December in Smyrna is a great time to get out and enjoy the community, with plenty of holiday lights, seasonal gatherings, and festive dinners. Even in the final weeks of the year, the city offers activities that make the season feel lively without ever feeling overwhelming.
One festive highlight is the Giant Gelt Drop and Menorah Lighting at Brawner Hall — an annual celebration hosted by Chabad Smyrna‑Vinings. The event features face painting, balloons, entertainment, and a sky filled with chocolate gelt to celebrate the eight nights of Chanukah.
If you’re soaking up the lights and décor around town, the Market Village and Village Green Park holiday lighting displays stay up through December 31, making evening strolls a pleasant way to take in the festive ambiance — and maybe grab a dinner or drink nearby after.
Smyrna’s restaurants and taverns are part of the seasonal mix too. Grab dinner and drinks at local favorites like Creatwood Tavern & Rooftop or McCray's Tavern, where you’ll find warm atmospheres and seasonal menu features that pair perfectly with holiday nights out. The Village Hideout offers a cozy spot for cocktails and small bites in the heart of the Village district, and Timbers Tavern is another great local choice for laid-back food and classic pub fare.
For a special evening to ring in the new year, Brick Works Smyrna is hosting a New Year’s Eve Beer Dinner — a five-course meal paired with craft beers that’s designed to celebrate the year with a thoughtful and delicious experience. It’s one of the more memorable ways to welcome 2026 without leaving Smyrna.
From holiday lighting to festive dinners and unique community gatherings, Smyrna offers a mix of activities that make the last weeks of December feel full and lively. Whether you’re strolling the Village, enjoying a local craft beer, or savoring a special dinner to close out the year, there’s something happening that fits the rhythm of the community.
