The holiday season arrives early here, and this year’s holiday events in Forsyth County stretch from the first weekend of November to mid-December. Giant trees are lit in the heart of Cumming, artisan markets fill the village greens, and neighborhood streets glow after dark. Here is where to go, what to expect and how to plan your visit.
2026 Holiday Dates at a Glance
- Nov. 7: Holiday Artists Market at Halcyon.
- Nov. 7: HOBNOB’s Elf Upstairs pop-up at Halcyon.
- Nov. 8: Glitter Star Fest at Cumming City Center.
- Nov. 14: Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at The Collection at Forsyth.
- Nov. 14–15: Christmas Festival at the Cumming Arts Center.
- Nov. 21: Winter/Holiday Market and Tree Lighting at Cumming City Center.
- Dec. 5: Halcyon Holiday Magic.
- Dec. 12: City of Cumming Christmas Parade.
- Dec. 13: Cumming Christmas Jingle Jog 5K.
- December: Ashebrooke Night of Lights (check the neighborhood’s Facebook page for 2026 dates).
Cumming City Center: A Giant Tree and a Winter Market
Cumming City Center is the county’s holiday headquarters. On Saturday, Nov. 21, the fifth annual Winter/Holiday Market brings more than 100 local vendors to 423 Canton Road from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. Shoppers will find gifts and seasonal treasures, plus Santa for photos, live holiday music and a Kids Zone with crafts and games.
Plan to stay for the evening. The Cumming City Center Tree Lighting follows the market at 6 p.m. at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. The giant tree is lit, The Big Beyond performs live, and local vendors serve treats and warm drinks.
Two other City Center events round out the season. Glitter Star Fest on Sunday, Nov. 8, runs from 4 to 8 p.m. It is an evening of music and art that supports the American Cancer Society and pediatric cancer research, with Tori Gideon headlining at 5:30 p.m. Later, the Cumming Christmas Jingle Jog on Sunday, Dec. 13, sends runners and walkers on a festive 5K through the City Center at 8:30 a.m. A kids’ fun run follows at 9:30 a.m., and proceeds benefit Forsyth County Community Connection.
Halcyon: Holiday Magic Where Neighbors Gather
Halcyon, in Alpharetta, in Forsyth County, makes the holidays feel like a village celebration. The season opens on Saturday, Nov. 7, with the Holiday Artists Market on the Village Green. Twenty local artisans offer handmade gifts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The same day, HOBNOB’s Elf Upstairs pop-up takes over HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Expect elf-inspired decor and festive cocktails. Guests under 21 are welcome before 9 p.m.
The biggest day for families is Halcyon Holiday Magic on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children can meet Santa, the Grinch, Mickey and Minnie, and visit a teddy bear station hosted by Northside Hospital. There is also live local music, face painting, balloon artists and crafts. Twenty Halcyon restaurants are nearby for brunch, lunch and hot chocolate.
Tickets are $20 per child, and accompanying adults are free. All proceeds benefit Family Promise. The event runs rain or shine, and most activities move indoors in bad weather. Reserve tickets here.
The Collection at Forsyth: Tree Lighting and Local Makers
On Saturday, Nov. 14, The Collection at Forsyth, at 410 Peachtree Parkway, hosts its annual Tree Lighting celebration. A holiday market presented by Pine & Pigment runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with local makers, gifts and decor. Live entertainment, family activities and the tree lighting itself take place from 3 to 6 p.m. According to the event listing, the market also opens on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. See the event page on Facebook or visit collectionforsyth.com for updates.
Vickery Village: Small-Town Charm After Dark
Vickery Village is the place to slow down. Independent shops, local restaurants and string lights over the green make it a natural stop for holiday gift shopping and dinner. Seasonal happenings are posted on the Vickery Village events page, so check there for the latest holiday dates before you visit.
More Ways to Celebrate in Cumming
Christmas Festival at the Cumming Arts Center
On Nov. 14–15, the Cumming Arts Center at 111 Pilgrim Mill Road hosts its Christmas Festival. Browse artisan crafts, home goods and food. Children can visit Santa and make crafts, and shoppers can pick up a custom Christmas tree.
City of Cumming Christmas Parade
The City of Cumming Christmas Parade steps off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. It begins at Forsyth Central High School, travels down Tribble Gap and Castleberry Road through downtown, and ends at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Parking is available at the two downtown parking decks, the Fairgrounds lots and City Hall. Find more details on the City of Cumming events page.
Where to Meet Santa
- Cumming City Center Winter/Holiday Market, Nov. 21.
- Cumming Arts Center Christmas Festival, Nov. 14–15.
- Halcyon Holiday Magic, Dec. 5.
Ashebrooke Night of Lights
Some of the county’s best holiday lights are in a neighborhood, not a venue. The Ashebrooke subdivision in west Forsyth County, off Bethelview and Kelly Mill roads, lights up each December for the Ashebrooke Night of Lights. Visitors enter through 5020 Luke Drive in Cumming. In past years, residents have lined the streets with lights and luminaries from 6 to 9 p.m. and collected donations for a local charity, so bring a little cash.
Dates for 2026 are shared on the neighborhood’s Facebook page, so check there before you go. Because this is a residential neighborhood, please drive slowly and be considerate of the families who live there.
Plan Your Holiday Visit
Dates and times are current as of early November 2026 and can change, so confirm details with each organizer before you go. Browse everything on our Forsyth County events calendar. Then make a weekend of it with a reservation at one of our local restaurants or a night at one of our hotels and lakeside stays. We hope to see you this season.