Light Up Dunwoody 2026 Guide: Parking, the Trolley, and Santa Pics
Light Up Dunwoody 2026 is Sunday, November 15, at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm in Dunwoody, Georgia, and Jimmy Economos of EEP Events came back on the podcast to walk me through all of it. It’s year two at the farm after about 3,000 people showed up last year. It’s free from 2 to 6 p.m., with the tree and menorah lit around 6.
In This Episode
- Light Up Dunwoody 2026 is Sunday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm, 4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.
- The Dunwoody Homeowners Association puts on Light Up, co-presented with the Dunwoody Preservation Trust and produced by Jimmy and Leah Economos of EEP Events.
- Parking is at the Independence Square office park, with the Discover Dunwoody trolley running guests to the farm and back.
- Santa David is back after nearly 20 years in the chair, and the Santa photos are free thanks to local sponsors.
- Linda Chesnut, whose family lived at the farm for about 30 years, will light the tree in honor of her late husband, David Chesnut.
When and Where Is Light Up Dunwoody 2026?
Light Up Dunwoody 2026 is Sunday, November 15, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm. Here’s what you need to know:
- Where: Donaldson-Bannister Farm, 4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., at the corner of Chamblee Dunwoody and Vermack
- When: 2 to 6 p.m., with the tree and menorah lit around 6. Jimmy says the DJ may keep the music going until about 7.
- Cost: Free. In Jimmy’s words, “No ticket to get in, no cost, just the food.”
- Parking: Independence Square office park, with the Discover Dunwoody trolley
- More info: LightUpDunwoody.com, which is new this year
My take? Light Up has a small-town feel in the middle of a big city. Now that it’s at the farm, I think it’s one of Dunwoody’s premier events, and everybody should turn up.
How Light Up Dunwoody Got From the Village to the Farm
Light Up Dunwoody moved around a few times before it landed at the farm. Light Up has been running since 1996, and was held at the Spruill house. Jimmy remembers maybe a couple hundred people coming out.
Then COVID hit, leadership changed, and the event had to move. Jimmy credits Bob Fiscella of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association with working hard alongside him to find a new spot. They landed in the old Burger King lot at the edge of The Shops of Dunwoody.
“People said we were nuts,” Jimmy said. “And we made it happen.”
It was a good home when they had no home. But EEP Events kept growing the event, and after about three years in that lot, they were busting at the seams. They wanted to stay in the Village, but physically couldn’t.
Jimmy grew up next to the Donaldson-Bannister Farm and always pictured it as the backdrop for Dunwoody’s holiday kickoff. He fought “tooth and nail” to make it happen. He gave a lot of credit to Kristin Simons at the Dunwoody Preservation Trust for welcoming the tree and the menorah onto the property.
The DPT also chips in to light up the farm itself. So when they throw the switch, it’s not just the tree and the menorah. The whole farm lights up.
Why the Donnie B Feels Like Light Up Dunwoody’s Forever Home
Light Up Dunwoody has found its forever home. That’s my take, and Jimmy hopes so too.
Before the event last year at the farm, the critics said there was no parking and it would never work. Jimmy pointed out that the farm is surrounded by neighborhoods. “If all those people just walk out of their house,” he said, you’ve got a crowd. About 3,000 people came, the biggest crowd Light Up has ever had. Even with all those attendees, parking was not a problem at all.
Jimmy also has an opinion that might start a debate. A lot of people say the Village is the center of Dunwoody. Jimmy grew up on the Vermack, Womack, Dunwoody High School side of town. “So to me, the Donnie B is the center of Dunwoody,” he said.
About that nickname. My co-host Justin came up with “Donnie B’s” for the Donaldson-Bannister Farm almost 10 years ago, and I’ve been saying it ever since. By the end of the episode, Jimmy was saying it too. He calls the event “Light Up the Donnie B” and says it’s going in the marketing. “It’s cute and it’s catchy and it’s easier than saying the Donaldson-Bannister Farm every time.”
What I love about the farm is that you drive past it for a month before the event. The tree’s up, the farm’s decorated, and you know what’s coming. Jimmy called it “a Hallmark moment,” and he’s right.
Where to Park for Light Up Dunwoody 2026
Park at the Independence Square office park, which you can see from the farm. This year there will also be police out by the traffic lights to help everyone cross.
Here’s the fun part. Mark Galvin and Discover Dunwoody are donating the trolley as their sponsorship. It’ll be dressed up for the holidays and running back and forth down Chamblee Dunwoody between Independence Square and the farm.
It’s less than a quarter mile, so you can absolutely walk it. Jimmy just thinks the trolley adds to the festive feel, and I agree. My only note: Discover Dunwoody uses that trolley so much, they should probably just buy it. I need to talk to Mark about that.
If you live nearby, walking is easy. Jimmy used to walk to Dunwoody High School from Vermack Place. He says even from Village Mill, you can put the kids in a stroller and roll on down to the Donnie B. That’s one of the best parts of living in Dunwoody. So many of our big events are a short walk from home.
Free Santa Pics With Santa David
The Santa photos at Light Up Dunwoody 2026 are free, and Santa David is back. Jimmy has been doing this for close to 20 years, and Santa David has been there the whole time.
