Tag Archive for: the holidays

THE HOLIDAYS ARE BACK AT BUCKHEAD VILLAGE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/4/24

Property-Wide Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 7, Featuring a Bridgerton-Inspired Symphony Performance, Hot Chocolate Crawl, Wreath Decorating, ATL Girl Gang Members Mart Pop-Up, Stylish Santa & More

Plus, the Annual Atlanta Christkindl Market Returns November 22 – December 24

 Buckhead Village is unwrapping new and returning favorites this holiday season! The shopping and dining destination invites guests to join in and be merry at its property-wide holiday celebration on Saturday, December 7 featuring festive workshops, market pop-ups, live music, carolers, seasonal food and warm beverages, and more, plus the annual Atlanta Christkindl Market with The German American Cultural Foundation which officially returns for its fourth year November 22-December 24.

To ring in the season, Buckhead Village will once again embrace vintage “Après All Day” vibes and transform into a chic Alpine retreat, blending modern luxury with timeless mountain charm. Beginning the week before Thanksgiving, adventurers will be transported to an exclusive mountaintop getaway complete with glittering snow-capped trees, crackling fires worthy of a cozy fireside lodge, Insta-worthy ski-lift photo ops, snowy craft cocktails, plush decorations and vintage ski gear that tap into the nostalgia of the golden eras of Alpine glamour. Buckhead Village’s Apres chic vibes will offer an enchanting snow-kissed escape from the city, filled with endless holiday cheer and memorable moments.

On Saturday, December 7 from noon-evening, Buckhead Village will host a property-wide holiday celebration where visitors and shoppers can toast to the season during Livable Buckhead’s Hot Chocolate Crawl, help adorn fire and police stations across the city with holiday cheer in a dazzling Wreath Decorating workshop, join the ton during a sparkling Bridgerton-inspired candlelight symphony performance with Elite Strings in The Plaza, and more! 

The day’s lineup includes:

  • 11am-7pm – A holiday-inspired ATL Girl Gang Members Mart Pop-Up is returning to Buckhead Village to make holiday shopping a breeze! Visitors and shoppers are invited to shop small and support local this holiday season with a dazzling market that will spotlight female-owned, local businesses offering a one-stop-shop for one-of-a-kind jewelry, art, clothing, candles, home decor, and other holiday-inspired gifts.
  • Noon-2pm – Show support for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and the Atlanta Police Department with a special Wreath Decorating Event, where all can help decorate wreaths that will add holiday cheer to fire stations across the city throughout the season. *Event details coming soon.
  • Noon-4pm – Live, acoustic music in The Veranda
  • Noon-7pm – Guests can stop by The Mater Day Flower Truck to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths made with locally grown flowers.
  • Kids can hit “The Bunny Slope” – the official Après-Ski kid zone – to enjoy a rotating schedule of family-friendly arts and crafts like bottle brush trees, ski ornament making, and friendship bracelets.
  • 4-7pm
  • Families can enjoy storytime with Stylish Santa in partnership with the Buckhead Library, plus a craft station, caroling from Atlanta’s beloved Tinseltones and s’mores for sale from Sprinkleista Bakery (perfect for roasting via the complimentary fire pits in The Plaza)!
  • Livable Buckhead invites guests to toast the season with the return of their annual Miracle on Peachtree Hot Chocolate Crawl that will include stops at Abbey Glass, Alice + Olivia, Billy Reid, Brown & Co., Francis Valentine, PLANTA Queen, Shake Shack, Todd Patrick, and more. *Event details coming soon.
  • Stylish Santa returns for photo ops in an Après-Ski-themed outfit on Buckhead Avenue.
  • 4-8pm – Live DJ and acoustic music near Fetch Park and Buckhead Ave
  • 7-8pm – Visitors can wrap up the day with a dazzling Bridgerton-inspired candlelight symphony performance by Elite Strings in The Plaza! The property will have several cozy lounge areas for guests to gather and view the performance while staying warm with to-go cocktails from participating restaurants on property. This event is free and open to the public.

Beginning Friday, November 22 through Christmas Eve, The Atlanta Christkindl Market returns! Deck the halls this season with the enchanting return of the annual Atlanta Christkindl Market, a magical experience blending traditional German festivities with the vibrant spirit of Atlanta. With The German American Cultural Foundation and back for its fourth year, the month-long market will be free and open to the public, featuring a variety of authentic culinary treats, endless selections of curated items to shop, live music, enchanting family-friendly entertainment, and of course, Santa Claus. 

