Alpharetta's Season of Celebration Returns

Alpharetta's Season of Celebration returns for its 46th year, bringing a festive lineup of holiday events to Downtown Alpharetta. The much-anticipated Alpharetta Tree Lighting ceremony will mark the start of the season on Saturday, November 23, from 5 - 9 p.m. The City of Alpharetta invites you to experience a memorable evening while creating lasting holiday memories in a vibrant, welcoming community.

The evening's centerpiece will be the lighting of a stunning 50-foot Christmas tree, a generous gift from Evans General Contractors, set to sparkle at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure the best views for the countdown as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the Town Green. Families are invited to stay warm this year by roasting marshmallows at the fire pits on Market Street or stepping into the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre's igloo for Sugarplum Storytime. Hot beverages from The Ginger Room, Boarding Pass Coffee, and Kilwin's will be available for purchase at convenient locations within the event footprint.

Bring portable chairs and settle in for live holiday music from the Alpharetta City Band's Jazz Ensemble, enchanting snow flurries, and other magical performances on the main stage in front of Alpharetta City Hall. Get a sneak peek of the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre's annual holiday show, The Nutcracker, which will run from December 13-15 at Innovation Academy. Have your cameras out for the perfect photo with strolling characters and performers in the crowd. Santa Claus himself will also make a special appearance to hear holiday wishes and spread cheer.

"The tree lighting is one of Alpharetta's most cherished traditions," said Mayor Jim Gilvin. "It brings me great joy to see our community come together, sharing the spirit of peace, hope, and love at the heart of the holiday season."

In the spirit of giving, the City of Alpharetta is pleased to bring back its annual Holiday Food Drive, benefiting North Fulton Community Charities, from November 23 through December 15. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to support families in need, receiving a festive jingle bell bracelet as a thank-you during the Alpharetta Tree Lighting. Businesses and community members can drop off non-perishable goods from November 23 through December 15 at any of the seven indoor donation bins across Alpharetta or one of four convenient 24/7 tree shelves downtown.

Indoor Donation Bins:

• Alpharetta Adult Activity Center; 13450 Cogburn Rd.

• Alpharetta City Hall; 2 Park Plaza

• Alpharetta Community Center; 175 Roswell St.

• Alpharetta First Baptist Church; 44 Academy St.

• Avalon Concierge/Valet Parking; 400 Avalon Blvd.

• Preston Ridge Community Center; 3655 Preston Ridge Rd.

• Wills Park Recreation Center; 11925 Wills Rd.

Outdoor Collection Tree Shelves:

• Corner of S. Broad St./Highway 9

• Corner of S. Broad St./Market St.

• Corner of Milton Ave/Canton Street

This year's most needed items include peanut butter, pasta, canned soups, mac and cheese, canned fruit, oatmeal, and toiletries. For more information on top pantry needs, please visit the North Fulton Community Charities website at nfcchelp.org. For those who are short on time, monetary donations can be conveniently made online through NFCC's website.

Alpharetta's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is free and open to all. Parking is available in decks at 2 Park Plaza and 92 Milton Ave. For details on Alpharetta's full lineup of holiday events, workshops, and activities, visit bit.ly/AlphaSOC2024 or follow us on Facebook at @AlpharettaRecreation. To learn more about the Season of Celebration visit https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/season-of-celebration

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