, stroll through the Clock Maker’s Workshop, the Winter Wonderland, and more as you watch a magical story unfold in real time. Ticket admission required.

Miracle on Main St.
Now through December 31
35 Milton Ave.
More information
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally developed cocktails, and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Reservations required: Digital Waitlist

Elf’d UP, Christmas-Themed Pop-Up bar
November 21–December 31 | Times vary.
Up on the Roof, 33 S. Main St.
More information
The holiday season is getting an upgrade – Elf’d UP returns to UP on the Roof, transforming the best rooftop in Alpharetta into a high-energy, holiday-themed escape decked out with over-the-top decor, creative cocktails, and festive vibes galore.

The Hamilton Alpharetta’s Fifth Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
November 21 | 5:30-8:30 pm
The Hamilton Alpharetta, 35 Milton Ave.
More information
Enjoy hot cocktails, holiday-crafted snacks, and live music while admiring the festive tree in the Courtyard. Santa Photo opportunity. Free admission.

Meet The Elf on the Shelf & Friends at Von Maur
November 22 | 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Von Maur, North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Cir.
More information
Bring your holiday spirit and snap a photo with the Scout Elf to kick off the festive season!

Holiday Kick-Off
November 22 | 12:00–3:00 pm
North Point Mall, Center Court, Lower Level, 1000 North Point Cir.
More information
Welcome, Santa, to North Point, and kick off the holiday season! Throughout the afternoon, enjoy balloon artists, face painters, roaming characters, and plenty of holiday cheer. Free event, but reservations are encouraged.

Season of Celebration: Alpharetta Tree Lighting
November 22 | 5:00–8:00 pm
Downtown Alpharetta, 2 Park Plz.
More information
Kick off the holiday season with magical lighting in Downtown Alpharetta! Enjoy live music, snow flurries, marshmallow roasting, sing-alongs, and more. To top it all off, Santa and friends will make a guest appearance! Join us for this unforgettable experience with family and friends. Free admission.

The Lighting of Avalon
November 23 | 2:00–7:30 pm
Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd.
More information
This family-friendly event will feature holiday music, entertainment, and free activities for all ages. Just after the sun sets, the festively decorated Christmas tree will light up the night, and the evening will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus. Free admission.

Avalon on Ice
November 23 through January 19 | Times vary.
Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd.
More information
Ice skate on Avalon’s Rockefeller Center-inspired ice-skating rink in The Plaza. Watch for theme nights and enjoy warm, tasty treats rinkside. Ticket admission required.

Alpharetta City Band – Concert Band Black Friday Event
November 28 | 2:00–3:00 pm
North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Cir.
The Alpharetta City Band, a traditional concert band under the direction of Dr. Nicole Fallin, has become an integral part of the cultural arts community. The ensemble of dedicated amateur musicians from Alpharetta and surrounding communities. Join us for our Black Friday performance.

Alpharetta Symphony presents An Alpharetta Holiday
November 30 | 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm
Innovation Academy, 125 Milton Ave.
More information
There’s nothing like home for the holidays. Join your hometown orchestra, the Alpharetta Symphony, for an evening of some of your favorite holiday music wrapped neatly in a bow. There’s something for everyone—themes from holiday hits, beautiful carols, and even a classical piece or two. The Alpharetta Symphony will make you feel like you’re next to a roaring fire, hot chocolate in hand.

Lights on the Loop
December 1–31 | Daily 5:00–11:00 pm
Themed Weekends:
December 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 | 5:30–8:30 pm
Located behind 2500 Northwinds Pkwy. along the Alpha Loop
More information
Celebrate the season with Alpharetta’s premier holiday experience! Lights on the Loop is a month-long celebration featuring a spectacular light display along a one-mile stretch of the Alpha Loop trail. With themed weekends, live entertainment, and a curated Winter Village, this event draws hundreds of visitors and creates unforgettable holiday memories. Free admission.

Alpharetta Christmas Market
December 6 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Innovation Academy, 125 Milton Ave.
More information
Give art for this holiday season! Explore booths filled with unique, handmade pieces perfect for holiday giving. Browse a wide selection of original artwork, from jewelry and ceramics to seasonal items and wearable art, created by both new and returning artists.

