-There's something special about Christmas in Braselton.

The lights come on, the decorations go up, Santa makes his appearances, and downtown takes on a whole different personality.

Whether you're looking for family traditions, holiday shopping, a festive night out, or something fun to do with the grandkids, there's plenty happening right here at home.

We've gathered some of the holiday happenings you'll want to put on your calendar. So grab your favorite Christmas sweater, round up your family and friends, and get ready to enjoy the season!

Let the Christmas Celebrations Begin!

Braselton Christmas Tree Lighting - Friday, November 20

The holiday season officially gets underway with Braselton's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on the Town Green.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m., with holiday entertainment, complimentary s'mores, hot chocolate, hot cider, and a visit from the Coca-Cola Holiday Truck and Coca-Cola Bear.

It's one of those evenings that makes downtown feel like a small-town Christmas movie.

Location: Braselton Town Green, 9924 Davis Street

Time: 6 pm – 8 pm

Admission: Free

Celebrate the Holidays Parade & Festival - Saturday, November 21

If there's one day to circle on your Christmas calendar, this might be it!

Downtown Braselton will be filled with holiday cheer for the annual parade and festival, featuring festive floats, community performers, holiday vendors, food, visits with Santa, and live reindeer.

This year's theme is "Magic of the Holiday Season."

The parade begins at 10:30 a.m., with holiday activities continuing throughout the day.

Location: Historic Downtown Braselton

Time: 10:30 am - 6:30 pm

Admission: Free; food and vendor purchases extra

Holiday Shopping, Markets & Local Finds

Simply Thompson Christmas Open House - Sunday, November 8

Simply Thompson is kicking off the holiday shopping season with a festive Christmas Open House in downtown Braselton!

Stop by to browse new holiday arrivals, create your own sweatshirt, enjoy a drink, and get into the Christmas spirit while shopping local.

It's a fun way to get a head start on Christmas shopping and support one of downtown Braselton's local boutiques.

Location: Simply Thompson, 9924 Davis Street
Time: Starts at 11:00 am

Holiday Marketplace on the Town Green - November 21

Part of the parade and festival celebration, the Holiday Marketplace gives shoppers an opportunity to browse seasonal gifts, handmade items, and other offerings from vendors.

It's a great chance to get a little Christmas shopping done while enjoying the festivities downtown.

Merry & Bright Nights in Braselton - December 10 & 17

Here's a good excuse to get a little Christmas shopping done without the usual hustle and bustle!

Historic Downtown Braselton will host two special Merry & Bright evenings, inviting residents to stroll through decorated streets, visit local shops, and enjoy festive entertainment and seasonal activities.

Look for unique gifts, handmade items, and one-of-a-kind finds while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.

And even if your shopping is already finished, it's a lovely opportunity to enjoy downtown all dressed up for Christmas.

Dates: Thursday, December 10 and Thursday, December 17

Time: 5 pm - 8 pm

Location: Historic Downtown Braselton

More information about Merry & Bright Nights

Christmas at Countryside - Saturday, December 12

Countryside Antiques is bringing more holiday fun to downtown Braselton with its Christmas market.

Expect approximately 50 vendors, food trucks, live music, and a visit from Santa.

Location: Countryside Antiques, 115 Harrison Street

Time: 10 am - 5 pm

More Ways to Shop Local

Don't overlook the businesses already here! Places like Simply Thompson, Vintage Saints, Sugar n' Proof, and other downtown shops offer opportunities to find gifts, treats, and something a little different from the usual big-box shopping trip.

Keep an eye out for special holiday open houses and seasonal shopping events, too.

Santa, Brunch & Family Fun

Brunch with Santa - Saturday, November 28

How about a little breakfast magic with the big guy himself?

Leather & Lace Events is bringing Brunch with Santa to the Braselton Civic Center, complete with an all-you-can-eat brunch, a visit with Santa, and a digital photo.

It's a festive outing for families who want to make some holiday memories without traveling far.

