It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Experience the magic of Marietta during the holidays and plan a day or weekend of festive fun. From delicious, local food to twinkling, beautiful lights, there’s something that will satisfy the jolliest of fellows and maybe even the most stubborn of scrooges. Celebrate the season of cheer in Marietta, Georgia with these five holiday activities.
Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
Create a holiday tradition with your family and friends by taking the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. The annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour has transitioned to a self-guided walking tour this year. The tour features 19 historic homes located in the Church-Cherokee Historic District in Marietta.
The self-guided walking tour of the exterior of the homes can be enjoyed any time in December. Official Marietta Pilgrimage Walking Tour booklets can be purchased for $25 online or in person at the Marietta Welcome Center or William Root House.
Each Marietta Pilgrimage Walking Tour Book will include a walking tour map, photos and information about the participating homes, as well as a scavenger hunt for young (and young at heart) tour-goers. The booklet will also include discounts and coupons from local Marietta restaurants and merchants.
December 4-18, tour-goers can cast their votes for the homes they think have the “Best Traditional Decor,” “Most Over-The-Top Decor,” and “Best Light Display.” Proceeds from the tour benefit the Marietta Welcome Center and Cobb Landmarks.
Holiday Showhouse at the William Root House
For one weekend only, the c. 1845 William Root House in downtown Marietta will be transformed into an inspiring holiday showhouse featuring rooms decorated by leading area designers and florists.
With the beautiful historic home and antique furnishings as the backdrop, each room will be uniquely styled for the holiday season. Designers will be given the challenge of creating spaces that embody the holiday spirit while honoring the simple yet elegant historic interiors of the house.
The showhouse runs Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, December 6 from 12-6 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased the day of the event or online. All ticket sales benefit Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society.
Candy Rush Lights at Six Flags White Water
Load up the family van and make a trip to Six Flags White Water for Candy Rush. World of Illumination presents Candy Rush, the world’s largest holiday drive-through show, highlighting a 40-foot tall candy cane trio and animated Christmas characters. This mile-long drive-through show features nearly two million lights.
Candy Rush claims to be a delicious whimsical wonderland that kids’ fantasies are made of—all without the sugar crash.
The lights are open nightly from 6-10 p.m. until January 3rd. Weekday tickets cost $35 plus taxes and fees per vehicle and weekend and holiday tickets cost $45 + taxes and fees per vehicle. Purchase tickets online only as no tickets will be sold at the gate.
Lights of LIFE at Life University
Make your days merry and bright this holiday season. The annual Lights of LIFE held at Life University begins on Thanksgiving evening and runs every night, rain or shine, through New Year’s Eve.
This 1.5-mile drive attracts nearly half a million spectators from the surrounding region each year. The admission price is $10 for cars and trucks and $20 for buses. The display opens at dark every night and runs until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Each year, the Lights of LIFE display is a little different, making the experience unique from one year to the next. With more than one million LED bulbs, combined with the low admission cost, Lights of LIFE is one of the most affordable, quality light displays in the metro Atlanta area.
As in year’s past, pony rides, train rides and the petting zoo will also return, as will a concession stand, that offers seasonal drinks and snacks.
Shop and Dine around the Marietta Square
Check off your holiday shopping list by purchasing unique gifts from local shops and artisans around the Marietta Square. Skip the mail this year and shop local for upscale women’s clothing, sports collectibles, gourmet goodies, jewelry, and art. Attend the Marietta Square Artisans Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for eccentric and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Need some caffeine to keep you going? Have a cup of cheer from Cool Beans Coffee Roasters or Marietta Perks. After a day of shopping and holiday festivities, celebrate the day’s success with a dinner of local dishes and cuisine at one of the many dining establishments on the Square or make a toast to the season at Glover Park Brewery or The Third Door.
Stroll around the Marietta Square and take in the beauty of the holiday season. Looking to get away for longer than a day? Spend a weekend having a holiday staycation in Marietta.
Check out visitmariettaga.com for a complete list of holiday happenings. Capture your memories of holiday cheer by sharing them on social media using #VisitMariettaGA!
