Winder Holiday Festival 2026

The Winder Holiday Festival transforms the courthouse square and surrounding streets in historic downtown Winder, Georgia into a winter marketplace. The event features holiday lights, live music, family activities, a tree-lighting ceremony, Santa visits, local choirs and school performances, a Christmas parade, and a holiday gift market. Downtown shops and restaurants remain open late. Festival hours are Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am - 5 pm.

The vendor area features handmade goods, seasonal décor, candles, boutique clothing, specialty foods, and unique gifts. This event is best suited for artists and makers offering affordable, giftable work and holiday-themed items. The festival draws families from across Barrow County and surrounding communities including Bethlehem, Auburn, Statham, and the west Athens area.

All merchandise must be original and handmade by the exhibitor. Original art must occupy at least 50% of the artist's space. Prohibited items include t-shirts and commercial clothing, posters, manufactured toys, commercially manufactured or reproduced items, jewelry made from more than 50% manufactured components, and items using commercially available molds or patterns. Artists must be present and operational for the duration of the festival. Load-in is Saturday morning. Exhibitors must provide white top tents of EZ UP quality or higher, weighted and secured. The application deadline is February 17, 2026. Acceptance invitation and purchase deadline is November 30, 2026. A waitlist will be released November 30, 2026. The event is rain or shine with no refunds for cancellations less than 60 days prior or for no-shows.