Sparkle Sandy Springs brings parade, tree lighting Dec. 6

Sandy Springs will light its Christmas tree and Menorah on Sunday, Dec. 6, capping an evening of holiday activities across the City Springs District.

The City of Sandy Springs announced the return of its annual Sparkle Sandy Springs celebration, which opens at 4 p.m. at City Green, according to the city's event page. The Sandy Springs Foundation organizes the event.

Mayor Rusty Paul will lead a community countdown to light both the Christmas tree and the Menorah. The lighting caps a night that includes a gift market, live holiday music, ice skating, hot cocoa, machine-made snow and activities for families. Ice skating is first-come, first-served until capacity is reached.

The parade

The Sparkle Parade steps off at 6 p.m. from the intersection of Mount Vernon Highway and Lake Forrest Drive. The route winds through City Springs and ends at Sandy Springs Circle, according to the city. All parade entries must include light-up elements because the parade runs after dark.

Participants who built lanterns for the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade were also invited to carry them in the Sparkle Parade, according to the City Springs parade page.

Sparkle Wonderland

Along Mount Vernon Highway, an area called Sparkle Wonderland will offer what the city describes as some of the best uninterrupted views of the parade. Families can ride a festive train and pose with larger-than-life inflatable characters, including Santa Claus, the Grinch and Rudolph.

Hillcrest Sparkle Village

Near City Green, local schools and nonprofit organizations have decorated miniature houses with lights and holiday displays. Visitors can vote for their favorite house, giving participating groups the chance to earn what the city calls year-round bragging rights.

Hillcrest City Springs, a mixed-use development near City Springs set to open in summer 2027, sponsors the Sparkle Village in partnership with Trammell Crow Company, Third & Urban, New South Construction and Cooper Carry Architects.