Brookhaven will launch its holiday celebration season with the return of Light Up Brookhaven, planned for Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road from 6-9 p.m., while an upgraded ice-skating rink returns to Brookhaven Park after a wildly successful inaugural season last year.
While last year’s synthetic ice rink was very popular, this year the ice is real. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 20, Rudolph’s Rink will be open in the newly renovated Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Road, and will remain open through Jan. 4, to coincide with the winter break for DeKalb County Schools. Skaters will be able to register online for free for 45-minute sessions, with a limited number of walk-ups permitted. More information will be coming soon on our website!
Rudolph’s Rink will serve as an anchor for other Holidays in the ’Haven festivities at Brookhaven Park, including “Santa’s Village” (arts and crafts), “Festive Food Lane” (food trucks and concessions), and “Grinch Games” (family lawn game area).
New in 2025, Santa Claus himself will be available for pictures with children at Brookhaven City Centre. City Centre Santa takes place every Saturday after Light Up Brookhaven — on Dec 6, 13, and 20 from 9 a.m. –12 p.m. Walk ups are welcomed, no reservation necessary. For families with pets, a special Santa Paws, a special photo day for pets will take place Dec. 21, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Brookhaven Park Dog Park.
“I’m excited to announce the return of Holidays in the Haven, featuring Light Up Brookhaven, which has already become a beloved holiday tradition,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Park. “Enhancing our holiday celebration with a real ice rink in a winter wonderland and photos with Santa Claus is just another part of what Brookhaven is about – bringing everyone together.”
As in years’ past, Light Up Brookhaven in Blackburn Park will be packed with holiday-themed activities, including food, music, crafts, and giveaways leading up to the dramatic arrival of Santa, once again via the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta helicopter, followed by the lighting of the City’s dazzling 40’ Christmas tree. Rabbi Brian Glusman will also be returning this year to perform and to help light the City’s Hanukah Menorah and dreidel.
Don’t forget to pose with Santa and two of his live reindeer, returning with their big red sleigh. Giving the gift of holiday entertainment, local school groups will come a-caroling for everyone’s entertainment. A petting zoo, train rides, and winter-themed bouncy houses will also be available for the kids to enjoy.
These activities are bound to work up an appetite. Food and adult beverage trucks will be on hand, and to take the chill off a cool December evening, the Girl Scouts will be selling hot chocolate as a holiday fundraising project.
