Christmas in Forsyth 2023 by Forsyth County News

Find out when and where this season’s Christmas parades, local holiday events, performances, tree festivals and more, are coming to your town.

F ORTH C OUNTY E VENTS

SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN!

Santa will visit Central Park to hear what special needs children want for Christmas this year. The event will feature lots of Christmas cheer and a snack. While the event is free, pre-registration is required.

WHERE

2300 Keith Bridge Road Cumming, GA

CONTACT

HOLIDAY CONCERT

Sunday, Dec. 3 from 3-5 p.m. at Sexton Hall. All ages welcome. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Sing along with the Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band at this annual community event.

WHERE

Sexton Hall, 2115 Chloe Rd Cumming, GA

CONTACT

parks.forsythco.com to register

HOLIDAY GIVING

Forsyth County Senior Services has three options to offer support to elders in need this holiday: sponsor a meal for $5 each that will be delivered by Meals on Wheels, donate to the home repair program that assists with property repairs, or participate in the Angel Tree program by selecting an individual from the Giving Tree to shop for this holiday.

CONTACT

seniorservices@forsythco.com or (770) 781-2178

A DICKENS

BIRD FOOD FEEDERS GARDEN ACCENTS UNIQUE GIFTS

CHRISTMAS

Friday, Dec. 8 from 10-11 a.m. at Sexton Hall. Free admission. Musical entertainment based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol brought to you by talented youth performers from Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth.

a $35 purchase or more

WHERE

valid on optics, special orders, previous purchases, DSC Memberships, gift cards, sale or clearance items. Expires 12/31/22 (CF)

seniorservices@forsythco.com or (770) 781-2178

Sexton Hall, 2115 Chloe Rd Cumming, GA

CONTACT

seniorservices@forsythco.com or (770) 781-2178

*Not valid on optics, special orders, previous purchases, DSC

Memberships, gift cards, sale or clearance items. Expires 12/31/22 (CF) DAWSONVILLE location only.

*Not valid on optics, special orders, previous purchases, DSC

Memberships, gift cards, sale or clearance items. Expires 12/31/22 (CF) DAWSONVILLE location only.

(706) 429-0077

The City of Cumming is hosting several events this holiday season, bringing the magic back to the Cumming Square and City Center.

CITY OF C UMMING

Cumming City Center Winter/Holiday Market

SATURDAY , NOV . 18 , 10 A . M . TO 5 P . M .

The Cumming City Center will host 100 local vendors and artisans at the Winter/ Holiday Market. Come shop, enjoy holiday activities with your family, live music, and photos with Santa. For updates, follow @cummingcitycentermarket on Facebook and Instagram. City Center is located at 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA.

Cumming City Center

Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

SATURDAY , NOV . 18 , 6-7 P . M .

After the Winter/Holiday Market, enjoy the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration from 6-7 p.m. Presented by Local Church Forsyth and Lou Sobh Automotive, this event will feature live music from The Big Beyond, family activities, and warm beverages and desserts from local vendors. And of course, the highlight will be lighting the City Center’s giant Christmas tree for the first time of the season. City Center is located at 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA.

City of Cumming Christmas Parade

SATURDAY , DEC . 9 , 5-7 P . M .

This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 (the second Saturday in December). The parade will feature bands, floats, antique vehicles and more! The route begins at Forsyth Central High School and moves down Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road to the Cumming Fairgrounds. Please note, the Christmas Festival at the Cumming Fairgrounds following the Christmas Parade will NOT be held this year. Forsyth Central High School is located at 131 Almon C. Hill Dr and Tribble Gap Road..

J INGLE J OG

The annual Jingle Jog is moving to the Cumming City Center on Sunday, Dec. 10, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

There are two distances: and 1k

Fun Run

Kids

(for children 10 & under)

PACKET PICKUP

Race Day beginning at 7:30 AM

5k participants will receive a long sleeve shirt and custom finisher medal. Kids Fun Run participants will receive a race t-shirt and fun run medal.

Proceeds from this race go to support Forsyth County Community Connection, which works to support foster children and their families. There will be awards for best race times, prizes for the best costume, decorated stroller, most festive

Saturday, December 9th from 12 PM to 5 PM at Big Peach Running CoCumming (5485 Bethelview Rd, Suite 430, Cumming, GA 30040)

Virtual runners can pick up packets during this time. Virtual packets will be mailed after Monday, December 11th if not picked up.

