2021
in Forsyth
What’s inside: See a Christmas parade, a festival of trees, buy unique crafts, see a holiday performance and more.
FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS
Wishing You Joy This Holiday Season!
From The Owner and Staff At Ponce De Leon Music Center
Serving the metro Atlanta area for over 50 years
BAND/ORCHESTRA • RENTALS REPAIRS • LESSONS • GUITARS AMPS/PA • DRUMS • PIANO MONDAY - THURSDAY 10AM - 8PM FRIDAY - 10AM-6PM • SATURDAY 10-5
PONCE DE LEON MUSIC CENTER 770-889-7616 1060 Dahlonega Hwy. Cumming, GA 30040 www.PonceLeonmusic.com
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M-F 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM EST Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 EST
Always The Lowest Price. CLICK CALL OR VISIT IN PERSON Atlantahobby.com 678-513-4450
NEW LOCATION
at corner of Ronald Reagan and Oak Industrial 1220 Oak Industrial Lane, Cumming, GA 30041
We are a family business. Shop local, where your funds will stay local helping families in the community. We will never be undersold.
DRONES | CARS AND TRUCKS | HELICOPTERS | AIRPLANES | BOATS | SCIENCE AND PAINT KITS
2021
in Forsyth
Christmas Parade ................................................Page 6
Find the perfect Christmas tree .......................... Page 14 Holiday House, The Place of Forsyth .................. Page 24
Aerial’s House ................................................... Page 28 Festival of Trees ................................................ Page 30
Christmas in Cumming ..................................... Page 32
Live performances ............................................. Page 34 Live Nativity at Wildewood Farms ..................... Page 36 Other holiday events ......................................... Page 38
Cover photo by Danilo, Alvesd, Unsplash; Content page photo by Jeremy Coleman 4 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
Lunch Monday- Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm Dinner Monday- Thursday 5-9:30 pm Friday & Saturday 5-10 pm
Fresh Ingredients, Fresh Food, Authentic Taste
470-695-7377
1475 Peachtree Parkway Suite 5 Cumming, GA 30041 www.thaibasilkitchen.com
NEW MENU
F U L L BA R C O M I N G I N 2 0 2 2
City of Cumming Christmas Parade
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the City of Cumming! Hundreds of people line the streets to view the magical lighted parade on this festive night. Join the city after the parade for a Christmas festival inlcuding the tree lighting, vendors, Christmas crafts, pictures with Santa, and more! 6 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
Continued Page 8
MENTION T AND REC HIS AD EIVE
20% OFF
SELECTE D WO CLOTHESMEN’S
We invite you to come by and experience our unique selection of apparel, gifts and Christmas decor for all of your gift giving and decorating needs! Monday-Friday 10-6 ❙ Saturday 10-5 ❙ Sunday 10-4
Matt Town Center 5310 Matt Highway Cumming, GA 30028 info@peachesandpine.com
470.239.3565
City of Cumming Christmas Parade
Join the community for the Fourth Annual City of Cumming Christmas Parade at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4. The parade begins at Forsyth Central High School and continues down Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road to the Cumming Fairgrounds. The Christmas Festival at the Cumming Fairgrounds is from 6-8 p.m.
When: 5-8 p.m., Dec. 4, for the parade and festival Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming GA, 30040 Cost: Free Contact: (770) 781-3491 or cityofcumming.net. 8 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
The Owner And Staff At Palapas Bar And Grill and Coal Mountain Package Store Wish You A Happy Holiday Season!
COAL MOUNTAIN PACKAGE STORE BEER WINE & SPIRITS
PALAPAS BAR & GRILL
678.771.8091 3647 Browns Bridge Rd, Ste 105-B Cumming, GA
COAL MOUNTAIN PACKAGE STORE
678.341.9672 3645 Browns Bridge Rd • Ste 102A Cumming, GA
10 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
Mark Shepherd And All The Staff At Primrose Cumming North Would Like To Wish You A
Merry Christmas
And Thank You For Letting Us Serve You Forsyth County! 770-203-2773
PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CUMMING NORTH 3545 Matt Hwy • Cumming Ga 30028
PrimroseCummingNorth.com
VOTED BEST CHILD CARE CENTER, BEST AFTER SCHOOL EDUCATION/ EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & BEST PRESCHOOL!
