A classic Atlanta tradition returns to ring in the holidays!
Georgia Festival of Trees, the state’s largest holiday event focused on spreading holiday magic (with a heart to end human trafficking), will take place at Gas South Convention Center from Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, December 1. The multi-day festival will include the debut of Penny the Pink Pig*, a new pig-themed, trackless train for children and adults, inspired by the beloved Atlanta classic.
“We are thrilled for the Gas South Convention Center to be the new home of the Georgia Festival of Trees!” said Stan Hall, CEO at Gas South District. “The festival is the premier event to kick off the holiday season, and with this year’s grand debut of the Pink Pig, it’s the perfect time for our Gwinnett community to embrace this beloved tradition.”
“It is a privilege to welcome the Georgia Festival of Trees to the Gas South District as they continue bringing holiday magic to Georgians while supporting those who are working to end human trafficking in our state,” he continued.
About the festival
Georgia Festival of Trees is an eight-day holiday festival featuring a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction. The festival also offers live music and entertainment on the main stage along with Santa and his reindeer (and a life-size sleigh).
There will be fun, interactive Reindeer Games for the kids, including the Elf Training Academy, the Lil’ Elves Driving Academy, LEGO® bricks, Elf Phone Booth, North Pole Post Office and more.
Guests can enjoy their own immersive experience with sugar cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, a visit to Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas gingerbread house competition and boutique shopping.
Attendees are also encouraged to take part in daily themes at the festival, including Physical and Developmental Disabilities Day, presented by CareSource (a nationally recognized managed health care organization), with sensory-friendly hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on November 25. And Senior Day, presented by WellCare, where guests who are 62 and older will receive free entry on November 26.
The famous Pink Pig
Nearly 70 years since Macy’s famed Pink Pig™* made its grand debut in Atlanta, a new generation will now be able to enjoy the beloved tradition.
The Pink Pig is returning to Atlanta for this year’s Georgia Festival of Trees, offering a new twist on the holiday tradition.
The Pink Pig is a pig-themed train for children and adults first created in 1953 by Rich’s department store. The original ride was retired and donated to the Atlanta History Center in 1996, until a new version from Rich’s-Macy’s was introduced at Lenox Square Mall in 2003. The Lenox Pink Pig continued thrilling holiday shoppers until 2019, when it was once again retired.
The latest version of the local holiday icon will transport guests on a magical ride through the festival and will be open each day from November 23 to December 1 (except November 27–28 when the festival is closed for Thanksgiving). The Pink Pig will cost $5 per rider.
“It’s an honor to bring back the Pink Pig to a new generation of Georgians,” said Georgia Festival of Trees Executive Director, Angie Ulibarri. “Macy’s Pink Pig™ has been an iconic symbol of the holidays in Atlanta, and it’s exciting to officially ring in the holiday season with this timeless tradition.”
Fun for a good cause
The festival continues its support of local organizations working to end the commercial sexual exploitation of women and children in Georgia. They’ve once again partnered with Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink, and proceeds from the event will benefit both of the organizations.
“It’s an honor to once again partner with the Georgia Festival of Trees,” said Bob Rodgers, Street Grace president and CEO. “Our hope is that through this holiday event, people across the community will better understand the human trafficking epidemic in our own backyard and how to join the fight against it.”
“We’re thrilled to be a beneficiary of the Georgia Festival of Trees for the second consecutive year, especially in the year they debut the new Pink Pig!” said Jessica Lamb, founder of Atlanta Redemption Ink. “While activities like the Pink Pig are fun, Georgia Festival of Trees has a deeper meaning behind each of these — to support the fight against human trafficking. Our organization aims to bring hope and joy to survivors, and it’s an honor to share this heartbeat with the Georgia Festival of Trees.”
Dazzling displays and new attractions
Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at this year’s festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations around the Southeast, providing a dazzling array of decorative options to enhance your holiday decor. Trees and other decor are auctioned off both in-person and online during the festival.
In addition to the dazzling displays, organizers were also excited to introduce new offerings for this year’s event.
“When we started Georgia Festival of Trees four years ago, we weren’t sure how it would be received,” said Ulibarri, “and it’s remarkable to see how it’s grown and evolved into a special holiday tradition for families.”
“Through this growth, our team continues to closely listen to feedback from our guests, which is why we’re thrilled to share exciting new updates for this year, including [the] new location, [an] After Dark Comedy Showcase presented by The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett and our very own Pink Pig, Penny,” she continued. “Even with all the new additions, the heartbeat of the festival remains the same — holiday magic with a heart to end human trafficking.”
The details
Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $13.95 for seniors ages 62 and up, and adult tickets are $18.95. Children’s tickets for ages 3-12 are $18.95 and include access to the Reindeer Games area.
The Pink Pig, cookie decorating, Santa’s Workshop (a shopping experience for children) and photos with Santa are an additional cost.
Gas South Convention Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth.
For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or a volunteer, donate an auction item or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees and its charity partners in the fight against human trafficking, visit gafestivaloftrees.org.
*The Pink Pig is a trademark of Macy’s.