Makers Market Holiday Market
December 7 | 12:00–6:00 pm
Avalon, Boulevard East, 400 Avalon Blvd.
More information
Get ready to shop the season at Makers Market’s Holiday Market! Discover some of the best local makers, artists, crafters, and designers offering jewelry, home goods, art, pet accessories, and more. Shop one-of-a-kind artisan goods from talented local Makers while you listen to live music and enjoy holiday cheer along The Boulevard.

The Nutcracker, presented by the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre
December 12 | 7:30 pm
December 13 | 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
December 14 | 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Innovation Academy, 125 Milton Ave.
More information
See the holiday classic brought to life, presented by the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre. Ticket admission required.

SugarPlum Storytime
December 13 | 12:30 pm; before the 2:00 pm Nutcracker show
More information
Come to Storytime with the Sugarplum Fairy and listen as the characters come to life! It’s a fun and exciting way to learn the classic tale that the children will see in the performance, meet the performers, and spend a great time with your child at this holiday treat!
Tickets are an additional $20 for SugarPlum Storytime.

Snow Day at Alpharetta City Center
December 13 | 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Alpharetta Town Green, 2001 Commerce St.
More information
There’s ‘snow’ place like Alpharetta as we celebrate the annual Snow Day at ACC. The property will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland, where guests can enjoy live music, snow, craft-making stations, and several social-media worthy photo opportunities. Free admission.

Jingle Jog
December 14 | 9:00 am–12:00 pm
The Hotel at Avalon, 9000 Avalon Blvd.
More information
Spread the holiday cheer as you dash along the Boulevard with Santa. This one-mile fun run is for elves of all ages and will feature festive surprises to get you in the spirit of the season. After you race down the Boulevard, stick around for a Holiday Brunch featuring a Nutcracker Ballet performance and other activities. Ticket admission required.

Menorah Lighting at Avalon
December 14 | 5:00–6:00 pm
Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd.
More information
Guests are invited to a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony to celebrate the first night of Channukah. Enjoy refreshments, music, and entertainment for all ages. Free admission.

Vince Guaraldi’s Charlie Brown Christmas
December 14 | Showtimes: 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm
The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Pkwy.
More information
The Velvet Note is proud to present Vince Guaraldi’s composition of the music of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This year, the music is arranged and directed by pianist William Green. You and your family will be delighted as Mr. Green leads an all-star cast of singers and instrumentalists through the music of this iconic holiday album of popular jazz music. Get your reservations early and join us for the fun!

Holly & Harmony: A Holiday Cabaret
December 19–20 | 7:30 pm
December 21 | 2:00 pm
Spotlight Community Stage, 1000 North Point Cir., Ste. 2208
More information
Join local Atlanta artists in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year at the new Spotlight Theatre! This musical cabaret will showcase the songs of the season for an evening of music and holiday joy.

Channukah Menorah Lighting
December 21 | 5:00–6:30 pm
Town Green, 2001 Commerce St.
More information
Join the City of Alpharetta for the annual lighting of the Alpharetta Menorah on the Town Green. Free admission.

Noon Year’s Eve
December 31 | 10:00 am–12:00 pm
The Hotel at Avalon, 9000 Avalon Blvd.
More information
Kick off your New Year’s celebration early and come out to Avalon’s Noon Year’s Eve Party at The Hotel at Avalon! This family-friendly event invites partygoers of all ages to ring in 2026 with live music, face painting, crafts, and countdown to Noon when a giant balloon drop will welcome in the New Year! Ticket admission required.

American Legion Alpharetta Presents a New Year GALA
December 31 | 7:00 pm–12:30 am
American Legion Post 201, 201 Wills Rd.
More information
Celebrate with a 2025 NYE Party Night! Fantastic evening of live music & dancing on the area’s best dance floor, an amazing assortment of delectable hors d’oeuvres, party favors, and more.

Food Served  |  7:30–8:30 pm
Gold Standard Band, with DJ Rich Kopels  |  8:30 pm–12:30 am