Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood turns up the holiday cheer with a Winterfest celebration that includes a parade and Tour of Lights Block Party. The fun is scheduled on Friday and Saturday and offers activities for all ages.

Start your weekend with the Tour of Lights Block Party on Arlington Place for an evening of sparkling lights, real reindeer, live music by Almost Famous, carnival games, festive food and drinks and more. To add to the holiday spirit, you’re encouraged to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater. This ticketed event takes place 6-9 p.m.Friday and costs $20 for adults. Kids under 13 are admitted free.

Virginia-Highland’s Winterfest includes a Tour of Lights Block Party that features sparkling lights, live reindeer and more. The party takes place on Friday.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Virginia Highland District Association

icon to expand image

Credit: Photo courtesy of Virginia Highland District Association

The fun continues with a 2.2-mile Jingle Jog run on Lanier Boulevard (9-10 a.m. Saturday), and you’ll be given bells to make sure you jingle all the way down the road. Festive costumes are encouraged, and runners will receive a free drink voucher. Registration is $20 for adults and free for kids under 12.

After the run, a Winterfest Holiday Parade filled with floats, music and seasonal characters will make its way from Lanier Boulevard and University Drive. The parade will be held 10-11 a.m. Saturday, and ends at Los Angeles Avenue, the site of a Gift Market filled with art, home goods and other unique presents (11 a.m.-5 p.m.).

If you have youngsters, make sure to stop by Kids Corner (11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday) for activities created just for them. Some, including bounce houses and face painting, are ticketed, while others such as crafting stations and elf performances, are free.

For more information about Virginia Highland’s Winterfest, visit virginiahighlanddistrict.com/winterfest.


Check out Friday’s Go Guide for more things to do this weekend.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Kathleen Ridley walks with her daughter Harper in their yard in Cumming on Sept. 25, 2025. Since Halloween falls on a Friday this year, experts expect more traffic and weekend parties. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Thousands of UGA students enjoy during the annual “Frat Beach” party for the weekend of the Georgia-Florida football game on St. Simons Island, Friday, November 1, 2024. On the weekend of the Georgia-Florida football game, St. Simons Island’s East Beach becomes “Frat Beach,” an open-air party teeming with thousands of highly inebriated college students. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC