The Lighting of Avalon is Sunday, Nov. 22, 2 to 7:30 p.m. on The Boulevard, with Santa counting down to the 40-foot tree lighting at 7 p.m. Free parking decks.

The Lighting of Avalon is Sunday, Nov. 22, from 2 to 7:30 p.m. along The Boulevard at Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd., with Santa leading the countdown to the lighting of a 40-foot tree at 7 p.m. Avalon lists no tickets or admission charge for the evening, and its parking decks are free.

Last checked 2026-10-24.

Upcoming dates

  • Sun. Nov. 22, 2 to 7:30 p.m.

Avalon calls it its biggest event of the year and the start of its holiday season. The schedule on Avalon’s event page:

  • 2 to 3 p.m.: Atlanta Figure Skating Club skaters of all ages perform at the rink
  • 2 to 5 p.m.: Activity Row on Avalon Boulevard, with face painting, holiday crafts and a photo booth
  • 3 p.m.: Avalon on Ice opens to the public for the season
  • 3 to 5:15 p.m.: holiday performances on the stage
  • 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: The Big Beyond performs
  • 7 p.m.: Santa counts down to the tree lighting

The tree stands on top of Concierge, at Avalon Boulevard and 2nd Street.

Where it is and parking

Everything happens along The Boulevard, Avalon’s main street, off Old Milton Parkway west of GA 400. Avalon’s event page lists three ways to park:

  • Free parking decks on the Avalon property
  • Valet at 3rd Street
  • Gwinnett Technical College, across the street, with shuttles running to Avalon

Avalon warns that parking fills up quickly and suggests carpooling or a ride-share. On a normal day valet costs $12, according to its valet page; Avalon does not list a separate valet rate for the lighting. Our Avalon visitor’s guide has more on getting there.

Tickets and cost

Avalon lists no tickets or admission charge for the Lighting of Avalon.

Skating is extra. Avalon on Ice, the rink on The Plaza, runs Nov. 22 to Jan. 18, with these prices, skates included:

  • General admission: $18
  • Children 12 and under: $14

Skating tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Avalon recommends booking a time slot in advance; walk-ups are welcome but not guaranteed a slot. Tickets cannot be refunded or transferred, but you can reschedule if another date is open. Every skater, walk-ups included, must fill out a waiver. On opening day the rink is open 3 to 10 p.m.

What to know

  • Santa: he appears at the lighting, and the next day his cottage opens for the season. See our Santa at Avalon page for visit times.
  • Arrive early: Avalon expects the decks to fill, so allow time before the 7 p.m. lighting.
  • Photos: Avalon says people at the event agree to appear in photos and video it shoots on site and may use for publicity.
  • Questions: call Concierge at 770-765-1000 or the Avalon office at 770-765-2000.

The city’s own tree lighting is the night before, Saturday, Nov. 21; it and the other tree lightings in town are in our Christmas parade and tree lighting guide. Light displays and markets for the rest of the season are in our holiday lights and Christmas events guide.

Dates and venues as listed on the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Lighting of Avalon 2026?

Sunday, Nov. 22, from 2 to 7:30 p.m. along The Boulevard at Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. The tree is lit at 7 p.m.

What time is the tree lighting at Avalon?

7 p.m. Santa leads the countdown to the lighting of the 40-foot tree on top of Concierge.

Where do you park for the Lighting of Avalon?

In Avalon’s free parking decks, at the 3rd Street valet, or across the street at Gwinnett Technical College, where Avalon runs shuttles. Avalon suggests carpooling or ride-share because parking fills quickly.

Does Avalon on Ice open on the night of the Lighting of Avalon?

Yes. The rink opens for the season at 3 p.m. Nov. 22 and stays open until 10 p.m. that day. Skating is $18, or $14 for children 12 and under, skates included.