Christmas Events in Alpharetta, GA (2026): Tree Lightings, Avalon on Ice & Lights on the Loop

Christmas and Holiday Events in Alpharetta, GA (2026)

Alpharetta does the holidays big. Between three tree lightings in three nights, a Rockefeller-inspired ice rink at Avalon, a mile of lights on the Alpha Loop and a downtown winter parade, there's something festive almost every weekend from mid-November through New Year's. Here's the full 2026 calendar, with dates, times and what costs money, so you can plan before the tickets go fast.

Book these first

A few of the most popular holiday experiences sell reservations ahead of time, and the window opens this week:

Avalon on Ice: skating tickets go on sale Tuesday, November 3 at 10 a.m. Walk-ups are welcome, but Avalon says it can't guarantee a time slot without a reservation.
Santa at Avalon, Story Time with Santa and Breakfast with Santa: all require tickets. Watch Avalon's event pages for sale dates.
Lights on the Loop themed weekends: the lights themselves are free, but organizers strongly encourage free Eventbrite registration for the two themed weekends.

Three tree lightings, three nights

The season kicks off with a run of tree lightings the weekend before Thanksgiving. All three are free.

The Hamilton Alpharetta, Friday, Nov. 20 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.): the downtown hotel at 25 Milton Ave. hosts live music, festive treats, photos with Santa, carolers from the Alpharetta High School Chorus and holiday classics on a big screen. The tree lights at 6:30 p.m.
Season of Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 21 (5 to 8 p.m.): the City of Alpharetta's 50-foot tree lighting in Downtown Alpharetta, with live holiday music on the main stage in front of City Hall, snow flurries, strolling characters and a visit from Santa. Bring portable chairs. It's rain or shine.
Lighting of Avalon, Sunday, Nov. 22 (2 to 7:30 p.m.): Avalon opens its ice rink at 3 p.m., with a skating performance, face painting, holiday crafts and a photo booth along the Boulevard. Santa leads the countdown to the 40-foot tree lighting at 7 p.m. sharp.

Parking tip for the Avalon night: Avalon says its free decks fill quickly and recommends carpooling or ride-share. Valet is available on 3rd Street, and shuttles run from Gwinnett Technical College across the street.

Avalon on Ice: dates, hours and prices

Avalon's outdoor rink runs from November 22, 2026 through January 18, 2027. Regular hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. The rink stays open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving week (Nov. 23 to 27), from Dec. 20 through Jan. 3, on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and on Fulton County public school holidays.

Tickets are $18 for general admission and $14 for kids 12 and under, and both include skates. Tickets aren't refundable, but Avalon allows rescheduling to another available date. Every skater, walk-ups included, needs to fill out a waiver. Questions go to Avalon's concierge at 770-765-1000.

Lights on the Loop

The Alpha Loop Foundation's free light display lights up a one-mile stretch of the Alpha Loop between Northwinds Parkway and Old Milton Parkway. It runs nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m., December 4, 2026 through January 4, 2027, starting with a "Switch On The Lights" ceremony on Friday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Holiday Music Showcase, Dec. 4 and 5 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.): the Alpharetta Symphony, Alpharetta City Band, local musicians and a holiday DJ.
Pet-Friendly Weekend with Llamas on the Loop, Dec. 18 and 19 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.): leashed pets are welcome, but they need to stay at least 6 feet from the llamas.

On themed weekends, the Lights and Delights Village behind 2500 Northwinds Parkway adds artisan vendors, food and non-alcoholic drinks for sale, characters and photo spots. Free parking is at 2500 and 2520 Northwinds Parkway, and an ADA-accessible ramp sits behind 2520. Restrooms are only available on themed weekends, and the event is alcohol-free.

Where to see Santa in Alpharetta

North Point Holiday Kick Off, Nov. 21 (noon to 3 p.m.): a marching band parade welcomes Santa to center court at North Point Mall, with face painters, balloon twisters and stilt walkers. Free.
Brunch with Santa, Nov. 28: brunch runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UP on the Roof downtown, with Santa visiting from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Free Pictures with Santa, Dec. 5 (10 a.m. to noon): at the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, 178 S. Main St., Suite 200. Photos are printed onsite and emailed. Skip the green clothing, since the photographer uses a green screen, and leave pets at home.
Breakfast with Santa at Avalon, Dec. 5 and 6: at Chick-fil-A on the 5th and Oak Steakhouse on the 6th. Tickets required.
Santa at Avalon and Story Time with Santa: photos at Santa's cottage and storytelling sessions throughout December, both ticketed.
Tuck-Ins with Santa: by appointment with a room booking at The Hotel at Avalon.

