Christmas in Forsyth 2020

2020

WHAT’S INSIDE See a Christmas parade, a festival of trees, nativities from around the world, buy unique crafts, see a holiday performance and more.

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS

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2020

Christmas Parade...........................................Page 5 Festival of Trees..............................................Page 8 Nativities from Around the World................Page 10 Christmas in Cumming...................................Page 12 Find the perfect Christmas tree....................Page 14 Live Nativity at Wildewood Farms...............Page 18 Local performances.......................................Page 20 Annual Lily’s Toy Drive...................................Page 24 Ashebrooke Night of Lights..........................Page 25 Holiday House, The Place of Forsyth..........Page 26 Have fun supporting local nonprofits..........Page 28 Cover photo by Kristina Paukshtite, Pexels 4 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

Join hundreds of Forsyth County residents as they line the streets of Cumming to view a magical Christmas parade. The City of Cumming will have its third annual Cumming Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 5.

The parade route travels south on Tribble Gap Road, starting at Forsyth Central High School and ending at the Cumming Fairgrounds. There will be a tree lighting at 6 p.m.

When: 5-7 p.m., Dec. 5 Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road Cost: Free Contact: (770) 781-3491 or cityofcumming.net.

2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH | 5

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Festival of Trees The Cumming Arts Center, located in the historic Brannon-Heard 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 2021 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 Visit sawneeart.org for more information Masks will be required for entry and CDC protocols will be followed 8 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

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 ONLY

706-864-8222 NANCY HORTON’S

Back Porch Pottery and Gift Store @HollyHillTreeFarm

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Nativities from Around the World The Sawnee Association of the Arts presents its fourth Annual Nativities From Around the World, featuring displays off dozens of unique types of nativities from various time periods and parts of the world.

This year, the event will be virtual.

When: Dec. 5 through Jan. 6 Where: www.sawneeart.org

Visit sawneeart.org for more information Masks will be required for entry and CDC protocols will be followed 10 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

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20th annual Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Show Admission is only $1 with free parking, photos with Santa, s’mores, and hot chocolate. More than 100 arts and crafts vendors.

When: 6-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12 Where: Cumming Fairgrounds

12 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

CHRISTMAS IN CUMMING 2020

City of Cumming Christmas Parade– Saturday, Dec. 5, 5-6:30 p.m.

Parade Route: Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road from Forsyth Central High School to the Cumming Fairgrounds through Downtown Cumming; Parade begins at 5 p.m.

Festival: Due to the pandemic, there will be no Christmas Festival at the Fairgrounds this year, and parade participants and spectators are encouraged to wear masks and socially distance as much as possible.

Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Show – Friday, Dec. 11, 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the Livestock Barn at the Cumming Fairgrounds (Red Barn Next to the Covered Arena). Come shop a wide array of handmade arts and crafts! (Due to the pandemic, shoppers are encouraged to wear masks and socially distance as much as possible.)

Follow us on

@CummingCityHall and

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AT TAM’S SCHOOL STREET PLAYHOUSE

AT THE SAWNEE ASSOCIATION OF THE ARTS’ DOWNTOWN ART CENTER

“A Christmas Carol” – Nov. 27 – Dec. 20; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays (Due to the pandemic, a limited number of tickets will be sold to each performance.)

Festival of Trees – Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m. thru Dec. 20 Nativities of the World – Virtual Display at www.sawneeart.org from Dec. 5 to Jan. 6 (Due to the pandemic, all visitors to the Arts Center will be asked to wear masks.)

(SCHOOLSTREETPLAYHOUSE.COM):

(SAWNEEART.ORG):

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: Ruth Cantrell (706) 864-8222; Dave Horton (678) 897-9009

Bottoms Tree Farm Bottoms Tree Farm has over 4,000 choose and cut Christmas trees.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 p.m. to dark, Monday-Thursday; noon to 6 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; closed Sunday.

