CITY OF GAINESVILLE NEWS RELEASE:
“Jotting down your seasonal festivities to-do list? Before checking it twice, make sure you add a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley from historic Downtown Gainesville to Wilshire Wonderland of Lights.
The free public transit service runs from 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nov. 29-Dec. 27, connecting City of Gainesville, Georgia residents and visitors with the historic square in downtown Gainesville, home of award-winning growlers and tasting rooms, restaurants and retailers; and Wilshire Wonderland of Lights, an annual walk-through holiday lights display at Wilshire Trails Park hosted by Gainesville Parks & Recreation.
“Since its inaugural year in 2022, the Holly Jolly Trolley has continued to gain traction with residents and visitors alike, welcoming aboard thousands of riders each holiday season,” said Gainesville Public Relations Director Christina Santee-Moss.
In 2024, the Holly Jolly Trolley saw approximately 5,725 riders.
“The Holly Jolly Trolley is the easiest and most festive way to revel in the charm, vibrancy and warmth of historic downtown Gainesville, as well as the magic of Wilshire Wonderland of Lights at Wilshire Trails Park,” Santee-Moss said. “We love seeing the trolleys enhance riders’ holiday experience and that the service has become something they look forward to every year.”
The Holly Jolly Trolley will make a continuous 3-mile loop between the historic square and Wilshire Trails Park. New in 2025 is a stop at Ivey Terrace Park, located at 607 Ridgewood Terrace (no parking, trolley rider pick-up/drop-off only). Riders should have access to the Holly Jolly Trolley every 15-20 minutes. Explore the map here: https://www.gainesville.org/757/Holly-Jolly-Trolley-Map
Park at either one of the following parking decks, then walk to 106 Spring St. (in front of Kilwins) to board the Holly Jolly Trolley: Main Street Parking Deck (closest), located at 301 Main St.; or Gainesville North Parking Deck, located at 100 Brenau Ave. NW across from the Hall County Library.
Ride the route as long as you want with whomever you want — just make sure you’re at the right end of the route before service ends at 10 p.m.
Heated trolleys can comfortably seat up to 24 passengers each, including handicapped passengers and wheelchairs. The wheelchair ramp can also accommodate large strollers. Sorry, no pets allowed, only service animals.
For additional information about the Holly Jolly Trolley, including the Trolley Tracker, visit hollyjollytrolley.com.
Find additional details about Wilshire Wonderland of Lights, including free photos with Santa, at https://www.gainesville.org/918/Wilshire-Wonderland.
For trolley questions or concerns, contact Hall Area Transit at 770-503-3333, ext. 2.”