Holiday markets, Snow Day and the winter parade

Alpharetta Farmers Market, Nov. 7 and 14 (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): the last two Saturdays of the season at the farmers market, a good early stop for edible gifts.
Artists Holiday Market, Nov. 21 (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.): Arts Alpharetta fills the Alpharetta Arts Center with handmade jewelry, ceramics, seasonal pieces and wearable art. Free.
Friendship Ring of Kids Holiday Display, Nov. 21 to Dec. 31: the downtown sculpture at Innovation Academy gets lights, decor and winter hats. A great free photo stop.
Alpharetta Christmas Market, Dec. 5 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.): crafts, food, decor and jewelry at Innovation Academy, 125 Milton Ave. Free.
Snow Day at Alpharetta City Center, Dec. 5 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): the Town Green turns into a winter wonderland with snow, live music and craft stations. Free.
Makers Market at Avalon, Dec. 12 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.): a local holiday street fair of artists, crafters and designers. Free.
Alpharetta Winter Parade, Dec. 12 (5:30 to 7 p.m.): the downtown parade rolls along Canton Street, highlighting local youth, civic groups and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta. Free.
Jingle Jog, Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to noon): a one-mile fun run down Avalon Boulevard with Santa, followed by a holiday brunch with a Nutcracker performance. Tickets required.

Hanukkah menorah lightings

Avalon hosts a menorah lighting on the Boulevard on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 6 p.m., with Chabad of North Fulton helping light the menorah and handing out treats. A second menorah lighting takes place on the downtown Town Green on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. Both are free.

For grown-ups: rooftop cheer and an ugly sweater crawl

UP on the Roof brings back its Christmas pop-up, Elf'd UP, from Nov. 20 to Dec. 27 with kitschy decor and holiday cocktails. On Saturday, Dec. 19, the 4th Annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl runs from 2 to 9 p.m. across downtown with treats, prizes and discounts. Tickets required. For more ideas, see our guide to the best restaurants in Alpharetta.

Ring in 2027 at noon

Families with little ones can count down early at Avalon's Noon Year's Eve on Dec. 31 at The Hotel at Avalon, with live music, face painting, crafts and a giant balloon drop at noon. Tickets required. Then catch a final skate before the rink closes for the season on January 18.

Quick planning tips

Pair the Nov. 21 downtown tree lighting with dinner on Main Street or Canton Street; the area's restaurants are in our restaurant directory.
Lights on the Loop is free and open nightly, so weeknights are your best bet for lighter crowds.
Hours and details can change, so double-check event pages before you go. Our Alpharetta events calendar stays updated all season, and our things to do in Alpharetta guide covers the rest of the year.

Which holiday tradition is your family's favorite, and did we miss one? Send tips and corrections to hello@alpharettalist.com and we'll keep this guide current all season.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Alpharetta Christmas tree lighting in 2026?

The City of Alpharetta's Season of Celebration tree lighting is Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Downtown Alpharetta. The Hamilton Alpharetta lights its tree on November 20, and the Lighting of Avalon is November 22 with the tree lit at 7 p.m. All three are free.

How much is Avalon on Ice and when does it open?

Avalon on Ice opens November 22, 2026 and runs through January 18, 2027. Tickets are $18 for general admission and $14 for kids 12 and under, skates included. Tickets go on sale November 3 at 10 a.m.

Is Lights on the Loop free?

Yes. Lights on the Loop is free and runs nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m., December 4, 2026 through January 4, 2027, along the Alpha Loop between Northwinds Parkway and Old Milton Parkway. Free parking is at 2500 and 2520 Northwinds Parkway.

Where can I take free photos with Santa in Alpharetta?

The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts free Pictures with Santa on December 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at 178 S. Main St., Suite 200. Avoid wearing green, since the photographer uses a green screen.

Does Alpharetta have a Christmas parade?

Yes. The Alpharetta Winter Parade is December 12, 2026 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. along Canton Street in downtown, and it's free.

Sources

Details on developments and schools can change. We update this guide as new information is announced. Spot something out of date? Send us a tip.

Written by the Alpharetta List team, an independent local guide covering Alpharetta, Georgia.

Christmas and Holiday Events in Alpharetta, GA (2026)