Decatur DDA Unveils Extensive Holiday Events & Local Business Promotions

The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has unveiled an extensive holiday programming lineup designed to bring festive cheer to the community while supporting local businesses. Under the leadership of Chair Conor McNally, the initiative features weekly "Terrific Thursday" events running from November through December, including ornament unveilings at Vivid Boutique, Santa photos throughout Downtown Decatur, pet photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Harmony Park in Oakhurst, the annual tree lighting with caroling and refreshments at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, bonfire gatherings with The Talley Street Chorus, and family movie screenings at Ebster Recreation Center. The DDA emphasizes that these activations represent collaborative efforts between community groups and local businesses to create diverse offerings for residents and visitors alike.

Beyond the weekly events, the "Holidays in Decatur" program includes significant promotions like the "Shop Early, Shop Local" initiative offering $20 restaurant gift cards for every $200 spent at local retailers in November. Additional highlights feature a creative "Gingerbread Takeover" where shops decorate giant cookie cutouts, Letters to Santa drop-off locations at the Decatur Visitors Center, Kelly's Market and Oakhurst Market, and special Small Business Saturday activities including free gift wrapping and Santa photos. The holiday season also incorporates cultural celebrations with a menorah lighting ceremony featuring traditional latkes and hot drinks. These comprehensive efforts occur against the backdrop of the $8.5 million evolution of Decatur Square, which is accelerating toward an April 2026 reopening and will serve as the centerpiece for Decatur WatchFest '26 during the FIFA World Cup. For more details on Decatur WatchFest '26, visit DecaturWatchFest26.com or @decaturwatchfest26 on Facebook, while information about the Square renovation can be found at SquareShakeUp.com.

The DDA's holiday programming reflects the organization's broader mission of managing downtown development and supporting economic growth across all of Decatur's commercial districts. Founded in 1982 to implement the Decatur Town Center Plan, the authority now oversees both traditional downtown and neighborhood business districts, working closely with prospective business owners and developers interested in investing in the city's economic development plans. The City of Decatur itself, located just east of Atlanta with 25,000 residents, boasts world-class business assets, highly educated residents, and exceptional quality of life, housing institutions like Emory Health Care, Agnes Scott College, and numerous local professional firms. For comprehensive information about all holiday events and promotions, visitors are encouraged to head to VisitDecaturGA.com/holidays.