The Piedmont Park Conservancy invites the community to share in the joy of giving at the inaugural Light Up the Season at Piedmont Park celebration on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in The Meadow. More than a lighting ceremony, this event shines a light on the power of generosity – encouraging guests to donate food, books and pajamas to support local families in need. As the Park’s Great Tree, Menorah and Kinara are illuminated at sunset, Atlantans will come together to celebrate hope, connection and the true spirit of the season through acts of giving that make our city brighter.

At the heart of Light Up the Season is the idea that small acts of kindness can unite the community. Guests are encouraged to share in the spirit of giving by bringing nonperishable food donations for The Salvation Army Can-A-Thon in partnership with Publix; new children’s pajamas for Beyond Bedtime (formerly Pajama Program) in partnership with the Carter’s Charitable Foundation; or gently used/new books to help stock the Park’s Little Free Library. Atlantans’ generosity will help support local families and spread holiday cheer throughout the community this season.

At sunset, the Conservancy will light Piedmont Park’s Great Tree alongside a Menorah and a Kinara – all symbols of light and hope that represent diverse traditions and the universal human connection to light during winter. The illuminated display will remain in place through Jan. 4, providing a picturesque holiday backdrop for family outings, park strolls and memorable photos.

The evening will feature remarks from Rev. Natasha Reid Rice, Mindy Selig and Conservancy leadership, along with entertainment from DJ Rick Spice and electric violinist Michelle Winters. Guests can enjoy festive photos in the Park, complimentary scoops of holiday-inspired frozen custard from Shake Shack, as well as discounted Cirque du Soleil tickets and Park Tavern ice skating passes.

“The story of light is universal,” said Piedmont Park Conservancy Board Chair Virginia Means. “From ancient solstice traditions to modern celebrations, light has always symbolized warmth, reflection and hope. Light Up the Season honors those shared stories while celebrating what makes Atlanta unique — our generosity, diversity and community spirit.”

Together, these moments set the stage for what the Conservancy sees as more than a celebration, but a reflection of the Park’s purpose and the community it serves… a vision central to the Conservancy’s new Comprehensive Plan aimed at strengthening the bond between Piedmont Park and its six million annual visitors.

“The holidays are about connection – to each other and to the places that bring us together,” said Doug Widener, President and CEO of the Piedmont Park Conservancy. “Light Up the Season brings that spirit to life. It’s not only a celebration of light, but a moment for Atlantans to give back, reflect and strengthen our sense of community.”

Designed to evolve as an Atlanta holiday tradition, Light Up the Season is a reflection of the Conservancy’s commitment to fostering connection, inclusion and renewal in the city’s most cherished park. This can’t-miss event is made possible by the generous support of the Piedmont Park Conservancy, community partners and sponsors, including Aflac; Ali Shaikh; Brasfield & Gorrie; Carter’s Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Cirque du Soleil; Graphiant; the Hendricks Family Foundation; McGriff; Norfolk Southern; Park Tavern; Publix Super Markets Charities; Shake Shack and Virginia and Jeff Means. To learn more about Light Up the Season at Piedmont Park sponsorship opportunities, see a full list of sponsors, or to donate to the Conservancy, visit piedmontpark.org/donate.