Avenue East Cobb lights its 26-foot tree Friday, Nov. 20, at 6:50 p.m. Marietta's tree lighting and Ugly Sweater Parade with Santa is Thursday, Dec. 3.

Last checked Oct. 5, 2026. Updated each year. Details come from Avenue East Cobb’s events page and the city of Marietta’s Christmas Tree Lighting page. Marietta special events: 770-794-5606.

East Cobb has no town square and no county-run Christmas parade. Its holiday kickoff is the Lighting of Avenue East Cobb on Friday, Nov. 20, at the shopping center on Roswell Road. Two weeks later, the city of Marietta lights its tree on the Square on Thursday, Dec. 3, with an Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade that follows Santa through downtown.

Who to call

The Lighting of Avenue East Cobb, Friday, Nov. 20

Free, 5 to 7 p.m. in The Plaza, 4475 Roswell Road. The schedule from Avenue East Cobb:

Time What happens
5 to 6:45 p.m. Activity row: face painting, photo spot, roaming entertainment, bounce houses and a toddler area
5 p.m. Live music from The Taylor Harlow Band
6:45 p.m. Santa arrives on stage
6:50 p.m. Countdown to the lighting of the 26-foot tree
7 p.m. Tree lit

Round Trip Brewing runs a beer bar and Peach State Pizza a cocktail bar during the event. The center says coolers and outside drinks are not allowed at its events.

Santa photos at Avenue East Cobb

Photos with Santa run Saturday, Nov. 21, through Thursday, Dec. 24, in the Family Lounge next to Panera Bread, with times that vary by day. Appointments go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26; walk-ups are taken only when time allows. Packages listed by Avenue East Cobb run from $35 for five digital photos to $45 for a bundle with prints and cards. Pets are not allowed, and cancellations less than 48 hours ahead are not refunded.

The center also lists free holiday movie nights in The Plaza at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, and a weekly storytime with Santa.

Marietta Square tree lighting and sweater parade, Thursday, Dec. 3

The city of Marietta’s free celebration runs 4 to 8 p.m. in Glover Park on the historic Marietta Square, about seven miles from central East Cobb.

Time What happens
4 p.m. School and church choirs begin
All evening Crafts, games and Santa letter stations
About 5 p.m. Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade
About 5:15 p.m. Santa arrives on the Square
6 p.m. Christmas tree lighting with the mayor
8 p.m. Event ends

Anyone can walk in the sweater parade; register with the city. Parking: the city’s downtown Marietta parking map.

Getting there

Avenue East Cobb says it has surface parking with entrances off Roswell Road, and eight Tesla Superchargers in the front lot. For the Marietta event, use the city’s parking map above. See getting around East Cobb for roads and transit, and check road closures the week of each event; the Lower Roswell Road project is scheduled to finish Nov. 19, the day before the Avenue lighting.

What this means for you

  • Nov. 20 is the East Cobb kickoff; arrive by 6:30 p.m. for Santa and the countdown.
  • Book Santa photos when they open Oct. 26 if you want a weekend slot.
  • On Dec. 3, wear your worst sweater and join the parade in Marietta.

More holiday plans: things to do in East Cobb this month.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Christmas tree lighting at Avenue East Cobb?

Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. in The Plaza at 4475 Roswell Road. Santa arrives at 6:45 p.m. and the 26-foot tree is lit at 6:50 p.m. The event is free.

When is the Marietta Square Christmas tree lighting?

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Glover Park on the Marietta Square. Santa arrives about 5:15 p.m. and the tree is lit at 6 p.m.

Is there a Christmas parade in East Cobb?

No East Cobb Christmas parade has been announced for 2026. The nearest is the city of Marietta’s Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade with Santa through the Square at about 5 p.m. on Dec. 3.

Where can I get photos with Santa in East Cobb?

Avenue East Cobb has Santa photos from Saturday, Nov. 21, to Thursday, Dec. 24, by appointment. Bookings open at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, and packages run $35 to $45.