Holiday Lights and Market 2009 at Grant Park December 11, 2009

In the tradition of Christmas markets held throughout Europe since the 14th century comes Atlanta’s first annual Holiday Lights and Market in Grant Park, December 11-13, 2009. Sponsored by the Grant Park Conservancy, the Holiday Lights and Market will feature live entertainment, sparkling lights, food and an artist market.

The festival is held in cooperation with the 28th annual Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes (December 12-13), which is sponsored by St. Paul United Methodist Church, the Grant Park Parent Network and the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool. The Holiday Lights and Market will serve as a unique destination for Atlantans interested in purchasing holiday gifts or just looking to get into the spirit of the season.

Choirs, choral and instrumental groups will perform music of the season throughout the three-day event. Up to 100 artists will display an array of artwork ranging from textiles to paintings, photography and jewelry. Warm drinks, sweet and savory foods, and beer and wine will be on sale. The festival opens at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 11 and closes at 9 p.m. On Saturday, December 12, it opens at noon and closes at 10 p.m. On Sunday it opens again at noon and closes at 7 p.m.

“The Grant Park Conservancy is happy to introduce to Atlanta this special holiday festival, which has long been a tradition in old town squares across Europe,” says Phil Cuthbertson, director of the Grant Park Conservancy. “I think once people see how much fun they have doing their annual holiday shopping at the Holiday Lights and Market, it will become a tradition in Atlanta as well.”

With roots tracing back to 1393 in Frankfurt, Germany, advent markets, also known as Christkindlmarkets or Santa Claus markets, began in Germany but spread quickly throughout Europe. At one time it was the only place and time of year to buy Christmas tree ornaments. Throughout December European old town squares are aglow with lights during these festivals and packed with shoppers, artists and musicians.

Through the Holiday Lights and Market, the Grant Park Conservancy hopes to introduce the public to the beauty of the park in the wintertime, as well raise funds for ongoing park restoration. All proceeds will benefit the Grant Park Conservancy.

Hours
December 11: 3-9 p.m.
December 12: 12 noon-10 p.m.
December 13: 12 noon-7 p.m.