“He will sit there without break for five hours with kids on his knees and smile because he loves it,” Jimmy said. “He is the only Santa and the best Santa going.”
This isn’t a photo booth or mom with a phone. It’s a real photographer who takes and prints your picture. Other places charge $50 and up for Santa photos. At Light Up, local Dunwoody businesses pay for them, so you don’t.
You also don’t have to get there at 2 to get your shot. Santa sits until every kid has a picture. That’s what he does.
A Full Circle Moment: Jimmy and the Chesnut Family
Jimmy’s connection to the farm goes back to when he was a kid. His family moved to Dunwoody in 1980 and were the first owners of their house on Vermack Place. His mom still lives there, right across the street from the farm.
Back then, the farm belonged to the Chesnut family. They hired a young Jimmy to take care of the horses and the goats in the back by the cemetery when their daughter was out riding.
“I’ve had very fond memories of that place when they were there,” Jimmy said. “They were wonderful people.”
Every year, Light Up finds someone special to light the tree and the menorah. This year it’s Linda Chesnut. Her husband, David Chesnut, passed away this year, and lighting the tree is a way to honor him.
“For me, it’s a beautiful full circle,” Jimmy said, “to have them back on the farm.”
That’s my favorite part of this whole episode. The kid who fed the horses across the street is now the guy throwing Dunwoody’s biggest holiday party on that same land.
Who Was David Chesnut?
David Chesnut was an Atlanta lawyer and a big name in this city’s history. Jimmy told me he was chairman of MARTA and helped MARTA grow into what it is today. He also helped bring the Olympics to Atlanta and worked with the equestrian events.
He was also a big believer in restoration. He bought the farm, brought it up to code, and made it beautiful for many years. Jimmy pointed out that’s very much the mission of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust now.
Local historian Valerie Biggerstaff’s “Past Tense” column in Appen Media fills in more. The Chesnuts moved to the farm in 1975 and were the last family to live there. A lot of people still remember their horses and donkeys in the field at the corner of Chamblee Dunwoody and Vermack.
David was born in Chamblee in 1938. And if the name sounds familiar, it should. Chesnut Elementary School (where the Weber boys went to school) in Dunwoody is named for his family. Note the spelling, too: Chesnut, no T.
The Chesnuts eventually sold the property to DeKalb County so it could be preserved. Today, the Dunwoody Preservation Trust cares for it. Without that decision, there’s no Donnie B’s to light up.
What Food Is at Light Up Dunwoody 2026?
There’s a lot more savory food at Light Up Dunwoody 2026. Last year there wasn’t enough, and Jimmy fixed it.
- Chupitos: Darren Benda is bringing tacos. That’s new this year.
- Moondog Growlers: back again after a big success last year
- Atomic Ice Cream Sandwiches: Jimmy says they have a variety worth looking up
- Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck: hot coffee, cold brews and lattes. They were new at the parade this year.
- Kona Ice
- The Red Wagon: popcorn, candy and the classics
- A pizza guy making pizza on site
- Some sponsors also bring cookies and hot chocolate.
On the coffee, Jimmy put it best: “Every parent needs their jolt of caffeine. It doesn’t matter what time it is.”
Last year it was in the 70s. Jimmy says they’d rather be in the 70s than the 40s, and they’ve done both. If it’s warm again, at least there’s Kona Ice.
Crafts, Performers and Room for the Kids to Run
There’s always something for kids to do. Spruill Center for the Arts is back to run the holiday crafts. Jimmy says every time he calls Alan Mothner at Spruill, the answer is, “Of course we’ll do it. What can we do?” There will be face painters too.
Performances run on the big stage from 2 p.m. until about dusk. Dan and Co. is coming back, and they bring the biggest group of kids. The Dunwoody High School band comes every year with principal Coach Bass, plus a cheerleading squad, several dance groups and musicians who want time on stage.
When Light Up started, there was one dance group doing two or three sets. Now there are five or six. “If the performers that are on stage just bring their families,” Jimmy said, “we will be filled to capacity.”
I told Jimmy I always had a hard time keeping my boys entertained at events like this when they were little. Light Up always has something going on, and now there’s room to run around.
Jimmy, who has a 4-year-old and a 10-year-old, made a great point about safety. At the old lot, there was no containment. When crowds got big, kids could wander toward the street. Now everything is inside a big fence at the farm, with police handling traffic. “It’s a safe, wholesome environment,” he said.
The back of the property is part of the plan, too. Jimmy would love to expand there someday, maybe with a food court and some attractions. Not this year, but the farm gives them room to grow.
My Favorite Photo Spots at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm
The farm is one of the best photo spots in Dunwoody, and I have proof. My whole family took our Christmas photos there 7-8 years ago. Those are some of my favorite Christmas photos ever.
We got one in front of the barn, and that photo will always be special to me. Jimmy says Santa’s usually set up by the barn too.
There’s also a tunnel of wood lattice with ivy growing over it. It leads to the back of the house, and Jimmy thinks the back is just as beautiful as the front.
