Dunwoody's annual Village Holiday Celebration and Lantern Parade fills the Greater Dunwoody Village on Sunday, Nov. 22, with free activities, live music and a lantern-lit march through the shopping district.

Create Dunwoody and the Dunwoody Village Merchant Alliance are hosting the event from 3 to 6:30 p.m. across shopping centers, restaurants and commercial properties along Dunwoody Village Parkway, according to the Create Dunwoody event page. Visitors can explore the area and participate in activities for chances to win prizes.

New this year is a Holiday Tree Grove featuring Fraser fir trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses. A mobile petting zoo and train rides at Shops of Dunwoody are also new additions.

A Kids Market at Shops of Dunwoody will feature over 37 vendors selling handmade goods and other products, according to the organizer's website. Dunwoody Gallery will host llamas from 4 to 6 p.m., and Metro Motor Club will bring a classic and exotic car display to the Dunwoody Plaza area.

Activities hosted by local businesses include cookie and ornament decorating, face painting, games with prizes and festive photo spots. Seasonal treats such as hot chocolate, apple cider, s'mores and latkes will be available at various locations. Visits with Santa, sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, round out the lineup.

Main stage and parade

Live performances begin at 4 p.m. on the main stage in the Dunwoody Village parking lot. The schedule includes James Violin Studio Group, Stayin' Alive Crew, Expressions in Motion Dance, North Georgia School of Ballet, Dunwoody Elementary fifth-grade singers, Georgia Dance Force, The Collective Dance Project and Dunwoody High School Choir.

The Lantern Parade steps off at 5:45 p.m. Families and community members will walk through the village carrying decorated lanterns. Lantern decorating stations will be open during the event, and a lantern competition and awards ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

The evening wraps with Santa and the traditional tree lighting in the Dunwoody Village courtyard at about 6:15 p.m., followed by a second tree lighting at Shops of Dunwoody at 6:30 p.m.

Rosemary Watts, executive director of Create Dunwoody, said in a Create Dunwoody release, as reported by Rough Draft Atlanta, that the celebration brings together local businesses, schools, volunteers and community organizations across the village.

What to know before you go

Admission is free. Optional lantern workshops require a fee. Overflow parking is available at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, which also serves as the inclement weather location. A full schedule, event map and list of participating businesses are posted on the Create Dunwoody website.

Upcoming community dates:

  • Sunday, Nov. 22 — Village Holiday Celebration and Lantern Parade, 3–6:30 p.m., Greater Dunwoody Village