Santa in the Square

After kicking off the holiday season with the Marietta Square Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa’s Workshop opens at the Marietta Museum of History. Bring the kids to visit Santa’s Workshop on select dates in December.

Photos with Santa are available for those with reservations, and afterward visitors are encouraged to visit the shops and restaurants surrounding the Square for fun holiday gifts and great food and drinks.

Families can choose between two delightful photo experiences with Santa this season. The first option offers a full 25-minute Santa’s Magical Moments private visit designed to make holiday memories sparkle. During this magical session, kids can enjoy story time, create a small craft, and share milk and cookies with Santa himself. Every moment is professionally photographed, and each family receives a digital link with all high-resolution images along with an ornament featuring their favorite photo. This premium experience is $200.

The second option is Pictures With Santa, a 5-minute photo session that is great for capturing that perfect holiday photo. Families booking together should reserve separate time slots, and each household will need to purchase their own digital download link.

Pictures With Santa 2025 Schedule:

Booking opens October 8, 2025.

Santa’s Magical Moments 2025 Schedule:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Monday, December 22, 2025
Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Admission:
Reservations for Pictures with Santa and Santa’s Magical Moments are limited and required, they are unable to accept walk-ups so be sure to book your spot as soon as possible.

Santa’s Arrival:
Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Christmas Tree Lighting.

Address:
Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot St,
Marietta, GA 30060

Parking:
Marietta Square Parking

Marietta Square Christmas Tree Lighting

Marietta.com

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for the kick-off to the holiday season at Glover Park in the Historic Marietta Square. Local choruses will perform Christmas carols on the main stage and Santa will light the giant Christmas tree.

Ugly Sweater Walking Parade:
Don your ugliest of Holiday sweater (family appropriate) and join Santa in his parade to the Square. If you would like to participate in the ugly sweater parade, apply here by November 21, 2025 at 5 pm.

Write a Letter to Santa:
Meet some of Santa’s elves and watch as your letter gets put straight in to the hands of the Big Man himself. Letter writing stations will be up throughout the park for individuals who want to send their wishes to Santa.

Winter Wonderland’s Festival of Trees
Come and see the amazing trees decorated by local schools and organizations to celebrate the Holiday Season.

2025 Schedule:

Local Choir Performances: Throughout the night
Santa Letter Writing Stations: Throughout the night.
Ugly Holiday Sweater Walking Parade: 5 pm
Santa’s Arrival: 5:15 pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 pm

Date:
December 4, 2025

Time:
4 pm to 8 pm

Address:
50 N Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060

For more information, please call (770) 794-5606.

For more information, please call (770) 794-5601.

Christmas and Holiday Lights at Life University

Marietta.com

The much-anticipated “Lights of Life” holiday showcase at Life University is a seasonal event that brightens up the campus from Thanksgiving night through New Year’s Eve. With an astonishing count of over one million lights spread across more than a mile of campus, this event is a festive treat for the eyes.

This event showcases a variety of thematic displays, including a nativity scene, a majestic menorah, and a towering 60-foot Christmas tree. Also included is an animated display that comprises a 65-foot rendition of Santa Claus with his sleigh, which holds the distinction of being the tallest holiday display in the Southeast region.

The event also features several family-friendly activities, including pony rides and a miniature train journey that is perfect for the little ones. Animal lovers will enjoy the petting zoo, while those looking to grab a snack or a warm drink can head over to the concession stand. Additional attractions like carnival rides, train rides, and the petting zoo are available for a small additional fee.

Dates for 2025:
Thanksgiving evening through New Year’s Eve.
Open every day from November 27, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

Hours:
Dark (around 5:30 pm) to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday
Dark (around 5:30 pm) to 10 pm Friday and Saturday

Admission:
$10 per car/truck
$20 per bus/van
No advance purchase, pay at the entrance

Address:
On the campus of Life University on Barclay Circle, off Hwy 41 just north of Dobbins ARB, Marietta.

Life University
1269 Barclay Circle
Marietta, GA 30060

For more information or questions about Lights of Life, please call (770) 426-2600.

Marietta Square Candlelight Shopping

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Marietta Square will glow with seasonal charm as shops around the area extend their hours for the Marietta Square Candlelight Shopping event. From 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025, visitors can explore local stores filled with gift ideas ranging from artisan goods to specialty finds. The lights will shine, the windows will sparkle, and the hunt for holiday presents may feel a bit more fun than usual.

Australian Bakery Cafe will add to the atmosphere with its bluegrass jam, giving shoppers a lively soundtrack as they move around the Square. Lennys Hair Salon will keep the energy going with its Tiki Holiday theme featuring The Frigidaire’s from 6 pm to 8 pm. The Marietta Square Entertainment District also allows visitors to purchase beverages to go, making it easy to carry a hot festive drink, a glass of wine, or a cold beer while exploring.

Those heading out can browse the shops and then grab a meal at one of the many restaurants within walking distance. With its storefronts open and its seasonal decor in full swing, the evening is a fun and festive way to enjoy downtown Marietta ahead of the holidays.

Date:
Friday, November 14, 2025

Time:
5 pm to 8 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Historic Marietta Square
50 N Park Square
Marietta GA 30060

For more information, please contact the Marietta Visitors Bureau at (770) 429-1115

Pilgrimage Gala

Marietta.com

Marietta’s most glamorous holiday celebration is back, returning to the beautifully renovated Whitlock Inn. Often called “Marietta’s Christmas Party,” the gala is the official kickoff to the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour weekend. Guests will enjoy an evening filled with culinary delights, festive drinks, lively music, and plenty of holiday sparkle.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their best holiday style, as festive cocktail attire is required. The night’s elegant setting, complete with historic charm and holiday décor, makes it one of the most anticipated events of the season.

Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Those planning to attend the full Marietta Pilgrimage weekend can save by purchasing a Premier Pass, which includes admission to the gala and tour events.

Date:
Thursday, December 4, 2025

Time:
7 pm to 10 pm

Admission:
$100 per person (advance purchase required)

Address:
The Whitlock Inn
57 Whitlock Ave SW
Marietta, GA 30064

For more information, please call the Marietta Visitors Bureau at (770) 429-1115.

Employment Seeker Publication Job Fair

Marietta.com

Employment Seeker Publication, LLC is hosting an In-Person Job Fair. This event offers the chance to meet employers face-to-face and connect with hiring managers from a variety of industries. More than 20 HR managers will be on-site, recruiting for over 500 available positions. Participants are encouraged to bring several copies of their resumes, dress professionally, and come ready to interview.

Industries represented include:

Accommodations
Accounting
Advertising
Aerospace
Agriculture
Air Transportation
Apparel
Automotive
Banking
Beauty & Cosmetics
Biotechnology
Chemical
Communications
Computer
Construction
Consulting
Consumer Products
Education
Electronics
Employment Services
and More

How to Apply
All attendees must register and upload their resumes in advance to attend the event. Registration can be completed from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device.

Employer Inquiries:
Call 678-467-5427 for details on participation.

Date:
December 4, 2025

Time:
10 am to 1 pm

Address:
Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest
2999 Windy Hill Rd SE
Marietta, GA 30067

Cost:
Free admission

Parking:
Free parking available

Age Requirement:
18 and older

Cobb Schools Support Staff Job Fair

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Cobb County School District Support Staff Job Fair
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 9 am to Noon
3413 Blue Springs Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Cobb County School District is hiring! The district will host its Support Staff Job Fair on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 offering a great opportunity to meet recruiters, explore open positions, and learn what makes CCSD one of the top school systems to work for in Georgia.

Available Positions:
• CVA Teachers (teach from anywhere)
• School Nurses
• Custodians
• Bus Drivers
• Paraprofessionals
• Special Education Staff
• Teachers and Educators

From flexible remote teaching opportunities through Cobb Virtual Academy to hands-on support roles in schools, CCSD offers meaningful positions for those looking to make a difference every day.

If you or someone you know is ready to make a positive impact in students’ lives, this event is the perfect place to start.

Date:
Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Location:
North Star Church
3413 Blue Springs Rd
Kennesaw, GA 30152

⏰ Time:
9 am to noon

Registration:
Register on Eventbrite

Cobb County School District Job Fair 2026

Marietta.com

The Cobb County School District invites educators, leaders, and support professionals to attend the 2026 CCSD Job Fair on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9 am to noon at Truist Park (Third Base Entrance), 2565 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.

Recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the “Best-In-State and Nation Employers,” CCSD offers competitive salaries, growth opportunities, and a supportive environment that makes Cobb one of the top destinations to Teach, Lead, and Learn.

All CCSD K–12 schools will be represented, organized by school level for easy navigation during the fair. Attendees will have the chance to connect directly with principals, hiring managers, and district representatives to explore teaching, administrative, and support staff positions.

Participants are strongly encouraged to complete an application before attending to streamline the process.

Date:
Saturday, March 14, 2026

Time:
9 am to noon

Location:
Truist Park, Third Base Entrance
2565 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339

Format:
In-person event

Parking:
Complimentary for the first two hours in the Red Deck.

Application Link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-cobb-county-school-district-job-fair-tickets-1963581036739

Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta

Marietta.com

The 9th annual Tree Lighting at The Battery takes Saturday, November 29, 2025, and features live music, guest appearances, and a movie following the lighting.

The fun starts early with live music from world-class talent on the Pavilion Stage.

At 7 pm, the Braves In-Game Stadium Host Mark Owens and Blooper take over to welcome Santa to The Battery Atlanta to light the Christmas tree.

The evening ends with a screening of Rise of the Guardians on the plaza screen.

Date:
November 29, 2025

Time:
5:30 pm to 8 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
The Plaza at Battery Atlanta
755 Battery Avenue Southeast
Atlanta, GA 30339

For more information, please call (404) 494-1150 or email BatteryInfo@Braves.com.

2025 Gobble Jog

Marietta.com

Run wild for a great cause at the annual Gobble Jog on Thanksgiving morning in Marietta. The event benefits MUST Ministries and takes place in historic Marietta Square and features a 10K run, a 5K run/walk, a 1K run/walk, and a tot trot (100 yard run for kids 5 and under).

The Gobble Jog timed 5K and timed 10K are certified as qualifiers for seeding in the Peachtree Road Race. The overall winners in the 5K and 10K will each receive a plaque. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each age group will receive medals.

Proceeds benefit MUST Ministries and their effort to provide services to neighbors in need, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, meals, groceries, clothing, job readiness and placement, and more.

Date:
Thursday, November 27, 2025

Times:
7:30 am – 10K timed
8:45 am – 1K untimed
9:00 am – 5K timed
9:05 am – 5K untimed
10:30 am – Tot Trot

Race Location:
Marietta Square

Sign Up:
https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Marietta/MUSTGOBBLEJOG

For more information, please call (678) 218-4513 or visit Facebook.com/GobbleJog.

About MUST Ministries

All proceeds benefit MUST Ministries, a faith-based, non-profit organization ministering to individuals to break the cycle of poverty by providing employment training and resources to find jobs, family life skills and services. In addition to programs that support overcoming barriers for employment, MUST also provides mental health and addiction programs.

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