DECEMBER 8 & 9, 2023
Virginia Highland Winterfest will begin with a Tour of Lights Block Party on Friday to show off the neighborhood’s most vibrant holiday decorations. On Saturday, the day will start off with a Jingle Jog, followed by a Holiday Parade. The day will rev up with one of the biggest in-town holiday markets, with music and a lively Kids Corner.
Map and Schedule
December 8 • 5:30-9 PM
The Winterfest weekend will kick off on Friday, December 8 with the Tour of Lights Block Party!
This ticketed event will feature safe streets to enjoy festive holiday lights, food trucks, s’mores, and drinks for purchase, as well as live music by the Big Sinclair Band.
- Kids under 12 can attend for free!
Presented by
December 9 • 9 -10 AM
Jingle Jog
On Saturday, kick off your day of cheer with this festive 2.2-mile fun run from Morningside Village down Lanier Blvd to Virginia Highland and back!
After you check-in and adorn your running bells, join us for a free pre-run stretch session hosted by Pure Barre at 8:30 am.
Save your bib! Bib holders will receive a free drink at event concessions and 20% off Doc Chey’s or Osteria 832 all day long (maximum $10 discount).
The Jingle Jog winner will receive a $50 gift card to Doc Chey’s.
- Kids under 12 can run for free!
December 9 • 10 AM
Holiday Motor Parade
It’s time to deck the halls and get decked out in your favorite holiday garb!
Line up early along Lanier Blvd, between University Ave and Los Angeles Ave, to watch your favorite holiday characters, listen to music, catch candy, and more.
Presented by
Toy Drive
Celebrate the season of giving with us at the Holiday Parade!
Mark Carroll & Friends Charity will be collecting unwrapped children’s toys along the parade route for their 20th Annual Toy Drive. Keep an eye out for their merry pack of cyclists and donation boxes to drop off your toys.
December 9 • 11 AM - 5 PM
Gift Market
Find great stocking-stuffers and gifts worth giving this holiday season all while supporting local small business owners!
This year’s market will feature a selection of 60 vendors, 11 sweet and savory food trucks, and 11 Young Entrepreneurs selling curated goods and crafts.
SEE BELOW FOR OUR FULL LINE-UP!
Gift Market Vendors
Young Entrepreneur Vendors
11 to 1 pm
404 Proud – high quality t-shirts and hats with Atlanta designs
El Treasures – art inspired by nature
Hutton and DeLuca Kid – Created Ornaments – handmade perler bead ornaments
Styles by Sydney Mae – jewelry, shirts, and bags
Treasures – gemstones and jewelry
Operation Action Through Art – paintings, holiday cards, bookmarks, and more with proceeds donated to cancer research
2 to 4 pm
Brace Yourself by Eleanor – handmade bracelets
Campbell’s Bead Shack – clay bead bracelets
Crayon Pendants – jewelry made out of recycled crayons
Crochet by J – crocheted animals
Operation Action Through Art – paintings, holiday cards, bookmarks, and more with proceeds donated to cancer research
W.E. Create – bracelets, necklaces, and ornaments
Williams Robotics – mini robot statues made from recycled materials
Tour of Lights Block Party Food Vendors
Winterfest Food Vendors
Knead to Savor
Southern Local Nuts
December 9 • 11 AM - 4 PM
Kids Corner
Bring the little ones into action at Kids Corner!
We will have ticketed activities like bounce houses and face painting, as well as free activities such as elf performances, crafts, and more.
Kids Corner will be located centrally in the event at the intersection of Lanier Blvd NE and Virginia Ave NE.
Presented By
Join the Winterfest Crew!
Volunteer
We need your help to pull off this community fundraiser! Whether you need community service hours for high school or you love to support your neighborhood, we could use your help.
This year, all volunteers will receive:
- Winterfest Volunteer T-shirt
- Free drink ticket (upon arrival to their shift)
- Loads of gratitude from VHDA!
Merchandise
Dress in your Winterfest best and shop the Presale!
You can also find us at the Merch Booth on Saturday, December 9 to pick up our new and expanded selection of Virginia Highland and Winterfest collectables.
Did you know we incorporate Midtown High School student designs into our merch selection? Congratulations to Ava Johnson for her winning design last year. To date, we have donated over $1,000 to the Midtown High School Marketing Department. Thank you for your support!
Get ready for holiday fun at Winterfest by snagging a t-shirt at the merchandise booth!
Not only do we have shirts with this year’s Winterfest logo, we also have the winning shirt designs from our design contest at Midtown High! Congratulations to our 2022 winning Midtown High artists: Gabriela Waldman, Aisling Mahony, and Leah Braun! Proceeds from these special contest shirts go to Midtown High.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Send a wreath - Wreath-Raiser
Come one, come all!
Surprise your neighbor, co-worker, or friend in Atlanta with a freshly handmade 22″ Fraser Fir wreath, thoughtfully wrapped and delivered. Your order will include a wreath hook and a $15 gift card to Trees for Tuition.
100% of the profits raised benefit Virginia Highland District Association and Trees for Tuition Scholarships. Thank you for your support!
Safety & Logistics
We would like to keep this event safe and healthy. The event will include a first-aid booth and public restrooms. Because of the size of the event, we ask that you leave your cute pets at home.
Parking will be limited, so we recommend walking, biking, and carpooling.
Open alcoholic beverages must remain within the festival perimeter.
Please patronize your local businesses if you would like to use their restroom facilities.
Winter Coat Drive
In partnership with Bloom Closet, we will be collecting new or newly used jackets, coats, and pajamas at the Winterfest Information Booth. All sizes are welcome: infant, toddler, youth, teen, and adult.
Bloom is a nationally accredited and recognized foster care organization in Georgia. Bloom Closet is their boutique-style shopping experience dedicated providing free essential items to over 5,000 unhoused and foster children statewide.
Thank you for helping keep children warm this winter!
Meet Our Winterfest 2023 Sponsors
Fund the fun!
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Shoutout Sponsors
VaHi Business Sponsors