Unique Wine Shop From Domestic to International Producers at Your Home We are an innovated young company, based in the State of Georgia, with great background. Our passion for wine has been developed into the representation of many of the most important domestic and international brands. We are building an important structure, branding and recognition. We offer a great selection of wines from rom around the world, world Around 180+ labels of the latest wines - including those Hard-to-find “high-end” wines from some of the leading producers around the world; 10+ beer labels with a focus on American Craft and quality import beers. A unique selection of wines, beers, champagnes, and bar accessories. As well as an extensive array of gifts with custom personalization options. Educational opportunities for customers ranging from staff one-on-ones, to tastings of both wine and beer, and wine events.
Halcyon 6655 Town Square, Suite 1285,Alpharetta, GA 30005
(470) 299-2619
www.riseandwinega.com
Fresh Cut Fraser Firs Cut your own Cypress or Pine, & fresh cut Fraser Firs! Handmade wreaths! 276 Woodland Lane, Dahlonega (4 miles North of the traffic light at Walmart) Hours: Tues-Fri: 3pm - Dark Sat: 10am - Dark Sun: 1pm - Dark Closed Monday
CASH OR CHECK PREFERRED.
706-864-8222 NANCY HORTON’S
Back Porch Pottery and Gift Store @HollyHillTreeFarm
Don't Forget to Bring Your Camera...
Find the perfect Christmas tree
Holly Hill Christmas Tree Farm A family owned Christmas tree farm in Dahlonega. Cut your own Cypress or Pine, and fresh-cut Fraser Firs! Handmade wreaths available. Where: 276 Woodland Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533. Located off Hwy. 19/60 4 miles north of Walmart in Dahlonega. Hours: 3 p.m. to dark, Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to dark, Saturday; 1 p.m. to dark, Sunday. Closed Monday. Contact: Dave Horton (678) 897-9009, on Facebook at Holly Hill Christmas Tree Farm@HollyHillTreeFarm.
B.L. Mullinax Landscaping B.L. Mullinax Landscaping & Shrubbery is a local, family-owned business that has been doing business in Forsyth County for almost 30 years. Where: 1886 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming 30041 Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., MondaySaturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday. Contact: (770) 781-9823, on Facebook at B.L. Mullinax Landscaping & Shrubbery, Inc. @blmullinaxshrubbery Continued on Page 18 14 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
The perfect gift for any woman is a gift certificate to Bliss Mama Spa!
Bliss Mama is a locally owned healing spa for women, offering a variety of award winning services. She can choose a massage, facial or any other holistic spa service with her gift certificate. Stop by in person for ready to go gift boxes or purchase a printable gift certificate online. Visit BlissMama.com for details.
110 Samaritan Dr. • Suite 202 • Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 722-2711
We Proudly Support & offer Our Veteran & Active Duty Military ~ Law Enforcement ~ Firefighters
15% Discount
on new gutter or gutter cover installation Now Offering Fabrication.
Wishing your family a Merry Christmas & A Safe Happy New Year!
PEACH STATE GUTTERS LLC 678-472-3237 www.PeachStateGutters.com
Find the perfect Christmas tree
Bottoms Tree Farm Bottoms Tree Farm has over 5,000 Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths and over 4,000 feet of handmade garland. There’s a huge selection of fresh-cut Fraser firs from North Carolina in the barn. Just show up with friends and family and be prepared to make a memory that will last a lifetime cutting your very own Christmas tree. When: 3-6 p.m., Monday-Thursday; Noon to 6 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; closed Sunday, through Dec. 18. Where: 5880 John Burruss Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Contact: (770) 887-2728, visit bottomstreefarm.com, or on Facebook and Instagram at @bottomstreefarm Photos by Jeremy Coleman
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NOW OPEN AND READY TO SERVE YOUR HOLIDAY NEEDS!
