Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa on the Square
Visitors can enjoy festive performances from local school and church choirs and participate in an Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade through the Square. Guests can write holiday wishes at Santa Letter Stations and play winter-themed games for exclusive prizes. The evening culminates as Santa makes a grand arrival to join the Mayor in lighting Marietta's Great Christmas Tree.
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Hours
4 PM to 8 PM; Holiday Performances Begin 4:00PM; Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade approximately 5:00 PM; Santa's Arrival approximately 5:15 PM; Christmas Tree Lighting 6:00 PM; Event Ends 8:00 PM.
Neighborhood
Historic Marietta Square
Location
Tips & Advice
- Register ahead for the Ugly Sweater Parade and download the rules and regulations if you want to march with Santa through the Square.
- Wear the most outrageous holiday sweater you own but keep it family-friendly, since that is what the parade asks of everyone who joins.
- Stop at a Santa Letter Station so the kids can write their holiday wishes, and Santa's elves will help get the letters to the North Pole.
- Try the winter-themed games at the activity stations, which run throughout the evening and hand out exclusive prizes.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors in Glover Park so you can stay through Santa's arrival and the lighting of the Great Christmas Tree.
Special Events & Promotions
- Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade through the Square with Santa, open to participants who register ahead.
Links & Contact
Run by City of Marietta
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade?
Register for the Ugly Sweater Parade ahead of time and download the rules and regulations. Dress yourself, your family, your friends or your whole crew in your most ridiculous, family-friendly holiday attire, then walk with Santa to the Square.
What activities are there for kids?
Craft and activity stations run all evening. Kids can play winter-themed games for exclusive prizes and write their holiday wishes at the Santa Letter Stations. Santa's elves help make sure the letters reach the North Pole.
Who performs during the evening?
Local school and church choirs sing holiday music throughout the evening.
How does Santa arrive?
Santa makes a special Marietta arrival to the Square. Then he joins the Mayor to light Marietta's Great Christmas Tree.
How can I volunteer or help support the tree?
To volunteer, fill out the City of Marietta's volunteer form. Anyone working directly with minors must agree to a background check before their first event. Individuals, families and businesses can also give to the City's Christmas Tree Fund by emailing specialevents@mariettaga.gov.
Browse Christmas in Marietta
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.