With Thanksgiving and the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping period now in the rearview mirror, the Christmas season is in full swing! Several local groups are offering ways to get into the holiday spirit around Northeast Georgia this weekend:
LOCAL COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARADES AND FESTIVALS
Event Name: Christmas on Green Street Parade, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Sunday, December 8, 3 – 7 p.m.
Event Location: Green St., Gainesville
Event Details: Join the City of Gainesville on December 8th for our annual Christmas on Green Street celebration! This magical event includes a parade of antique cars, holiday floats, marching bands, and community groups starting at the Gainesville Civic Center and continuing all the way down Green Street!
Event Name: A Very Clermont Christmas, Clermont
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Event Location: Chattahoochee Center, 639 Main St, Clermont
Event Details: Join us for the 4th annual A Very Clermont Christmas! This festive event will feature some of the best local artisans and craft vendors North Georgia has to offer.
Event Name: Christmas in the Mountains Celebration, Cleveland
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 12 – 7 p.m.
Event Location: Courthouse Square, Cleveland
Event Details: Join us for the annual Christmas in the Mountains Celebration! This county-wide, community event kicks off the holiday season in White County with festive fun and fantasy. This event features a holiday market on the Cleveland Courthouse Square and lighted Christmas parade through Downtown Cleveland. The Holiday Market will be on the Cleveland Courthouse Square 12-7 pm, and the Lighted Parade will begin at 6 pm. Christmas in the Mountains will also feature free photos with Santa at the Chamber's office at 122 N. Main Street in Cleveland.
Event Name: Downtown Clarkesville Christmas, Clarkesville
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 3 – 8 p.m.
Event Location: Downtown Clarkesville
Event Details: Celebrate Christmas in downtown Clarkesville! Free professional photos with Santa, photos with Christmas llamas, the Cookie Crawl, craft vendors, shopping, games, live music, and more!
Event Name: Buford Holiday Festival and Parade, Buford
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Event Location: 301 E Main St, Buford, GA 30518
Event Details: Mark your calendars for a day filled with festive fun and community spirit. The festivities will kick off with our beloved Christmas parade at 9 a.m., a true highlight of the season. This year, the parade features a fantastic lineup, marching bands, business owners, energetic dance teams and, of course, the one and only Santa Claus! The parade will begin at Tannery Row and make its way to Hill Street, spreading holiday cheer along the route. After the parade, everyone is invited to join us at the festival for a host of fun activities, delicious food, and festive entertainment for all ages.
Event Name: Sounding Off the Christmas Season, Auburn
Event Date & Time: Sunday, December 8
Event Location: Auburn City Hall, 1369 4th Ave., Auburn
Event Details: Ring in the holiday season with food, music, a live nativity, and the ceremonial lighting of Downtown Auburn. Santa will be visiting along with his live reindeer. For more info, go to: cityofauburn-ga.org
Event Name: Jolly Holly Day, Suwanee
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 6, 6 – 8 p.m.
Event Location: Suwanee Town Center Park, Suwanee
Event Details: Come see Santa and help light the tree at the Suwanee Town Center! There will be food and entertainment and of course, Santa with his red truck!
PLACES TO ENJOY 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: 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.
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: Breakfast with Santa, Dahlonega
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 7
Event Location: R-Ranch in the Mountains, Dahlonega
Event Details: Come enjoy breakfast with Santa! $5 per adult / kids 12 and under eat FREE
Tickets sold at the door (convenience fee to use a debit card). Breakfast includes 2 pancakes, 2 sausage patties and 2 eggs and your choice of juice, coffee or water. All proceeds benefit the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office Shop with a Cop program
Event Name: Christmas at the Farm, Jefferson
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 7
Event Location: 1145 W. H. Hayes Rd., Jefferson
Event Details: Please join us for our 3rd annual Christmas on the farm here at HMF!
We will have over 30 small businesses joining us as we get ready for the holiday season! The kids can enjoy a hayride in the pasture, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause, while mom and dad can enjoy shopping! We will have food vendors, hand crafted gifts, wood cuts, clothing boutiques and more! Parking is $5 PER CAR! So pack up the whole family to enjoy a day on the farm! We look forward to seeing you all there!
Event Name: Visit Safari Santa and His Penguin Friends, Cleveland
Event Date & Time: Saturday, December 7, 14 and 21
Event Location: North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park, Cleveland
Event Details: Santa Claus has come to NOGAWILD and he brought his penguin & friends with him! You don't want to miss this unique, limited time experience! Visit with Santa, meet a penguin, take a photo and enjoy a treat! Admission to the Wildlife Park, Safari Drive-Thru, and Petting Farm is included. Cost is $49.99 for adults 12+ and $47.99 for kids ages 2-11. Package includes Park Admission, Meet & Greet with a penguin, photo opportunity with Santa and penguin, a visit with Santa's animal friends, and treats! Great value! For more details, go to www.northgeorgiazoo.com.
Event Name: Polar Express Night, Sugar Hill
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 6, 6 p.m.
Event Location: 5029 W Broad St., NE, Sugar Hill
Event Details: Come join us for a magical evening at Rushing Trading Company for Polar Express Night! Put on your coziest pajamas, sip on some hot cocoa, and enjoy a special screening of the classic holiday movie, The Polar Express. There will be holiday treats, festive decorations, and even cocktails & snacks for purchase. Don't miss out on this night of holiday cheer and fun for the whole family.
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Event Name: Voices of North Georgia presents, “Christmas Voices,” Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Event Location: 404 Washington St., SW, Gainesville
Event Details: Voices of North Georgia invites you to kick off the holiday season with Christmas Voices! Join us for an enchanting evening filled with traditional Christmas classics and lively festive favorites that capture the magic of this special time of year. On Friday night a raffle and reception will be held. Browse wonderfully festive gift baskets before doors open, then join us post performance for basket raffle and reception complete with delightful Christmas goodies. On Saturday night there will be a bake sale. Don’t miss our delicious bake sale, perfect for picking up holiday treats! Bring your friends and family to celebrate the season with us through music and holiday cheer. We look forward to seeing you there! Get tickets at www.voicesofnorthgeorgia.com/buy-tickets.
Event Name: 36th Annual Service of Lessons and Carols, Demorest
Event Date & Time: Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Event Location: Piedmont University, 992 Central Ave., Demorest, GA
Event Details: Piedmont University invites you to its adored holiday event, Lessons and Carols, as it enters its 36th year on December 6th and 7th. To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.showpass.com/36th-annual-service-of-lessons.../
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