The Valdosta area has 5 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from 1st Annual Jingle Bells Festival in Valdosta on November 20 to Wild Adventures Christmas: Wild & Bright in Valdosta, which runs through December 31. 3 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Georgia, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 5 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Valdosta for 2026, in Valdosta
- First: 1st Annual Jingle Bells Festival, Valdosta, November 20. Runs latest: Wild Adventures Christmas: Wild & Bright, Valdosta, through December 31
- Free: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade and Movie Night: The Grinch
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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Christmas events for kids in Valdosta
5 confirmed events for kids in Valdosta, soonest first.
Holiday show
1st Annual Jingle Bells Festival
- When: Fri November 20 and Sat November 21, 2026
- Where: Unity Park, Valdosta
- Cost: Not stated
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The first Jingle Bells Festival takes over Unity Park in downtown Valdosta on Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21. The tourism calendar describes live entertainment, holiday activities and shopping for the whole family.
Times, prices and the exact activities were not listed, so this is a good one to check ahead if you are bringing little ones.
Parent tip: Times and prices were not posted on the calendar.
- Host
- Visit Valdosta (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Unity Park, Valdosta, GA 31601
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Wild Adventures Christmas: Wild & Bright
- When: Sat November 21, Sun November 22, Fri November 27, Sat November 28, Sun November 29, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23, Sat December 26, Sun December 27, Mon December 28, Tue December 29, Wed December 30 and Thu December 31, 2026
- Where: Wild Adventures Theme Park, Valdosta
- Cost: Ticket prices on the park's website
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Wild & Bright fills the Wild Adventures park with more than 2 million lights, including the Tunnel of Stars and a Frosted Garden. Kids can have their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa's Outpost, then meet Rudolph, Clarice and Bumble at Holly Jolly Junction, where there are reindeer games, cookies to decorate and a photo spot in an ice cave.
A tree lighting is held every night at Gator Games, and one child is picked to help light South Georgia's largest Christmas tree. Families can also watch holiday shows such as Carol of the Animals on the lake, make treats at the s'more station and look for animals from Asia and Africa. The event runs on select dates, so check the park's operating calendar before you go.
Parent tip: Hours and prices are not on the event page, so check the operating calendar and buy tickets ahead. Children ages 3 to 5 may qualify for the free Pre-K pass.
- Host
- Wild Adventures Theme Park (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Wild Adventures Theme Park, 3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Tree lightingFree
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
- When: Friday, December 4, 2026
- Where: Unity Park, Valdosta
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The City of Valdosta and Lowndes County host the annual Christmas tree lighting at Unity Park in downtown Valdosta on Friday, December 4. The evening includes holiday music and community performances before the tree is lit.
The tourism calendar does not list a start time or whether Santa attends, so families should confirm details with the city before heading out.
Parent tip: No time is posted on the tourism calendar, so check with the city before you go.
- Host
- City of Valdosta and Lowndes County (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Unity Park, Valdosta, GA 31601
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday paradeFree
Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Where: Historic Downtown Valdosta, Valdosta
- Cost: Free to watch
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade takes place in historic downtown Valdosta on Saturday, December 5, 2026. Valdosta Main Street is running the parade for the first time this year, and local organizations and car clubs are signing up to take part.
The 2025 parade was cancelled because of bad weather, so organizers are hoping for a full return this year. The start time and route were not listed in the announcement.
Parent tip: Start time and route were not posted yet. Watch the Valdosta Main Street Facebook page or email downtowninfo@valdostacity.com for details.
- Host
- Valdosta Main Street (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Historic Downtown Valdosta, Valdosta, GA 31601
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday showFree
Movie Night: The Grinch
- When: Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Where: Unity Park, Valdosta
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
Unity Park in downtown Valdosta hosts a free family movie night on Saturday, December 12, showing The Grinch. Families are asked to bring their own blankets and chairs and settle in on the lawn.
The calendar does not give a start time, so check the listing before you go. Dress warmly, since it is an outdoor screening.
Parent tip: Bring blankets and chairs. No start time was listed.
- Host
- Visit Valdosta (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Unity Park, Valdosta, GA 31601
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Valdosta? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
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Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Georgia Christmas train rides page.
Valdosta Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 5 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Valdosta
- Season
- November 20 to December 31, 2026
- Free events
- 3
- Kinds of events
- holiday show, Santa and Mrs. Claus, tree lighting and holiday parade
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Valdosta Christmas event for kids happens
The first is 1st Annual Jingle Bells Festival in Valdosta on November 20; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- 1st Annual Jingle Bells FestivalValdosta · Nov 20 to Nov 21
- Wild Adventures Christmas: Wild & BrightValdosta · Nov 21 to Dec 31
- Annual Christmas Tree LightingValdosta · Dec 4
- Greater Valdosta Christmas ParadeValdosta · Dec 5
- Movie Night: The GrinchValdosta · Dec 12
Looking further afield? Our Georgia Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, GA, Columbus, GA, Athens, GA, Macon and Warner Robins. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Valdosta
Valdosta lights up its Christmas with a downtown parade, a tree lighting at Unity Park and a theme park that glows with more than 2 million lights. A parade cancelled by weather last year is making a comeback.
