Celebrating the Holidays in Avondale Estates

Small Business Saturday: Shop Small

Every year the City of Avondale Estates participates in American Express' Small Business Saturday: Shop Small campaign to encourage people to shop at small businesses. This year's deals can be had on November 30.

Why "Shop Small" in Avondale Estates? The City of Avondale Estates is home to award-winning shops and restaurants teeming with gift-worthy goods including fashion, furnishings, art, music, artisan-cured meats, freshly baked treats, carefully selected wine and more. Many businesses are within walking distance of each other, so grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, and come explore! Check out the City's free public parking map for places to park around the City.

Also, check out the business directory for a complete list of businesses within the City.
Join in on the social media activity by using the hashtags #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat.
Email Communications Manager Rebecca Long if you're a local business owner interested in participating.

Annual City of Avondale Estates Christmas Tree Lighting

When: Monday, December 2, at 6 p.m.

Where: Intersection of Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale RoadThe Avondale Estates holiday season begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree located at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale Road. This is a rain-or-shine event. Prior to the event enjoy hot chocolate and cookies from the Boy Scouts. Singers from Avondale First Baptist Church, the Avondale Children's Choir and others will begin caroling at 6:30 p.m. The Christmas Tree lighting will be between 6:50 p.m. and 7 p.m. - hot apple cider and Krispy Kreme Donuts will be served after the tree lighting. Santa Claus will make a special personal appearance for the occasion.

21st Annual Lake Avondale Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, December 7, at 6 p.m.
Where: 59 Lakeshore Drive, Avondale Estates

This spectacular event has become one of the City's favorites thanks to longtime resident Thomas P. Samford, who famously coined the phrase, "It's another beautiful day in Avondale Estates." Samford, a successful self-taught engineer, built a home in Avondale Estates in 1950, and remained in the City until he passed away in 2012, at age 94. He built the gazebo at Lake Avondale, and helped his grandsons design and build a bridge there to honor his late son, John. Each Christmas, the community gathers for the annual Lake Tree Lighting, when a "floating" Christmas tree, designed by Samford, is lit at Lake Avondale. (Source: Samford Family via the Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Winter Wanderland Coming to Avondale Estates in December

When: Saturday December 7, noon to 6 p.m.

Experience the magic of the holidays in Avondale! Enjoy wandering through the downtown Tudor Village and adjacent Arts District and discover seasonal character encounters in various locations. Shop, eat and be merry Saturday, December 7 from noon - 6 p.m.

Things to do while wandering:

Sneak a peek of the Elf on the Shelf and Olaf the Snowman around Tudor Village
Visit with A Live Christmas Tree and the Gingerbread Man in the central business district
Meet Santa at The Lost Druid Brewery
Catch a sighting and get a photo with the "Art-bominable" Snowman at Little Tree Art Studios
Take a stroll on the Dale Ale Trail
Hunt for a Golden Christmas Cracker filled with prizes and giveaways

Shop specials, live music, crafts, treats, food and FUN at participating businesses.

Avondale Estates Christmas Tour of Homes and Holiday Market

When: Sunday, December 15, 3- 8 p.m.
Holiday Market & Cafe open 12 to 6 p.m.
Where: Avondale Community Club, 59

Lakeshore Drive Tour the town in a trolley or on your own during the 27th Annual Avondale Estates Christmas Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 9 from 3:00-8:00. The Holiday Market at the Avondale Community Club, open noon to 6, features over 30 artists and vendors selling everything you need to finish your shopping list. Avondale's own Mary Kay Andrews will be selling and signing her books! The Market Cafe will serve homemade soups, sandwiches and other treats. Tickets for the tour may be purchased for $15 in advance at Avondale City Hall, Finders Keepers Furniture, and Garage Door Studio or for $20 on the tour day at the Avondale Community Club. To ride a trolley, reserve a spot with Margaret Lunsford at mplcvl@aol.com.