Our
HOT & COLD SUBS – SALADS – SANDWICHES PLUS, OVER 10 VARIETIES OF OUR HAND MADE MILK SHAKES
d BrSetraaight From Comes ! Philly
Owner Andrew Howell Want’s You To Experience...
The Best Cheesesteak In North Georgia! There’s something about the combination of griddled thin-sliced steak, melted processed cheese, diced onions, and a soft Italian roll that hits us on a level that only the most decadent meals do. Philadelphia is of course synonymous with this legendary sandwich, but there are exemplary versions to be found both inside and outside the City of Brotherly Love. Now Cumming has one of it’s own.
3225 Keith Bridge Road, Suite A Cumming GA 30041
470 239-7466
Find the perfect Christmas tree
Kinsey Family Farm Kinsey Family Farm has a plethora of trees available to choose from. The farm offers a variety of ways to harvest a Christmas tree including choose and cut your own, pre-cut, and living trees in containers. This year is the farm’s 18th anniversary and as is ‘our tradition we love to give a small gift to our visiting friends . . . our annual pewter Christmas tree ornament.’ The ornament is included with the purchase of a Christmas tree, while supplies last and doesn’t include Charlie Brown trees or table toppers. And our Christmas tree farm just wouldn’t feel complete without the classic Charlie Brown Christmas Tree . . . which we have plenty of in our barns! These “table toppers” are perfect for older couples that don’t desire a large tree anymore and are also fun for children to have in their rooms! Just don’t let those rascally Christmas “Elf on the Shelf” Elves get into them . . . we’ve seen some crazy “tree decorating” when that happens! When: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Where: 7170 Jot Em Down Road, Gainesville, GA 30506 Contact: (770) 887-6028, kinseyfamilyfarm.com, or on Facebook and Instagram @kinseyfamilyfarm 20 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
FOLLOW US
Holiday Bounce Back Spend $50 in December and get $20 to Spend in January!
GIFT CARD PROMO
Get $10 Coupon when you purchase $50 Gift Card! (Cards and Coupons for use beginning 12/26)
Bring in your designer brands to sell! Louis Vuitton, Channel, YSL, Tory Burch, Coach, Michael Kors, Tiffany, and David Yurman. We buy all seasons all the time. We buy sizes 0 – 6x. Favorite apparel brands include Lilly Pulitzer, Lulu Lemon, Athleta, Patagonia, Old Navy, Chico’s, Loft, Soft Surroundings, and many more!
#YOURLOCALSPORTSBAR
Grill
BLACK DIAMOND Monday
$6 1/2 lb Angus Beef Burger & Steak Fries for $6.00
Sunday
NFL
TICKET
Extensive Menu Including Juicy Burgers, Wings, Signature Salads and much more
Bar! s t r o p S t Voted Bes
TUESDAY
Music Bingo 7:30
THURSDAY
Amazing Trivia 7:30 FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS ENTIRE WEEKEND
• 40+ HDTV ’s • Large Game Room • Georgia Keno • Dog Friendly Patio
FRIDAY
Team Trivia 7:30
SATURDAY
College Football
Wide Selection of Georgia Craft Beers – Premium Spirits
678-965-4770
1485 Peachtree Pkwy, D-4 Cumming, Ga 30041
THEBLACKDIAMONDGRILL.COM
Give back this holiday season
Holiday House — The Place of Forsyth When: Dec. 13-18 Where: Freedom Tabernacle Church, 2160 Freedom Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: 770-887-1098 Shop wish lists based on family requests or download the wish list at www.theplaceofforsyth.org/holidayhouse
Email: HolidayHouse@theplaceofforsyth.org Website: theplaceofforsyth.org/holidayhouse 24 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
Look Forward to an Exciting New Year for the Arts in Cumming /Forsyth - CLASSES, OPEN STUDIO, EXHIBITS, AND EVENTS - ART WALK AT THE NEW CITY CENTER - COMMUNITY OUTREACH ART SHOWS - INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL ARTS EXHIBIT AND MUCH MORE
Nov 26-Dec 19 Dec 2-Jan 29 Festival of Trees
New! Art Exhibit/Sale
— 1-4 Ft Artist Decorated Trees — Area H/S Art Students — Display & Sale — SAA Members
Shop the Cumming Arts Center Gift Shop for Artisan Crafted Items
Art Classes and Open Studio continue throughout December. Visit
SawneeArt.org
for extended Operating Hours CUMMING ARTS CENTER/ SAWNEE ASSOCIATION OF THE ARTS
Historic Brannon Heard House 111 Pilgrim Mill Rd Cumming, GA 30040 A SPECIAL HOLIDAY THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEMBERS, SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
VISIT PINE + PIGMENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