Then there’s the brick lattice wall out back. Jimmy says they’ve even talked about moving Santa back there and decorating it with trees.
My tip: it’ll be packed on November 15. If you want family photos without the crowd, show up a week before.
Who Puts On Light Up Dunwoody?
Light Up Dunwoody is a Dunwoody Homeowners Association event. The Dunwoody Homeowners Association puts it on, the Dunwoody Preservation Trust co-presents, and EEP Events produces it. That’s Jimmy and his wife, Leah Economos.
They split the work. Jimmy handles the entertainment and the event. Leah handles the sponsors, and Jimmy calls her “the sponsorship queen.” She follows up with busy business owners, makes sure they get what they paid for, and on event day makes sure every sponsor is happy, lined up and has power.
Leah even helped live on the podcast. Jimmy mentioned “the Reporter” as a big sponsor, and seconds later his phone pinged. It was Leah: “Rough Draft Atlanta, Jimmy.” Keith Pepper and Rough Draft Atlanta handle digital and newspaper ads for the event.
Jimmy says Light Up costs about $20,000 to $25,000 to throw. People don’t realize how much goes into it. I’ll say it again: a lot of this work gets overlooked, and the DHA deserves a ton of credit for making it happen year after year.
Thank You to the 2026 Sponsors
Jimmy didn’t want to name sponsors on air in case he left one out, so here’s the list from the Light Up Dunwoody website. Sponsors for Light Up Dunwoody 2026 include:
- Lisa Torres State Farm (Lisa always comes back, and brings her Dinowoody floats)
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- Discover Dunwoody
- Dunwoody Animal Medical Center
- Atlanta Academy
- First Baptist Atlanta
- Classic Tents + Events
- Kaplan Orthodontics
- Kerry Arias Team, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
- United Bankshares
- Dunwoody Senior Baseball
- Hollywood Feed
- ISI Elite Training
- Joey D’s
- Renewal by Andersen
- School of Rock Dunwoody
You’ll see a lot of these same names at the parade, too. Stop by their tents and say thanks. Without them, this wouldn’t be a free event.
Connect With Light Up Dunwoody and EEP Events
The best place for the schedule, parking and updates is LightUpDunwoody.com. If your business wants to sponsor, the DHA’s Light Up page has an email link, and Jimmy says there’s still time to jump in.
Jimmy and Leah Economos run EEP Events. They also produce the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade, so if you’ve been to either one, you’ve seen their work. I’m grateful for everything they do for this town.
See you at the Donnie B’s on November 15.
What Is What’s Up Dunwoody?
What’s Up Dunwoody is a local media platform created by REALTOR® Matt Weber, focused on living in Dunwoody, moving to Dunwoody, and staying connected to the community. It began as a podcast and has grown into social media content, local guides, and two of the largest Dunwoody-focused Facebook groups where residents share recommendations and stay in the loop. Matt has expanded slightly outside of Dunwoody and now covers the entire top end of the Perimeter through his Top End ATL channels.
Matt is a Dunwoody REALTOR® who helps people navigate buying, selling, and moving in the area. Stay in the loop with local updates, listings, and insights by signing up here: whatsupdunwoody.com/email
Frequently Asked Questions About Light Up Dunwoody 2026
When is Light Up Dunwoody 2026?
Light Up Dunwoody 2026 is Sunday, November 15, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Donaldson-Bannister Farm, 4831 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. in Dunwoody, Georgia. The tree and menorah are lit around 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Where do you park for Light Up Dunwoody?
Park at the Independence Square office park, which you can see from the farm. The Discover Dunwoody trolley runs between Independence Square and the farm, and police help with traffic at the lights. The walk is less than a quarter mile.
Is Light Up Dunwoody free?
Yes. There is no ticket to get in, and Santa photos with a professional photographer are free, paid for by local sponsors. Food from the food trucks is the only cost.
Who puts on Light Up Dunwoody?
The Dunwoody Homeowners Association presents Light Up Dunwoody, with the Dunwoody Preservation Trust as co-presenter. EEP Events, run by Jimmy and Leah Economos, produces the event. Light Up has kicked off Dunwoody’s holiday season since 1996.
Who is lighting the tree at Light Up Dunwoody 2026?
Linda Chesnut will light the tree and menorah in honor of her late husband, David Chesnut. The Chesnut family moved to the Donaldson-Bannister Farm in 1975 and was the last family to live there.
What food trucks are at Light Up Dunwoody 2026?
Food this year includes tacos from Chupitos (new this year), Moondog Growlers, Atomic Ice Cream Sandwiches, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, Kona Ice, the Red Wagon and a pizza maker. Some sponsors also bring cookies and hot chocolate.
What is the Donnie B?
“Donnie B” is the What’s Up Dunwoody nickname for the Donaldson-Bannister Farm, the historic farm at Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Vermack Road. Light Up Dunwoody moved there in 2025 after outgrowing the old Burger King lot at The Shops of Dunwoody.
Where is the best place to take family pictures in Dunwoody?
Donaldson-Bannister Farmhouse is one of my favorite photo spots in Dunwoody. There’s also a great brick wall backdrop in the rear of the property.