Christmas is inching closer, and there are still plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the season!
Here is this weekend's list of events around Northeast Georgia:
LOCAL COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARADES AND FESTIVALS
Event Name: Christmas Parade, Downtown Helen
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, 6 p.m.
Event Location: Downtown Helen
Event Details: Expect big things…and yes, the Big Man – Santa himself – will be there. Rain or shine! This is such a fun small-town parade with fire trucks, horses, dirt-buggies, unique floats, and TONS of candy! The best place to be is across the street from the Downtown Gazebo!
Event Name: Annual Christmas Parade and Santa’s After Party, Winder
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, 12 – 4 p.m.
Event Location: Jug Tavern Park, 139 E Athens St., Winder
Event Details: Mark your calendars for the 75h Annual Winder Christmas Parade and Santa’s After Party. This year’s Candyland-themed parade through downtown Winder kicks off at 12 p.m. on Saturday by the Grand Marshal, Miss Georgia USA 2024. Santa will join the celebration before heading over to Jug Tavern Park for free photos until 4 p.m. Santa’s After Party will continue the holiday cheer with live music, vendors, food trucks, festive photo opportunities and a special story time hosted by the Winder Public Library. You might even see the Grinch! Bring the family for an afternoon filled with holiday spirit and a celebration of the season in downtown Winder! For details, visit www.cityofwinder.com.
Event Name: Christmas Parade, Dahlonega
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, 12 p.m.
Event Location: Historic Downtown Dahlonega
Event Details: You can spot Santa at the Dahlonega Christmas Parade, being held in the historic district this year on Saturday, December 14th. For a full rundown of holiday events and times, be sure to visit www.dahlonegachristmas.com. Has your child been extra good this year? Be sure they bring their letter telling Santa all about it to the Visitors Center to be placed in our special mailbox for delivery to the North Pole! Beginning 11/29/24 - through 12/22/24, Santa will be on the square by the Christmas Tree in front of the Visitor Center. Fridays from 5:00-7:00 pm, Saturdays 12:00-6:00 pm, Sundays 1:00-5:00 pm. On 12/14/24 Santa will have a break to be in the parade! Join us on December 14th at 12:00 noon for the 2024 Christmas Parade around the Dahlonega Historic Square district!
SPECIAL HOLIDAY EVENTS
Event Name: Carriage Rides, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Sundays in December, 5 – 10 p.m.
Event Location: Main Street, Gainesville
Event Details: Soak in the beauty, history, and delightful atmosphere of our square by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride! Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a family outing, or just looking for a unique way to explore the area, our carriage rides around the Downtown Gainesville Square are an unforgettable experience for all ages. Nestled in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, our historic Downtown Gainesville Square will come alive with charm and enchantment.
Event Name: Victorian Christmas, Sautee Nacoochee
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 13, 4 – 7 p.m.
Event Location: Hardman Farm Historic Site, Sautee Nacoochee
Event Details: Step back in time to Christmas of 1877--Come see the Mansion at West End decked in gorgeous period holiday decor, and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from reenactors in period dress. This open house on Friday and Saturday nights in December is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, live music, smores around the campfire and more! Pre-registration required. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/victorian-christmas-2024-3539569 for event tickets.
Event Name: Dahlonega Gold Museum Celebrations, Dahlonega
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15
Event Location: Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site
Event Details: Enjoy two opportunities to visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum this weekend. On Saturday from 2 – 3 p.m. Kids can enjoy sipping hot chocolate while painting salt dough Christmas ornaments. Take a wonderful Christmas memory home with you! Then come back again on Sunday for free admission to the museum. As part of Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas, join Park Staff and Volunteers as we say Thank You to the community by offering free admission to the public. Join us for refreshments and the exhibits in the Dahlonega Gold Museum!
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Event Name: A Christmas Carol Production, Braselton
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 13, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Event Location: The 1904, 9924 Davis St., Braselton
Event Details: The Braselton Players presented by the Arts Council will be presenting a one night only production of A Christmas Carol on Friday, December 13th held in the 1904 Building! This show is free to the public, and is first-come-first-serve seating! Seating begins at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7p.m. Free parking at the Braselton Parking Deck. For details, go to www.explorebraselton.com.
