Decatur takes its reputation as a holiday season magic maker seriously. Our city collaborates across departments to deliver events filled with good tidings, holiday cheer, and hot chocolate to savour. I sat down with three City of Decatur powerhouses: Victoria Cohen, Business Development Manager; Jackie Moore, Special Events Coordinator; and Sherry Jackman, Director of Tourism, to get the scoop on how our city turns into a veritable winter wonderland.
Annual Tree Lighting
The Tree Lighting on the first Thursday in December epitomizes the Christmas spirit with community caroling, gingerbread cookies from Butter & Cream, and a seemingly unending supply of steaming hot chocolate passed out by the Decatur Youth Council. The choir from Fifth Avenue Upper Elementary serenades everyone with their adorably angelic voices. Justin Calusi from Little Shop of Stories serves as Master of Ceremonies starting at 6 pm, bantering back and forth with Santa Claus to the delight of the crowd. The tree is lit at 7 pm in the square (following a climactic countdown) by a lever crafted by Decatur Makers, pulled by Santa, as neighbors sing holiday favorites with provided sheet music. Victoria recalls her experience last year with her daughter, who was four at the time, with “her little cheeks sticking out of her hat and hood, just sipping on the hot chocolate.” She describes the awe in her eyes as she watched the snow machine’s snowflakes billow through the air while Santa worked through the blissful mob, escorted by the Fire Marshal. It isn’t every day that there are purely joyful community events, and this is one of them, overflowing with sweetness and good spirits.
Make magical memories this year on Thursday, December 4th, at 6 pm by the Historic DeKalb Courthouse.
Pictures with Pets
If you’re looking for a way to loop your fur babies into the holiday spirit, there’s a perfect annual tradition right here in Decatur. Pictures with Pets, a two-hour photo opportunity, returns for its third year as one of our city’s most beloved events for our most beloved creatures. Dogs, cats, and even reptiles intermingle for possibly the cutest photoshoot all year long. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus attend, giving your sweet pets a chance to pose with the rest of the family or soak in the spotlight. Due to the square’s ongoing construction, this experience will take place at Harmony Park in Oakhurst in collaboration with Taj Ma Hound and Oakview Coffee. There will be holiday shopping opportunities too, as Krista Aversano of Taj Ma Hound shared, “We’ll have our K9 Cookie Training Treats as well as gifts for pups on sale. They make great stocking stuffers and presents for all your dog-loving puppy parents.” Oakview Coffee offers complimentary hot cocoa, and, “because every good pup deserves a treat, we’ve got a free Pup Cup waiting too!” Animal lovers come from all over to take part in this completely free holiday celebration.
Decatur's 2025 Ornament
The annual Decatur Ornament is an excellent way to spotlight independent artists and local businesses. The Decatur Arts Alliance locates artists for submission, with the opportunity to craft an original collector’s item depicting the best version of a Decatur holiday season. Last year’s ornament, created by Decatur Glassblowing, was a stunning globe that utilized the colors of the City of Decatur branding. This year’s winning ornament (a stunning gingerbread man) was crafted by Maggie Cruz, an independent artist hailing from California. Each year’s ornament is sold at various local retailers for a limited run. It’s not a revenue-generating item; they’re sold at cost, and the initiative is meant as a purely fun way to commemorate the holidays while supporting local businesses. During the last week of December, if any are left, they can be purchased at the Decatur Visitor’s Center as a courtesy. The city really encourages buyers to pick them up at the local shops, and hopefully, you’ll find other holiday gifts while you’re there. They make a wonderful keepsake for any Decatur resident, and it’s a lovely way to build out your decoration collection.
Find the Decatur 2025 ornament around town for purchase!
Small Business Saturday
We live in an era where it’s all too easy to scroll on our screens and click to make a purchase. While convenience is often a necessity, holiday shopping in person is a delightful way to romanticize the season while supporting local commerce. Decatur takes it up a notch, sprinkling magic all over a sometimes overwhelming task. Small Business Saturday is the ideal start to the holiday season, and it sets the tone for our shopping choices throughout December and beyond. This nationally-recognized holiday is celebrated with aplomb here in our twinkling downtown, where Christmas music plays and locally-bought gifts are wrapped for free, and fun for the whole family abounds. Taking place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year, it’s much more than a single day in November. Rather, it represents a year-round phenomenon in Decatur, where locally-owned businesses become our go-to shopping destinations, and supporting our neighbors’ endeavors is a lifestyle. Especially this holiday season, say no to the big box retailers and turn to our downtown Decatur mom & pop stores for all your gifting and hosting needs.
In the words of Decatur Business Association President Sean Crotty, “Decatur is known for its vibrant small business scene. Our retail shops and restaurants are part of what makes Decatur a great place to live, and we appreciate all the support we get from our community. Small Business Saturday is a great reminder to shop small!”
The Bonfire
There’s an ancient serenity that comes from gathering around a fire with your community. It feels life-giving amidst the cold air, and everything sparkles with beauty in the glow of firelight. Decatur’s annual Bonfire is viewed by many as the pinnacle of the holiday experience schedule. Coordinated between all City of Decatur departments, especially fire, police, and public works, it’s a collaborative creation that alights our town with holiday cheer. The Talley Elementary choir sings, and thousands of sticks with marshmallows are handed out for roasting. Last year, they gave out over 2,500! Many neighbors bring their own sticks or save theirs from previous years, which is much appreciated.
Join the roaring bonfire and marshmallow roast on Thursday, December 11th, from 6-8 pm in the downtown East Court Square.
Decatur loves bringing people together to celebrate, and this time of year is a shining example of that. Don’t miss the Menorah Lighting on December 13th and Movie Night on December 18th for the fully fledged Decatur holiday agenda.
Find all the details here: https://visitdecaturga.com/holidays-2025/