A true sign the holiday season has officially arrived comes when local community Christmas trees, each loaded down with bling, go all aglow. Are you stumped not knowing which tree lighting celebration to choose? Get plugged in with this quartet of suggestions.
Macy’s Great Tree Lighting
Even after nearly 70 years, Atlantans can still count on the 56-foot-tall Great Tree to once again serve as a big city holiday beacon. It’s all courtesy of 45,000 white and multicolor LED lights. That’s more than 8 miles of light string. This year’s event takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving at Lenox Square. Expect star power, and we’re not just talking about the topper. The lighting celebration includes live performances by notable names. If soul vocalist Aloe Blacc sings his hit “Candyman,” visions of sugarplums may be dancing in our heads. Georgia-born country artist Craig Campbell and R&B performer Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child) round out the headlining slots. Macy’s All-Star Holiday Choir, Macy’s Great Tree Children’s Choir and Macy’s Magical Stars add to the seasonal entertainment. Surely Santa Claus will swoop in for the festivities, too. Combustible lights take to the sky with a fireworks finale choreographed to a holiday soundtrack.
7 p.m. Nov. 20. Free. 3393 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-233-7575, www.simon.com/mall/lenox-square.
Holiday Glow in the Corners Parade and Tree Lighting
This year marks the first time the Peachtree Corners Christmas parade and the tree lighting at the Forum have joined jolly forces. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., the Holiday Glow in the Corners Parade steps off at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. Marching bands, holiday-themed floats and more make their way along Peachtree Corners Circle. In past years, crowds have seen Batman cruising in his Batmobile, the Grinch helming a sleigh, local cheerleading squads marching and a host of others joining the procession. The highest-profile participants, Santa and Mrs. Claus, roll in a horse-drawn carriage. The parade ends at the Forum on Peachtree Parkway retail complex. At 6 p.m., the Forum’s tree lighting ceremony begins. After Santa lights the tree, live music comes from Canadian-bred vocalist Janelle. The Wesleyan School chorus group, singers from the North Metro Academy of Performing Arts, and an instrumental ensemble from Norcross High School bring melodies of their own. Gussy up for photo ops with Santa.
Parade: 4:30 p.m. Tree lighting: 6 p.m. Nov. 26. Free. 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners. 770-368-8811, theforumonpeachtree.com.
Main Street Fayetteville Parade and Tree Lighting
On Dec. 3, the holiday season jingles big time in downtown Fayetteville. The Christmas parade begins at 5 p.m. at the Justice Center. Keep a lookout for Shriners driving wacky cars, and celebrity grand marshals including Olympic gold medalist Christian Taylor. At 6 p.m., folks gather at the gazebo on the Fayetteville square for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Santa and the missus will be on hand, and live music takes the stage. When vocalist Stephen Walker hits the high note finale at the end of “O Holy Night,” expect the organizers to flip the light switch.
Parade: 5 p.m. Tree lighting: 6 p.m. Dec. 3. Free. Ga. 85 South and Ga. 54 West, Fayetteville. 770-461-6029, fayetteville-ga.gov.
Alpharetta Christmas Tree Lighting
When the day comes to light the giant tree in Alpharetta’s downtown historic district, the powers that be don’t pray for snow, they make it happen. Faux flakes occupy a portion of Old Roswell Street, serving as a playground for little ones. Others roast marshmallows around a nearby fire. If you’d rather not have dessert first, visit an adjacent restaurant or partake from one of the food trucks parked for the occasion. Adults can shop at the Alpharetta Christmas Farmers Market, while younger ones fix their gazes on kiddie activities such as crafts and face painting. Community choirs and dance troupes perform on stage. Mayor David Belle Isle and his family will lead a read-along of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The tree lights are set to illuminate at 7 p.m. Certain roads will be closed. Organizers recommend free parking at the Milton Center (86 School Drive, Alpharetta) and the parking deck at Alpharetta City Hall.
5 p.m. Dec. 3. 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-297-6000, alpharetta.ga.us.
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