2025 Marietta Square Art Walk

The 2025 Marietta Square Art Walk takes place in historic Marietta Square on the first Friday of each month from January through December. The Art Walk is a free, self guided tour showcasing local original art and artists. During this free, self-guided walking tour guests will enjoy gallery openings and free admission to Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art.

Enjoy late-night shopping, patio dining, fine art, and live music around every corner. Local artists are hosted by Marietta Square area restaurants, galleries, museums, venues and boutiques from 5 pm to 9 pm, rain or shine, and participating venues display an official Art Walk banner in their window.

artwalk.standard — Formerly “First Friday Art Walk”

2025 Marietta Square Art Walk Schedule:

January 3
February 7
March 7
April 4
May 2
June 6
July 4
August 1
September 5
October 3
November 7
December 5

Hours:
5 pm to 9 pm, rain or shine

For more information, please call (770) 429-1115 or visit facebook.com/MariettaSquareArtWalk

Paintings by Marietta resident McKenzie Snow

Actors promoting The Nutcracker near the fountain in Marietta Square

For more information, please call (770) 429-1115 or visit MariettaSquareArtWalk.com

Cobb County School System Winter Break

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In Cobb County, Winter Break for the 2025-2026 school year takes place from Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 20, 2026. The break begins on Presidents Day, the third Monday in February. Including the weekends, the Winter Break spans from Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Future Winter Break Possible Dates:

If the Cobb County School Calendar format stays the same and winter break starts on Presidents Day, these are the likely dates for future winter breaks:

Monday, February 15, 2027 to Friday, February 19, 2027
Monday, February 21, 2028 to Friday, February 25, 2028
Monday, February 19, 2029 to Friday, February 23, 2029
Monday, February 18, 2030 to Friday, February 22, 2030
Monday, February 17, 2031 to Friday, February 21, 2031
Monday, February 16, 2032 to Friday, February 20, 2032
Monday, February 21, 2033 to Friday, February 25, 2033
Monday, February 20, 2034 to Friday, February 24, 2034
Monday, February 19, 2035 to Friday, February 23, 2035

Previous Winter Breaks:

In 2025, winter break took place from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21, 2025.

In 2024, winter break took place from Monday, February 19 to Friday, February 23, 2024.

In 2023, winter break took place from Monday, February 20 to Friday, February 24, 2023.

In 2022, winter break took place from Monday, February 21 to Friday, February 25, 2022.

In 2021, winter break took place from Monday, February 15 to Friday, February 19, 2021.

In 2020, winter break took place from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21, 2020.

In 2019, winter break took place from Monday, February 18 to Friday, February 22, 2019.

In 2018, winter break took place from Monday, February 19 to Friday, February 23, 2018.

Back to Cobb County and Marietta City School Calendars

Marietta Square Christmas Tree Lighting

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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 15, 2024 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.

2024 Schedule:

Local Choir Performances: Throughout the night
Santa Letter Writing Stations : Throughout the night.
Ugly Holiday Sweater Walking Parade : 4:45 pm
Santa’s Arrival: 5:15 pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 pm

Date:
December 5, 2024

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

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Life University’s “Lights of Life” Illuminates the Season

The much-anticipated “Lights of Life” holiday showcase at Life University is a seasonal event that brightens up the campus from Thanksgiving night right through to 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.

Luminous Displays

This event showcases a variety of thematic displays, celebrating different aspects and traditions of the holiday season. From a poignant nativity scene and a majestic menorah to a towering 60-foot Christmas tree, the exhibit offers something for everyone. It even features 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.

Beyond the Lights

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.

Dates for 2024:
Thanksgiving evening through New Year’s Eve.
Open every day from November 28, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

Hours:
Dark (around 6 pm) to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday
Dark (around 6 pm) to 10 pm Friday and Saturday

Admission:
$10 per car/truck
$20 per bus/van

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 Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour

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The annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, held the first full weekend in December, takes place from December 6-8, 2024 and showcases a variety of historic homes in Marietta.

