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12-04-2025 5:39pm
Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Friday, December 4th through Sunday, December 6th
Nate Weeks
Editor
This weekend, Downtown Macon transforms into a European-style Christmas market starting this weekend during the 10-day long Marché de Noël, First Friday returns with gallery openings, s'mores in Poplar Street Park, and live music throughout downtown, Christmas parades march through Warner Robins, Byron, Perry, Milledgeville, and Macon-Bibb, and more. The following are just a few of the interesting, fun, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.
FRIDAY, December 5th
>> First Friday in Downtown Macon (12 p.m.)
December's First Friday brings gallery openings, live music, and festive activities to Downtown Macon this week, including the following:
Four art galleries host special events/art exhibit openings this Friday including the Holiday Show at Macon Arts Alliance with items made of ceramics, glass, wood as well as stationery, small paintings, and more (4-7 p.m.), "Favorite Things" at The 567 Center featuring a wide range of artwork under $100 (5-8 p.m.), Stephanie Dowda DeMer's "Small Suns" photography at Wesleyan Leadership Lab with an artist talk at 6 p.m., and Gallery West's Holiday Sale with live music by Caroline Aiken and Friends (5-9 p.m.).
- NewTown Macon hosts "Lights & S'more Bites" from 6-8 p.m. in Poplar Street Park with individually packaged s'mores materials and a canned food collection for the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, while the Robins Financial Credit Union tent offers the chance to mail letters to Santa.
- NewTown Macon also invites visitors to Neel's Lofts for a Hard Hat Happy Hour open house (5:30-7 p.m.) where Property Manager Nicole Evans answers questions about floor plans and pricing for the 95-unit luxury apartment complex accepting applications for early 2026 move-ins.
- Entertainment includes Emo Night Karaoke at The Hummingbird (8 p.m.), Santa Slam Trivia at The Brick (8 p.m.), Theatre Macon's Disney's Frozen, The Broadway Musical (8 p.m.), and Soul Spots from Bragg Jam featuring live entertainment from Blessed B33ZY at Fresh Produce Records (5-7 p.m.) and CC Witt at Hotel 45's Loom Patio (6-8 p.m.).
- Redemption Tattoo Parlour hosts a toy drive with deals on flash tattoos ($80-$250) and piercings ($40), and is offering raffle tickets for each new toy donated.
- Several businesses will be open later for First Friday, including The Bohemian Den (open till 9 p.m.), Shuster's Candy and Creamery (open until 10 p.m. and offering an ice cream advent calendar, which sounds delicious!), Sweet Eleanor's (open until 9 p.m.).
- Several businesses will be offering special deals or special events during First Friday, including Crate X (complimentary coworking access), Hello Boba Cafe (Yuri on Ice Anime Trivia at 6 p.m. (free)), and Longleaf Distillery Co. presents "Appy Hour" 4-7 p.m. with the snack of the month for 50% off)
Most First Friday activities are free to attend.
> Downtown Macon
>> SHOPPING: Marché de Noël: Macon Christmas Market 2025 (4-10 p.m.)
Cherry Street Plaza transforms into a European-style Christmas village for the 10-day Marché de Noël: Macon Christmas Market, running from December 5th through 14th. According to the organizers, the celebration is "inspired by the traditional European Christmas markets." It features 20+ artisan vendor booths offering handcrafted gifts, unique goods, seasonal treats, and holiday décor and live music performances nightly at 6 p.m. Visitors can warm up with Glühwein (traditional German mulled wine), local craft beer, or hot cocoa while sampling festive food. The Marché de Noêl's family fun zone includes a soft play area for children and tabletop curling. Live Christmas trees from Skipper Family Farms will also be available for purchase. Find more information online at this link or, for sponsorship inquiries and vendor applications, contact maconchristmasmarket@gmail.com. Market hours are Monday through Thursday 4 to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday 12 to 10 p.m., and Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Admission to the Marché de Noël is free.
> Cherry Street Plaza: 300 Cherry Street, Macon
Graphic courtesy of Marché de Noêl: Macon Christmas Market>> Macon Magazine's Celebrating the Abundance Issue Launch at the Rabbit Hole (5-6 p.m.)
Macon Magazine launches its December/January Abundance Issue with a celebratory champagne toast at Rabbit Hole before First Friday festivities begin. The complimentary event provides an opportunity to connect with the magazine's team and partners before exploring downtown's gallery walk. The Macon Magazine Abundance Issue launch is complimentary and free to attend.
> Rabbit Hole: 811 Forsyth Street, Macon
>> Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza (6-10 p.m.)
Santa will be available for selfies with fans at the North Pole (Poplar Street between Third Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) at the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza this weekend. This event continues nightly through January 4th, featuring over 1 million lights synchronized to music performed by Macon Pops with shows every hour from 6-10 p.m. The Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza is free and open to the public.
