Home for the Holidays:
Your 2026 Guide to Holiday Happenings in Middle Georgia
Current as of 11/4/2026
Holiday markets, hometown parades, twinkling lights, and festive family fun from Macon to Milledgeville and everywhere in between.
There's something special about the holidays in Middle Georgia.
Maybe it's the charm of a small-town Christmas parade, the excitement of finding the perfect handmade gift, or the magic of seeing familiar downtown streets transformed by thousands of twinkling lights.
And let's be honest—it's also the one time of year we can wear a Christmas sweater in 75-degree weather and nobody questions it!
Whether you're a lifelong Middle Georgia resident, new to the area, or visiting family for the holidays, we've rounded up some wonderful ways to celebrate the season in 2026.
So grab your calendar, gather your favorite people, and get ready to make some holiday memories!
Shop Small, Celebrate Big
Holiday shopping is a lot more fun when it comes with festive decorations, local artisans, and maybe a sweet treat or two. These markets offer plenty of opportunities to find something special while supporting small businesses.
Christmas Made in the South — Macon
November 6–8, 2026 | Macon CentrePlex
Get an early start on your holiday shopping at this annual arts and crafts show featuring talented makers, unique gifts, and handcrafted treasures.
From home décor to jewelry and specialty foods, it's a great place to find something for that person who already has everything.
Event details and admission information
Eatonton Mistletoe Market — Eatonton
November 14, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Putnam County Courthouse Lawn
Downtown Eatonton gets into the holiday spirit with more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, handmade gifts, and live art demonstrations.
It's the perfect excuse to spend a Saturday exploring a charming Georgia downtown while checking a few names off your Christmas list.
Mistletoe Market — Perry
November 20–22, 2026 | Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter
A longtime favorite for holiday shoppers, Perry's Mistletoe Market brings together vendors offering gifts, seasonal decorations, clothing, accessories, and more.
Bring your shopping list—or come prepared to discover a few things you didn't know you needed!
Downtown Cochran Christmas Markets — Cochran
November 28 and December 4, 5 & 12, 2026 | Downtown Cochran
Cochran's indoor Christmas Markets offer several opportunities to browse handmade goods, boutique finds, baked treats, local art, and holiday décor.
It's a wonderful way to support local vendors and enjoy a little hometown holiday shopping.
See the market dates and details
Holiday Open House — Hawkinsville
November 28, 2026 | 1–5:30 p.m. | Downtown Hawkinsville
Make an afternoon of it in Hawkinsville! Downtown businesses will welcome holiday shoppers with festive activities, and families can enjoy visits with Santa, children's activities, and the community Christmas tree lighting.
Stick around afterward for the Christmas parade at 5:30 p.m.
See the Holiday Open House schedule
Marché de Noël: Macon Christmas Market — Macon
December 4–13, 2026 | 300 Cherry Street, Downtown Macon
Looking for a little European Christmas-market charm without leaving Middle Georgia?
This downtown market features wooden shopping chalets, local crafts, festive decorations, food, and live music. Pair your visit with Macon's Christmas Light Extravaganza for an especially memorable evening.
Explore the Macon Christmas Market
Merry Milly Market — Milledgeville
December 5, 2026 | Downtown Milledgeville
Enjoy a festive day of holiday shopping in downtown Milledgeville, where local vendors and the charm of historic Hancock Street make for a wonderful seasonal outing.
See downtown Milledgeville's holiday calendar
Here Comes Santa Claus! Hometown Christmas Parades
Is it even Christmas in Middle Georgia until you've stood along a parade route waving at Santa?
Our communities know how to celebrate with marching bands, decorated floats, and plenty of hometown spirit.
Hawkinsville Christmas Parade
November 28, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. | Downtown Hawkinsville
Finish a day of downtown shopping and family activities with Hawkinsville's lighted Christmas parade. The celebration also includes a community tree lighting at 5 p.m.
