Seasonal Community Celebration | November 22, 2026 – January 4, 2027
LIGHT UP THE SEASON
Seasonal Community Celebration | November 22, 2026 – January 4, 2027
LIGHT UP THE SEASON
Seasonal Community Celebration | November 22, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Seasonal Community Celebration | November 22, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Seasonal Community Celebration | November 22, 2026 – January 4, 2027
Celebrate the Season in Atlanta’s Green Heart
Light Up the Season is Piedmont Park Conservancy’s annual holiday celebration—a season of light, community and connection in Atlanta’s Green Heart.
Throughout November and December, join us for festive programs, creative workshops and community experiences that bring people together in Piedmont Park.
The season officially kicks off November 22 with our signature Lantern Parade & Lighting Celebration, a free evening of lantern-making, music and holiday cheer culminating in the lighting of Piedmont Park’s Great Tree, Menorah and Kinara.
Come celebrate, gather and make new traditions together in the Park.
LANTERN PARADE & LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Sunday, November 22 | Free & Open to the Public
Greystone in Piedmont Park
3:30 pm | Lantern-Making Party
Make your own lantern and enjoy music, seasonal fare, sponsor activities and more as we get ready to light up the Park.
5:00 pm | Holiday Lantern Parade
Gather with your lantern as the Seed & Feed band leads the parade from Greystone around Lake Clara Meer and into the Meadow
Following the Parade | Lighting Celebration
Gather in the Meadow for the lighting of Piedmont Park’s Great Tree, Menorah, and Kinara, officially kicking off Light Up the Season.
After the Lighting | Celebration at Park Tavern
Continue the evening at Park Tavern with a family holiday movie, hot cocoa, and more.
Celebrate All Season Long
Join Piedmont Park Conservancy throughout November and December for seasonal workshops, creative experiences and opportunities to gather together in the Park. Whether you’re making something to share, exploring the flavors of the season or getting your lantern ready for the parade, there are plenty of ways to take part.
The Park Lights Up Because Atlanta Shows Up
Every moment shared and memory made during Light Up the Season is a reminder of what makes Piedmont Park so special: the people who gather here.
This season, you can help care for the place that brings us together. Your gift to Piedmont Park Conservancy supports the year-round care and stewardship of the Park we love.
Frequently Ask Questions – Light Up the Season
About Light Up the Season:
1. What is Light Up the Season?
Light Up the Season is Piedmont Park Conservancy’s annual celebration of the season, bringing Atlanta together in Piedmont Park throughout November and December. From seasonal programs and workshops to opportunities to give back, Light Up the Season is all about celebrating community, connection and the Park we love.
At the heart of the season is the Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony on November 22, a free community celebration featuring lantern-making, a parade through the Park, the lighting of Piedmont Park’s holiday display and more.
2. What activities and experiences can visitors enjoy throughout Light Up the Season?
Light Up the Season offers plenty of ways to gather, create and give back throughout November and December. The season includes hands-on workshops and seasonal programs, community giving opportunities, and special experiences throughout Piedmont Park.
The Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony on November 22 serves as the season’s signature celebration, bringing the community together for an evening of lantern-making, music, a parade through the Park, the lighting of Piedmont Park’s holiday tree and more.
3. Do Light Up the Season programs require registration?
Registration varies by program. Some Light Up the Season workshops and activities require advance registration and may have limited capacity, so be sure to check the individual program listing for details.
For the free Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony on November 22, advance registration is strongly encouraged. Registering ahead of time helps us plan for a great experience for everyone, but you are still welcome to join us if you haven’t registered in advance.
4. Where can I find the full season schedule?
You can find the full Light Up the Season schedule right here on this page, including seasonal workshops, community giving opportunities, the Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony and more. Check back throughout the season for the latest programs and updates.
5. How can I support Light Up the Season and Piedmont Park?
There are many ways to give back during Light Up the Season. You can make a gift to Piedmont Park Conservancy, participate in our seasonal community giving drives, or simply join us throughout the season and help celebrate this special place.
Your support extends far beyond Light Up the Season. Gifts to Piedmont Park Conservancy help provide the year-round care and stewardship that keep Piedmont Park thriving for the millions of people who enjoy it each year.
6. Are sponsorship opportunities available for Light Up the Season?
Yes! Businesses and organizations are invited to support Light Up the Season through a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship is a wonderful way to help bring this community celebration to life while supporting Piedmont Park Conservancy and its mission.
View our Light Up the Season Sponsorship Opportunities to learn more about available packages and benefits.
Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony
7. What, when and where is the Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony?
Join us on Sunday, November 22, for the signature celebration of Light Up the Season! The evening begins with a Lantern-Making Party at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Lantern Parade at 5 p.m. and the lighting of Piedmont Park’s holiday display. Stick around for music, seasonal activities and a movie in the Park.
