Record crowds turned out for Sunday night’s Light Up Dunwoody celebration, which may spur organizers to make changes to the festival in future years.
The Nov. 17 ceremony, sponsored by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, was moved up a week in order to accommodate the schedules of performers and bands, according to DHA President Bob Fiscella. That move seemed to pay off, as an estimated crowd of 2,000 turned out for the festivities.
“This year’s celebration was wonderful,” Fiscella said. “We really think changing the date helped with everything.”
The afternoon kicked off with performances, art booths, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and his reindeer. The event culminated around 6 p.m. with the lighting of a 24-foot Christmas tree and 14-foot menorah – a new addition to honor the life of Rose Lubin, the Dunwoody High School graduate who was killed on Nov. 6, 2023 while serving with the Israeli Defense Force in Jerusalem.
This is the third year that Light Up Dunwoody has held the ceremony at the Shops of Dunwoody on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Previously, the celebration was located at the Cheek-Spruill House on the corner of Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Mt. Vernon Road.
DHA Treasurer Bill Grossman said the growing crowds may necessitate some adjustments to next year’s celebration, including possibly closing off Chamblee Dunwoody Road or moving the event to a new location that can accommodate more celebrants.
The celebration will continue next Sunday, as Create Dunwoody and the Village Merchant Alliance host the first annual Duwoody Village Holiday Celebration.
According to a release by Create Dunwoody, the event is designed for all ages “to embrace the season and bring together friends, family, and neighbors, and will include live performances, interactive activities, and holiday cheer to set every attendee in the spirit.”
Set in the Dunwoody Village area, the celebration will feature live performances on the main stage, including local favorites like the Lighthouse Choir, Dunwoody Elementary Singers, Corners Outreach Singers, and J Dance Company.
The evening will include a tree lighting at 6 p.m., followed by a lantern parade with prizes totaling more than $500 in gift cards from Fresh Market, Shine Hair Parlor, Premier Tennis, Village Burger, and The Village restaurants.
The celebration will also include stations for Santa letter writing, photos with Santa, face painting, lantern decorating, crafts and games, and balloon creations.
