Marietta lights its Great Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, on the Square, after the Ugly Sweater Parade and Santa's arrival. Info: 770-794-5606.
Last checked Oct. 5, 2026. This page is updated each year. Details come from the City of Marietta’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa on the Square page.
Marietta starts the holiday season on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, with the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa on the Square, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Glover Park on Historic Marietta Square. The night’s parade is the city’s Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade, which walks Santa to the Square before the mayor lights Marietta’s Great Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. The city lists no tickets or admission charge.
Who to call
- Special events coordinator: 770-794-5606, specialevents@mariettaga.gov
- Marietta Parks and Recreation: 770-794-5601
- Parking: the city’s downtown parking map
- Official page: Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa on the Square
The schedule
| Time | What |
|---|---|
| 4 p.m. | Holiday performances begin, with local school and church choirs |
| All evening | Craft and activity stations, Santa letter stations, winter games with prizes |
| About 5 p.m. | Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade |
| About 5:15 p.m. | Santa arrives on the Square |
| 6 p.m. | Christmas tree lighting |
| 8 p.m. | Event ends |
Santa makes what the city calls “a very special Marietta arrival” before joining the mayor for the lighting. Children can write letters to Santa at the letter stations; the city says Santa’s elves will make sure they reach the North Pole.
The Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade
Marietta’s holiday parade is a walking parade, not a float parade. Families, friends and groups dress in their most outrageous family-friendly holiday sweaters and walk with Santa through the Square at about 5 p.m.
- Register: use the city’s Ugly Sweater Parade form.
- Rules: read the parade rules and regulations (PDF) before you sign up.
Getting there
The tree lighting is in Glover Park, 50 N. Park Square NE, in the middle of the Square. Plan where to park before you go: the city’s downtown parking map shows the decks and lots, and see our getting around guide for the downtown parking rules.
Help pay for the tree
The tree is paid for through the city’s annual Christmas Tree Fund. Individuals, families and businesses can contribute; email specialevents@mariettaga.gov for the sponsorship options. The city also takes event volunteers through its volunteer form; anyone who works directly with children must agree to a background check.
What this means for you
- Put Thursday, Dec. 3, on the calendar: 4 p.m. start, tree at 6 p.m.
- Want to march? Register for the sweater parade ahead of time.
- Bring a letter for Santa, or write one at the stations on the night.
Related guides: things to do this month and parks and trails.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Marietta Christmas tree lighting in 2026?
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, in Glover Park on Marietta Square. The event runs 4 to 8 p.m., and the tree is lit at 6 p.m.
Is there a Christmas parade in Marietta?
The city’s parade is the Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade, which walks through the Square with Santa at about 5 p.m. on Dec. 3, just before the tree lighting. Anyone can register to march in a family-friendly holiday sweater.
When does Santa arrive on Marietta Square?
About 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3. Santa then joins the mayor for the tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Does the Marietta tree lighting cost anything?
The city’s event page lists no admission charge or tickets for the tree lighting, choir performances, Santa letter stations or craft activities.
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