> Downtown Macon: Poplar Street, Macon
>> MUSIC: First Friday at Ocmulgee Brewpub with The Rizzard (10 p.m.)
Ocmulgee Brewpub closes out First Friday with The Rizzard DJing rap, hip-hop, and EDM music for patrons. The late-night party features beer pong, board games, and card games alongside both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. Entry to First Friday at Ocmulgee Brewpub is free.
> Ocmulgee Brewpub: 484 2nd Street, Macon
SATURDAY, December 6th
>> McEachern Art Center presents Winter Artist Market 2025 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
This Saturday, McEachern Art Center's Winter Artist Market returns to Downtown Macon for its third year. This family-friendly event will feature artwork and other items from over 20 local artists and makers. There will also be a craft table for kids, Christmas movie screenings, sweets, and bottomless mimosas, as well as cocoa and coffee. Winter Artist Market 2025 is free to attend.
> McEachern Art Center: 332 2nd Street, Macon
Graphic courtesy of McEachern Art Center>> 2025 City of Warner Robins Christmas Parade (10 a.m.)
Warner Robins celebrates the holiday season with its annual Christmas Parade this Saturday, featuring floats, marching bands, dancing elves, and Santa Claus. Spectators should arrive early to secure viewing spots along the parade route, which runs from Watson Boulevard to Davis Drive. The Warner Robins Christmas Parade is free to attend.
> Watson Boulevard and Davis Drive, Warner Robins
>> SHOPPING: Merry Milly Market (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
This Saturday, Downtown Milledgeville hosts the Merry Milly Market featuring local makers, artists, bakers, and small local businesses. Shoppers can browse handmade gifts, crafts, holiday décor, and delicious treats while enjoying warm drinks and seasonal goodies. The Merry Milly Market is free to attend.
> Downtown Milledgeville
>> City of Perry Christmas Parade (10 a.m.)
Perry's Christmas Parade embraces the theme "Christmas at the Movies" and celebrates both classic and modern holiday films this year. Due to construction on General Courtney Hodges Boulevard, this year the parade follows a modified route beginning at New Hope Baptist Church, traveling down Washington Street, turning left onto Main Street, and concluding at the Perry VA Clinic. Contact Downtown Manager Alicia Hartley at Alicia.Hartley@perry-ga.gov for more information. The City of Perry Christmas Parade is free to attend.
> Ball Street, Perry
> Historic Vineville Tour of Homes (12/6-12/7) (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Historic Vineville presents its biggest holiday tour yet this Saturday and SUnday, showcasing 12 istoric Vineville homes. Tckets are valid for either day, allowing visitors who don't complete all locations on Saturday to return on Sunday to see the remaining homes. Historic Vineville Tour of Homes advanced purchase tickets cost $33.85 online at this link and day-of tickets are $35.
> Historic Vineville
Graphic courtesy of the Vineville Neighborhood Association>> Christmas Market at the Farm at Lane Southern Orchards (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Lane Southern Orchards hosts a Christmas Market featuring local artisans and food vendors. Matt Z Designs will present hand-carved wooden creations, Peaches Candle Company will fill the air with delightful holiday scents, while Native Tea, Back to the Basics, and Butters Better Fudge offer samples of Christmas treats and Pulaski Brewing Coffee Company provide coffee tastings. Holiday wines will also be available for tasting. The Christmas Market at the Farm is free to attend.
> Lane Southern Orchards: 50 Lane Road, Fort Valley
>> Byron Christmas Parade (1 p.m.)
Byron's annual Christmas Parade takes place this Saturday afternon with the theme "Christmas Spectacular." The parade route begins on Linda Drive, winds through downtown via White Road, Highway 49, Highway 42, Moseley Road, and Main Street before returning to Linda Drive. Spectators should arrive early to secure viewing spots along the route. Call Byron's Welcome Center at (478) 956-2409 for more information. The Byron Christmas Parade is free to attend.
> Downtown Byron
>> HOCKEY: Pack the Plex at the Macon Mayhem vs. Huntsville Havoc Hockey Game (6 p.m.)
The Macon Mayhem launch Operation Pack The Plex this Saturday as they face off against the Huntsville Havoc with special $10 pricing for all bowl seats. This promotion aims to completely fill the Centreplex (aka Macon Coliseum) for an exciting evening of hockey, with a postgame skate providing fans the opportunity to take the ice after the game. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the puck drops at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets for this game online at this link or at the Macon Coliseum's Box Office.
> Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon
Graphic courtesy of the Macon Mayhem>> Drive-Thru Nativity at Mount de Sales Academy (6-8 p.m.)
