Top 10 Free Family Christmas Events in West Central GA/East Central AL

Dec 1

Photo Credit: Unsplash - Tim Mossholder @timmossholder

Christmas is a magical time of year, and there's no better way to create lasting family memories than by enjoying festive fun activities that won't break the bank. I’ve put together a list of the top ten free Christmas events in West Central GA and East Central AL to help you make the most of this holiday season!

1. City of Valley Merry Go Round Valley, AL

Date: December 1-24, 2024
Time: Varies (Visit the website for hours)
Location: 6000 20th Ave, Valley, AL
Experience the magic of the season at this festive merry go round that is sure to become a family favorite. Along with riding on the merry go round there are food trucks, activities for kids, tons of photo opportunities, plus you can visit with Santa and friends. If you visit on a weekend plan for longer wait times. While you’re in the area drive around the surrounding neighborhoods and town to see the beautiful holiday lights!

Website: Facebook

2. Holiday Parades Lagrange, Hamilton, Columbus, Pine Mountain Senoia, Hogansville, Opelika (AL)

Date: December 5 (Lagrange), December 6 (Opelika), December 7 (Hamilton, Columbus, Senoia, Pine Mountain, Hogansville), December 14 (Newnan)
Time: Lagrange - 6:00PM, Opelika - 5:30PM, Hamilton - 5:00PM, Columbus - 10:00AM, Senoia - 6:30PM, Pine Mountain - 11:00PM, Hogansville - 6:00PM, Newnan - 6:00PM
Location: Lagrange, Opelika, Hamilton, Columbus/Phenix City, Senoia, Pine Mountain, Hogansville, Newnan
There is not a shortage of Christmas parades to get you in the holiday spirit particularly the first weekend in December. In Lagrange you can expect to enjoy the largest holiday event in Troup County. Over in Opelika you’ll see the largest Christmas tree in the state of Alabama. Then in Hamilton you can do some Christmas shopping at The Mistletoe Market before the parade. The cities of Columbus and Phenix City offer a large bi-city parade that travels between the cities. Senoia hosts a parade that includes lots of entertainment and you can visit Santa in his workshop. The City of Pine Mountain is offering more than just a parade there will be a chili cookoff for all the holiday foodies. Rounding off the weekend of parades Hogansville is offering a unique parade experience with a movie and show following at The Royal Theater (tickets must be purchased for the movie and show). The City of Newnan is getting back to the “Christmas Classics” with their parade theme that’s sure to be a hit.

Website: Click links listed under location

3. Children’s Christmas Celebration at Hills & Dales Estate Lagrange, GA

Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 10:00AM-1:00PM
Location: 1916 Hills & Dales Dr, LaGrange, GA 30240
We attended this event two years ago and had a lot of fun at the different stations as well as exploring this beautiful estate. This is the perfect place to take some holiday family photos of the memories you are creating and with Santa!

Website: Facebook

4. COOKIES & COCOA WITH SANTA Columbus, GA

Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 4:00PM-6:00PM
Location: 1725 Whittlesey Rd, Columbus, GA 31904-3052
This is a fun free event hosted by Headquarter Nissan in Columbus.

Website: Facebook

5. Build a Spinning Snowflake at Lowes DIY-U Various Locations

Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 10:00AM
Location: Various Locations
Lowes workshops for kids is a great way for children to learn how to build while having fun. This is one of my favorite freebies because it allows an opportunity for kids to learn something new and take home what they built!

Website: Lowes

6. Night of Lights Lagrange, GA

Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Location: 401 Broad St LaGrange, GA 30240
One of our favorite holiday traditions is to put on our Christmas pjs hop in the car with cookies and hot chocolate then drive around to look at the Christmas lights while listening to Christmas music. We are really excited to go to this free event this year that includes a map of all of the best Christmas lights in Lagrange!

Website: Facebook

7. RiverCenter’s Gingerbread Village Columbus, GA

Date: December 4-22, 2024
Time: Monday-Friday from 10AM – 5:30PM, with additional evening and weekend hours during performances
Location: 900 Broadway, Columbus, GA 31901
We did not make it here last year but this is another free event we are super excited to visit this holiday season. The magical village includes gingerbread houses from businesses, local organizations and families. On December 7th there is a free event that includes holiday music and entertainment!

Website: Facebook

8. Waffle’s & a Movie with Santa Hogansville, GA

Date: December 21, 2024
Time: 8:00AM-12:00PM
Location: 400 East Main St., Hogansville, GA 30230
This event is held at The Royal Theater and offers a free breakfast with Santa plus a showing of The Polar Express!

Website: City of Hogansville

9. Polar Express Day Newnan, GA

Date: December 20, 2024
Time: 10:00AM
Location: 25 Jefferson Street, Newnan, GA 30263
Newnan Carnegie Library and The Children’s Connect Museum are hosting a fun Polar Express Day event with a showing of the movie, snacks and activities.

Website: City of Newnan