KENNESAW, Ga. (October 21, 2025) — The holiday season shines brighter in Kennesaw as the City launches its annual Holly Days celebration, a joyful series of events running from mid-November through the New Year. With dazzling lights, festive markets, creative workshops, and heartwarming community traditions, Holly Days offers something magical for everyone.

Depot Park Becomes a Winter Wonderland

Downtown Kennesaw’s Depot Park transforms into a glowing holiday destination with more than 100,000 lights, including a sparkling tunnel, towering toy soldiers, and a festive sleigh—perfect for seasonal photo ops. The Holiday Extravaganza runs from December 1 through January 6.

Santa Sightings All Season Long

Santa will be making multiple stops throughout Kennesaw, offering families plenty of opportunities for photos and holiday cheer:

• Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Mingling – Dec. 3 at Depot Park, with a choir performance at 6:30 PM and tree lighting at 7:00 PM
• Santa at the Gardens – Dec. 4 at Smith-Gilbert Gardens (pre-registration required)
• Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 6 at BRCC, co-sponsored by the Kennesaw/Acworth Optimist Club (pre-registration required)
• Pictures with Santa – Dec. 6 at Depot Park (free walk-up and reserved photo sessions, pre-registration required for reserved sessions)
• Dinner with Santa – Dec. 9 at Copeland’s of New Orleans (benefits the Jerry Worthan Memorial Christmas Fund)
• All Aboard for Holiday Fun – Dec. 13 at the Southern Museum
• Sleigh Ride for Smiles – Dec. 14, a charity car cruise with Santa and helpers

Shop Local & Win Big

Holiday shopping is festive and rewarding with these events:

• Kennesaw Holiday Market – Nov. 14 & 15 at BRCC, featuring handcrafted gifts, complimentary bites, and live music
• Holiday Gift Shop – Nov. 21 & 22 at the Kennesaw Parks & Rec Pottery Studio
• Holiday Loyalty Card Program – Starting Nov. 29, shop local and enter to win prizes
• Museum & Garden Gift Shops – Unique gifts, local treats, and artisan finds

Crafts & Activities for All Ages

Families can enjoy hands-on fun through:

• Art in the Gardens, Craft Nights, and Wreath Making Workshops
• Little Sprouts, Mommy & Me, and Toddler Tuesday programs
• Holiday Hoopfest, Candy Cane Lane, and Snapology Camps
• Homeschool Workshops and a Sensory-Friendly Afternoon with Holiday Trains

Entertainment & Social Events

Teens and adults can celebrate with:

• Tree Lighting & Choir Performance – Dec. 3
• Jingle Belles & Bubbly Movie Night – Dec. 12 at United Bankshares Amphitheater (bring lawn chairs and blankets!)
• Glimmer & Glee: A Holly Days Flight Drone Show – Dec. 7
• Trivia Night, Craft Nights, and Senior Clubhouse Programs

Glimmer & Glee: A Holly Days Flight — A Sky-High Spectacle

The City of Kennesaw is proud to introduce Glimmer & Glee: A Holly Days Flight, a brand-new signature event lighting up the sky for the very first time. On Sunday, December 7, join us in Downtown Kennesaw for an enchanting evening of music and aerial magic. The festivities begin at 6:00 PM with a live holiday concert, followed by a dazzling drone show at 7:30 PM.

This cutting-edge spectacle features multiple synchronized drones painting the night sky with glowing holiday scenes. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable viewing. Admission is free and open to all ages.

Parade & Community Highlights

• Holly Days Parade – Dec. 6 at 11:30 AM in Downtown Kennesaw, featuring floats, bands, and Santa’s grand entrance
• Holiday Extravaganza Displays – Community-built exhibits and themed installations at Depot Park
• Candy Count Challenge & Holiday Selfie Sleigh – Fun photo ops and guessing games with Kennesaw Parks & Recreation

Give Back This Season

Support local families through:

• Sleigh Ride for Smiles – Dec. 14, with shopping, raffles, and a Winter Social
• Jerry Worthan Memorial Christmas Fund – Donations accepted online or at the Kennesaw Police Department
• Toy Donation Bins – Available at City Hall
• Applications for Assistance – Available for families in need at the Kennesaw Police Department

Join the celebration and discover why in Kennesaw, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. For a full Holly Days guide and event schedule, visit https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/hollydays.