How Valdosta celebrates
Valdosta's Christmas season starts in November and runs through New Year's Eve. Downtown, the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County hold an annual tree lighting at Unity Park, and the Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade rolls through historic downtown on the first Saturday of December. Out at Wild Adventures, the Wild & Bright event adds Santa and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and friends, shows and a nightly tree lighting. We did not find sources on when each tradition began, so no start years are given.
Christmas last year in Valdosta
The biggest news from 2025 is what did not happen: the Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade was cancelled because of bad weather, according to the Valdosta Daily Times. Groups that registered and did not request a refund pay no fee in 2026. The Wild Adventures Christmas event, which this year runs on select dates from November 21 through December 31, features more than 2 million lights. We did not find attendance numbers or other 2025 figures for the city's events.
Fun facts about Christmas in Valdosta
Wild Adventures calls its tree South Georgia's largest Christmas tree, and one child is chosen each night to help light it. Its Tunnel of Stars and Twinkling Timbers are part of more than 2 million lights, and there is even a Frosted Garden. The Valdosta parade is being managed by Valdosta Main Street for the first time in 2026, and car clubs can join for $100 for up to 10 vehicles. Downtown also hosts a free outdoor Grinch movie night on December 12.
Trains and Christmas near Valdosta
Trains are part of the holiday story close to Valdosta. The Candy Cane Express at Wild Adventures rolls past holiday displays and animals. A longer trip south Georgia families take is the Folkston Funnel platform, where freight and Amtrak trains pass on a busy double-track main line. The SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs vintage 1949 cars from Cordele and Americus with Santa trains, and Georgia Coastal Railway in Kingsland runs Santa trains on scheduled Saturdays.
- Folkston Funnel Train Viewing Platform: A covered platform where kids can watch freight and Amtrak trains pass all day.
- SAM Shortline Excursion Train: Vintage 1949 cars that run to Plains, with Santa trains on scheduled days.
- Georgia Coastal Railway: Open-air themed rides from Kingsland Station, including Santa trains, and a model train layout.
Traditions today
- Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade: A parade through historic downtown, set for Saturday, December 5, 2026.
- Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: The City of Valdosta and Lowndes County light the tree at Unity Park on December 4 with music.
- Wild & Bright at Wild Adventures: More than 2 million lights, Santa, Rudolph and a nightly tree lighting on select dates.
- Jingle Bells Festival: A new two-day festival at Unity Park on November 20 and 21, 2026.
- Movie Night: The Grinch: A free outdoor family movie at Unity Park on December 12.
- A HomeTown Christmas: An open-air market with a Santa visit and live nativity, listed for November 28.
A fact for kids
One child each night at Wild Adventures gets to help light the tree that the park calls South Georgia's largest Christmas tree. The park also has a Tunnel of Stars made of lights.
Questions about Christmas in Valdosta
How does Valdosta celebrate Christmas?
Valdosta celebrates with a downtown tree lighting at Unity Park, a Christmas parade in historic downtown and a big light show at Wild Adventures. This year the city also adds a new Jingle Bells Festival. Our Valdosta Christmas events guide on this page lists the confirmed dates and details for 2026.
When is the Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade in 2026?
The 2026 parade is set for Saturday, December 5 in historic downtown Valdosta. Valdosta Main Street is managing it for the first time. The announcement did not state a start time or route, so check the Main Street Facebook page before you go. Our Valdosta Christmas events guide on this page lists the date.
Was there a Christmas parade in Valdosta last year?
The 2025 parade was cancelled because of bad weather, according to the Valdosta Daily Times. Groups that registered and did not ask for a refund will not pay a registration fee this year. That means the 2026 parade is a fresh start for local entries, including car clubs.
Who runs the Valdosta Christmas parade now?
Valdosta Main Street is managing the Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade for the first time in 2026, according to the Valdosta Daily Times. Questions go to downtowninfo@valdostacity.com or the Main Street Facebook page. Early registration for entries was $50 until November 20, then $75.
Where is the Valdosta Christmas tree lighting?
The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is listed for December 4 at Unity Park in downtown Valdosta. The City of Valdosta and Lowndes County host it with holiday music and community performances. The calendar did not give a time, so check with the city. Our Valdosta Christmas events guide on this page lists current details.
What is the Jingle Bells Festival in Valdosta?
It is a new 1st Annual Jingle Bells Festival held at Unity Park in downtown Valdosta on November 20 and 21, 2026. The Visit Valdosta calendar describes live entertainment, holiday activities and shopping for the whole family. The listing did not give times, so check the calendar before you go.