Warner Robins Christmas Parade
December 5, 2026 | 10 a.m. | South Davis Drive
Warner Robins celebrates with a patriotic holiday theme this year: Dreaming of a Red, White, and Blue Christmas.
Expect festive floats, community groups, and plenty of Christmas cheer along the parade route.
Perry Christmas Parade
December 5, 2026 | 10 a.m. | Historic Downtown Perry
Christmas comes to the movies in Perry! This year's parade theme celebrates holiday films and favorite seasonal stories.
A heads-up for paradegoers: Perry has announced a different parade route for 2026 because of road construction. Be sure to check the official route before choosing your viewing spot.
See the Perry Christmas Parade details
Centerville Lighted Christmas Parade
December 5, 2026 | Centerville
Centerville joins the festivities with a lighted Christmas parade and additional holiday activities, including caroling and opportunities to visit Santa.
Check the city's event schedule
A little planning tip: Several Middle Georgia communities are holding their parades on December 5. You'll want to pick your favorite—or get very creative with your schedule!
All Is Merry and Bright
There's nothing quite like an evening spent enjoying Christmas lights. Whether you're planning a family outing or a festive date night, these experiences are sure to brighten the season.
Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza — Macon
November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Downtown Macon
Downtown Macon transforms into a dazzling display of synchronized lights and music, with nightly shows at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m.
The display is free and open to the public, making it a wonderful tradition for families and visitors of all ages.
Make an evening of it by exploring downtown shops and restaurants before enjoying the lights.
Light show schedule and details
Perry's Pajama Holiday Bash — Perry
December 11, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. | Historic Downtown Perry
Yes, you have permission to wear your Christmas pajamas downtown!
This new family-friendly event brings together live holiday music, food trucks, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive characters, and extended shopping hours at downtown businesses.
It sounds like the perfect excuse to trade your regular Friday-night plans for something a little more festive.
See the City of Perry's event details
Making Holiday Memories
Some holiday activities are about more than shopping or decorations. They're about spending time together and creating traditions the whole family will remember.
A Whoville Holiday with the Grinch — Milledgeville
December 2–3, 2026 | Milledgeville Visitor's Center
All aboard for a little Whoville magic!
This special children's trolley experience features holiday storytelling, treats, and character encounters inspired by a familiar green Christmas grouch.
Advance reservations are recommended, and space is limited.
Tour details and ticket information
Fall Line Christmas Festival — Milledgeville
December 12, 2026 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 2809A Irwinton Road
Enjoy holiday shopping, local vendors, food, gospel music, and family-friendly festivities at the Fall Line Christmas Festival.
It's another opportunity to celebrate the season while supporting local businesses and makers.
Ring in the New Year, Middle Georgia Style!
Perry Buzzard Drop — Perry
December 31, 2026 | 8 p.m.–Midnight | Historic Downtown Perry
Forget the ball drop. Around here, we drop a buzzard!
Perry's signature New Year's Eve celebration brings live entertainment, downtown festivities, and a special Kiddie Countdown at 9 p.m. before the big midnight celebration.
It's a uniquely Middle Georgia way to say goodbye to 2026 and welcome 2027.
See Buzzard Drop event details
A Season Worth Celebrating
One of the things we love most about Middle Georgia is that every community has its own traditions and personality.
From the holiday lights of downtown Macon to Christmas parades in Perry and Warner Robins, from shopping in Cochran and Hawkinsville to family adventures in Milledgeville, there's no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy the season.
At Coldwell Banker Free Realty, we believe finding the right home is about more than the house itself. It's about finding a community where you can build memories, celebrate traditions, and feel like you belong.
And after serving Middle Georgia for generations, we're still discovering new reasons to love calling this area home.
From all of us at Coldwell Banker Free Realty, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!
Please note: Event dates, times, admission requirements, and activities may change. Check each event organizer's website or social media page before attending.