Where: 5880 John Burruss Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Contact: (770) 887-2728 or visit bottomstreefarm.com

Big John’s Christmas Trees A 70-year-old Atlanta tradition, still family owned and operated, Big John’s serves the metro Atlanta area with the highest quality, hand-picked, fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, roping, stands, lights, ornaments and more.

When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Where: 503 Lakeland Plaza Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (Lakeland Plaza) Contact: bigjohnstrees.com 14 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

Kinsey Family Farm Kinsey Family Farm has over 4,000 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.

When: Noon to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends.

Where: 7170 Jot Em Down Road, Gainesville, GA 30506 Contact: (770) 887-6028, kinseyfamilyfarm.com.

B.L. Mullinax Landscaping B.L. Mullinax Landscaping & Shrubbery is a local, family-owned business that has been doing business in Forsyth County for over 28 years.

Where: 1886 Peachtree Parkway Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday Contact: (770) 781-9823 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH | 15

Wishing your family a Merry Christmas & A Safe Happy New Year!

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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. 18-20 Cost: $10/per person if ordered early or $15/person at the door.

Order tickets: bit.ly/2IJndq7 More information: Facebook WildeWood Farm Inc. 18 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

11th Annual Christmas at The ICE Holiday Skate Show When: 4:30 p.m., Dec. 12 More information: Visit www.theice.info, or call (678) 845-0103 Where: The ICE Complex, 1345 Atlanta Hwy., Cumming, GA 30040 Extended public skate Holiday Hours from Dec. 20 through Jan. 3.

School Street Playhouse What: ‘A Christmas Carol’ When: 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m., Sunday through Dec. 20.

Where: School Street Playhouse is at 101 School St, Cumming, GA 30040 Contact: 770-781-9178 20 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

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Atlanta Hobby Atlanta Hobby, a local hobby shop for those interested in RC vehicles, drones and other hobbies, has been in Forsyth County for nearly 20 years, but owner Cliff Whitney is hoping a recent move to a much more noticeable location will not only bring out enthusiasm for different hobbies but will get people interested in new ones.

The new location at the intersection of Oak Industrial Lane and Ronald Reagan Boulevard, opened in 2019 after the business spent many years tucked away from public view on Parkway North Drive off Bethelview Road.

At the new location, those offerings have not only expanded to remote-

22 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

controlled boats and vehicles – including some replicating popular vehicle models that can reach speeds of 60 MPH – but other hobbies that the business did not previously sell.

“Now you can get paint-by-numbers sets [and] all types of science kits. We’ve got solar stuff, so you can take solar cells and see how to run a battery and how that works. There’s weather kits, and there’s a whole section back there just based on science and experiments to try to get kids involved with what’s going on,” said Cliff Whitney, owner.

For more information, visit AtlantaHobby.com.

There’s Always Something Happening at The ICE Making Memories Since 2010

Ice Skating • Birthday Parties • Hockey & More PUBLIC SKATE HOURS Friday 10:30am-12:30pm & 4:30-6:30pm Saturday and Sunday 1:30-3:30pm Extended Public Skate Holiday Hours 12/20/20-1/3/21 11th Annual Christmas at The ICE Holiday Skate Show Saturday December 12, 2020 - 4:30pm Visit Us at www.theice.info for a full listing of Events at The ICE

The ICE Complex 1345 Atlanta Hwy Cumming, GA 30040 678.845.0103

Lily’s Toy Drive Each year, on Dec. 15, The Live a Yes Foundation hosts our biggest toy drive and fundraiser, known lovingly throughout the community as Lily’s Toy Drive. Over the past seven years, more than 20,000 toys have been collected.

Lily’s Toy Drive is the largest provider of toys, arts, crafts and gift cards for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and sustains their needs throughout the whole year. In the past, individuals, schools and businesses have signed on as Santa Stops, to assist in toy collection leading up to the actual event; local vendors and artists participated in our Holiday Shop and the night culminated in the lighting of the tree in Vickery Village.

