Dunwoody Village Holiday Celebration and Lantern Parade
Visitors explore holiday activities, crafts, and entertainment spread across Dunwoody Village, Dunwoody Plaza, and the Shops of Dunwoody. The event features live dance and music performances on the main stage, photo opportunities with Santa, face painting, and festive live llamas. Guests can also participate in the lantern parade and gather for tree lightings in the courtyard and shops.
What to Expect
Features live performances, a lantern parade, Santa visits, and tree lighting.
Event Details
Duration
3:00pm-6:30pm.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Dunwoody Village
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Create Dunwoody and Dunwoody Village Merchant Alliance
Food & Drink
Options include s’mores, hot chocolate including Mexican hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and latkes.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 3:00 PM–7:00 PM.
- Parking: Overflow parking is at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.
Tips & Advice
- Use the overflow parking at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, which is also where performances and awards move if the weather turns bad.
- Wear your best festive sweater, because Village Threads runs a Festive Sweater Contest with prizes and announces the winners after the event.
- Decorate a lantern at one of the decorating stations, then line up behind the Courtyard Funwoody screen in time for parade judging before the Lantern Parade.
- Bring an adult along with little ones for The Little Gym's 15-minute open play, because children can't take part without a grown-up.
- Stay for the finale, when Santa lights the courtyard tree and the tree lighting at the Shops of Dunwoody follows right after.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the celebration expands to the Shops of Dunwoody, with extra activities and programming meant to shorten lines.
- New: Cricket's Mobile Petting Zoo and Train at the Shops of Dunwoody.
- The Lantern Parade returns, followed by a Lantern and Tree Award Ceremony. Lantern workshops are the one activity that isn't free.
- Festive Sweater Contest run by Village Threads, with prizes. Winners are announced after the event.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the celebration for?
It's designed for all ages. Every activity is free except the lantern workshops.
What is there to do?
You'll find Santa photos, ornament making, lantern decorating near the main stage, Chanukah crafts, face painting and Santa letters at Ace Hardware, live llamas at Dunwoody Gallery, classic and exotic cars, a balloon artist, a holiday ring toss and a Kids Market. There's also a sing-along music class for children 4 and under with a grownup.
What food and drink is there?
Funwoody has s'mores and hot chocolate, Mitzvah House serves latkes and Chupito's Azteca Grill pours Mexican hot chocolate. Dunwoody Tavern has hot apple cider, Village Orthodontics has hot chocolate and Vintage Pizzeria runs cookie decorating.
How do I join the Lantern Parade?
Decorate a lantern at the Functionize station near the main stage or at the Create Dunwoody station at the Shops of Dunwoody. Then line up behind the Courtyard Funwoody screen for parade judging. Lantern kits (a paper lantern, light and dowel), workshops and prizes are still to be announced.
What happens if it rains?
Performances, awards and some activities move into the gym at Dunwoody United Methodist Church.
More Christmas Events Near Dunwoody
More Christmas Events near Dunwoody
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.