It's the final weekend before Christmas, meaning it's the final weekend to get out and enjoy some Christmas cheer around Northeast Georgia!
Here is this weekend's list of events:
Weekend Events December 20-22
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Event Name: The Polar Express Experience, Cumming
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 20, 2 – 5 p.m.
Event Location: Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming
Event Details: The Cumming City Center and Forsyth County Public Library are hosting the Polar Express Experience on Friday, Dec. 20, from 2 PM-5 PM. This enchanting event features a captivating story time of the beloved Polar Express tale, along with delicious treats to enjoy in a magical winter atmosphere. The story time sessions will be held at 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, and 4:30 PM, providing free access to the enchanting tales that inspire imagination and wonder. For an extra thrill, take a whimsical ride on the Vision Drive Express for $5 (cash) or $6 (credit card). The event also features inflatables from Jump N Jacks offering unlimited jumping fun for $10. Guests can enjoy cotton candy, freshly baked goods, coffee, and hot chocolate, all available for purchase to make the afternoon even more magical. For more information on the Forsyth County Public Library, visit www.forsythpl.org.
Event Name: Christmas Open House, Amicalola Falls, Dawsonville
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, All Day
Event Location: Amicalola Fall State Park Visitor Center
Event Details: Join us for a special Christmas event at the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Santa Andy will be making an appearance! There will also be a Blue Ridge Raptors Encounter and a Christmas Story Reading. Bring your friends and family to enjoy holiday crafts, festive treats, and a gingerbread house competition. Visit www.amicalolafallslodge.com/adventures/birds-of-a-prey for more details.
Event Name: Christmas Card Crafting, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 12 – 2 p.m.
Event Location: Don Carter State Park, Gainesville
Event Details: Crafters unite! Bring your old/recycled Christmas cards to picnic shelter #1 and give them a new life this year by turning them into Christmas ornaments!
Event Name: Victorian Christmas, Sautee Nacoochee
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21, 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: Father Christmas at the Castle, Helen
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Event Location: Uhuburg Castle, 571 Ridge Rd., Helen
Event Details: Explore Uhuburg AND see Father Christmas! The Tattooed Santa will be visiting Uhuburg on December 21st from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM to hear all of your child’s Christmas wishes! Children attend for free! Use code CASTLESANTA for free entry tickets for children up to 12 years old, only for this special occasion. Day visit hours are from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and last entry is at 2:00 PM.
Event Name: Shimmering Snowflake Ornaments, Helen
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and Walk-Ins
Event Location: Helen Arts & Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen
Event Details: We’ll be creating a set of three (small, medium and large) polymer clay snowflake ornaments with oven-bake clay. Add cutouts and press in markings to make each snowflake uniquely yours! We’ll have various colors of shimmery powders to bring your ornament to life. Go with the traditional pearl luster or go rosy gold! Explore our gallery while the ornaments harden in the oven and take them home the very same day. $35 for 3 ornaments (small, medium and large)
Event Name: Santa Visit at Babyland General Hospital, Cleveland
Event Date & Time: Sunday, December 22 and Monday, December 23, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Event Location: Babyland General Hospital, 300 NOK Dr., Cleveland
Event Details: Santa is coming to Babyland General Hospital! Free admission! Santa Claus will be arriving with his sleigh full of Cabbage Patch Kids! Share with him all of your wishes and take photos in the magical Mount Yonah Christmas room. For details, visit www.cabbagepatchkids.com.
Event Name: Candy Cane Kid’s Day, Dahlonega
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 2 – 4 p.m.
Event Location: Hancock Park, Downtown Dahlonega
Event Details: Old Fashioned holiday activities and crafts for children K-5th grade will be held in Hancock Park. Suitable for guests of all abilities. Enter thru the main tent. Parent attendance is required.
Event Name: 5K Reindeer Run, Dahlonega
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 8 a.m.
Event Location: Hancock Park, Downtown Dahlonega
Event Details: Sponsored by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, come out and join us for the 3rd Annual Reindeer Dash 5K and Fun Run. All proceeds will benefit local families in our community. Get tickets and more information at https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Dahlonega/ReindeerDash5KandFunRun.
Event Name: Frosty Fun: Snow Globe Photo Booth, Duluth
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 5 – 9 p.m.
Event Location: 3167 Main St., Duluth
Event Details: Step inside a winter wonderland at Town Green! Join us from 5-9 PM for a magical evening featuring a photo booth inside a giant snow globe. Capture the perfect holiday memory as you pose inside this festive globe, surrounded by swirling snow. Don’t miss the chance to snap some unforgettable photos with friends and family in this one-of-a-kind holiday experience! For more information on upcoming events, visit duluthga.net/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.
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Event Name: A Christmas Carol, Cumming
Event Date & Time: Now Through December 22, Various Times
Event Location: School Street Playhouse, Cumming
Event Details: Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, this is the classic tale of A Christmas Carol. This classic tale is filled with music, dance and characters that will warm your heart, cheer your spirits and remind us that it is never too late for redemption and combines superb special effects for an evening of entertainment unlike any experienced before. Get your tickets, and more details, at https://schoolstreetplayhouse.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 the 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.
