The Greater Dunwoody Village will come alive with holiday cheer Sunday, Nov. 22, as Create Dunwoody and the Dunwoody Village Merchant Alliance present the annual Village Holiday Celebration and Lantern Parade from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
The free, family-friendly event will feature live performances, visits with Santa, holiday crafts, festive treats, a Kids Market, and the return of the popular Lantern Parade, followed by awards and tree lighting, according to a release from Create Dunwoody.
This year’s celebration extends across shopping centers, restaurants and commercial properties throughout Dunwoody Village, with dozens of local businesses, schools and community organizations offering activities and entertainment. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area, support local businesses and participate in activities for opportunities to win prizes.
Among this year’s attractions are a mobile petting zoo and train rides at Shops of Dunwoody, llamas at Dunwoody Gallery and a classic car display. A new Holiday Tree Grove will feature Fraser fir trees sponsored and festively decorated by local businesses.
The celebration also includes a Kids Market featuring more than 35 young entrepreneurs selling handmade goods and other products, giving young people an opportunity to showcase their creativity and business skills.
Activities hosted by local businesses and organizations will include cookie and ornament decorating, holiday crafts, face painting, games with prizes, festive photo opportunities, and seasonal treats such as hot chocolate, apple cider, s’mores and latkes. Visits with Santa, sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, will also be available.
The main stage in the Dunwoody Village parking lot will feature performances beginning at 4 p.m., including James Violin Studio Group, Corners Outreach, Stayin’ Alive Crew, Expressions in Motion Dance, North Georgia School of Ballet, Dunwoody Elementary School singers, Georgia Dance Force, and The Collective Dance Project.
One of the celebration’s highlights is the Lantern Parade at 5:45 p.m., when families and community members will illuminate the village with colorful, decorated lanterns. Lantern decorating opportunities will be available during the event, along with a lantern competition and awards ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. The evening concludes with Santa and the traditional tree lighting in the Dunwoody Village courtyard at around 6:15 p.m.
“This celebration is a wonderful example of what happens when our local businesses, schools, volunteers and community organizations come together,” said Rosemary Watts, executive director of Create Dunwoody. “With activities happening throughout the Greater Dunwoody Village, we’re creating opportunities for families to celebrate the holidays while discovering and supporting the businesses that make our community special.”
Admission and activities are free. Optional lantern workshops require a fee. Visitors are encouraged to explore the event map and schedule to plan their afternoon. Overflow parking will be available at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, which will also serve as the event’s inclement weather location.
For the complete schedule, activity locations, participating businesses and event map, visit the Create Dunwoody website.
