Christmas parade, Santa Fly-In, Christmas Tea and More
More and more travelers are attracted to getaways in charming small towns that offer warm welcomes and lively surprises. Just 40 miles south of Atlanta, Griffin, Georgia, is is full of tree-lined, small-town charm, stately historic homes, diverse history and heritage. A thriving dining, shopping and arts scene has grown in a commercial district full of restored and re-purposed buildings. Locally owned restaurants and cafes serve up delicious favorites, unique shops offer antiques, apparel and gifts and beautiful murals depict the town’s history.
Griffin is dressed for the holiday season and offers festivities and events all month long, with plenty of free parking and without the city crowds. Stroll the streets with a Griffin GoCup–from 4 p.m. to midnight daily, select restaurants in the Arts and Entertainment District provide them to ages 21 and up. See a heartwarming hometown Christmas parade, shop an evening mistletoe market, enjoy a holiday high tea and watch Santa fly in for a meet and greet. Following are events throughout the month. For a preview, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt-pU-RAhrk
December 1, 2023
Downtown Tree Lighting 2023
6- 10 p.m.
Griffin One Center
100 South Hill Street
Griffin, Georgia
770-228-5356
https://www.griffinchamber.com/events/christmas-in-griffin-2023
Santa will arrive by fire truck to light the historic Christmas tree. Then join City Church for Christmas In Griffin on Solomon Street. Walk Christmas Tree Lane and vote for your favorite tree. Kids can enjoy a train ride, lights, snow, s’mores, pictures with Santa, the Grinch & Cindy Lou Who and more. At 7:30p.m. the animated movie “The Grinch” will play on the lawn at Historic City Hall, 201 East Solomon Street. This event is free to attend and all activities are free to enjoy.
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Santa’s Fly-In and Sweet Land at Barnstormer’s
8 – 11 a.m.
Barnstormer’s Grill & Event Center
349 Jonathan’s Roost Road
Williamson, Georgia
770-227-9989
https://www.griffinchamber.com/events/santas-fly-in-and-sweet-land-at-barnstormers
See Santa fly in and enjoy the sweet theme and treats. $10 per person includes Sweet Land Donuts and treats; part of proceeds go to Santa for Cancer Foundation.
Through December 31
O’Christmas Tea Experience
The Emerald Chandelier
204 West Poplar Street
Griffin, Georgia
678-338-8363
https://www.theemeraldchandelier.com/about-3-1?fbclid=IwAR3wG1RYuck1pskFQAOMQFyglheQ4T-ud5s96E5n0vdHSdFg2M3lBxSu1xQ
Discover the enchantment of The Emerald Chandelier. Immerse yourself in the magic of O’Christmas Tea, where every room is adorned with festive trees and decorations. Indulge in our amazing afternoon tea experience, filled with delectable treats and warm holiday cheer. Don’t miss out on this special tea experience with a choice of two menus and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
December 8, 2023
Mistletoe Night Market 2023
6 – 10 p.m.
Historic City Hall
201 East Solomon Street
Griffin, Georgia
770-228-5356
https://www.exploregeorgia.org/griffin/events/entertainment/mistletoe-night-market-2023
Join us at Historic City Hall, 201 East Solomon Street, for an evening of wine tasting, candlelight shopping, and live holiday music. This holiday market celebrates the season while providing guests an opportunity to complete their Christmas shopping or enjoy the festive atmosphere with friends, including horse-drawn carriages rides around downtown to see holiday lights. personalized holiday gifts, winter clothing, specialty foods, and other unique products that are perfect last-minute gift ideas.
December 9, 2023
Griffin Second Saturday: Merry and Bright festivities
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
2023 Hometown Holiday Illuminated Parade
6:30 – 7 p.m.
Downtown Griffin, 30224
770-228-5356
https://www.griffinchamber.com/events/hometown-holiday-parade-2023
The City of Griffin partners with the Griffin Downtown Council and Griffin Main Street Program to host 2nd Saturday events to support small businesses. Shop, dine, and explore all Downtown Griffin has to offer while enjoying themed activities, live music, and more. The 2nd Saturday “Merry and Bright” festivities include store specials and holiday cheer. The parade, a heartwarming hometown affair with bands, costumed characters and surprising and fun floats and vehicles, begins at 6:30 p.m. For a preview, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt-pU-RAhrk
December 22 – 23, 2023
O’Christmas Tea at The Emerald Chandelier
6 – 8 p.m.
The Emerald Chandelier
204 West Poplar Street
Griffin, Georgia
(678) 338-8363
https://www.theemeraldchandelier.com
Discover the enchantment of The Emerald Chandelier and the magic of O’Christmas Tea, where every room is adorned with festive trees and decorations. Ashlynn Davis & Anthony Brice sing and play Christmas Music and share a musical journey through the Nativity. The O’Christmas Tea Experience is filled with delectable treats and warm holiday cheer. Don’t miss out on this special tea experience. Purchase advance tickets and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. https://www.theemeraldchandelier.com/about-3-1
December 31, 2023
New Year’s Eve Concert with Nathan Morgan and Scott Little
8 p.m., doors open 7 p.m.
Griffin Opera House
102 N Hill Street
Griffin, Georgia
https://www.griffinchamber.com/events/new-years-eve-concert-with-nathan-morgan
Admission includes a glass of champagne along with New Years Eve party favors to bring in the New Year. Continuing the American tradition of hard driving, cranked up country rock, Nathan Morgan has a sound all his own. His latest release, “The Memphis Sessions EP,” was recorded live at the historic Sun Studio and proves over and over that Nathan and his band are a musical force. Blending elements of what he calls simply “Southern Music”, Nathan and the band do not disappoint and their live show is just as powerful and conjuring as the music itself.
Where to stay
Griffin-Spalding has a wide variety of lodging options. From charming historic bed and breakfasts to chain hotel brands, there are plenty of choices to fit your travel needs. The area also features many VRBO and Air B&B options including some private estates with properties for rent. Whether it’s a historic loft, a bed and breakfast or a traditional hotel experience, there are plenty of lodging options to make your trip memorable.
The official website of the Griffin Spalding Business & Tourism Association is InGriffin.com.