This year, Lily’s Toys will look a little different. As we strive to be mindful of the current situation, observe social 24 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

distancing protocols and ensure we are protecting our most vulnerable friends, The Live a Yes Foundation is partnering with CHOA for the Inaugural Holiday Shop at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite Holiday Shop on Dec. 23 and 24.

In place of our annual physical toy drive, the Live a Yes Foundation, along with our generous donors and sponsors will stock the shelves of the Holiday Shop through an Amazon Wish List. This will give parents of patients hospitalized during Christmas the opportunity to shop for their children in the hospital with specially selected items. These gifts will be wrapped and delivered to their rooms on Christmas morning. For more information, visit liveayes.org.

Ashebrooke Night of Lights Every December, the Ashebrooke community puts on a display of magnificent festivity in their Night of Lights. Organized by dedicated homeowners, the donations received from this event are put towards a local charity or a member of the community in need.

When: 6-10 p.m., Dec. 20 Where: Enter at 3905 Northridge

Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 Cost: Free, donations welcome.

2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH | 25

Holiday House — The Place of Forsyth When: Dec. 7-10, and 14-17 Where: The Collection at Forsyth Phone: 770-887-1098 Shop our Wish Lists Based on Family Requests or Download the wish list at www.theplaceofforsyth.org/holidayhouse Email: HolidayHouse@theplaceofforsyth.org Website: theplaceofforsyth.org/holidayhouse

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, may be dropped off into 26 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

a contactless collection bin at any Forsyth County fire station or the Fire Department Headquarters (3520 Settingdown Road) through Dec. 11.

Donations for Aerial’s House may also be dropped off inside the lobby of the Forsyth County Administration Building (110 E. Main St.).

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 (770) 5493491.

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Second Annual Ugly Christmas Bar Crawl with the Grinch Dust off those ugly Christmas sweaters and toast the holiday season with Christmas-inspired cocktails and seasonal beers. From 6 to 10 p.m., Dec. 17, guests can enjoy some free holiday swag and sample holiday-inspired libations from Halcyon’s participating bars and restaurants. Meet and mingle with The Grinch as he selects the winners of the tackiest holiday sweater to receive a $50 gift card from a Halcyon restaurant. A limited number of tickets are available to accommodate social distancing, with a portion of proceeds benefiting local nonprofit Mentor Me North Georgia.

Santa Paws Bring your pups for photos with Santa from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13. For a $20 donation to Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters, guests and their dogs can enjoy treats and giveaways from Halcyon shops and restaurants.

To register for the photo sitting, visit fb.me/e/1H2BRUhoG. While visiting Halcyon, all guests are encouraged to act in the best interest of their health and the health of the community.

Masks and sanitizing stations are available at all events.

For additional information about Halcyon, including a full list of upcoming events, visit www.visithalcyon.com 28 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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Forsyth County Family Haven Inc. P.O. Box 1160, Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 889-6384 www.forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info Forsyth County Humane Society Inc. 4440 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 887-6480, www.forsythpets.org Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelter 5235 Union Hill Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 613-0880 www.furkids.org Marcus E. & Sharon B. Gunter Foundation/the MSG Foundation (fighting food insecurity) www.msgfound.org Georgia Mountain Food Bank (770) 534-4111 www.gamountainfoodbank.org Meals By Grace Inc. • 5025 Atlanta Hwy., 30 | 2020 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

Alpharetta, GA 30004 • 432 A Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (404) 426-4055, www.mealsbygrace.org Ninth District Opportunity Inc. 133 Samaritan Dr. Suite 112 Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 889-9420 www.ndo.org or forsyth@ndocsbg.org The Place Of Forsyth County Inc. 2550 The Place Circle, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-1098 www.theplaceofforsyth.org There’s Hope for The Hungry Inc. 2160 Freedom Pkwy., Cumming, GA 30041 www.thereshopeforthehungry.org United Way of Forsyth County Inc. P.O. Box 1350, Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 781-4110 www.unitedwayforsyth.com

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