What is Wild & Bright at Wild Adventures?
Wild & Bright is the Christmas event at Wild Adventures, at 3766 Old Clyattville Road. It runs on select dates from November 21 through December 31, 2026, with more than 2 million lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and friends, shows and a nightly tree lighting.
How big is the Christmas tree at Wild Adventures?
The park calls its tree South Georgia's largest Christmas tree. It is lit during a nightly ceremony at Gator Games, where one child is chosen to help light it. The park also has more than 2 million lights, including the Tunnel of Stars and Twinkling Timbers.
Can kids meet Santa at Wild Adventures?
Yes. Santa's Outpost offers photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and guests can also see animals from Asia and Africa there. Kids can meet Rudolph, Clarice and Bumble at Holly Jolly Junction, play reindeer games and decorate cookies. Check the park calendar for the dates you plan to visit.
What shows are at Wild Adventures at Christmas?
The event page lists Carol of the Animals Lake Show, The Miracle of Christmas Nativity, The Spirit of Christmas at Lakeside Show Place and the new Gingie's Kitchen Show at Water's Edge. Showtimes are not on the page, so check the park's operating calendar before you go.
Is there a free Christmas movie in Valdosta?
Yes. Unity Park lists a free Movie Night: The Grinch on Saturday, December 12. The tourism calendar does not list a start time, so check the listing, and bring blankets or chairs if you like. It is an outdoor movie night in downtown Valdosta.
Is there a Christmas market in Valdosta?
A HomeTown Christmas 2026 is listed for November 28 as an open-air Christmas market with a Santa visit, letters to Santa, a live nativity and food vendors. The calendar did not list the venue, so confirm it before you go. Our Valdosta Christmas events guide on this page covers confirmed events.
Where can kids meet Santa in Valdosta?
Kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa's Outpost during Wild & Bright at Wild Adventures, on select dates from November 21 to December 31. A HomeTown Christmas, an open-air market listed for November 28, also includes a Santa visit. Our Valdosta Christmas events guide on this page lists confirmed details.
Is there a Christmas play in Valdosta?
Yes. A Christmas Carol 2026 is listed at the Sawyer Theatre with Valdosta State University's Theatre and Dance department on December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13. The calendar says it is a scholarship fundraiser. It is a classic story that may suit older children best.
How do I explain the Christmas tree lighting to a young child?
You can tell kids that the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County light the tree, with holiday music and community performances. At Unity Park the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County host the lighting on December 4. Bring a jacket and let little ones pick a spot where they can see the tree.
Does Wild Adventures have a train?
Wild Adventures has a Candy Cane Express, a train ride past holiday displays and animals such as giraffes, zebras and ostriches. It is part of the Christmas event. For train fans, the Folkston Funnel viewing platform is a train-watching spot, and SAM Shortline has Santa trains.
Where can we see real trains near Valdosta?
The Folkston Funnel Train Viewing Platform in Folkston has a covered platform beside a busy double-track main line, with freight and Amtrak trains passing through the day, plus picnic tables and restrooms. It is a good outing for kids who love trains. Our Valdosta Christmas events guide on this page lists local holiday listings.
Are there Santa trains in south Georgia?
Yes. The SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs vintage 1949 cars from Cordele and Americus to Plains, with Santa, Halloween and dinner trains. Georgia Coastal Railway in Kingsland also offers Santa trains on scheduled Saturdays. Book ahead from each railway's calendar, since dates vary each year.
What time of year do Valdosta's Christmas lights start?
The Wild Adventures light show starts on November 21, 2026 and continues on select dates through December 31, including a New Year's Eve fireworks show. Downtown events begin with the Jingle Bells Festival on November 20, and the tree lighting follows on December 4.
Where can I see all of this season's Valdosta Christmas events?
See our Valdosta Christmas events guide on this page for the confirmed 2026 list. The Visit Valdosta events calendar and the Wild Adventures operating calendar are also good places to check times and tickets, because several listings we found did not state start times or prices.
Sources
- Wild Adventures Christmas, Wild Adventures
- Upcoming Events, Visit Valdosta
- All Aboard! Registration opens for the 2026 Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade, Valdosta Daily Times
- Georgia railroad museums, Rally Takes the Train
Valdosta Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Valdosta this year?
We confirmed 5 for the 2026 season, and 3 of them are free. Good places to start: Wild Adventures Christmas: Wild & Bright (Nov 21 to Dec 31), Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade (Dec 5) and Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec 4). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Valdosta?
Yes, 3 of the 5. Movie Night: The Grinch (Dec 12) is a good one to plan around. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.
Where can kids meet Santa in Valdosta?
Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Is anything on for kids in Valdosta on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes. Wild Adventures Christmas: Wild & Bright runs through Dec 31.
Do we need tickets or reservations?
For 2 of the 5 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Valdosta?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Valdosta Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 4, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.