GIFTS | 100+ ARTISANS | HOME DECOR | WORKSHOPS
EVENTS: NOV 19 - CHARCUTERIE WORKSHOP NOV 21 - FLORAL WORKSHOP NOV 22 - GIANT BLANKET WORKSHOP NOV 26 - BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS (PLUS SANTA IS VISITING) NOV 27 - SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SPECIALS NOV 29 - DOORMAT WORKSHOP NOV 30 - GIANT BLANKET WORKSHOP DECEMBER EVENTS
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK + INSTAGRAM
VOTED BEST GIFT SHOP LOCATED AT THE COLLECTON @ FORSYTH (BETWEEN WILD WINGS AND BARNES & NOBLE)
Forsyth County Fire Department
Aerial’s House Toy Collection The Forsyth County Fire Department is asking for residents’ help in making the holiday season brighter for children in need with the annual Aerial’s House toy collection. The initiative gets its name from a piece of equipment which is used by the Fire Department known as an aerial ladder truck. New or gently used coats for children or adults may also be donated and will be distributed to those in need. New, unwrapped toys for local children in need (between newborn and 18 years old), along with new or gently used coats, may be dropped off into a contactless
28 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
collection bin at any Forsyth County fire station or the Fire Department Headquarters at 3520 Settingdown Road, Cumming 30028., through Dec. 10. In December, donations for Aerial’s House may also be dropped off inside the lobby of the Forsyth County Administration Building at 110 E. Main St., Cumming 30040, underneath the Christmas tree located in the lobby. For more information, call The Place of Forsyth County at 770-887-1098. For other questions such as making a large donation or drop offs, please call Firefighter Jeff Lyons at 678-513-5899.
Toys for Tots Drop off center: Now through December 18th While you shop, buy 2!
One for your family and one for a family in need.
Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory 210 Ingram Ave Cumming, Georgia 30040 770-887-2388
Cumming Arts Center
30 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
Festival of Trees The Cumming Arts Center, located in the historic BrannonHeard House, is open for its annual display and sale of artist decorated ‘Festival of Trees’. Visit the art gallery and artisan gift shop where the 2022 Art Calendars will be available. When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 20 Where: Cumming Art Center, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming 30040 Online: www.sawneeart.org, or on Facebook at Sawnee Association of the Arts Photos by Jeremy Coleman
2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH | 31
Christmas in Cumming
20th annual Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Show Make sure you plan to attend the 24th annual Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Show. The event will be from 4-9 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 10, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11. The show will be held inside the Cumming Livestock Barn at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Admission to the show is $1 with children 12 & under entering free. While the Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Show is taking place, there will be numerous other Christmas activities going on around the Fairgrounds, including free photos with Santa from 6-9 p.m., Friday and from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday. There will also be a Christmas Light Show, caroling, and poinsettias for sale. The Cumming Fairgrounds is at 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming 30040
32 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
See Christmas lights, live performance School Street Playhouse BK Productions proudly presents the new musical version of the Dicken’s Classic, “A Christmas Carol” with an exciting new twist! Set in Chicago during the Roaring Twenties! From fun Gatsby-like prohibition parties to darker moments of reflection, Scrooge learns the meaning of Christmas as he examines his past, present and future. Written and directed by Kyle Larsen,
it’s lively and heartwarming with exciting dance numbers choreographed by Buddy Stotts and wonderful holiday songs with musical direction by Richard Magner. For every ticket sold from A Christmas Carol, a donation will be made to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta from School Street Playhouse and BK Productions.
