How to Spend Christmas in Douglas, Georgia
Even small towns can have big Christmas festivities! Here are my favorite ways to celebrate Christmas in Douglas, Georgia — from twinkling lights to festive parades that bring the whole community together.
I’ve visited Douglas many times during the holidays and love how festive this small town gets — it truly feels like Christmas everywhere you turn.
From downtown lights to the annual holiday parade, Douglas packs a lot of Christmas spirit into a small town. Whether you’re a local or planning a holiday getaway, these are my favorite ways to celebrate Christmas in Douglas, Georgia.
Top Christmas Activities in Douglas, Georgia
1. Festival of Lights Christmas Parade
Every year, Downtown Douglas comes alive with holiday spirit during the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.
This parade features a new theme each year with music and revelry. The holiday parade is hosted by Visit Douglas and the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and features floats designed by local community groups, the high school marching band and ROTC programs, lots of candy, and an appearance by Santa himself.
The theme for 2026 is “Stars, Stripes & Christmas Lights” celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Come out and celebrate Douglas’s 62st annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade!
The 2026 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade will take place on Friday, December 11, 2026 at 7 p.m.
2. Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
What’s better for getting into the holiday spirit than a Christmas tree lighting? Visit Douglas and the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce light the Christmas tree every year at Atkinson Plaza.
You can watch the giant tree light up and enjoy Christmas carols sung by the Coffee High Show Choir. Santa will make a guest appearance so you can have your pictures made in front of the Christmas tree.
The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
3. Christmas on the Farm at General Coffee State Park
General Coffee State Park ushers in the holiday season with a jolly park makeover.
Christmas decorations are up all season long, and on the second Saturday of December, you can enjoy their Christmas on the Farm activities that include visits with Santa, digital photos with Santa for $5, winter wonderland of lights, cookies, and cocoa, a storyteller, and food trucks.
Christmas on the Farm takes place on December 12, 2026. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. and costs $2 per person over 2 years old. Parking at the state park costs $10.
4. Downtown Douglas Holiday Open House
Get the best gifts for your loved ones this holiday season during the Holiday Open House in Downtown Douglas.
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, downtown shops open for a special day of shopping, dining, and fun. Stroll through the festively decorated streets, enjoy special holiday deals and treats, snap a photo with Santa, and find the perfect unique gift.
This year’s Holiday Open House will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
5. Antique Store Shopping for Unique Gifts
Douglas has plenty of antique stores that are perfect for finding unique gifts for that special someone. And many of the shops are conveniently located downtown.
Go on a holiday shopping spree at Tip Top Gifts & Antiques, Town Square Antique Mall, and Faye’s Antiques and Dishes.
6. The Shoppes at Tip Top
While you’re out shopping, stop in at The Shoppes at Tip Top in downtown for more unique Christmas gifts.
This quaint village of local stores will put you in the holiday spirit while you shop through their collection of clothing boutiques, gifts, antiques, galleries, and more.
7. Check Out the Neighborhood Lights
Downtown Douglas isn’t the only place that goes all out for Christmas. Douglas residents also get into the holiday spirit with festive light displays and creative decorations.
We even found a house completely covered in high-end Christmas light displays one year! Take a drive through the neighborhoods and see what you can find!
8. Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright
If you’re up for a 1.5 hour drive, South Georgia’s biggest holiday event isn’t that far away!
Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright at Wild Adventure theme park in Valdosta has over 2 million lights, walk-through light displays, synchronized light shows, visits with Santa, special Christmas treats, and all the park’s normal rides and exotic animals sightings.
This year’s Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright takes place on select dates from November 21, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Read my review of Christmas Wild & Bright here.
Read next: 10 Incredible Winter Destinations in Georgia
Douglas Christmas Map
Ready to spend your Christmas in Douglas, GA? Use the map below to plan out your holiday.
I hope you have an amazing Douglas, GA Christmas!
Where to Stay in Douglas, Georgia
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Douglas, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.
- Great Value: Super 8 by Wyndham Douglas
- Top Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Douglas
- Unique Stay: Camping and Cottages at General Coffee State Park
More Things To Do in Douglas, Georgia
Just can’t get enough of this South Georgia town? Check out these other helpful travel guides to Douglas.
- 10 Best Things to Do in Douglas, GA
- 11 Amazing Restaurants in Douglas, GA
- Visiting Paulk Vineyards in Wray, GA
- Tips for Visiting General Coffee State Park
Ready to visit Douglas, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Douglas using Hotels.com.
- Find Places to Eat: Click here for the top restaurants in Douglas, Georgia.
- Discover More Douglas Activities: Click here for more things to do in Douglas, Georgia.
- Finish Your Christmas Shopping: Still looking for the perfect gift for your travel-lover? Check out my comprehensive Gifts for Travelers gift guide.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite Christmas activities? Let me know in the comments.
Nice parade there
Loved the parade!
Hopefully I get to do a tree lighting next year. Carnival did one but it was over in seconds. I love the bench in front of the tree for pictures…beautiful!
True, the tree lighting itself is over in a flash so you have to have lots of festivities to go along with it!