'Twas the night of Marché de Noël, and all through downtown,
The vendors were crafting as snowflakes drifted down.
The lights twinkled bright, making Cherry Street glow,
As guests shopped around and sipped on hot
cocoa.
December 4–13, 2026
Mon – Thurs: 4-10PM
Fri – Sat: Noon-10PM
Sun: Noon-8PM
Cherry Street 300, Macon, GA 31201
Free Admission | Family Friendly | Rain or Shine
CHARMING WOODEN CHALETS, LOCAL CRAFTS & SHOPPING, FESTIVE DECOR, FOOD & SO MUCH MORE!
Only steps from Macon's millions of lights dancing throughout Historic Downtown.
What is the Macon Christmas Market?
The Marché de Noël: Macon Christmas Market is a traditional European Christmas Market where you'll enjoy a magical holiday experience with charming wooden chalets, festive decor and lights, local crafts and live music!
The market takes place for ten consecutive days leading up to Christmas in coordination with Macon's Christmas Light Extravaganza, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to our award winning, historic Downtown Macon each year. Come out for a bit of shopping, drinking, socializing and celebrating after a long year.
Taste traditional Gluhwein, listen to festive music, enjoy a bier garden, and be astonished by live performances of traditional Christmas tunes and international sounds!
We look forward to having a unique array of handcrafted products and providing a variety of European savories and sweets for purchase.
History of Marché de Noël
Our newest holiday tradition traces its roots to medieval Europe, with its first documented appearance in Vienna in 1296. In the 17th & 18th centuries, markets like this one spread through Europe.
Macon's sister city, Mâcon, France heavily influences our blend of French, Bavarian and German traditions. Our annual market will be truly memorable place to visit with family and friends year after year!
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION
Q: What is the Macon Christmas Market?
A European-style holiday market featuring artisan vendors, food and drink, live entertainment, festive décor and family-friendly holiday experiences.
Q: What are the market dates?
December 4–13, 2026.
Q: What are the daily hours?
Mon – Thurs: 4-10pm
Fri – Sat: Noon-10pm
Sun: Noon-8pm
Q: Does it cost anything to attend?
No, the market is free to enter!
Q: What happens if it rains?
The market remains open during rain unless lightning or extreme weather requires temporary closure as directed by the Macon-Bibb County EMA.
PHOTO OPS & HOLIDAY FEATURES
Q: Can we take photos with the tree?
Yes! It’s always available for photos, thanks to the Macon Bibb County Fire Department.
Q: What other photo spots are available?
Giant ornament
Giant present stack
Christmas light arch
Festive vendor huts
The Christkind Princess (during appearance hours)
SOCIAL MEDIA
Q: How do I tag the market?
Use: #MaconChristmasMarket #MarcheDeNoelMacon
Tag: @VisitMacon @MaconChristmasMarket
ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES
Q: Where is the live music stage?
The stage is located at the end of Cherry Street Plaza near Fifth St.
Q: Who is The Christkind?
Christkind is a traditional European holiday figure who brings cheer and welcomes guests to the market.
Q: Can I meet her?
Yes! She appears during posted hours at her designated location.
Q: Does she give out gifts?
She may hand out small treats or tokens during her appearances.
Q: Is there a schedule of performances?
Yes! There is a digital schedule of performance and the Visit Macon information booth can point you in the right direction.
Q: Are there kids’ activities?
Yes! There is a children’s soft-play zone and festive photo ops.
Q: Are pets allowed?
Yes! Friendly and leashed pets are welcome.
CURLING & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
Q: How does the curling work?
It’s a tabletop-style game free for guests to enjoy.
Q: Do I need to sign up?
No, it’s first come, first served.
VENDORS & SHOPPING + FOOD & DRINK
Q: Where can I find the vendor list?
There is a digital catalogue of vendors and the Visit Macon booth will have a list.
Q: Are vendors the same every day?
Yes!
Q: Do vendors accept credit cards?
Yes! Many accept cards, cash, and digital payments.
Q: Is food available?
Yes! Food and drink vendors are located throughout the market.
Q: Do you serve alcohol?
Yes! Guests can purchase holiday beverages, such as glühwein (mulled wine), beer, cider and cocktails at the Fall Line beer garden tent.
Q: Can I walk around with my drink?
Yes! This area is within Macon’s open-container district for the holiday season.
Q: Are non-alcoholic options available?
Absolutely! Hot chocolate, cider, soft drinks and water are available at the bar.
PARKING + FACILITIES & ACCESSIBILITY
Q: Where can I park?
Nearby parking includes:
Mulberry Parking Garage
Poplar St. Parking Deck
Street parking around downtown (Free after 8 pm and all day Sunday)
Q: Is ADA parking available?
Yes! Designated ADA spaces are located around downtown.
Q: Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located to the left of the stage, marked by signage.
Q: Are there accessible restrooms?
Yes! Accessible portable restrooms are available on-site.
Q: Is the market wheelchair accessible?
Yes! The plaza is flat and wheelchair-friendly.
SAFETY & RULES
Q: Is there security on-site?
Yes! Macon-Bibb security and market staff are present throughout the event.
Q: Are bags allowed?
Yes! There are no size restrictions, but bags may be subject to inspection.
Q: Can I smoke or vape here?
Smoking and vaping are discouraged and may be restricted in certain areas.
Q: Where is the lost and found?
The lost and found is at the Fall Line beer garden tent.
Q: What should I do if I lose a child?
Alert Visit Macon staff or any market staff immediately. We have procedures in place to assist quickly.
EMERGENCIES
Q: Who do I contact for an emergency?
Please notify the nearest market staff member, security personnel or call 911. Staff can also call for immediate assistance.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING & LOCAL INFO
Q: What else can I do downtown?
Explore visitmacon.org! The Visit Macon information booth can also suggest nearby shops, restaurants, museums, parks and holiday light attractions.
Q: Where can I eat outside of the market?
Explore visitmacon.org! The Visit Macon information booth can also provide restaurant recommendations.
Q: Are there other holiday events happening in Macon?
Yes, there are lights, concerts, markets and family activities! Explore a calendar of events here or the Visit Macon information booth can provide restaurant recommendations.