Candy Land Christmas

P h o t o g r a p h s w i t h S a n t a

@ c o l l e c t i o n f o r s y t h

T r a i n S c h e d u l e

C HRISTMAS T REE F ARMS THE PLACE OF FORSYTH COUNTY

SLATES

CHRISTMAS TREES

419 ATLANTA RD

CUMMING, GA 30040 (770) 354-3695

BOTTOMS

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM & CORN MAZE

5880 JOHN BURRUSS RD CUMMING, GA 30040 (770) 887-2728

THE KINSEY FAMILY FARM

H OLIDAY H OUSE

The 9th Annual Holiday House is a Christmas shopping experience for families who are 200 percent above the poverty level. Hundreds of volunteers create the retailsize store complete with holiday music, decorations, and a selection of gifts.

TOY

7140 JOT EM DOWN RD

GAINESVILLE, GA 30506 (770) 887-6028

BIG JOHN’S

503 LAKELAND PLAZA CUMMING, GA 30040 (404) 261-3292

BIG JOHN’S

3651 PEACHTREE PKWY SUWANEE, GA 30024 (678) 672-0398

PIKE FAMILY NURSERY

6050 BETHELVIEW ROAD CUMMING, GA 30040 (770) 205-1737

DRIVES will be held NOV. 1-DEC. 6 Parent Shopping Days will take place Dec. 11-18 at Cumming First United Methodist Church, 770 Canton Hwy. in Cumming . For more information to participate in Holiday House or to donate, email HolidayHouse@theplaceofforsyth.org, or call 770-887-1098 or 770-288-0088 or visit theplaceofforsyth.org/holidayhouse.

F O CAL C ENTER SAWNEE ASSOCIATION

The Forsyth County Arts and Learning (FoCAL) is the home to several theatrical productions throughout the year. Located at 1150 Dahlonega Hwy. in Cumming, on the campus of Forsyth County Schools’ Board of Education and Professional Development Center, the FoCAL Center provides the community with access to arts and entertainment.

THE NUTCRACKER

FoCAL & Sawnee Ballet Theatre Main Stage Production

DEC. 2 & 9 - 7:30 P.M. DEC. 3 & 10 -2 P.M.

TICKETS: $30 Adults $25 Students

WHERE: 1150 Dahlonega Hwy

Cumming, GA

Contact: (470) 695-7826

https://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ domain/5366

OF THE ARTS C UMMING A RTS C ENTER

Located at the Historic Brannon-Heard House

The Sawnee Association of the Arts is hosting several events for the holiday season:

FESTIVAL OF TREES

November 11-December 23

Artists decorate trees between 1 and 4 feet that are put on display at the Cumming Arts Center.

111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA

Contact: (678) 936-6422 or https:// sawneeart.org/exhibits-shows

2023 SEASON FINALE ART EXHIBIT

December 6-January 6, 2024

111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA

Contact: (678) 936-6422 or https:// sawneeart.org/exhibits-shows

* Please note, the Cumming Arts Center will NOT feature Nativities of the World this year.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 9

CITY OF CUMMING

Christmas Parade

5PM to 7PM

Forsyth Central High School to the Cumming Fairgrounds via Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road

(Related Road Closures Begin at 4:30 p.m.)

For Christmas Parade updates, follow @cummingcityhall on Facebook and @cityofcumming on Instagram.

A ERIAL’S H OUSE

The Forsyth County Fire Department is hosting the 21st Annual Aerial’s House Toy and Coat Drive this year, in partnership with The Place of Forsyth County.

The drive was started by retired Forsyth County Fire Chief Danny Bowman during the 2002 Christmas season in response to learning of the surprising number of children in Forsyth County that did not receive or could not be provided with gifts by their families each year.

Toys are needed to fit all age groups, from newborn through 18 years old. Gift cards for retailers are also accepted. New, unwrapped toys and clean, lightly worn winter coats can be dropped off in the black bins at all Forsyth County Fire Stations, the Public Safety Complex, and all Forsyth County Public Library branches through Saturday, Dec. 16.

In 2022, more than 900 families, including 2,200 children, benefitted from the community’s generous donation of 9,400 toys and over 1,000 winter coats.

S CHOOL S TREET P LAYHOUSE

Tam’s School Street Playhouse is located at 101 School Street, inside the historic Cumming Public School. The following shows will take the stage this holiday season:

DEC. 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 20-21 AT 7:30 P.M. DEC. 3, 10, 17 AT 2:30 P.M.

A SHEBROOKE NIGHT OF LIGHTS

The Ashebrooke Night of Lights will be held this year on Sunday, December 17, beginning at 6 p.m.

Since 2006, each year neighbors come together and lights luminaries throughout the subdivision in support of a good cause. Thank you to everyone in the community who come out and donate!

5020 Luke Drive, Cumming

Contact: Visit Ashebrooke Night of Lights on Facebook for more details

H ALCYON E VENTS

Halcyon is home to

several big events open to the community this holiday season.

