From Visit Macon – Downtown Macon has become a must-visit holiday destination thanks to the beloved Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza, which draws increasing numbers of visitors each year to experience the magic of millions of sparkling lights. This December 5-14, 2025, the festive atmosphere will grow even brighter as Cherry Street Plaza welcomes the first-ever Marché de Noel: Macon Christmas Market – a European-inspired holiday experience designed to complement the dazzling light display – presented by Fall Line Brewing Co., Prince Manufacturing, Cutwater, Wicked Weed Brewing Co., Visit Macon, and the Peyton Anderson Foundation.
This inaugural market takes place for ten consecutive days before Christmas, when Macon, Georgia, hopes to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to its historic downtown area again this year. With support of many community organizations, including Metro Power, Jackson Automotive, Terracon, A-OK Portables, REX Supply, Sysco, Macon-Bibb County Parks & Beautification, Cadence Bank, Navicent Health, Georgia Farm Bureau, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, and Longleaf Distilling Co., the Macon Christmas Market will bring its own unique blend of authentic holiday charm to Middle Georgia.
With beautifully decorated wooden chalets, handcrafted gifts, crepes and other walkable snacks, traditional gluhwein, a biergarten, twinkling lights, themed nights, daily musical programming, a live Christmas tree farm, and so much more… the Market is expected to support the continued growth of visitors from within the community and across the region.
“Uniquely made for the city “Where Soul Lives,” this market is timed with a seasonal celebration of lights that dance through our award-winning Downtown!”
Now a global phenomenon, the holiday market tradition traces its roots to medieval Europe and its first documented appearance in Vienna in 1296. In the 17th & 18th centuries, the markets spread through Europe as a widely adopted holiday tradition. Macon’s sister city relationship with Mâcon, France, will heavily influence Macon’s blend of French, Bavarian, and German traditions, and promises a truly memorable place for visiting with family and friends year after year.
“The new Macon Christmas Market is an exciting addition to Macon’s already existing and plentiful holiday traditions!” said Visit Macon’s Vice-President & Chief Marketing Officer, Marisa Rodgers. “We hoped to find a way to grow our holiday offerings and to support our unique Downtown businesses. For instance, Visit Macon’s own Visitor Services team (with the help of volunteers) will wrap any item purchased from a downtown business for FREE! All you need is your receipt or proof of purchase.”
“Adding this market would not have been possible without Kaitlynn Kressin and her team at Fall Line Brewing Co., who have organized this so beautifully!” continued Rodgers. “Add this to the exciting expansion of lights into the beautiful new Rosa Parks Square by Bryan Nichols and his whole team at Macon’s Christmas Light Extravaganza… you just don’t want to miss spending several nights this holiday season in Macon, Georgia. Make lasting memories – Eat, shop, enjoy some live music, and be merry! Do Christmas the Macon way!”