GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Nov. 30, 2021) – Grab your sweetheart or bring the whole family to enjoy these magical holiday displays. 'Tis the season to make memories!
Wilshire Wonderland of LightsWilshire Trails Park - 849 Wilshire Trails Road
Lights on at 3 p.m., park closes at 11 p.m.
Enjoy wonderful Wilshire Trails in a new, magical light. The half-mile loop includes holiday lights, a Christmas village, the North Pole and more. Pop up events are scheduled throughout the season. Visit Wilshire Wonderland of Lights for more information and a calendar of events.
Free and open to the public daily
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Historic Downtown SquarePark at Main Street Parking Deck - 301 Main St.
You might feel a touch of nostalgia as you shop and dine at Gainesville's downtown square this season. Decorated store fronts, lighted trees and street lights adorned with garland and ribbon create a small-town Christmas feel throughout the downtown area. For downtown events, shops, restaurants and more, visit DowntownGainesville.com.
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Gainesville Visitor CenterGainesville Administration Building - 300 Henry Ward Way
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed on observed City holidays
A Christmas tree display featuring 7 themed trees, each decorated by a different City department. Don't forget to vote for your favorite tree while you are there.
Free and open to the public
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Historic Green StreetPark at Gainesville Civic Center - 830 Green St. NE
Many of the homes along historic Green St. are on the national register of historic places. These grand homes are already beautiful, but when decorated for the holidays, they become magical. Drive along Green St. to enjoy this light display, or park and stroll along Green St. for a more immersive experience.
Free and open to the public The annual Christmas on Green Street Parade and Open House is on Sunday, Dec. 5. This free Victorian-themed community event invites visitors to step back in time with period-costumed entertainment and character meet-and-greets. Many of the houses will be open to the public for the evening. Explore the Victorian homes while local choirs sing your favorite Christmas tunes. Visit the Christmas on Green Street event listing to learn more.
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Holiday Tree Trail
Atlanta Botanical Garden - Gainesville - 1911 Sweetbay Drive
Nov. 30 through Jan. 2, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed for observed holidays
Get ready to ring in the yuletide season with the Holiday Tree Trail at the Gainesville Garden. During the third annual display, guests will delight in 6-foot Fraser Firs decorated by local businesses, families and organizations – all in themes of nature. The trees will be nestled into the woodlands while close enough to pathways for easy viewing. Previous entries have featured themes including edible bird seed ornaments, shelter animals available for adoption, local landmarks, famous women through history and children’s art.
Tickets or membership required. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden - Gainesville website to learn more.
Festival of the Nativity Exhibit
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - 1234 Riverside Drive
Open evenings Thursday, Dec. 2 through Sunday Dec. 5, view calendar event for specific dates and times
Hundreds of nativities from all around the world on display. Please help support the Georgia Mountain Food Bank by bringing a canned good with you.
Free and open to the public
Margaritaville's Lakeside Lights Spectacular
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands -7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518
Nov. 24 through Jan. 5 daily, weekends through Feb. | Check website for operation dates and times
Take a short drive from downtown Gainesville and kick start your holidays with a visit to Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular for a night of nostalgic wintry fun. The Lakeside Lights Spectacular will take you on a magical walk through an amazing lighting extravaganza with festive seasonal music. Great for the whole family!
Daily admission & season pass options at Margaritavilleresorts.com.
Did we miss one?
If you know of a public local display that we missed, please let us know so that we can share the Joyful, Merry & Bright. Contact Public Relations.