Each December, as scents of pine and cinnamon fill the air, Roswell transforms into a storybook setting for the holidays. Twinkling lights drape across the town square, carolers bring warmth to chilly evenings, and a beloved local tradition-the Roswell Christmas Market—returns to Bulloch Hall.
A European Tradition with Southern Charm
Christmas markets trace their roots to Germany and Austria, where festive stalls, handcrafted gifts, and hot mulled wine filled cobblestone streets centuries ago. In Roswell, that same spirit thrives, wrapped in Southern hospitality and local artistry. Now in its third year, the Christmas Market at Bulloch Hall has become a destination for families seeking a more meaningful holiday experience. Visitors wander through vendor tents filled with handmade ornaments, artisan soaps, and locally baked treats. The warm glow of string lights against the backdrop of Bulloch Hall creates an atmosphere reminiscent of an old-world village.
The Man Behind the Magic
Much of the market’s success can be traced to Bob Hagan, who helped spearhead the event’s revival several years ago. Bob’s passion for community and history made Bulloch Hall the perfect setting for something truly special. “Bulloch Hall offers more than a beautiful backdrop,” Bob shared. “It gives visitors a sense of connection—to Roswell’s past and to one another. That’s what Christmas is really about.” Bob and his volunteer team spend months planning the market, curating vendors, and coordinating with the Roswell Historical Society to ensure the event reflects both tradition and creativity. “We look for local artisans who put heart into what they make,”
he said. “It’s less about volume and more about quality and connection.”
More Than Shopping
The Roswell Christmas Market is as much about community as it is about commerce. Children can visit with Santa on the porch of Bulloch Hall, while carolers in Victorian dress stroll the grounds singing holiday classics. Families pause for hot cocoa under the old magnolia trees, soaking in the magic of the season. Inside Bulloch Hall, the historic home comes alive with elaborate decorations—each room adorned with period-appropriate greenery, ribbon, and candlelight. Volunteers in traditional attire share stories about the Bulloch family and the home’s connection to President Theodore Roosevelt, whose mother was born there.
Supporting History and Heritage
Proceeds from the Christmas Market help preserve Bulloch Hall and fund ongoing educational programs. The event not only celebrates the holidays but also sustains Roswell’s heritage for generations to come. “It’s rewarding to see how this market brings people together,” Bob reflects. “When guests leave with a handmade ornament or a local jam, they’re also taking home a piece of Roswell’s story.”
A Holiday Experience to Remember
Whether it’s the aroma of roasted nuts, the sound of a brass quartet echoing across the
lawn, or the simple joy of finding that perfect handcrafted gift, the Roswell Christmas
Market offers something timeless—an invitation to slow down and savor the season.
Families often make it an annual outing, returning year after year to reconnect with
vendors and volunteers who’ve become part of their holiday tradition. “We want
everyone to feel welcome,” Bob said. “That’s what makes it special—it’s not just an
event, it’s a community celebration.”
Plan Your Visit
The 2025 Bulloch Hall Christmas Market runs until December 23rd, Monday-Thursday 3:00 - 8:00, Friday and Saturdays 12:00 - 9:00, and Sundays 12:00 - 8:00 PM.
After browsing the market, visitors can step inside Bulloch Hall to enjoy its festive décor
and experience a guided tour. Last year, over 105,000 visited the market.
www.bullochhall.org
“It’s rewarding to see how this market brings people together,” Bob reflects. “When guests leave with a handmade ornament or a local jam, they’re also taking home a piece of Roswell’s story.”