Location: Braselton Civic Center, 27 East Lake Drive

Time: 9:30 am

Admission: Ticketed event; advance reservations recommended.

Purchase your tickets

A Little Christmas Creativity at The 1904

Winter Wonderland Ornament Show - November 14 through After Christmas

The 1904 Art Gallery is celebrating the season with a special ornament exhibit featuring creations from local artists and crafters.

From traditional and elegant to quirky and wonderfully unusual, the gallery is inviting a little creativity into the Christmas season.

Want to participate? Ornament submissions are open through November 11. Send photos of your creations or questions to Dana Tyas at danajtyas@gmail.com.

Regardless of whether you are submitting an ornament, make plans to stop by the 1904 Gallery and enjoy the display during the holidays.

Holiday Lights & Festive Experiences

Holiday Lights Trolley Tours - December 6th - 23nd

One of Braselton's most charming holiday experiences is back!

Climb aboard the Braselton Trolley for a one-hour ride through neighborhoods decorated with Christmas lights. It's a fun way to enjoy the displays without worrying about driving, navigating, or finding the best streets.

The trolley is enclosed and climate-controlled, making it a comfortable outing for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Tours run Sunday through Thursday, rain or shine, with three departure times each evening.

Dates: December 6–23, 2026

Departure times: 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: $12 per person, all ages, plus online ticketing fees.

Departure location: Behind Vallant Bank, 6322 Grand Hickory Drive, Braselton

Parking: Free at the bank and surrounding Mulberry Walk shopping center.

Tickets went on sale November 1. Reservations are required, with a maximum of eight tickets per order.

Holiday Lights Trolley Tour Details & Tickets

Braselton Mistletoe Run 5K - Saturday, December 5

Here's a fun way to work a little exercise into the holiday season!

The Braselton Mistletoe Run 5K invites runners, walkers, families with strollers, and even four-legged friends to enjoy a festive morning in downtown Braselton.

Dress in your favorite holiday gear and join the fun. The event is also a Peachtree Road Race qualifier for those who take their running a little more seriously.

There's a charitable side to the morning, too. Participants are encouraged to bring a toy for a holiday toy drive benefiting local children and families.

Proceeds from the race benefit the Braselton Downtown Development Authority and its efforts to support downtown businesses and economic development.

Date: Saturday, December 5

Time: 8:30 am

Location: Braselton Brothers Department Store, 9924 Davis Street

Check-in: Lower patio on the Davis Street side of the building.

Registration: $30 through November 15; $40 afterward.

Register for the Braselton Mistletoe Run 5K

Chateau Elan Christmas Tree Lighting - Friday, December 4

Château Élan will celebrate the season with its annual Christmas tree lighting in the Inn's Atrium.

The complimentary celebration features seasonal music and the illumination of the resort's decorated Christmas tree.

Location: Chateau Elan, 100 Rue Charlemagne Drive

Time: 6 pm – 7 pm

Admission: Free

Make a Day or Evening of It

One of the best things about celebrating Christmas locally is that you don't have to make a major trip out of it.

Browse the shops, enjoy a holiday treat, visit the gallery, grab dinner, or meet friends for a seasonal drink.

From the restaurants and gathering spots inside The 1904 to Flourish Taproom, Rebar, and other downtown favorites, there are plenty of ways to turn a holiday outing into an afternoon or evening together.

Christmas Lights & Tree Farms

Looking for places to see Christmas lights or pick out a real Christmas tree?

We're putting those experiences into a separate Hello Braselton guide so you can plan your own holiday outing, whether you're staying close to home or taking a short drive.

A Little Local Christmas Spirit

You don't have to travel to a big city to enjoy the holidays.

Some of the best Christmas memories come from simple traditions: watching the parade, enjoying hot chocolate under the lights, finding a thoughtful gift at a local shop, or spending an evening with people you love.

And every time we show up for a local event, visit a small business, or bring friends downtown, we're helping keep those traditions going.

Here's to a wonderful Christmas season in Braselton!