Christmas in Forsyth 2023

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

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Forsyth County events ...........................Page 6 City of Cumming events ........................Page 8 Jingle Jog .......................................................Page 10 Christmas Tree Farms listings ............Page 14 The PLACE of Forsyth County Holiday House ..............................................Page 14 FoCAL Center events ................................Page 16 Sawnee Association of the Arts / Cumming Arts Center events ............Page 16 Aerial’s House ..............................................Page 18 School Street Playhouse events ......Page 19 Ashebrooke Night Of Lights ................Page 19 Halcyon events .............................................Page 20 Vickery Village events ............................Page 22

4 | 2023 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!

F ORTH C OUNTY EVENTS SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN!

HOLIDAY CONCERT

HOLIDAY GIVING

A DICKENS CHRISTMAS

Sunday, Dec. 3 from 3-5 p.m. at Sexton Hall. All ages welcome.

Santa will visit Central Park $10 in advance, $15 at the to hear what special needs door. Sing along with the children want for Christmas Sounds of Sawnee Concert this year. The event will feature Band at this annual community lots of Christmas cheer and a event. snack. While the event is free, pre-registration is required.

WHERE Sexton Hall, 2115 Chloe Rd WHERE Cumming, GA 2300 Keith Bridge Road Cumming, GA CONTACT seniorservices@forsythco.com CONTACT or (770) 781-2178 parks.forsythco.com to register 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

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.

WHERE

Sexton Hall, 2115 Chloe Rd Cumming, GA CONTACT

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

6 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

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425 Quill Drive, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 429-0077 www.wbu.com/Dawsonville

EVENTS 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 S ATURDAY , N OV . 1 8 , 1 0 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 SATUR DAY , N OV . 1 8 , 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 SATUR DAY , D E C . 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..

8 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

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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:

5k and 1k Kids Fun Run (for children 10 & under)

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 and more!

PACKET PICKUP

Cumming City Center

423 Canton Road Cumming, GA Register at:

Saturday, December 9th from 12 PM to 5 PM at Big Peach Running CoCumming (5485 Bethelview Rd, Suite 430, Cumming, GA 30040) Race Day beginning at 7:30 AM Virtual runners can pick up packets during this time. Virtual packets will be mailed after Monday, December 11th if not picked up.

https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Cumming/ CummingChristmasJingleJog5K 10 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

“A Good Shuckin’ Time!” oysters crabs chowder low country boil holiday cocktails

Voted Best Seafood in Forsyth

County 4 Years in a Row! 415 Peachtree Pkwy #255, cumming, ga | Across from the collection

@shuckinshackcummingga | (470) 253-7746

Candy Land Christmas

Photographs with Santa Free photographs with santa!

Nov. 19th from 6 PM - 7 PM Nov. 25th & 26th Dec. 2nd & 3rd Dec. 9th & 10th Dec. 16th & 17th Suite #366 Remember to bring your own phone and camera

@collectionforsyth

Train Schedule Free train rides!

Saturdays & Sundays 1 PM - 4 PM Nov. 25th & 26th Dec. 2nd & 3rd Dec. 9th & 10th Dec. 16th & 17th

410 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041

C HRISTMAS PLACE OF FORSYTH COUNTY TREE F ARMS H OLIDAY H OUSE THE

SLATES CH RISTM AS TREES

419 ATLANTA RD CUMMING, GA 30040 (770) 354-3695

B OTTOMS CH RISTMAS T R E E FARM & CO RN M AZE

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

T H E KIN SEY FAM ILY FARM 7140 JOT EM DOWN RD GAINESVILLE, GA 30506 (770) 887-6028

BIG JOH N ’ S

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 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

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

BIG JOH N ’ S

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

P IK E FAMILY N URSERY

6050 BETHELVIEW ROAD CUMMING, GA 30040 (770) 205-1737 14 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

.

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.

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HOLISTIC HEALING

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110 Samaritan Dr • Suite 202 • Cumming, GA 30040

( 770) 722-2711

10 S. Brooks St • Cleveland, GA 30528

( 762) 228-0319

F OCAL C ENTER

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.

TH E

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

16 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

SAWNEE ASSOCIATION 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

Christmas

CIT Y OF CUMMING

5 PM to 7 P M

Parade

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.

AERIAL’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.

Visit https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Fire-Department/ Locations to find a listing of fire station locations.

The Public Safety Complex is located at:

3520 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 18 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

S CHOOL S TREET PLAYHOUSE

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:

A Christmas Carol

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

Rocking New Year’s Eve with Banks and Shane

DEC. 31 AT 2:30 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. 101 School St, Cumming, GA Contact: schoolstreetplayhouse.com (770) 781-9178

ASHEBROOKE

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 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH | 19

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.

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.

20 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

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.

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.

OPEN 24/7 ONLINE 527 ATLANTA RD CUMMING, GA

770-887-2316 WWW.ANDEANCHEVY.COM

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 22 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH 22 | 2023 CHRISTMAS IN FORSYTH

VISIT US THIS HOLIDAY SEASON LOCATED AT THE COLLECTION @ FORSYTH (BETWEEN WILD WINGS AND BARNES & NOBLE)

thMisENT llPIG a m s p + o E h IN s P IT VIS H O L I D A Y S E A S O N THIS on. holiday seas

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COOKIES WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS DECEMBER 16 2-5PM

EVENTS

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