The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced a comprehensive lineup of holiday initiatives designed to attract visitors and support local businesses. The program, titled 'Holidays in Decatur,' includes weekly 'Terrific Thursday' events from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on select dates through December, as well as ongoing shopping promotions.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 6, the 'Terrific Thursday' series will feature a different activation each week, developed in collaboration between the DDA, community groups, and local businesses. The schedule includes the City of Decatur Official Ornament Unveiling at Vivid Boutique on Nov. 6, early bird shopping photos with Santa on Nov. 13, pet photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Harmony Park in Oakhurst on Nov. 20, the Annual Tree Lighting with caroling and free hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse on Dec. 4, a Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast with caroling from The Talley Street Chorus on The Square on Dec. 11, and a Screen on the Green showing of Happy Feet with free popcorn at Ebster Recreation Center on Dec. 18.
Conor McNally, chair of the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the season, stating, 'We are excited to welcome locals and visitors alike to Downtown Decatur this holiday season, as our team has worked hard to ensure we truly have something for everyone.' He highlighted new restaurant openings and retailer investments aimed at enhancing the guest experience.
Additional holiday events and promotions include the 'Shop Early, Shop Local' promotion, which offers a $20 gift card to a City of Decatur restaurant for every $200 spent at local retailers in November. A 'Gingerbread Takeover' will see local shops decorating giant cookie cutouts. Letters to Santa can be dropped off at three locations: the Decatur Visitors Center, Kelly’s Market, and Oakhurst Market. On Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29), shoppers can take pictures with Santa on The Square, enjoy free milk and cookies, and receive free gift wrapping. To celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, a menorah lighting with free hot drinks and latkes will be held on The Square on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m.
The holiday backdrop is the $8.5 million evolution of Decatur Square, under construction since spring and targeting an April 2026 reopening, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2026. The reimagined Square will be the hub of Decatur WatchFest ’26, a 34-day free soccer and music festival starting June 11 with a concert featuring Big Boi of Outkast. For more details on Decatur WatchFest ’26, visit DecaturWatchFest26.com. For renovation details, visit SquareShakeUp.com.
For more information on 'Holidays in Decatur' and its promotions, visit VisitDecaturGA.com/holidays.