When: Dec 2-19, showtimes are 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday Where: School Street Playhouse, 101 School Street, Cumming, 30040 Buy tickets: schoolstreetplayhouse.com
Ashebrooke Night of Lights
Every December, the Ashebrooke community puts on a display of magnificent festivity in their Night of Lights. Organized by dedicated hom owners, the donations received from this event are put towards a local charity or a member of the community in need. When: 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19 Where: 5020 Luke Drive, Cumming 30040 34 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
Live Nativity Pageant
Interactive Live Nativity Pageant at WildeWood Farm Bethlehem is busy tonight with all the hustle of incoming people to pay their taxes ordered by the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. A very pregnant Mary and her husband Joseph arrive to find no room in the Inn. You’ll want to participate in this interactive nativity production of the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Mary is going to have a very special baby. One that was prophesied to be coming for over a 1,000 years. You’ll have a choice to be part of the Inn crowd, a shepherd, or a watcher. Fun for the entire family. Sing Christmas Carols around a fire. You will be able to purchase hot cocoa and some light snacks from or you’re welcome to bring your own. Bring a chair. Where: Interactive Christmas
Nativity at WildeWood Farm Inc., 5150 Oak Grove Circle, Cumming, GA 30028 When: 6:30-8 p.m., Dec. 10-12 Cost: $10/per person if ordered early or $15/person at the door. More information: Find them on Facebook at WildeWood Farm Inc. 36 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
Community events Festival of Trees at the Collection Swing back around to The Collection every Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 19 to celebrate seasonal festivities. Hop aboard the North Pole Express Train and take photos with Santa before checking out the Festival of Trees exhibit next to Lenscrafters. The Festival of Trees will be hosting different trees decorated by nonprofits in the area, along with hot chocolate, music and a craft fair. When: 1-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 19 Where: The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming
Holidays at Halcyon Halcyon Holiday Kick Off On Dec. 4, join Halcyon in kicking off the holiday season. Enjoy live entertainment from local musicians, dancers and singers on the Village Green or meet favorite characters such as Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Anna and Elsa, Captain America and Spiderman. Guests are also encouraged to bring a toy to donate in Halcyon’s Stuff a Truck event where a Forsyth County fire truck will be stuffed with toys donated to The Place of Forsyth’s Holiday House. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at bit. ly/3crDdc6. Santa Paws Benefitting FurKids On Dec. 12, Halcyon will host Santa Paws, a special holiday event benefiting Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy pup photos with Santa, free puppuccinos, caricatures, a special Halcyon dog gift and more. For more information, visit the event calendar at www.visithalcyon.com/events.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Bar Crawl Guests ages 21 and older are invited to participate in Halcyon’s third annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Bar Crawl benefiting Bottleshare. On Dec. 16, receive a menu of holiday cocktails and specials from participating restaurants, meet and mingle with The Grinch as he selects the winners of the tackiest holiday sweater and more. Tickets to the event are $10 with a portion of the proceeds going to Bottleshare, a fundraising and fund distribution organization for the craft beverage industry which grants emergency funds to members experiencing extreme hardships.
Halcyon is at 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, 30005. For more information and to purchase a ticket, visit www.visithalcyon.com/events. 38 | 2021 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH
The JOHN COOK GROUP would Like to Wish You and Your Family a Happy Holiday!
John Cook Realtor® / Owner
Rebecca Morales Realtor®
Nick Alexander Realtor®
Sharon Hendley Realtor® Follow Us!
Each office is independently owned and operated.
Jennifer West Realtor®
Christopher Francis Realtor®
Mary Stanley Admin. Assistant Check out our Reviews!
678-524-8573 www.LookWithCook.com
Santa Clause Is Coming To John Megel Chevrolet Saturday, December 18 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Thanks & Happy Holidays!
“Your Hometown Chevy Dealer”
706-265-5400 megelchevy.com
