Holiday Fun & Traditions in Fayetteville, Newnan, Peachtree City & Beyond

Winter is a magical season filled with family, friends, and festive fun! Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or simply enjoy the holiday spirit, there are wonderful traditions and local events to explore. Each holiday helps us celebrate important values, honor history, and enjoy meaningful time together.

✡️ Hanukkah (Dec 14 – Dec 22)

What It Is

Hanukkah is a holiday that celebrates a special miracle long ago in the Temple. The menorah, a special lamp, was lit to honor the Temple, but there was only enough oil for one day, yet it lasted for eight nights! Hanukkah reminds us to have faith, be brave, and enjoy time with our family and traditions.

Fun Traditions

🕎 Lighting the menorah: One candle each night
🥔🍩 Latkes (potato pancakes) & jelly donuts: Fried in oil to celebrate the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days
🍫🪙 Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins): Perfect for making the dreidel game extra fun, spin, win, and learn together!

Where to Celebrate

• Marcus JCC Atlanta – Glow Strong: A Family Hanukkah Celebration (Dec 14)
• Marcus JCC Atlanta – Donuts, Drinks & Dinks Hanukkah Party (Dec 21)
• Chabad of Peachtree City – Menorah parade & family activities
• Congregation B’nai Israel – Music, crafts & food

Note: Fayette & Coweta counties have fewer Hanukkah events, and many celebrations are offered throughout metro Atlanta.

🎄 Christmas (Dec 25)

What It Is

Christmas was originally founded to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but over time it has also become a broader cultural holiday. People celebrate it to bring family and friends together, spread kindness and joy, and enjoy festive traditions like giving gifts, decorating, and sharing meals.

Fun Traditions

🎄 Decorating the tree: A symbol of life and hope
🎁 Gift-giving: A way to show love and generosity
🎅 Santa Claus: Stories, magic & surprises!

Where to Celebrate

• Christmas Tour of Homes – Fayette Humane Society (Dec 6-7)
• Santa & Friends Holiday Kick-Off – Peachtree City (Dec 6)
• Holiday Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus – Peachtree City (Dec 4, 11, 18)
• Pawsome Holiday Party – Peachtree City (Dec 10) 
• Christmas at Madras – Newnan (Dec 13)
• Newnan Christmas Parade – Newnan (Dec 13)
• Downtown Newnan Ugly Christmas Bar Crawl – Dec 20
• Polar Express Holiday Experience – Tyrone (Dec 21)
• Christmas Market at Jimmie Dee’s – Newnan (Fridays & Saturdays in December)
• Gaddy Family Christmas Light Extravaganza – Fayetteville (Nightly through Dec 30)

🖤💚❤️ Kwanzaa (Dec 26 – Jan 1)

What It Is

Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American culture, community, and family, where over seven nights candles are lit to honor the seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Fun Traditions

🕯 Lighting the candles: One candle each night for the seven principles
🌽🍅🍖 Karamu feast: A joyful community meal
⚫️🔴🟢 Colors: Black (representing Black communities), Red (symbolizing the struggle for justice), Green (signifying hope and growth)

Where to Celebrate

• Cleveland Avenue Branch Library – Guest Storyteller (Dec 6)
• 2025 Kwanzaa Experience Celebration (Dec 14)
• Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration – Cascade Branch Library (Dec 20)
• Total Dance/Dancical Productions – Annual Kwanzaa Celebration (Dec 27)
• AARL’s Annual Kwanzaa – Celebrating Nia (Dec 30)

Note: Fayette & Coweta counties have fewer Kwanzaa events, and many celebrations are offered throughout metro Atlanta.

From menorah lightings to Christmas parades and Kwanzaa celebrations, there’s something special for everyone across metro Atlanta. These holidays remind us of hope, love, unity, and the joy of being together.