There’s something truly special about Germantown this time of year. From the twinkle of lights along our streets to the cheerful bustle of neighbors gathering for parades and community celebrations, the holidays remind us just how vibrant and connected our City really is. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly fun, opportunities to give back or simple ways to soak in the season, there’s no shortage of joy to be found right here at home.

In this month’s column, we’re highlighting some of the holiday happenings that make Germantown shine:

• Madonna Learning Center’s 2025 Holiday Market, 7007 Poplar Avenue, Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop for pottery, art, food, home decor, jewelry and much more. Free admission. For information, call 901-752-5767. 

• Thornwood’s Christmas Tree Lighting, 1730 South Germantown Road, Thursday, November 20, 6 to 8 p.m. Join Thornwood's annual holiday event and enjoy Christmas lights, photos with Santa, crafts, hot chocolate and more. This event is free and open to all. 

• All Aboard! Holiday Kick-Off, Saddle Creek South (in front of Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken), Sunday, November 23, 6 to 8 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit at Saddle Creek with an outdoor screening of The Polar Express, plus Santa photos and train rides. Bring your own chairs and blankets.  

• Beautification Commission Holiday Lighting Contest, Citywide, November 21 through December 8. It’s that time of year when residents deck their homes with lights and holiday decor and then submit their photos for the Beautification Commission’s annual Holiday Lighting Contest. So drive around the City and enjoy the sights! If you’d like to submit photos of your own home, upload them at Germantown-TN.gov/HolidayLights between November 21 and noon on December 8. 

• Holiday Tree Lighting, Germantown City Hall, 1930 South Germantown Road, Friday, November 28, 5 to 7 p.m. Watching the first flicker of lights on the holiday tree is a long-standing tradition in Germantown. This year, the tree lighting will be at City Hall. Families can gather outdoors to sing holiday songs, toast marshmallows, watch the tree lighting and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Following the outdoor festivities, enjoy refreshments and visit with Santa inside City Hall. The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m.

• Pet Photos With Santa and the Grinch, City Hall, Saturday, December 6, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Take the most adorable pet photos with Santa Claus and/or the Grinch to share with your friends and family. The Friends of the Germantown Animal Shelter hosts this festive, annual photo shoot. All well-behaved house pets are welcome. For a $10 donation, you’ll receive a five-minute photo window with Santa and/or the Grinch. Bring your own phone or camera, and the Animal Shelter will have elves on hand to help take your photo. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Germantown Animal Shelter. 

• Lights on the Farm, Bobby Lanier Farm Park, 2660 Cross Country Drive, Saturday, December 6, 5 to 9 p.m. Gather at Bobby Lanier Farm Park for a festive holiday experience the whole family will love. Enjoy sleigh rides through glowing trails, kids’ face painting, live music and photos with Santa. Tickets are $10 per person at Germantown-TN.gov/Registration or available on site.

• Farmington’s Falcon Footlights Presents Elf Jr. the Musical, Farmington Elementary School, 2085 Cordes Road, December 9 through 15, 7 p.m. Full of catchy songs and laughs, this show is a festive treat for the whole family. Don’t miss it!

• Costume Night on the Farm, Bobby Lanier Farm Park, Thursday, December 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy treats, warm drinks and the park’s holiday lights while mingling with costumed rescue animals. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with a costume contest, followed by a parade through the lights at 6:30. All ages are welcome with a suggested $5 donation. For details, contact Farm Park Manager Sandy Hudson at SHudson@Germantown-TN.gov.

• Germantown Holiday Parade, Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m. Our annual holiday parade features decorated floats, horses, school groups, clubs and marching bands, all in full celebration mode. Stay until the end to see Santa taking a ride on a Germantown fire truck. The parade begins at the corner of Kimbrough Road and Farmington Boulevard, proceeds west on Farmington to Exeter, turns north on Exeter and ends at Germantown Athletic Club. The rain date is December 14. 

• Germantown Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert, GPAC, Saturday, December 13, 7 p.m. Experience the magic of the season with the Germantown Symphony Orchestra as they perform holiday favorites inspired by sleigh rides, ice skating and more. Choruses from Germantown and Houston High Schools will add festive selections and lead a sing-along. Tickets available at GPACweb.com.

• Beyond the Stars: A Madonna Christmas Story, GPAC, December 17 and 18, 7 p.m. Join us for a magical and memorable evening as the students of Madonna Learning Center take the stage for their annual Christmas play. Beyond the Stars is a heartwarming celebration of faith, community and the joy of seeing the season through the eyes of these remarkable students. To purchase tickets, visit GPACweb.com.

• Santa at the Germantown Train Depot, 2260 West Street, Saturday, December 20, 1 to 4 p.m. A little elf confirmed that Santa will be making a special stop at the Germantown Train Depot Museum. Bring the kids to take photos with Santa and drop off their letters in his mailbox. This event is presented by the Germantown Historic Commission.

As we celebrate the season, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy all that our City has to offer, from festive lights and local performances to the simple joy of connecting with friends and neighbors. Germantown’s spirit truly shines when we come together to share in these traditions. 

On behalf of your City leadership, I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, laughter and community.

Thank you for your time. As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.

Mayor Mike