City of Valdosta and Valdosta Main Street Announce 2026 Holiday Event Lineup featuring Taylor Hicks at Inaugural Jingle Bells Festival

The City of Valdosta and Historic Valdosta Main Street are excited to announce a full lineup of holiday events designed to celebrate the Christmas season, support local businesses, and bring the community together in Downtown Valdosta.

The holiday season officially kicks off on Sunday, November 8, with the annual Downtown Merchants Christmas Open House. Downtown merchants will participate with holiday promotions, seasonal refreshments, specials, and festive décor as shoppers are encouraged to support local businesses and begin their Christmas shopping season downtown.

A brand-new event, The Jingle Bells Festival, will debut November 20-21 at Unity Park. The two-day festival will feature a free Friday night concert headlined by Taylor Hicks, winner of Season 5 of American Idol, followed by a full day of holiday festivities on Saturday including food trucks, artisan and retail vendors, choir performances, school and community bands, family activities, and more.

Hicks rose to national fame in 2006 after winning American Idol and quickly became known for his soulful voice, energetic stage presence, and blend of Southern soul, blues, country, and rock music. Nicknamed the "Soul Patrol" favorite during his Idol run, Hicks became the first male winner of the series to achieve a debut album at number one on the Billboard charts. He has performed across the country, starred in a successful Las Vegas residency, appeared on Broadway in Grease, and continues to tour nationally entertaining audiences with his signature Southern sound.

The free concert featuring Hicks will take place Friday, November 20, at Unity Park and will serve as the official kickoff to the inaugural Jingle Bells Festival.

Historic Valdosta Main Street is also currently seeking event sponsors for the inaugural Jingle Bells Festival, as well as choral groups, church choirs, school bands, and other musical organizations interested in performing Christmas music from the Unity Park Amphitheater stage on Saturday, November 21. Organizers say the goal is to create a festive community showcase featuring local talent throughout the day.

Church and school groups interested in participating are encouraged to apply at: https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=49588

Vendor registration for the Jingle Bells Festival is now open and applications can be found at: https://www.eventeny.com/events/jingle-bells-festival-30792/

On Friday, December 4, the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County will once again partner for the annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at Unity Park. The event will feature holiday music, community performances, and the official lighting of the community Christmas trees.

The holiday celebration continues Saturday, December 5, with the Greater Valdosta Christmas Parade through Downtown Valdosta.

Organizers also announced several updates regarding parade participation and registration procedures for 2026:

• Any organization that paid for a 2025 parade entry and did not receive a refund will not be required to pay the 2026 entry fee.
• Day-of parade entries will no longer be accepted.
• Car clubs with multiple vehicles will now pay a flat entry fee of $150 for up to 20 vehicles. Additional vehicles may participate for $25 each.
• The same no day-of registration rule applies to car clubs.
• There will be no official rain date for the parade. In the event of cancellation, all entry fees will be refunded.
• Entry forms will go live later this year.

Interim City Manager Al Crace said the expanded holiday schedule reflects the City's commitment to creating family-friendly experiences that support downtown businesses and strengthen community pride.

"We are excited to continue building traditions that bring residents and visitors together while showcasing the energy and momentum happening in Downtown Valdosta," said Crace. "These events create opportunities for families to celebrate the season, support local businesses, and make lasting memories in the heart of our community."

Patrick Pearson, Main Street Manager for Historic Valdosta Main Street, said the addition of Taylor Hicks elevates the inaugural festival into a major regional holiday event.

"We wanted to create experiences that feel festive, welcoming, and uniquely Valdosta," said Pearson. "Adding an artist like Taylor Hicks gives the Jingle Bells Festival an exciting headline attraction while keeping the concert completely free for the community. We believe this festival will quickly become one of South Georgia's signature holiday traditions."

City officials and Main Street representatives say the expanded holiday programming reflects the continued growth and energy of Downtown Valdosta as a regional destination for shopping, entertainment, and community events.

Additional event details, parade applications, vendor information, and entertainment schedules will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, visit Downtown Valdosta social media channels or contact Historic Valdosta Main Street at [email protected]

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