The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour features five private historic homes, lovingly restored, filled with antique collections and decorated for the season. Homeowners invite you inside for a unique opportunity to discover how they incorporate these historic treasures into their everyday lives. Along the route, many of Marietta’s historic public buildings are decorated and open for touring.

This year, get a glimpse inside five private homes located in the Whitlock Avenue Local Historic District. Each home has been lovingly restored and will be decorated for the holiday season.

Schedule:

December 6, 2024 from 5 pm to 8 pm
December 7, 2024 from 9 am to 4 pm
December 8, 2024 from 9 am to 4 pm

Tickets:
Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Marietta Welcome Center or the William Root House. Tickets are not available at tour homes.

$30 in advance
$35 day of tour

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, call the Marietta Visitors Bureau at 770-429-1115, or 800-835-0445 or visit www.MarietttaPilgrimage.com.

Spring Restaurant Joins the Elite Ranks with a Michelin Star

Marietta.com

The 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Atlanta has officially landed, and food enthusiasts have another reason to celebrate! Spring, a charming Marietta Square restaurant, has been honored with its very first MICHELIN star. This is no small feat, highlighting the exceptional culinary experience that Spring has to offer.

What Makes a MICHELIN Star So Special?

For anyone who loves food, the MICHELIN star is kind of like the Oscar of the culinary world. It’s a symbol of excellence, a mark that says, “Hey, this place is worth the trip!” MICHELIN’s anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants based on product quality, cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the chef’s personality as reflected in the cuisine, and consistency. Earning even a single star is a huge deal, signifying a level of precision and artistry that only a handful of establishments manage to achieve.

Spring: Where Seasonal Magic Happens

Spring, a small but beautifully designed restaurant in the heart of Marietta, has captured the attention of MICHELIN’s notoriously picky inspectors. With its exposed brick walls and vaulted ceiling adorned in rich dark wood, the space offers a cozy yet refined atmosphere. Chef Brian So leads the kitchen with an approach that places emphasis on the seasons, serving up contemporary American dishes that are skillfully executed without being overly showy.

Chef So’s menu is a tight, thoughtful selection, focusing on making the most of top-quality ingredients. The wine list at Spring is also certainly worth noting. From full-bodied reds to crisp whites, the selection is tailored to complement the seasonal dishes and elevate the overall dining experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a very fancy adult, but without any of the pretension—just good food, good wine, and a great time.

A Win for Marietta and Metro Atlanta

Spring’s recognition is part of a larger culinary celebration for Atlanta, with three other restaurants—O by Brush, Omakase Table, and Staplehouse—also receiving their first MICHELIN stars this year. It’s safe to say that metro Atlanta is firmly on the map when it comes to fine dining, and Spring is leading the way for Marietta in particular.

As the MICHELIN Guide continues its journey through Atlanta for the second year, it’s clear that the local food scene is bursting with talent and passion. With Spring’s well-deserved accolade, Marietta officially has a shining star of its own, one that’s sure to make food lovers take notice.

From the MICHELIN guide:

Spring (Contemporary cuisine)

“Find your way to this small but well-appointed restaurant in Marietta where exposed brick and a vaulted ceiling done in dark wood create an endearing charm. Chef Brian So oversees a tightly edited, contemporary American menu with a strong focus on seasonality. Skillful but simple cooking is the dictum here, where ingredients speak for themselves, and plates are stunning without ever being showy. The house-made sourdough with garlic chive butter is delicious, but don’t fill up, as the pan-seared wild king salmon topped with Hollandaise sauce and trout roe is equally appealing. A maple-glazed cruller with sliced almonds in an amaretto crème anglaise is a bold and distinctive dessert, and the wine list is especially impressive.”

Veterans Day Parade

Marietta.com

The annual Marietta Veterans Day Parade takes place on Monday, November 11, 2024. The parade begins at 11 am at Roswell Street Baptist Church, loops up towards the Marietta Square and back down Lawrence Street with the intention of being on the Square by 11:11 am.

