Piedmont Park's free Lantern Parade starts at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, and ends with the lighting of the Great Tree, menorah and kinara in the Meadow.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. This page is updated each year. Details come from the Piedmont Park Conservancy, which organizes the event.

One of Atlanta’s biggest tree lightings comes with its own parade. Light Up the Season, the Piedmont Park Conservancy’s holiday celebration, opens on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, with the Lantern Parade and Lighting Celebration: lantern-making in the afternoon, a parade around Lake Clara Meer at dusk and the lighting of the park’s Great Tree, menorah and kinara in the Meadow. It is free and open to the public.

At a glance

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 22; lantern-making 3:30 p.m., parade 5 p.m., lighting after the parade
  • Where: Greystone in Piedmont Park, then the Meadow; the park’s address is 1320 Monroe Drive NE
  • Cost: free
  • Organizer: Piedmont Park Conservancy
  • Emergencies: 911; city services, ATL311 at 404-546-0311

The schedule

Time What happens Where
3:30 p.m. Lantern-making party, with music, seasonal food and sponsor activities Greystone
5 p.m. Holiday Lantern Parade, led by the Seed & Feed band, around Lake Clara Meer From Greystone to the Meadow
After the parade Lighting of the Great Tree, menorah and kinara The Meadow
After the lighting Family holiday movie and hot cocoa Park Tavern

Bring your own lantern or make one at the party. The Conservancy says it will post more workshops and programs for November and December; Light Up the Season runs through Jan. 4, 2027.

More holiday lights and Santa

  • Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Nov. 14 to Jan. 10, 2027, at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE.
  • IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta on select nights from November; nights had not been announced when we checked.
  • Cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, ticketed.

Times, prices and links for all of them are in our holiday lights and Christmas events guide.

Getting there

MARTA’s Midtown and Arts Center stations are the closest rail stops to Piedmont Park, according to the organizers of Atlanta Pride, which is held in the park. See getting around Atlanta for routes.

What this means for you

  • Put Sunday, Nov. 22, on the calendar: arrive by 3:30 p.m. to make a lantern, or by 5 p.m. for the parade.
  • It is outdoors after dark in late November; dress for the cold.
  • Trash pickup runs a day late Thanksgiving week; see trash and recycling.

Related: things to do this month, Thanksgiving in Atlanta and New Year’s Eve in Atlanta.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Piedmont Park tree lighting in 2026?

Sunday, Nov. 22. The Lantern Parade leaves Greystone at 5 p.m., circles Lake Clara Meer and ends in the Meadow, where the Great Tree, menorah and kinara are lit. It is free.

Can I make a lantern for the parade?

Yes. A free lantern-making party starts at 3:30 p.m. at Greystone in Piedmont Park, with music and seasonal food, before the 5 p.m. parade.

How long are the Piedmont Park holiday lights up?

Light Up the Season runs Nov. 22, 2026, to Jan. 4, 2027, with workshops and programs through November and December, the Piedmont Park Conservancy says.

Where else can I see holiday lights in Atlanta?

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden runs Nov. 14 to Jan. 10, 2027, and Zoo Atlanta’s IllumiNights runs on select nights from November. Our holiday lights guide has the details.