6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA

Contact: https://www.visithalcyon.com/events/ or (470) 223-3665

Halcyon Holiday Magic Benefitting

Family Promise

Saturday, Dec. 2 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Experience the wonder of the holiday season at Halcyon Holiday Magic – with special guests, Santa, Anna, Elsa, The Grinch and Minnie and Mickey lookalikes! Everyone can enjoy cheerful holiday activities, including photo opportunities with Santa, free face painting and balloon animals. Emceed by Galaxy Music & Arts, the event will feature live entertainment from talented teen dancers and singers in the community. Stop by the interactive teddy bear tent sponsored by Northside Hospital, HOBNOB, Cattle Shed, Renasant Bank and Huntington Learning Center, where the little ones can take home their own teddy bear. Guests are encouraged to stuff the Forsyth County Fire Truck with new, unwrapped toys that will be donated to children in need in Forsyth County. This is a ticketed event and all proceeds will directly benefit Family Promise of Forsyth County.

Santa Paws benefitting FurKids

Sunday, December 10 Noon - 4 p.m.

Spend the afternoon with your family (including dogs) at Halcyon for Santa Paws supporting Georgia’s largest no-kill animal shelter and rescue, FurKids. Bring the family, and of course your dogs, to take professional photos with Santa and visit Halcyon’s dog-friendly vendors, restaurant patios and retailers. The $25 registration fee includes hi-res download of your professional photos with Santa, make-your-own paw print ornament, a puppicino and a special Halcyon dog gift. All ticket proceeds will be donated to FurKids.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Bar Crawl with The Grinch

Thursday, December 14 6 - 10 p.m.

Brunch & Brews with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 9 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Save the date for the fifth annual Brunch & Brews with Santa at Cherry Street Brewpub! Enjoy a delicious brunch with family and friends, snap memorable pictures with Santa, find out if you’re on the naughty list or nice list and tell him what’s on your wish list this year.

Chanukah at Halcyon

Sunday, December 10 - 5 p.m.

The community is invited to help us light the menorah, enjoy latkes and donuts, sing and participate in family friendly activities in the Village Green. This is a free event with no RSVP needed.

Grab your crew and join Halcyon for the fifth annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Bar featuring special guest, The Grinch! Don your tackiest Christmas sweater, take photos with the Grinch, and visit Cherry Street’s Brewville Christmas Bar pop-up and HOBNOB’s Ski Chalet pop-up. Enjoy holiday cocktails and seasonal beers from participating bars and restaurants throughout the village. Dance the night away with friends to live music and a DJ spinning tunes. The Grinch will be selecting the winners of the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Each winner will receive a $50 gift card from one of Halcyon’s shops or restaurants. This event is for ages 21 and over. All ticket proceeds will directly benefit The Place of Forsyth.

Halcyon Kids Club with Santa

Wednesday, Dec. 20 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Bring the kiddos for a day with the jolly man himself, Santa Claus! The kids can enjoy holiday crafts and a special moment with Santa for photos and to share their wish list. This event is free and open to the community. Activities will be inside in case of inclement weather. No tickets needed for this event.

V ICKERY V ILLAGE

Vickery Village in west Forsyth County is the site for several holiday events. The Christmas tree is on display and a menorah will be lit in early December.Here are other planned events:

November 24th - 6th

Annual Kegs ‘n Eggs at Cherry Street Brewing

Shop Black Friday specials from 9 am to Noon. Feast on chicken and waffles, egg casserole, and much more.

November 25th - Small Business Saturday

Lots of specials throughout the Village shops, including discounts, gifts and more. Eat, shop and enjoy the offerings at Vickery Village.

Dec 2nd - “Pawtures with Santa”

Petworking & Co and Brian White Photography. Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa at Brian White’s studio. Enjoy a hot chocolate bar and cookies while you take pictures and shop. Two sessions available: 10-12; 1-4. Call 770-229-7220 for details and to secure your photo time.

Dec 9th - Santa at Vickery Village

3:30-5:30 pm - Hosted by Cinco Vickery. Stop by the Cinco Solarium, bring the kids and take pictures with Santa. Kids Eat Free (with purchase of regular entree. Not to be combined with other offers).

Dec 15th

Cookies and Cocoa Pajama Party with Santa

Held at he Forsyth Family YMCA - 5:30-7:30 pm. Registration is required for all attendees. Activities include pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, ornament decorating, crafts, games and story time with elves. Contact abbyp@ymcaatlanta.org for details and to register (Class ID: 559335)

Dec 22nd - Farmers & Artisans Market

4-7 pm – featuring a special guest - Santa!

WHERE: 5855 S Vickery St, Cumming, GA (off Post Rd)

CONTACT: https://www.vickeryvillageshops.com/vv_events.htm