Local organizations can claim a free tree to decorate in Roswell's Historic Town Square in December.

The City of Roswell is accepting applications for Deck the Square, the annual program that fills the square with community-decorated trees each holiday season. The city provides each participant a six-foot tree, access to electricity and a sign. Organizations supply their own lights and decorations.

Applications will stay open until all trees are claimed, according to the city's event listing on Visit Roswell. A waitlist will open after that. Roswell business owners, nonprofits and residents get priority in the acceptance process. Anyone interested can apply through the city's Eventeny page.

Last year's display featured 50 individually decorated trees, according to Roswell Connections. Residents, families, nonprofits and businesses each chose their own themes, ornaments and colors.

Trees must be decorated in a way suitable for children. No glass ornaments are allowed. Displays depicting controversial subjects or those that are overtly commercial or political will not be accepted.

Trees will be ready for decorating by Nov. 25, and all decorations must be in place by noon on Dec. 6. Participants can begin taking down their displays on Jan. 2, 2027, and must remove all lights and decorations by Jan. 6, 2027.

Each tree must include an 8.5-by-11-inch tag stating who created it and the theme. No pamphlets or handouts may be displayed alongside the trees. The city is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged decorations.

In coverage published in December 2025, Andie Gambrell, the city's special events coordinator, said the program helps residents build traditions and gives community groups a chance to show the public what they have accomplished.

The decorated trees are lit simultaneously with Roswell's Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree. The 2026 lighting date is Friday, Dec. 4, 6–8 p.m., at Heart of Roswell Park, 925 Canton St.

Upcoming Roswell community events:

  • Deck the Square decorating window: Nov. 25 through noon on Dec. 6
  • Roswell's Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree: Friday, Dec. 4, 6–8 p.m., at Heart of Roswell Park, 925 Canton St.