The holiday season is upon us, and Henry County is aglow with festive cheer! From dazzling light displays and Christmas parades to cozy markets and family-friendly celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to make the season merry and bright. Whether you’re looking for timeless traditions or new ways to celebrate, our guide to Henry County’s holiday happenings will help you plan a season full of joy, laughter, and holiday magic.
O Christmas Tree!
Tree lightings are one of the most popular ways for communities to kick off the holiday season, and Henry County is no exception. Tanger Outlets hosts the first lighting of the season on November 15th, with festivities beginning at 5 PM. Enjoy holiday music, train rides, face painting, bounce houses, character meet-and-greets, a hot chocolate station, and more. The excitement reaches its peak at 6:30 PM when Santa arrives to light the tree. After the festivities end at 7:30 PM, take a stroll through the outlet shops to get a head start on your holiday shopping — with cheerful holiday tunes to keep your spirits high.
Kick off the holiday season with small-town charm at Hampton’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM. Gather with family and friends in front of the historic Terry Jones Depot Park to enjoy festive carolers, twinkling holiday lights, and a warm cup of hot cocoa as the community welcomes the magic of Christmas. This joyful Thanksgiving evening tradition is the perfect way to usher in the season of cheer in Henry County!
The 3rd Annual Stockbridge Festival of Trees invites the community to celebrate the season with a magical, walkable display of creatively decorated holiday trees. Individuals, families, businesses, and local groups are encouraged to set up their own festive trees, transforming the field beside The Green Front Café into a sparkling outdoor gallery for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can stroll through the display from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas week, take photos, meet neighbors, and soak in the holiday cheer.
Here Comes Santa Claus
The holidays aren’t complete without a visit from everyone’s favorite jolly old elf! Santa Claus will be at Southern Belle Farm on Black Friday and every weekend through December 14th. On December 6th and 13th, families can even enjoy a donut breakfast with Santa himself. Be sure to stop by and capture a photo with St. Nick before he heads back to the North Pole!
After Santa leaves Southern Belle on December 13th, he is rushing to ConversationStarters Bookstore to meet up with his friends, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, to continue the celebration of holiday magic. Take a break from your book and bring the family over for photo opportunities, kids crafting activities, food and treats, as well as hot chocolate for adults.
Checking Off Your List
With holiday shopping lists growing by the day, there’s no better time to explore local markets and shops. The Holiday Open House at Planters Walk Antique Mall kicks off the shopping season on November 8th from 10 AM to 5 PM. Enjoy refreshments, storewide discounts, and plenty of festive inspiration for your holiday gifts.
Santa visits aren’t the only draw at Southern Belle Farm — their Christmas season officially begins on November 28th and continues through December 14th. Browse the market for homemade goodies and treats, and let the kids enjoy weekend activities while you shop for jams, sweets, and holiday gifts.
Celebrate the holiday season close to home during Shop Small Saturday on November 29 in historic downtown Hampton! Skip the Black Friday frenzy and spend a relaxing day exploring local boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops—all while enjoying festive music and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From unique gifts to seasonal treats, it’s the perfect opportunity to support the small businesses that make Hampton special. The fun begins at 10 AM and continues throughout the day in charming downtown Hampton.
Over at Tanger Outlets, the holiday fun continues with their Holiday Market on December 6th from 2 PM to 6 PM. Enjoy free festivities, including an ornament charm bar, foil calligraphy, holiday crafts, gourmet treats, and more. The market promises merry moments for the whole family, plus exclusive savings from market vendors and surrounding stores.
’Tis the Season
Festivals bring the community together for unforgettable celebrations, and Henry County is home to several can’t-miss events. Locust Grove’s annual “Christmas… in the Grove” returns on November 29th for a full day of festive fun. From 12 PM to 4:30 PM, explore the arts and crafts market filled with handmade goods, artisan creations, and holiday treasures. Enjoy live music, street performances, and family-friendly activities before lining the streets at 5 PM for the annual Christmas Parade. Follow the festive floats to Locust Grove City Hall for classic carols, free hot chocolate, Santa’s grand arrival, and the lighting of the community Christmas tree.
Experience the magic of the season as Main Street transforms into a sparkling Winter Wonderland during Hampton’s festive Christmas celebration! This event is filled with holiday cheer, beginning on December 13 with the beloved Mistletoe Market from 10 AM–2 PM, where visitors can shop local vendors for holiday gifts and seasonal treats. Families won’t want to miss Cookies with Mrs. Claus from 11 AM–12 PM and Photos with Santa from 12 PM–1 PM, making it a perfect day filled with magical moments for all ages. The fun continues with a 6:30 PM Christmas Parade featuring glowing floats, carolers, and joyful community spirit.
The fun continues at Nash Farm during its Christmas Festival on December 13th. Join Henry County Parks and Recreation at 5 PM for an evening of lights, games, hayrides, food, and hot chocolate. Kids can take free photos with Santa and other holiday characters. Stay for the Candy Cane Drop at 5:30 PM and the tree lighting at 6:30 PM for a magical end to the night.
Embark on a festive outdoor adventure during Panola Mountain State Park’s Holiday Elf Hike Scavenger Hunt, happening December 19–21! Santa’s mischievous elves have hidden ornaments all throughout the park, and the Park Rangers need your help to track them down. Start by stopping at the Nature Center anytime after 9 AM to pick up your holiday-themed scavenger hunt sheet, then hit the trails to solve clues, complete the riddle, and return before 4 PM to claim a prize (while supplies last!). This self-guided activity is perfect for families and hikers of all ages, offering a cheerful way to explore the park’s natural beauty during the holiday season. Bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to help save Christmas – one ornament at a time!
Spreading more holiday joy across the county, Stockbridge’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting takes place on December 20th at the VyStar Amphitheater at the Bridge. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the city transform into “Grinchville,” featuring rides, food trucks, vendors, and the tree lighting.
Twinkle, Twinkle
A holiday classic that never fails to delight people of all ages is a spectacular light show — and Henry County delivers with the largest drive-through animated display in the area at EchoPark Speedway. From November 21st through January 4th, drive through millions of synchronized lights dancing to your favorite Christmas tunes at Noel Magic Lights. It’s a dazzling experience that’s sure to fill everyone with holiday spirit.
Ice Prince or Princess
Think you’ve got what it takes to glide into the season? Hampton officially opens its ice skating rink on November 27th at 6PM with continuing hours of Saturday and Sunday from 2PM-8PM and Wednesday through Friday from 4PM-8PM throughout the season. Lace up your skates, grab some cocoa, and make new holiday memories on the ice! Don’t forget that the venue is cashless.
Sugar plum fairies
Get into the holiday spirit with Crumbles by Nicole’s Grinch Cookie Decorating Classes, perfect for both kids and adults who want to create festive (and delicious!) edible art. In each class, participants will decorate six Grinch-themed cookies and take home their creations in a bakery box—just in time for holiday gifting or snacking! The Adult Class takes place on December 19 at 6:30 PM and is open to ages 18+. It’s BYOB-optional, making it a fun night out with friends or a creative date idea. The Kids Class follows on December 20 at 11:00 AM, offering a cheerful, hands-on holiday activity for young bakers.
From tree lightings and parades to markets, festivals, and sparkling light shows, Henry County is the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Gather your loved ones, embrace the joy of the season, and make this holiday one to remember — right here in the heart of Henry County.