Kennesaw Holly Days
The holiday season shines brighter in Kennesaw.
Kennesaw Holly Days brings a full calendar of festive fun, including the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, holiday markets, concerts, and visits with Santa.
Depot Park in Downtown Kennesaw transforms into a winter wonderland, glowing with more than 100,000 lights. Stroll through a sparkling light tunnel, snap photos beside towering toy soldiers and gift towers, and admire the festive sleigh — a picture-perfect backdrop for seasonal cheer.
Join the celebration and discover why in Kennesaw, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Kennesaw Holiday Market
The Kennesaw Holiday Market returns Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 for two festive days of local shopping and seasonal cheer. Held at the Ben Robertson Community Center, the market features handcrafted gifts, art, and holiday finds from local vendors. Friday evening 6:00 - 8:00 PM guests can enjoy complimentary bites and live music while they shop, and Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM offers a full day of browsing unique items perfect for holiday giving. Admission is free and open to all.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the season in Downtown Kennesaw at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 2 . The evening begins with a holiday choir performance at 6:00 PM in Depot Park, featuring classic and contemporary favorites. At 7:00 PM, gather as we light the park’s holiday tree, marking the official start of the season. This free event is open to the public and welcomes all ages to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
A Day with Santa
Make Saturday, December 5 a day to remember with Breakfast with Santa and Pictures with Santa in Kennesaw! Start the morning with an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast and table-to-table visits with Santa at the Ben Robertson Community Center, then head to the Community House at Depot Park for a holiday photo with Santa. Advance tickets and photo reservations are available for these separate experiences, with limited availability.
Holiday Parade
End the Day with Santa with Kennesaw’s first-ever nighttime, light-up Holly Days Parade on Saturday, December 5! This year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop, bringing festive floats, vehicles and holiday creativity to the streets of Kennesaw. Parade entries are encouraged to light up their floats and vehicles and, when applicable, prepare a short 20–30-second performance for the judges.
Menorah Lighting
Join the City of Kennesaw, in partnership with Chabad of Kennesaw, for the Menorah Lighting at the Main Street Plaza. Wednesday, December 9 will be the sixth night of Hanukkah. The Menorah will be placed in the Tunnel Plaza and will remain there throughout Hanukkah’s entirety. There will be a short reception before with refreshments available.
All Aboard For Holiday Fun
Celebrate the season at the Southern Museum on Saturday, December 12, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. This annual event features live music, Victorian-era activities, artisan demonstrations, festive train displays, and outdoor fun for all ages. Santa will be onsite from 10 AM to 2 PM, and all activities are included with regular museum admission. Experience the charm of a Victorian holiday while exploring history in a lively, family-friendly setting. Learn more at SouthernMuseum.org.
Santa's Garden Party
On December 11 and 12 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Smith-Gilbert Gardens will host Santa’s Garden Party. Families can enjoy winter-themed story times along with sweet treats, holiday crafts and pictures with Santa Claus. On Saturday, December 12, dogs are welcome in the Gardens, and owners and their pets can take pictures with Santa. Tickets will be available at SmithGilbertGardens.com.
Glimmer & Glee: Drone SHow
Celebrate the season with an enchanting evening of music and lights at the City of Kennesaw’s Glimmer & Glee on Sunday, December 13. The festivities begin with a holiday concert at 6:00 PM, followed by a dazzling drone show at 7:30 PM over the United Bankshares Amphitheater. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs for lawn seating. Admission is free and open to the public.
Your Holly Days Guide
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Light Up Holiday parade
