Top 10 Free Family Christmas Events in West Central GA/East Central AL
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. Columbus Clingstones Santa's Cookout Columbus GA
Date: December 18
Time: 5:30PM-7:30PM
Location: 100 4th Street, Columbus, GA 31901
Join us at Synovus Park on Thursday, December 18 from 5:30-7:30 PM for Santa's Cookout! 🎅This FREE event includes photos with Santa and hot dogs to eat while spreading Christmas cheer at the ballpark!
Website: Facebook
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 Sleigh Ride at Lowes DIY-U Various Locations
Date: December 20, 2024
Time: 10:00AM
Location: Various Locations
Get ready to sleigh the season with Lowe’s Sleigh Ride Toy workshop! Mini-builders get to build and decorate their own toy complete with reindeer, sleigh and Santa. This magical project brings holiday cheer while teaching kids basic construction and fine motor skills. A great way to get into the holiday spirit and create a toy they’ll treasure.
Website: Lowes
6. Night of Lights Lagrange, GA
Date: December 14, 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: Gingerbread Village
8. Waffle’s & a Movie with Santa Hogansville, GA
Date: December 20
Time: 8:00AM-10:00PM
Location: 400 East Main St., Hogansville, GA 30230
Join us on Saturday, December 20 for our annual WAFFLES AND A MOVIE WITH SANTA! Waffles will be served from 8am - 10am, followed by Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"! This event is completely FREE!
Website: City of Hogansville
9. Grinch Day Newnan, GA
Date: December 22, 2024
Time: 10:00AM
Location: 25 Jefferson Street, Newnan, GA 30263
Join us for a FREE Movie at the Wadsworth! Partnering with ChildrenConnect, Carnegie Library to provide crafts, face painting and games while riding the Newnan Trolley to the various locations! We'll be enjoying Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, with multiple show times starting at 10AM, 12PM, 2PM! Free popcorn & water provided while supplies last! Additional goodies available for purchase. Tickets not required but registration encouraged for headcount purposes
Website: Facebook
10. Outdoor Movie Series at Sweetland Lagrange,GA
Date: December 12, 19 & January 16
Time: 6:00PM
Location: 110 Smith Street, LaGrange, GA 30240
Come join us and get in the Christmas spirit! We will be screening holiday favorites starting at 6 pm. It is free to join for the movie, but you must pay to skate.
Website: Facebook
Check out the 2025 Holiday Guide for more family fun: 2025 Family Holiday Guide for West Central Georgia & East Central Alabama — Six Miles 2 Go
