Celebrate the Christmas Season in Albany

The Christmas season is upon us, and Albany is buzzing with festive cheer! From twinkling lights to holiday parades, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate with family and friends. Whether you're looking to browse charming holiday markets, attend a festive concert, or experience the joy of a holiday light display, our town has something for everyone! In this guide, we've compiled the best Christmas events happening around town, so you can make the most of this magical time of year. Get ready to make some holiday memories!

Christmas Events Around Town

ALL DECEMBER LONG

At Visit Albany, we will be having our very own Christmas fun with our Candy Cane Crawl bingo activity where you can taste-test minty creations from local businesses for the chance to win a limited-edition tumbler! Check out more details on what to expect here.

The Cordele SAM Shortline Train will be hosting two holiday train rides: the Cordele Holiday Train and the Candy Cane Express for patrons to enjoy. The Candy Cane Express will feature a two-hour layover in Plains with Santa on the train. For those looking for a shorter more kid friendly ride, try the Holiday Train which is a one-hour ride with hot chocolate and cookies with Santa.

Visit the Santa Exhibit on display at Thronateeska all month long in December. Be transported to a winter wonderland sprinkled with hundreds of Santas from across the years and around the world.

Santa Claus is coming to town! Grab your photos with Santa at the Albany Mall during select dates this month before he heads back to the North Pole for Christmas Eve!

November 30 @ 3:30PM: ABC Plant Nursery's Live Christmas Wreath Workshop - Create your own unique Christmas wreath with fresh greenery. Enjoy step-by-step guidance, festive Christmas music, all while sipping on warm cider and hot chocolate! Get your tickets here.

December 1 @ 2:00PM: The Cakery's Christmas Market - Join in for a fun afternoon of shopping, food, desserts and free pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus.

December 6

12:00PM & 7 @ 9:00AM: Christmas @ The Steinberg Warehouse - Get ready to explore a variety of apparel and accessories at discounted prices!
6:00PM: Fridays on the Flint Holiday Movie Night - Bring your family for a free screening of The Polar Express @ 7PM along with Santa photos, a hot chocolate bar, and holiday arts and crafts.
7:30PM: Snow White @ Albany Municipal Auditorium - Step into the enchanting world of Snow White, a timeless tale that captivates audiences of all ages through the beauty and elegance of classical ballet.

December 7

8:00AM: Jingle Bell Jog - By joining the Jingle Bell Jog, you’re supporting the Children’s Miracle Network. Register here.
9:00AM: Georgia Functional Medicine Christmas Market - Enjoy browsing other small businesses and learning about the services provided by GFMA.
10:00AM: Annual Leesburg Spirit of Christmas Parade & Festival - Come see vendors, entertainment, great food, children’s play area/rides and lots more!
10:00AM: The Perfect Collar Santa Paws Christmas Photos - Bring in your pup(s) for a picture with Santa!
10:00AM: LillyLane Christmas Market - Shop handmade ornaments from The Clay Spot, get professional photos with Santa, and more!
12:30PM: Selfies with Santa @ Thronateeska - Have tons of holiday fun with games and crafts, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and of course, a Selfie with Santa!
1:00PM: Mark's Melon Patch Christmas Festival - Come out for fun outdoor activities, photos with Santa, ornament painting, wagon rides, a holiday movie, and much more! (and 12/8)
2:30PM: Snow White @ Albany Municipal Auditorium - Step into the enchanting world of Snow White, a timeless tale that captivates audiences of all ages through the beauty and elegance of classical ballet. (and 12/8)
4:00PM: Downtown Albany Celebration of Lights & Parade - Enjoy a whimsical evening with food vendors at 4PM, live entertainment at 5PM and the parade at 6PM.
5:00PM: Church of the Groves Hometown Christmas Celebration - Join in for an unforgettable evening full of Christmas cheer for the whole family! Cookie decorating, bounce houses, hayrides, delicious treats, photos with Santa and more all FREE to enjoy.
5:30PM: Kids Christmas Wreath Workshop @ The Showroom - Look no further for a fun way to create memories with your kids! Sign up for a creative and fun experience with this interactive workshop.
6:00PM: Wonder Christmas Concert by Sherwood - Kick off the Christmas season by experiencing the joy and wonder of the season with holiday themed music and worship. (and 12/8)
6:00PM: Jingle Jangle Christmas Movie Event - Bring your holiday spirit, lawn chairs, and blankets to enjoy a Christmas movie at Turtle Park downtown.

December 10 @ 6:30PM: Peppermint Pops - A favored Albany holiday tradition, this Christmas concert by the ASO allows enjoyment for traditional festive musical favorites along with audience sing alongs, and more.

December 12 @ 7:30PM: A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland - Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life! Get your tickets here.

December 13 @ 11:00AM: It's a Wonderful Life Play - Celebrate the season with this classic holiday favorite, live on stage at Theatre Albany! Get your tickets now here. (and 12/14, 12/15)

December 14

10:00AM: Wonderfully Made Christmas Market - Sip, shop, and enjoy the holiday spirit!
10:00AM: AMA Handmade Holiday Card Outreach Workshop - Spread special holiday cheer with creating handmade, heartfelt holiday cards for those in our community who could use a little extra joy this season.
10:00AM: ACE Hardware Cruise-in and Toy Drive - Join the Truck/Jeep/Car/Bike show and Toy Drive at ACE of Oakland to benefit the Lily Pad of Albany. Register your vehicle here or come enjoy the show as a spectator! Toy donations strongly encouraged but not mandatory.
11:00AM: Christmas Trail Ride with Dougherty County Saddle Club - Sign up to enjoy trails, fellowship and lunch on this annual Christmas ride at Henry Farm. Please pre-register with Carol 229-296-0022.
1:00PM: Cupcakes with Santa @ Smallcakes - Enjoy spending time with Santa and decorating cupcakes!
2:00PM: Temp Holiday Pop-Up - Go and shop local artists and vendors while you sip on some holiday specialty drinks and enjoy some live music!
6:00PM: The Christmas Post Musical by Byne - Plan to attend this lively Broadway-style musical that brings back the charm of vintage Americana while sharing the heart of the Christmas season. (and 12/15)

December 21 @ 11:00AM: Breakfast with Santa @ The Canterbury Kitchen - Have a festive breakfast with Santa! Breakfast options will be available and photos with Santa are included with your purchase.