Light Up Dunwoody 2025 Moves to Donaldson-Bannister Farm
In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber talks with Jimmy Economos from EEP Events and DHA President Tim Brown about this year’s bigger, better Light Up Dunwoody. They also recap the 2025 Candidate Forum and highlight key names running for Dunwoody City Council.
Why Light Up Dunwoody is Moving (and Growing!)
If you’ve been to Light Up Dunwoody before, you probably remember cozying up next to Santa behind the Burger King in the Village. But this year, the event is trading fast food for farmhouse charm at Donaldson-Bannister Farm. According to organizer Jimmy Economos, they simply outgrew the old spot.
“The dancers were performing on the ground, and people couldn’t see them,” Jimmy shared. “We needed a stage, more space, and a place that felt like home.”
Donaldson-Bannister Farm checks all the boxes. It’s not only more scenic (think barns, pasture, and historic architecture), it’s also more walkable for surrounding neighborhoods. With help from the Dunwoody Homeowners Association (DHA) and Dunwoody Preservation Trust (DPT), the event now has a “forever home.”
A Full Afternoon of Holiday Magic
This year’s Light Up Dunwoody will be held Sunday, November 16, 2025, starting at 2 p.m. The official tree and menorah lighting happens at 6 p.m., but the fun kicks off early with entertainment, food trucks, and holiday photo ops galore.
Here’s what to expect:
Santa Photos: Live, professional photos with Santa David (yes, the Santa from the last 15 years!)
Reindeer & Dancers: Real reindeer and 80+ performers, including Dan & Company dancers and cheerleaders from Dunwoody Christian School
Crafts by Spruill Center: Kids can decorate ornaments and place them on the new DHA community tree
Menorah Lighting: A prominent menorah display at the front of the property celebrates Dunwoody's Jewish community
New Stage: A 20×30 stage will elevate the performances in the pasture for everyone to enjoy
Fundraiser Tie-in: The Dunwoody High Marching Band will perform and promote the “Bring It Home” fundraiser to support a new home stadium for Wildcats athletics
Where's the Tree and Menorah This Year?
If you’re cruising down Chamblee Dunwoody or stuck at the Vermack light, you won't miss it. The 26-foot Christmas tree and menorah will be right at the corner of Donaldson-Bannister Farm—making it a can't-miss photo op all season long.
Kids will love hanging their handmade ornaments from the Spruill Center. And parents will love not having to pay $350 for a Santa session (yes, Santa David usually charges that for a private 30 minute session). The menorah will remain lit through the season, offering a beautiful and inclusive symbol of celebration for Dunwoody's Jewish families.
Jimmy and Leah Economos: The Power Couple Behind Dunwoody Events
Jimmy Economos owns EEP Events with his wife Leah, and together they bring the magic to everything from Light Up Dunwoody to the iconic Dunwoody 4th of July Parade. EEP Events, is a full-service production team offering everything from audiovisual and staging to logistics and content creation.
They specialize in turning big visions into even bigger experiences, whether it's producing a gala, community event, or political forum. And they do it with that signature Dunwoody hospitality. With a strong reputation across metro Atlanta, Jimmy and Leah have become go-to partners for groups that want polished events with a hyper-local feel.
EEP also handled the behind-the-scenes magic for this year’s Candidate Forum, held at Stage Door Theatre. Their livestream and AV setup made it possible for residents across the city to tune in from home.
They’re also deeply involved in the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade—a massive hometown tradition and the largest Independence Day parade in Georgia. EEP has been helping with production for a long time!
What is the DHA and Why Do They Host These Events?
The Dunwoody Homeowners Association (DHA) has been around since 1970, originally formed to give residents a voice against unplanned growth. The catalyst? A plan to widen Ashford-Dunwoody Road without consulting residents.
Since then, DHA has become one of the most influential community organizations in Dunwoody, organizing signature events like:
- Light Up Dunwoody
- The Dunwoody 4th of July Parade
- Candidate Forums
- Food Truck Thursdays
- Dunwoody Farmers Market
They also serve as a liaison between residents and city government, weighing in on development proposals, infrastructure improvements, and zoning. Their goal is to preserve the area's residential charm while encouraging thoughtful, community-first growth.
Under the leadership of President Tim Brown, DHA has doubled down on events that unite residents, no matter their background. Whether you're new to Dunwoody or a longtime local, DHA events are where neighbors connect, ideas get shared, and traditions are born.
More on the Bring It Home Campaign
Jimmy mentions teaming up with Dunwoody High School Band to raise funds for the Bring It Home campaign—an ambitious effort to build a true home stadium for Dunwoody High School. Right now, DHS teams have to host their games off-campus, missing out on the energy, tradition, and pride that comes with home-field advantage.
The vision? A new facility with 2,000 seats, modern restrooms, concession stands, a press box, and ADA-accessible design. It’ll be the kind of place that hosts Friday night lights, lacrosse matches, soccer games, pep rallies, and even graduations. A space where the whole community can gather and cheer on the Wildcats.
As of this fall, the campaign has raised over $30,000 toward its $1.5 million goal. Donors can contribute at various levels—from $20 “All Paws In” gifts to $25,000 “Legacy Wildcat” sponsorships that come with engraved recognition and naming rights.
At Light Up Dunwoody, the DHS Marching Band will pass around a QR code during their performance to help fundraise for the cause. It's a chance for everyone to chip in and help “bring it home.”
Candidate Forum Recap: Who's Running and What They Said
Last week, DHA teamed up with Rough Draft and EEP joined in the fun. Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Stage Door Theatre, the DHA Candidate Forum gave voters a chance to hear directly from candidates ahead of the November elections.
About 70 residents attended in person, with many more tuning in via livestream thanks to technical support from Jimmy Economos and EEP Events.
Here are the 2025 Dunwoody City Council races to watch:
Post 2 (Central Dunwoody): Incumbent Rob Price vs. challenger David Ziskind
Post 3 (East Dunwoody): Incumbent Tom Lambert vs. challenger Wendi Taylor
Post 1 (North Dunwoody): Catherine Lautenbacher is running unopposed but still showed up to share her vision
Forum Highlights:
- Questions centered on walkability, the 2023 bond referendum, housing, zoning, taxes, and city priorities
- Most candidates agreed: no new bond referendum and no increase to the millage rate
- Differences emerged on “missing middle” housing and budget priorities
Audience members appreciated the tone of the evening, which stayed respectful and solution-oriented. As one resident put it after the event, “It felt like neighbors having a real conversation, not a debate.”
While the forum avoided deep political divides, it did offer residents a clear window into each candidate’s style and approach. As host Matt Weber said, “It’s about how they think, not just what they think.”
Show Notes
- Light Up Dunwoody moves to Donaldson-Bannister Farm
- Free Santa photos, menorah lighting, reindeer, food trucks, live performances
- Candidate Forum at Stage Door Theatre covered Dunwoody issues
- Jimmy and Leah Economos lead EEP Events, local production company
- DHA hosts key community events in Dunwoody under President Tim Brown
- Bring It Home fundraiser supports a new stadium for Dunwoody High School
About What’s Up Dunwoody
What’s Up Dunwoody is hosted by REALTOR® Matt Weber, spotlighting local businesses, events, and neighbors across Dunwoody, Georgia. Follow along at whatsupdunwoody.com for new episodes and community updates.
