Experience Christmas past with a candlelit stroll through our beautifully decorated gardens and grounds, and be transported into the warm glow of the holidays. Guests are welcomed by a lively Christmas Market filled with local crafts and artisanal creations. Visit our three historic houses to experience how Southerners celebrated Christmas during the pioneer days, the Civil War era, and the 1930s. Holiday traditions of years past come alive with interpreters, music, and special activities. Enjoy food for purchase and visit one of several cash bars for your favorite holiday libation.

This special holiday program is $20 for not-yet members, $15 for members, and $10 for children.

Schedule of Activities

Main Building

Holiday Market
Ongoing

Not done with your holiday shopping yet? Purchase special one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists and craftspeople.

Vendors

1. Johari Africa - jewelry and other artsy items made by Clarkston refugee women and African female artists

2. Sunavworld - home goods, art items imported from Nepal

3. Mingei World Arts - Vintage treasures and fine craft from artisans and markets of the world

4. Ivy Abena - imported African baskets and pillows from African fabrics

5. Rachel Campbell and Mimi Bradberry - paintings and stained glass

6. Gina Renay - crochet decor and clothing

7. Kristin Replogle - art with spiritual bent

8. Celena Schoen - folk pottery

9. Tortured Pine Pottery - pottery bowls and platters, plus paintings

10. Gina Kirlew - artist-created stickers

11. Gina Nolte - handmade baskets

12. Mary Boyle - handcrafted jewelry, custom designs in sterling silver and 14k goldfill

13. Olivia Thomason - folk art paintings and prints

14. Polly Sherrill - pottery

15. Jimella's Bakery - cookies

Visit with Santa Claus
6:30-9:30pm

Ho-ho-ho! Grab your camera and get ready to photograph the family while your crew visits with Old Saint Nick.

Mama Koku's Holiday Stories
5:45pm, 6:45pm, 7:45pm

Mama Koku helps us celebrate a diverse December with stories that highlight the traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa mixed in with a few winter tales that will leave you feeling warm inside.

All Aboard!
6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm

Enjoy a special holiday story at our newly restored Texas locomotive and become immersed in the spirit of the holidays as you get ready to board a train to the North Pole!

Octave
6:15pm, 7:15pm, 8:15pm

Enjoy Atlanta's favorite female a cappella singing group performing holiday favorites. Octave was founded in 1996 and has since grown and changed its membership. Each new addition has added something amazing to the group. Their members are teachers, writers, executives, pharmacists, athletes, dancers, grammar geeks, attorneys, and moms--all brought together for great music, great friendships, and great fun.

Reindeer Games with Aurora Theatre
8:00pm

Aurora Theatre produces more than 800 events each year for guests of all ages and tastes. With the Lawrenceville troupe's Reindeer Games, talented performers engage guests in amusing, interactive improv comedy and sing joyful holiday tunes.

Smith Farm

Travel to Christmastime during the Civil War and be welcomed into the holiday traditions on Smith Farm. Encounter characters from 1861 and participate in traditional crafts and activities as you help them decorate for a very special Christmas.

1861 Christmas tree lighting
6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm

The sounds of caroling greet you as you gather round to light the candles on the Christmas tree.

Behind the Scenes: A Christmas Feast

6:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:15pm, 9:15pm

Learn about the special Christmas dinner being cooked for the Smith family and see open hearth demonstrations of traditional Civil War era delicacies.

The Yule Log
6:15pm, 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 9:00pm

Listen to stories and songs by the fire as the enslaved community celebrates Christmas and hopes for the end of slavery. Afterward, visit with interpreters as they discuss resistance and the history of holidays for the enslaved.

Stephen, Meet the Past Museum Theatre Performance
6:30pm, 7:30pm

Meet Stephen, an enslaved woodworker who must face a crucial decision regarding his future and that of his family during the holiday season. This decision will impact the lives of those closest to him, for better or worse.

Ongoing Activities

Swan House

Revel in the holiday season of 1930 as you are transported to a Jazz Age Christmas party at the lavishly decorated Swan House while the Inman family and their staff celebrates Christmas.

The Laura Coyle Trio
6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm

Step back in time with the Laura Coyle trio as they perform old standards of the holidays.

One of the most sought-after singers on the Atlanta jazz scene, Laura Coyle brings a timeless voice and masterful sense of swing to her performances. She collaborates with many of the best musicians in the city and sings with a genuine love for the lyrics, and the traditions of jazz music

Ongoing Activities

Wood Cabin

Stop at our bonfire and enjoy some cider and s'mores!

Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers
7:00pm & 8:00pm

The Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers are a group who perform historic a cappella shapenote hymns from The Sacred Harp, a collection of hymns first published in Georgia in 1844. Their performances entertain and inspire listeners through the active tradition of community sacred singing, which originated in early 19th century Georgia.

Food and Drink

Lovies BBQ will be vending their delicious barbecue and sides.

Cash bars are located throughout the campus for some holiday cheer!

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