With family-friendly celebrations, joyful performances, and festive traditions around every corner, Albany offers a vibrant lineup making it an ideal destination for celebrating the season
ALBANY, GEORGIA–NOVEMBER–2025–Nestled along the banks of the Flint River, Albany, Georgia, continues to shine as a vibrant hub of culture, creativity and community spirit. Each holiday season, the city’s calendar is full of beloved events showcasing the very best of Albany including Southern hospitality, local talent and holiday cheer. From family-friendly events to dazzling holiday performances, Albany invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate the magic of the season. Here’s a sampling of some of Albany’s not-to-miss holiday events.
Get ready to be entertained and enjoy a free live outdoor concert with The Essence Band on the front lawn of The Pub at Merry Acres Inn. Guests can grab food from the Mi Casa Food Truck, bring their own lawn chairs or purchase a group table at the event. The pub opens at 4 p.m. for an evening of great music and community fun. Click here for more information.
Next up, mark your calendar for Christmas in Downtown—a festive day filled with visits with Santa, local shopping, delicious bites from Food Truck Frenzy and the always-popular Touch a Truck experience. Guests are also encouraged to bring a toy to support the Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Bring your friends, family and plenty of holiday cheer—this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Don’t miss the Candy Cane Crawl! Kicking off December 1 and lasting all December long, the Candy Cane Crawl invites visitors to explore Albany’s shops and eateries with a festive bingo card celebrating the city’s candy cane heritage. Enjoy seasonal specials, discover local favorites and experience a sweet holiday tradition uniquely Albany. See more information by clicking here.
Join the holiday fun from 6–9 p.m. on Friday, December 5, at Fridays on the Flint, featuring the FREC Holiday Market, presented by South GA TV. The evening features live music from Unbreakable Bloodline, festive shopping with local vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities. Kids can enjoy free photos with Santa, explore the kids’ zone and everyone can savor a great selection of food trucks. Click here for more information.
Experience a beloved holiday tradition as “The Nutcracker” returns to the Albany Municipal Auditorium on December 5-7, 2025. Presented by Ballet Theatre South, this enchanting production features more than 40 local dancers alongside talented guest artists, bringing classical choreography, beautiful music and stunning stage effects to life. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the Albany Civic Center box office. This family-friendly performance promises to deliver all the magic and wonder of the season. Click here for more information on show times and tickets.
On December 6, the City of Albany will celebrate the 35th Annual Celebration of Lights Christmas Parade with the theme “Home for the Holidays: Honoring Our Heroes.” Downtown festivities include vendors, food trucks and live entertainment leading up to the parade, creating a festive community celebration for all to enjoy. Click here for more details.
Lace up your running shoes and get ready to jingle all the way at the Jingle Bell Jog, benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network at Phoebe. Now celebrating its 37th year, this beloved event features a 5K run and walk, a 10K run and a one-mile fun walk—offering festive fitness for participants of all ages. This festive fitness event is a community favorite! See more information by clicking here.
On December 9, Albany’s beloved holiday concert, American Voice: American Holiday Traditions returns with classic American seasonal music, special guest choruses, fun audience sing-alongs, delightful surprises and appearances from favorite festive characters—bringing together the warmth and joy of the season for all ages.
Get ready! A Motown Christmas is coming to the Albany Municipal Auditorium, bringing soulful holiday hits and timeless Motown classics to the stage for a festive, feel-good celebration on December 10. Click here for more information and tickets.
Save the date for Hops & Holly 2025! This one-of-a-kind holiday celebration happening at the Flint RiverQuarium is an evening filled with music, festive décor, local cuisine and tastings of wine, beer and spirits from across Southwest Georgia. Guests are sure to enjoy dancing, exploring a silent auction full of great holiday gifts and soaking in the seasonal atmosphere at this unforgettable holiday event. Click here for more information.
Theatre Albany presents “A Christmas Carol,” December 11-14, 2025. Watch this classic holiday tale by Charles Dickens come to life in the stage adaptation. For show times and tickets, click here.
With these events and more, it’s easy to see how celebrating the holiday season in Albany is nothing but joyful. Through every concert, parade, performance and festival, Albany shines as a city that celebrates community in all its forms. Whether you’re an art lover, a music fan, a foodie or a family looking to make memories, the city’s lineup of events offers something special at every turn. In Albany, Georgia, the spirit of connection isn’t just part of the season—it’s the heartbeat of the city year-round. For more Albany events, click here.