The Macon Christmas Market runs December 4th through December 13th, 2026, on Cherry Street Plaza in downtown Macon. Admission is free, and the market features wooden chalets filled with local vendors, European food and drinks, live music, and family activities next to the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza.
Downtown Macon draws large crowds each holiday season. The Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza brought more than 723,000 non-residents downtown last season. In 2025, Visit Macon added a European-style holiday market a short walk from the lights. The market returns this December for its second year. It is free to enter, open rain or shine, and easy to pair with an evening light show.
What Is the Macon Christmas Market?
The Macon Christmas Market is a European-style holiday market held in historic downtown Macon. Its official name is Marché de Noël, which is French for “Christmas market.” The event is organized by Visit Macon, and it runs for ten days in December alongside the Christmas Light Extravaganza.
Why Does the Market Have a French Name?
Macon’s sister city is Mâcon, France, which shapes the market’s blend of French, Bavarian, and German traditions. Christmas markets have a long history in Europe. The first documented market appeared in Vienna in 1296.
How Did the Market Start?
The first market opened in December 2025 with 20 wooden chalets on Cherry Street Plaza. Visit Macon President and CEO Gary Wheat stated that the market “not only creates magical memories for families but also supports local artisans, small businesses and Downtown commerce while showcasing Macon as a vibrant holiday destination.” Organizers also wanted visitors to stay downtown longer after seeing the lights in hopes the market becomes a truly memorable place that families return to year after year.
When and Where Is the Macon Christmas Market in 2026?
The 2026 market takes place on Cherry Street Plaza, close to the museums and shops of downtown Macon.
| Detail | 2026 Information |
| Dates | December 4 through December 13 |
| Monday through Thursday Hours | 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. |
| Friday and Saturday Hours | Noon until 10 p.m. |
| Sunday Hours | Noon until 8 p.m. |
| Address | 300 Cherry St., Macon, GA 31201 |
| Admission | Free |
| Weather | Open rain or shine |
The market may close for a short time during lightning or severe weather. Those decisions come from the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency.
Where Can You Park?
Downtown Macon has several parking options within walking distance of the market.
- Mulberry Parking Garage: Visit Macon lists this garage as a nearby option for market visitors.
- Poplar Street Parking Deck: This deck is close to the Poplar Street light displays, so it can work well for visiting both events.
- Free parking: Downtown street parking is free after 8 p.m. and all day on Sunday.
- ADA parking: Designated accessible spaces are located around downtown.
Is the Market Accessible and Family Friendly?
Yes. The plaza is flat and wheelchair friendly, and accessible portable restrooms are on site. Friendly pets on a leash are welcome. Bags of any size are allowed, though staff may inspect them. Macon-Bibb security and market staff are present during all open hours.
What Can You Do at the Macon Christmas Market?
Most visitors spend their time holiday shopping, enjoying food and drinks, and watching live entertainment.
What Can You Buy at the Market?
Each vendor sells out of a decorated wooden chalet. The 2026 vendor list includes close to 20 local businesses, local artisans, and regional makers. Options for unique gifts include:
- Candles and home décor: Emerson Candle Co. sells small-batch soy candles made in Macon, and DK Designs offers handcrafted gifts that can be personalized.
- Local food gifts: Money’s Honey brings raw local honey, and Crown Candy Company sells specialty candies.
- Handmade gifts: Squareish Woodworks makes rustic décor from mostly reclaimed wood, and Winterborn Alpaca sells handmade alpaca goods.
- Pet gifts: Woofs-N-Wags Boutique carries holiday gifts for dogs and cats.
Vendors stay the same every day, so you can come back for a holiday gift you saw earlier. Many vendors accept cards, cash, and digital payments. The market also lists a live Christmas tree farm for shoppers who want fresh Christmas trees.
What Food and Drinks Are Available?
Food vendors are spread throughout the market. Seasonal treats may include home-style fudge, cinnamon-roasted nuts, cakes, and other baked goods. Trattoria Di Napoli serves Italian food, and Talk Story Coffee makes espresso drinks.
The Fall Line beer garden tent serves glühwein (mulled wine), beer, cider, and cocktails. Non-alcoholic choices include hot chocolate, cider, and soft drinks. The plaza is inside downtown Macon’s open-container district for the holiday season, so you can walk around with your drink.
What Entertainment Can You Expect?
The market offers activities for all ages.
- Live music: The stage sits at the end of Cherry Street Plaza near Fifth Street, with a digital schedule of performances.
- The Christkind: This traditional European holiday figure greets guests during posted hours and may hand out small treats.
- Tabletop curling: This game is free to play on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Kids’ activities: A children’s soft-play zone gives younger visitors a place to play.
- Photo spots: Guests can take pictures with a giant ornament, a giant present stack, a Christmas light arch, and the festive décor on each chalet.
How Does the Market Connect to the Christmas Light Extravaganza?
The Christmas Light Extravaganza runs November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027. This will be its 10th season. More than one million twinkling lights move in sync with holiday music recorded by Macon Pops. Shows start every hour on the hour between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., and the lights are free to see. Last season had an estimated economic impact of $7.36 million, which supports local businesses across downtown.
Shop the market first, then walk to the lights in time for the next show at the top of the hour.
Rocklyn Homes and Holiday Living in Macon
The Macon Christmas Market adds a free, walkable holiday tradition to life in Bibb County. Living nearby makes it easy to visit more than once during the season.
Highland Pointe is Rocklyn Homes’ townhome community in Macon, with easy access to I-75 and downtown. Each new construction townhome offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and about 1,700 to 1,750 square feet. Residents can use a pool, a clubhouse with a fitness center, and a playground. Quick move-in homes are available now.
Rocklyn Homes also works with preferred lender BankSouth Mortgage to help buyers plan their financing. Schedule a tour of Highland Pointe or contact Rocklyn Homes to find your new home in Macon before the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Macon Christmas Market
When is the Macon Christmas Market in 2026?
The Macon Christmas Market runs December 4 through December 13, 2026, on Cherry Street Plaza in downtown Macon. Hours are 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Is the Macon Christmas Market free?
Yes. Admission to the Macon Christmas Market is free for all visitors. You only pay for the food, drinks, and gifts you buy from vendors.
Where do you park for the Macon Christmas Market?
Nearby options include the Mulberry Parking Garage and the Poplar Street Parking Deck. Downtown street parking is free after 8 p.m. and all day Sunday. Designated ADA spaces are also available around downtown.
Can you drink alcohol at the Macon Christmas Market?
Yes. The Fall Line beer garden tent sells glühwein, beer, cider, and cocktails to guests of legal drinking age. The market sits inside downtown Macon’s holiday open-container district, so guests can carry drinks around the plaza. Hot cocoa and other non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
Are dogs allowed at the Macon Christmas Market?
Yes. Friendly pets on a leash are welcome at the Macon Christmas Market. The plaza is flat and wheelchair friendly.