Mount de Sales Academy presents a Drive-Thru Nativity featuring live scenes depicting the story of Christ's birth, accompanied by St. Joseph's students singing. Participants will receive hot cocoa during the drive-through experience, and crafting activities are available in the gym afterward. Mount de Sales' Drive-Thru Nativity is free to attend.
> Mount de Sales: 851 Orange Street, Macon
>> Rigby's Entertainment Complex's 12th Annual Christmas Charity Party (6:30-10:30 p.m.)
Rigby's Entertainment Complex hosts its 12th Annual Christmas Charity Party this Saturday, continuing a tradition that has sponsored gifts for over 1,100 children over the past 11 years, according to Rigby's. Attendees must RSVP by texting their name and email to (478)330-1275, after which they'll be assigned a Rainbow House child with 1 to 3 wish list items and a Humane Society donation item. Capacity is capped at 400 guests, which happens to be around the number of people expected to attend this year's event. Entry to the 12th Annual Christmas Charity Party requires RSVPing and bringing the items for your assigned Rainbow House child.
> Rigby’s Entertainment Complex: 2001 Karl Drive, Warner Robins
>> MUSIC: Ashes and Shy Company at Grant's Lounge (9 p.m.)
Local rock bands Ashes and Shy Company join forces for an evening of live music at Grant's Lounge. Tickets to see Ashes and Shy Company will be available for $10 at the door and are also available for purchase online at this link.
> Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon
SUNDAY, December 7th
>> SHOPPING: Mistletoe Market and Christmas In Griffin in Downtown Griffin (3-7 p.m.)
This year, the City of Griffin is combining Christmas In Griffin and the Mistletoe Market into one expanded celebration that will take place on Sunday. The combined event will feature over 70 vendors set up along Solomon Street. Attendees can also take part in free family activities from 3 to 6 p.m. including carriage rides, an inflatable snow tube slide, pictures with Santa and characters, s'mores by the fire, snow, train rides, a Jingle Jam dance party, and cookie decorating. Food trucks and holiday vendors will also provide refreshments throughout the afternoon before the City of Griffin's annual Tree Lighting begins at 6 p.m. with a Christmas sing-along in front of One Griffin Center. Contact the City of Griffin Economic Development office at 770-228-5356 or hrobinson@cityofgriffin.com with any questions about this event. Griffin's Mistletoe Market and Christmas In Griffin are free to attend.
> Downtown Griffin
>> Milledgeville Christmas Parade (3 p.m.)
The Milledgeville Exchange Club hosts Milledgeville's Christmas Parade this Sunday , featuring floats, performances, and lots of holiday cheer. The Milledgeville Christmas Parade is free to attend.
> Downtown Milledgeville
>> Barnesville Holiday Extravaganza (3-6 p.m.)
Barnesville's Holiday Extravaganza on Sunday offers inclusive family entertainment beginning with a Sensory Sensitive Hour from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by the main event from 3 to 6 p.m. Free offerings include photos with The Grinch, gift giveaways for children under 18, and funnel cakes from Top It Off Funnel Cake for those who arrive early. Attendees can also take part in fun competitions, including family and individual ugly sweater contests and a Best Decorated Car Contest. There will also be line dancers and live entertainment throughout the afternoon. For vendor/sponsor information, call/text 770-765-2249 or email dattranquilspot@gmail.com. The Barnesville Holiday Extravaganza is free to attend.
> Ritz Park: Barnesville
>> Macon-Bibb Christmas Parade (4 p.m.)
This Sunday, the Macon-Bibb Christmas Parade will march along Cherry Street following the same route as last year, with festive appearances from community organizations, marching bands, performers, and even Santa Claus. Visitors should expect extensive road closures, including Poplar Street at 5th Street, Cherry Street from Raffield's Tire through 2nd Street, 2nd Street from Cherry to Mulberry, and Mulberry Street from 2nd to MLK Jr. Boulevard, so plan for road closures and arrive early to secure viewing spots. The Macon-Bibb Christmas Parade is free to attend.
> Downtown Macon
>> Screening of "The Polar Express" at the Macon City Auditorium's Holiday Movie Night (6 p.m.)
The Macon City Auditorium hosts Holiday Movie Night this Sunday with a screening of "The Polar Express" (2004) presented by Atrium Health Navicent. This event includes photos with Santa, ornament making, and letter writing to Santa before the movie begins at 7 p.m. The Georgia Department of Corrections serves as supporting partner for this all-ages event. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the movie beginning at 7 p.m. Holiday Movie Night is free and open to all ages.
> Macon City Auditorium: 415 1st Street, Macon
Graphic courtesy of the Macon City AuditoriumDid we miss an event you are excited about? Leave a comment below to let others know about other fun and interesting events taking place this week in Middle Georgia.
