With just one week until Thanksgiving, there are a number of Christmas-themed events to take part in around Northeast Georgia this weekend.
Here is the full list of events:
Weekend Events November 22-24, 2024
Event Name: Jingle Mingle and Lighting of the Chicken, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Saturday, November 23, 4 – 8 p.m.
Event Location: Gainesville Square, Gainesville
Event Details: Jingle Mingle and the Lighting of the Chicken is one of the Southeast’s quirkiest, fun, family-friendly events and is the perfect way to start your holiday season here in the Poultry Capital of the World! The Downtown Gainesville Square will be alive with the holiday spirit including open houses in most of the stores, live music, carriage rides, kiddie train rides, Santa and his arrival on a Gainesville Fire Engine, the Coca-Cola bear, entertainment and the grand Lighting of the Chicken set to take place at 6:45 p.m.
Event Name: Festival of Trees Kickoff Celebration, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Saturday, November 23, 4 – 8 p.m.
Event Location: Gainesville Administration Building, 300 Henry Ward Way, Gainesville
Event Details: The Festival of Trees is a public display of themed Christmas trees decorated by City of Gainesville departments on the first floor of the Gainesville Administration Building. The kickoff event will be a reveal of the 2024 display, elevated by a photo backdrop for visitors to snap family photos, plus cups of piping hot cocoa and hot apple cider, and Christmas cookies, of course! Though voting for your favorite tree only happens Saturday, Nov. 23, visitors may observe and photograph the trees any time from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday through Christmas.
Event Name: Christmas in the City Vendor Market, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Saturday, November 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Event Location: Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St., Gainesville
Event Details: Support local business and join us for our annual Christmas Market! This year we are Hosting Christmas In The City! The event will take place in the Gainesville Civic Center in the ballroom-top floor (elevators available). This is the perfect event for shopping. Come shop local!
Event Name: The Nutcracker Ballet, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Friday, November 22 – Sunday, November 24
Event Location: Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University, 202 Boulevard NE, Gainesville
Event Details: Step into a world of grace and wonder, where every movement tells the classic story of a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Whether you’re a long-time ballet enthusiast or attending for the first time, our performances offer an unforgettable experience for all ages. Get tickets at https://gbcdance.com/box-office-information.
Event Name: Christmas Wishes Holiday Festival and Lantern Parade, Flowery Branch
Event Date & Time: Friday, November 22, 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Event Location: 5302 Railroad Ave., Flowery Branch, GA
Event Details: Join us for a magical evening at our annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival! Get ready to usher in the holiday season with joy and wonder as we illuminate the city with the warm glow of our magnificent Christmas tree. The festivities kick off with a delightful Holiday Lantern Parade, where twinkling lights and festive lanterns will fill the streets with enchantment. Santa Claus is set to make a grand appearance, spreading cheer and receiving wish lists from the young and young at heart. Explore the holiday spirit at our marketplace featuring 50+ vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to find that special something for your loved ones or even yourself. There will also be food trucks and more!
Event Name: 12th Annual Christmas Parade, Jingle Market and Tree Lighting, Dawsonville
Event Date & Time: Saturday, November 23, 2 – 8 p.m.
Event Location: City Hall, Dawsonville
Event Details: Celebrate Christmas in Downtown Dawsonville on Saturday, November 23rd with a parade, Tree Lighting, Jingle Market, photos with Santa and more! The Christmas Parade will take place at 4 p.m. while the Tree Lighting will be held at dusk. Don’t miss the food trucks, performances, and family fun at Dawsonville City Hall.
Event Name: Cumming City Center Winter Market, Cumming
Event Date & Time: Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Event Location: 423 Canton Rd., Cumming
Event Details: Join us for the Annual Cumming City Center Winter Market, presented by Cumming City Center! Get ready for a fantastic day filled with shopping, entertainment, and fun for the whole family! Our market will feature 100+ local vendors showcasing a wide array of products. This is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and discover unique treasures. Don’t miss out on this fantastic community event!
Event Name: Tree Lighting and Santa Photos, Cumming
Event Date & Time: Saturday, November 23, 5 p.m.
Event Location: The Collection at Forsyth
Event Details: Come join us for our annual Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy pictures with Santa in his Winter Wonderland every Saturday and Sunday from 11/23 to 12/22.
Event Name: Christmas Tree Lighting, Cumming
Event Date & Time: Saturday November 23, 6 – 7 p.m.
Event Location: Cumming City Center, Cumming
Event Details: Start your holiday season with lots of family-friendly fun at the Cumming City Center on Saturday, November 23rd! Following the Winter Market, our Christmas Tree Lighting Event will begin at 6 PM with live music from Will & The Exclamation, family activities, warm beverages and desserts from local vendors!
Event Name: Georgia Festival of Trees, Duluth
Event Date & Time: Friday, November 22 – Sunday, December 1
Event Location: Gas South Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
Event Details: Kick off your holiday season with the Georgia Festival of Trees. Sure to become a memorable family tradition for years to come, the festival features a forest of dazzling Christmas trees available for auction, live music and entertainment, kids’ activities and games, gift shops from local artisans, food and the return of the Pink Pig.
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.