Event Name: GlowBand Hometown Christmas Show, Braselton
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 13, 7- 9 p.m.
Event Location: Braselton Civic Center
Event Details: GlowBand is absolutely buzzing with excitement to invite you to their Hometown Christmas show! As the holiday season approaches, what better way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit than with an unforgettable evening filled with lively entertainment and amazing Christmas tunes. Join us for a night where you can sing along to your favorite holiday classics, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, gather your loved ones, and let’s make this holiday season one to remember! We can’t wait to see you there, ready to spread the cheer and create magical moments together! For tickets, go to www.explorebraselton.com.
Event Name: A Christmas Carol Production, Dahlonega
Event Date & Time: Now Through December 22, Thursdays through Sundays, Various Times
Event Location: The Holly Theater, 69 W Main St., Dahlonega, GA 30533
Event Details: A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Evelyn Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of her husband, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. In the process, Evelyn is transformed into a kinder, gentler woman. Rated G for all ages. Get tickets at www.hollytheater.com.
Event Name: Mary Poppins the Musical, Hartwell
Event Date & Time: Now Through December 22, Fridays through Sundays, Various Times
Event Location: Hart County Community Theater, 83 Depot St., Hartwell
Event Details: The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.” Get tickets, and more details, at www.hhcct.org.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Event Name: Wilshire Wonderland of Lights, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Open daily through end of the year, 4 – 10 p.m.
Event Location: Wilshire Trails, 849 Wilshire Rd., Gainesville
Event Details: Come explore the Wilshire Wonderland of Lights all season long! Watch as Wilshire Trail transforms into an amazing winter wonderland! The Holly Jolly Trolley returns this holiday season to connect 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 holiday offering at Wilshire Trails Park hosted by Gainesville Parks & Recreation. Free and open to the public daily until 10pm. Lights on at 4pm. This stroll through the woods will include Holiday themed lighting in the trees, as well as a Santa’s Village, North Pole, and more. Fun for all ages and FREE!!
Event Name: Holly Jolly Trolley, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Now Through December 28
Event Location: 112 Main ST., SW Gainesville
Event Details: The Holly Jolly Trolley returns this holiday season to connect City of Gainesville residents and visitors with the historic square, home of award-winning growlers and tasting rooms, restaurants and retailers; and Wilshire Wonderland of Lights, an annual holiday offering at Wilshire Trails Park hosted by Gainesville Parks & Recreation.
Event Name: Mountain Country Christmas in Lights, Hiawassee
Event Date & Time: Now Through December 23
Event Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee
Event Details: The Mountain Country Christmas In Lights at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in beautiful Hiawassee Georgia, runs 6pm-9pm Thursday, Friday, & Saturday from November 28 - December 7th. Open EVERY night from December 12th - 23rd! (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Event Name: Glow Light Show, Lawrenceville
Event Date & Time: Now through December 29
Event Location: Coolray Field 2500 Buford Dr., Lawrenceville
Event Details: Running Nov. 15 - Dec. 29 at Coolray Field, in Lawrenceville, GA. Glow is an unforgettable experience the whole family will enjoy! Enjoy the most budget-friendly, immersive light show from the comfort of your car. The dazzling winter wonderland showcases a 40 ft Christmas tree, dazzling tunnels and magical characters, all synchronized to Christmas music. Get tickets at: https://glowlightshow.ticketspice.com/glow-light-show-2024.
Event Name: Winter Lantern Festival, Lawrenceville
Event Date & Time: Now – January 5 (Thursdays – Sundays), 5 – 9:30 p.m.
Event Location: 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville
Event Details: All ages are welcome to walk through a dazzling display of lanterns, as well as enjoy food and drink, a gift shop, live entertainment and more. Entertainment is provided by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, featuring incredible acrobatic acts like balancing, face-changing and more. The walk around is 45 minutes long. Get your tickets at www.winterlanternfestival.com.