The patriotic parade includes marching bands, drill teams, floats, military vehicles and veterans’ organizations. The parade will have both Marietta and Cobb County schools represented by their bands and their JROTC units. Thirty or more parade entries are anticipated along with a display of military vehicles.

Date:
Monday, November 11, 2024

Time:
11 am

Route:
Roswell Street Baptist Church parking lot and loops up towards the Marietta Square and back down Lawrence Street.

Parade Start Address:
Roswell Street Baptist Church
774 Roswell St
Marietta, GA 30060

Marietta Square Address:
Marietta Square
12 E Park Sq
Marietta, GA 30090

For more information, please contact Lindsey Wiles, Communications Manager, at lwiles@mariettaga.gov or (770) 794-5509; or Betsy Kelley at BKelley@mariettaga.gov or (770) 794-5502.

Cobb County Gem & Mineral Club Annual Show

Marietta.com

The Cobb County Gem & Mineral Society’s annual Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show in November on the last weekend before Thanksgiving. The event takes place at the Cobb County Civic Center and features amazing rocks, gemstones, minerals, and fossils from all over the world. In addition, there is a large selection of beautiful beads, jewelry, and jewelry-making supplies.

The three day event is fun and educational for the whole family. One of the most popular events is Geode Cracking. Kids and adults can select from bins of geodes of different sizes and then use a geode cracking tool to break them in half and discover the wonder inside.

In addition to the many fascinating displays by gem club members, there will be demonstrations of gem and mineral polishing, faceting, and free mineral identification classes. There are also inexpensive grab bags for kids, filled with interesting rocks, minerals, and fossils from all over the world. Door prizes are drawn hourly, admission is free, and parking is also free at the Civic Center.

Date:
Friday, November 22, 2024 from 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 10 am to 5 pm

Admission:
Free Admission

Address:
Cobb County Civic Center
548 South Marietta Parkway
Marietta, GA 30060

Parking:
Free parking in the Cobb Civic Center parking lot.

For more information, please email showchair@ccgms.org or visit ccgms.org

2024 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 28, 2024

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

Race Location:
Marietta Square

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.

Motion Picture Plaza Series

Marietta.com

Marietta Parks & Recreation is bringing an exciting pop-up series for movie lovers this fall with the Motion Picture Plaza, a monthly event featuring family-friendly films, activities, and plenty of fun. Taking place in the City Hall Plaza, between the Police and Fire Stations, this series runs from August to October and features an evening of entertainment for all ages.

Each night begins at 8 pm with themed activities tied to the evening’s film, followed by the movie itself, which starts at dark. This year’s selection of films and activities centers around engaging themes that promise to add a unique twist to your movie-going experience.

Dates:

August 9th – “Back to School Special”

Featured Film: Hidden Figures
Activities: Space-themed crafts and activities Celebrate the back-to-school season by watching the inspiring story of the women behind NASA’s success, with activities designed to take you on a journey through space exploration.

September 13th – “The Strange and Unexplained”

Featured Film: E.T.
Activities: Glow-in-the-dark and cryptid-themed games Get ready for an evening of extraterrestrial adventure with the beloved classic E.T., and enjoy glow and cryptid-themed activities that will light up the night.

October 25th – “Happy Haunting”

Featured Film: Beetlejuice
Activities: Halloween-themed games and crafts To wrap up the series, join the spooky fun with a Halloween celebration featuring Beetlejuice. The activities will be filled with Halloween spirit to get you in the festive mood.

These events offer the perfect chance to unwind under the stars, enjoy a great film, and participate in fun activities with family and friends. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and chairs to settle in for an evening of entertainment.

Time:
Activities start at 8 pm, with the movie beginning at dark

Address:
City Hall Plaza
205 Lawrence Street
Marietta, GA 30060

For more information, please email Emily Zillweger at ezillweger@mariettaga.gov.

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