Visitors and holiday-goers will be able to experience the magic with drinks like German Glühwein – also known as mulled wine – hot chocolate, cider and traditional German food including pretzels, schnitzel, brats, and more. To shop, visitors will find items like hand-crafted ornaments, wooden toys, jewelry, clay and hardwood pipes, bath and body items, and much more.

The Atlanta Christkindl Market will be open daily starting Friday, November 22 through Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24. Open Friday-Sunday from 11am-9pm and Monday-Thursday from 3-8pm.

VALDOSTA TRANSFORMS INTO A WINTER WONDERLAND THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/10/23

The Capital of South Georgia will transform into a magical Christmas wonderland this holiday season. With millions of lights, decorations, sweet treats and jolly visits from Santa, Valdosta is the ultimate Christmas destination for festive family fun.

“In Valdosta, Christmas is not just a season; it’s an opportunity for our community to create something authentic and truly meaningful,” said David DiSalvo, President/CEO of Visit Valdosta. “Our local destinations curate affordable and family-centric experiences that provide a lifetime of memories for locals and out-of-town visitors alike.”

There are countless events, destinations and local businesses to celebrate with this season, including:

Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright: Boasting over two million lights, this is Wild Adventures’ brightest and merriest celebration yet, spreading cheer across the park with new attractions, jolly entertainment and holiday culinary delights. The event features a new animated floating lake spectacular with thousands of sparkling lights reflected across the water. Guests will journey through Wonder Woods, watch the beloved tale of Rudolph come to life in the Holly Jolly Junction and experience the Gingerbread Village to capture one-of-a-kind family memories. Join the Christmas spirit on select dates from November 18 through December 31.

Community Tree Lighting: On December 1 at 6 p.m., the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and the Valdosta City Council invite the community to kick off the holiday season at the Valdosta-Lowndes County annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Located on the lawn of the newly renovated historic courthouse, guests will enjoy a performance from the Lowndes High School Viking Cantors, and festivities include hot cocoa, light refreshments and family fun.

Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade: This year’s Christmas parade promises to be more enchanting than ever with a magical Snow Globe theme. The parade will spread holiday cheer by transforming the streets from Woodrow Wilson to Downtown Valdosta on December 2 starting at 6 p.m. Thousands of guests will enjoy a festive processional of beautifully decorated floats, lively music and the jolly presence of Santa Claus.

Christmas at Valdosta State University: Before Valdosta State University students head home for the holidays, students and faculty will gather for the Blazer Nation tradition of the Lighting of the Palms. Featuring holiday music, sweet treats, a VSU Winter Wonderland and a special visit from mascot Santa Blaze, this holiday tradition kicks off on VSU’s front lawn at 1500 N. Patterson Street on November 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Card Cruise: What started as a small event in 2020, has now expanded to include the entire county. The community-wide Christmas Card Cruise, hosted by Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority, Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta, includes businesses, organizations and families creating jumbo Christmas cards out of 6-foot sheets of plywood to display outside of their buildings and homes throughout December. Last year, more than 100 cards were posted. Visit vlpra.com on December 1 to view the official cruise map.

Christmas Lights at Camp Rock: Camp Rock, a nonprofit organization serving underprivileged children in South Georgia, will have a Christmas light display on select days in December for families to enjoy. For just $10, guests will enjoy a Winter Wonderland featuring mini golf, bounce houses, roller skating, axe throwing and a light maze. The event also includes a petting zoo, light show, games, crafts, outdoor movies and more.

Hahira Festivities: Just a few miles north of Valdosta, visitors can enjoy several holiday activities in Hahira. Check out the third annual Parade of Trees at Hahira Square where families and organizations decorate trees to spread holiday cheer, commemorate loved ones and promote local businesses. The Merry Main Street Christmas Parade and Festival will take place on December 9 at 10 a.m., with the parade beginning at 6 p.m. The festival features arts & crafts booths, local vendors, food trucks and more.

31st Annual Toy Ride: Calling all motorcyclists from South Georgia and North Florida! Hosted by the Outback Riders of Valdosta, the Toy Ride brings together motorcyclists to spread holiday cheer to children in Valdosta. Thousands gather to bring a toy and ride through Valdosta, ending with a donation to the Salvation Army. This year’s ride takes place December 16 at 1:30 p.m.

For out-of-town visitors, Valdosta has cozy inns, a new boutique hotel, campgrounds and much more to find a perfect fit for every family this holiday season. Plan your trip and learn more about overnight accommodations at visitvaldosta.org/stay.