MARTA announces holiday station galas, live music on streetcars

Josh Green

Tue, 11/19/2024 – 16:00

Like the recently unveiled MARTA swag line of backpacks, shower curtains, and LED ugly sweaters (rather aesthetically pleasing, actually), the transit system is getting creative with the holiday spirit this year in hopes of drumming up transit excitement and patronage.

They’re calling it “MARTALand.”

The partnership between MARTA and Artbound, the agency’s public art program, calls for a series of live performances, stations functioning as markets, and other holiday-themed happenings dotted around the city.

MARTALand’s goal is to make the Atlanta transit experience “magic,” the agency announced today.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Events kick off from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday at MARTA’s West End station. That’s where the second-annual MARTA Holiday Market will be held as a showcase for local vendors, with “special entertainment and surprises,” per the agency.

Expect MARTA holiday merchandise for sale, unspecified “free treats,” and the unveiling of MARTA’s three holiday-themed buses for 2024.

An early architectural rendering illustrates how H.E. Holmes station’s south elevation could look and function. Chasm Architecture

The holiday festivities will continue from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at H.E. Holmes station (MARTA’s westernmost transit stop). Expect a “holiday customer appreciation event” with a Santa appearance, DJ Sed the Saint, and a MARTA holiday pop-up shop with giveaways.

Between this Friday and Dec. 31, the aforementioned MARTA holiday buses will be offering free rides that rotate throughout the city.

Throughout the system, between Dec. 3 and 5, “MARTA elves” will be onboard trains and buses to hand out free Breeze cards.

Atlanta Streetcar riders (or downtown dwellers in search of holiday spirit) will find three-hour concerts of live music on streetcars soon. Expect streetcar performances from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6; Saturday, Dec. 14; and Saturday, Dec. 21.

The Atlanta Streetcar’s initial Downtown Loop spans 2.7 miles and passes numerous attractions. Shutterstock

Speaking of live performances, the True Colors Theatre and OutFront Theatre are scheduled to perform at Midtown station from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Last but not least, the Tinseltones are scheduled to bring carols (and candy) from 3 to 5 p.m. at the following rail stations:

Tuesday, Dec. 3: Doraville Station

Thursday, Dec. 5: H.E. Holmes Station

Tuesday, Dec. 10: Kensington Station

Tuesday, Dec. 17: College Park Station

Wednesday, Dec. 18: Lindbergh Center

Thursday, Dec. 19: Airport Station