Light Up Dunwoody has a new home at Donaldson-Bannister Farm. In Podcast 308, Jimmy Economos of EEP Events and DHA President Tim Brown told me why the holiday event moved, what families could expect, and how the 2025 Candidate Forum went.
Donaldson-Bannister Farm is a historic farm at Chamblee Dunwoody Road and Vermack Road in Dunwoody, Georgia. In 2025 it became the new home of Light Up Dunwoody, the DHA’s holiday tree and menorah lighting, with a stage, Santa photos, reindeer, and food trucks.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the full episode above.
Why Light Up Dunwoody Moved to Donaldson-Bannister Farm
If you have been to Light Up Dunwoody before, you probably remember Santa behind the Burger King in the Village. In 2025 the event traded fast food for farmhouse charm at Donaldson-Bannister Farm. According to Jimmy, 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 every box: barns, pasture, historic architecture, and easy walking from nearby neighborhoods. With help from the DHA and the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, the event now has a “forever home.”
A Full Afternoon of Holiday Magic
Light Up Dunwoody 2025 was Sunday, November 16, starting at 2 p.m., with the tree and menorah lighting at 6 p.m. Here is what was planned:
- 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
The Tree and Menorah at Donaldson-Bannister Farm
If you are driving down Chamblee Dunwoody Road or stopped at the Vermack light, you can’t miss the 26-foot tree and menorah at the corner of Donaldson-Bannister Farm. It is a photo op all season long.
Kids hang ornaments they made with Spruill, and parents get Santa photos without paying for a private session. The menorah stays lit through the season as an inclusive symbol for Dunwoody’s Jewish families.
Jimmy and Leah Economos of EEP Events
Jimmy owns EEP Events with his wife Leah. Together they produce everything from Light Up Dunwoody to the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade, handling audiovisual, staging, logistics, and content.
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.
What Is the DHA?
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, the DHA has become one of Dunwoody’s most influential community groups, organizing Light Up Dunwoody, the 4th of July Parade, Candidate Forums, Food Truck Thursdays, and the 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.
The Bring It Home Campaign
Jimmy teamed up with the Dunwoody High School Band to raise money for Bring It Home, the effort to give Dunwoody High a true home stadium. Right now, DHS teams host varsity games off campus.
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.”
2025 Candidate Forum Recap
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the DHA held its Candidate Forum at Stage Door Theatre with Rough Draft Atlanta. About 70 residents attended in person, and many more watched the livestream run by EEP Events.
The 2025 Dunwoody City Council races discussed:
- 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
Questions covered walkability, the 2023 bond referendum, housing, zoning, taxes, and city priorities. Most candidates agreed on no new bond referendum and no millage increase, while differences showed up on “missing middle” housing and budget priorities. The tone stayed respectful throughout.
Why Donaldson-Bannister Farm Is a Great Fit
As a Dunwoody REALTOR®, I love seeing our historic spaces used for community events. Donaldson-Bannister Farm sits close to neighborhoods like Vermack and Dunwoody Village, and a walkable holiday tradition there is exactly the kind of thing that makes people want to live in Dunwoody.
My Take: The farm gives Light Up Dunwoody the room it always needed. Bring the kids, bring a blanket, and plan to stay for the lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Light Up Dunwoody at Donaldson-Bannister Farm
Where is Light Up Dunwoody held now?
Since 2025, Light Up Dunwoody is held at Donaldson-Bannister Farm on Chamblee Dunwoody Road near Vermack Road.
Why did Light Up Dunwoody move?
The event outgrew its old spot in Dunwoody Village. The farm offers room for a stage, more space, and a walkable location.
Who organizes Light Up Dunwoody?
The Dunwoody Homeowners Association, with production by Jimmy and Leah Economos of EEP Events and support from the Dunwoody Preservation Trust.
Is there a menorah lighting at Light Up Dunwoody?
Yes. A menorah is lit along with the Christmas tree and stays lit through the season.
What is the Bring It Home campaign?
Bring It Home is a fundraiser to build a true home stadium for Dunwoody High School athletics.