Decatur Announces Comprehensive Holiday Season Program with Weekly Events and Local Business Support

The Decatur Downtown Development Authority has unveiled a comprehensive holiday program designed to bring seasonal cheer while supporting local businesses through a series of weekly events and shopping incentives. The "Holidays in Decatur" initiative includes the weekly "Terrific Thursday" events running from November through December, each featuring different community activations developed through collaboration between the DDA, community groups, and local businesses.

The Terrific Thursday schedule begins on November 6 with the City of Decatur Official Ornament Unveiling at Vivid Boutique, followed by early bird shopping photos with Santa throughout Downtown Decatur on November 13. The November 20 event features pet photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Harmony Park in Oakhurst. December brings the Annual Tree Lighting on December 4 at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse/DeKalb History Center, complete with caroling and complimentary hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies. December 11 offers a Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast with caroling from The Talley Street Chorus on The Square, while December 18 concludes with Screen on the Green: Happy Feet featuring free popcorn at Ebster Recreation Center.

Conor McNally, chair of the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, emphasized the community-wide effort behind the programming. "We are excited to welcome locals and visitors alike to Downtown Decatur this holiday season, as our team has worked hard to ensure we truly have something for everyone," McNally stated. "Beyond 'Terrific Thursday' and our festive events, we have seen new restaurants open their doors and existing retailers make substantial investments to enhance the guest experience."

Additional holiday promotions include the "Shop Early, Shop Local" initiative, which provides a $20 gift card to a City of Decatur restaurant for every $200 spent at local retailers during November. A "Gingerbread Takeover" will feature local shops decorating giant cookie cutouts with their own festive designs. For families, Letters to Santa can be dropped off at three locations: the Decatur Visitors Center, Kelly's Market, and Oakhurst Market, with some letters potentially receiving responses from Santa himself.

Small Business Saturday on November 29 offers shoppers opportunities to take pictures with Santa on The Square, enjoy free milk and cookies, and utilize free gift wrapping services. The holiday diversity extends to Hanukkah celebrations with a menorah lighting scheduled for Sunday, December 14 at 4:30 p.m. in The Square, complete with complimentary hot drinks and latkes.

The holiday season occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing $8.5 million evolution of Decatur Square, which has been under construction since spring and targets an April 2026 reopening. This timing aligns strategically with FIFA World Cup 2026, as the reimagined Square will serve as the central hub for Decatur WatchFest '26. This 34-day free soccer and music festival will provide numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy matches at Decatur's pubs, restaurants, and public spaces. The festival kicks off June 11 with a concert featuring Big Boi of Outkast. For additional details on the renovation of The Square, visit SquareShakeUp.com.

The comprehensive holiday programming represents a significant investment in community engagement and local economic development during a critical retail period. By combining traditional holiday celebrations with strategic business support initiatives, the DDA aims to strengthen Decatur's position as a regional destination while fostering sustainable growth for local enterprises. The timing of these holiday events alongside major infrastructure improvements demonstrates a coordinated approach to community development that balances immediate seasonal enjoyment with long-term strategic planning.