Tifton's Hometown Holiday Celebration began with the vision and guidance of community volunteer, Becky Mann. Loving the Christmas season, Becky opened her home to her neighbors for an Open House that highlighted her significant collection of holiday villages and Christmas decorations. In 1997, she approached the City of Tifton Main Street Director Julie Smith about relocating the event to a downtown building. As plans progressed the idea of adding children's entertainment formed. Not having funds for such a venture, the ladies approached local businesses to sponsor family amusement and activities. A few months, 12 city blocks and $25,000 in sponsorship funds later, Tifton was given its first Hometown Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 6, 1997.

In Tifton, the holidays are about giving and celebrating our blessings as a community family. The Hometown Holiday Celebration continues to receive generous support from the City of Tifton, Tift County, local business and industry, and numerous donors. Volunteers from around the Tiftarea give of their time and talents to make each year's event a reality.

What began as a one-night festival has grown into a three-night gala - a Thursday through Saturday celebratory "weekend". Some of the events of the weekend are ticketed or require a fee to attend or participate (please check each link from this website home page for ticket and venue information). The Saturday evening celebration held in Tifton's Historic Downtown District is free of charge.