The Lantern-Making Party and Lantern Parade will begin at Greystone in Piedmont Park. Following the lighting of the holiday display, the celebration will continue in the Meadow. Click here for more information about the Lantern Parade route.
8. Do I need to register or have a ticket for the Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony?
The Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony is free and open to everyone! No ticket is required, but we strongly encourage you to register in advance. Your RSVP helps us plan for the evening and create the best possible experience for everyone joining us.
Didn’t register in advance? You’re still welcome to join the celebration!
9. How can I make a lantern?
There are plenty of ways to create a lantern and join the parade! Make your own at home using these lantern ideas and instructions, or join us at one of several opportunities in Piedmont Park:
- November 10 | Community Craft Night, 6–9 p.m.: Join us for a free evening of crafting, with lantern-making materials and instruction available.
- November 21 | Green Market: Pick up one of a limited number of free lantern-making kits, available with a suggested donation to Piedmont Park Conservancy.
- November 22 | Lantern-Making Party, 3:30 p.m.: Make your lantern with us at Greystone before the Lantern Parade begins at 5 p.m.
However you make your lantern, bring it with you on November 22 and help light up Piedmont Park!
10. Can I make a lantern at the event?
Yes! Join us for the free Lantern-Making Party beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Greystone, where we’ll provide materials and instruction to help you create your own lantern before the parade begins at 5 p.m.
Lantern-making materials will be available while supplies last, so we encourage you to arrive early!
11. Who can participate in the Lantern Parade?
Everyone is welcome! The Lantern Parade is open to all ages, whether you make a lantern with us, bring one from home or simply want to join the fun. Families, friends, neighbors and groups are all invited to walk together as we light up Piedmont Park.
Prefer to watch instead? You’re welcome to cheer on the parade along the route and join us for the lighting ceremony and festivities that follow.
12. What should I bring?
Come ready for an evening outdoors! We recommend dressing for the weather and bringing comfortable walking shoes, along with a blanket or portable chair if you plan to stay for the movie.
If you’ve made a lantern at home or picked up a lantern kit in advance, don’t forget to bring it with you! Lanterns are encouraged for the parade, but they are not required to participate.
13. Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join us for Light Up the Season. Guests participating in the Lantern Parade with their dogs will be asked to walk toward the rear of the parade.
Please keep in mind that the Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony may include crowds, music and other activity, so consider whether your pup will be comfortable in a busy event environment.
As always, dogs must remain leashed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, we reserve the right to ask guests to leave with their dogs if their behavior becomes disruptive or unsafe.
14. What happens if it rains or snows?
Light Up the Season is an outdoor celebration, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the forecast as November 22 approaches. In the event of inclement or unsafe weather, any changes to the Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony will be shared on this page and through Piedmont Park Conservancy’s social media channels (Instagram or Facebook)
Be sure to check for the latest updates before heading to the Park.
15. When will the tree, menorah and kinara be lit?
The tree, menorah and kinara will be illuminated immediately following the Lantern Parade on Sunday, November 22, which begins at 5 p.m.
16. Will the holiday display be illuminated throughout the season?
Yes! The tree, menorah and kinara will be illuminated each evening throughout Light Up the Season. The displays will be turned on at a designated time each night, giving visitors the opportunity to experience their own special lighting moment in Piedmont Park.
Getting Here & Planning Your Visit
17. How should I get to Piedmont Park and where should I park?
With a large crowd expected for the Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony, we encourage guests to consider walking, biking, rideshare, public transportation or arriving via the Atlanta Beltline when possible.
If you plan to drive, paid parking is available at the Midtown Promenade parking lots which provides convenient access to the Meadow and Light Up the Season festivities.
Additional paid parking is available at the SAGE Parking Facility, which is shared by Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Please note that parking may be especially limited on November 22 due to other seasonal activities in the area.
Visit our Directions & Parking page for more information about getting to Piedmont Park, and check out our Park Maps to help plan your visit.
18. Is the event accessible?
Yes. We want everyone to be able to enjoy Light Up the Season. The Lantern Parade & Lighting Ceremony takes place along paved and accessible areas of Piedmont Park, with accessible restrooms available nearby.
If you have specific accessibility questions or accommodation needs, please contact Piedmont Park Conservancy in advance so our team can help you plan your visit.
Thank You 2026 Sponsors
EVERGREEN SPONSOR
HOLLY SPONSOR
CEDAR SPONSOR
JUNIPER SPONSOR
Thank You To Our Community Partners!
Make a Donation
Contribute any amount that’s meaningful to you. Every gift brings us one step closer to lighting up Atlanta’s most beloved park.
For questions or to discuss other giving options, contact us at:
[email protected]
Or mail a check to:
Piedmont Park Conservancy
PO Box 570355
Atlanta, GA 30357
