After a rather gloomy start to the week, the forecast is calling for sunnier skies just in time for the weekend. And with only a handful of days left until Thanksgiving, the holiday-themed events are kicking into gear and there’s a lot of fun to be had all around town. Not sure how to spend the next few days? Why not choose from one of these local events.
License to Chill Snow Island and The Magical Nights of Lights open at Lanier Islands
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands’ new holiday attraction weaves traditional holiday revelry with maritime flourishes and features a number of activities for the family, including winter-themed carnival rides, an ice-skating rink, snow play areas, fire pit s’mores, a Santa photo op beneath the Fin Dunker, specialty winter drinks at Landshark Landing, and a snow tubing hill, which has been marketed as the fastest in North America. License to Chill Snow Island is set against the backdrop of the twinkling lights of Lanier’s original holiday spectacle, Magical Nights of Lights, which received a bit of a facelift with the addition of an extra mile of lights and 19 new displays, some of which will be Margaritaville-themed like the “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” clock (pictured above). Nov. 16-Feb. 24, 2019. Entrance to Magical Nights of Lights starts at $43 per vehicle. Tickets to License to Chill Snow Island begin at $24.99. For more information, visit MargaritavilleAtLanierIslands.com.
Christmas Canteen 2018 at Aurora Theatre
Gwinnett’s longest-running theatrical holiday tradition, Christmas Canteen 2018 returns for its 23rd year. The musical revue makes The Most Wonderful Time of the Year even more wonderful. Brimming with songs, comic sketches, trips down memory lane and a sprinkle of Christmas magic, it’s the holiday show with something for everyone. Through Nov. 23. Tues.-Sat., 8 . p.m.;
Sat.-Sun., 2:30 p.m. Tickets from $30. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. www.auroratheatre.com.
Peach State Chili Cookoff at Town Center Park
The annual chili cookoff hosts 50 chili teams who will compete for the $1,000 People’s Choice Prize and benefits the Gift of Adoption Fund. In addition to chili samples, attendees will enjoy a number of local vendors as well as live music. $10. Sat., Nov. 17, noon. Suwanee Town Center Park. www.peachstatechili.com.
A Very Grinchy Christmas
The Grinch meets The Nutcracker in Southern Ballet Theatre’s A Very Grinchy Christmas. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s story, this new holiday favorite tells the story of the ultimate Christmas hater, The Grinch, who sets out to steal the presents of everyone in Whoville. Along the way, he orchestrates a battle between a Nutcracker, a Rat King, dolls, mice, toy soldiers and even cannons. But, with the help of Cindy Lou Who and the rest of Whoville, the ultimate grouch learns the true meaning of Christmas. $13.50-$20.50. Sat., Nov. 17, 2:30 and 7 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 18, 2:30 p.m. Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. www.infiniteenergycenter.com.
Braselton’s Annual Parade, Holiday Marketplace, and Tree Lighting
Ring in the holiday season in Braselton, where festivities are planned throughout the day, including a holiday shopping marketplace, parade, visits with Santa, and the annual Lighting of the Tree ceremony. The parade will pass through Historic Downtown Braselton beginning at 10:30 a.m. and will feature local high school marching bands, floats, classic cars, tractors and animal entries. Holiday shoppers can visit vendors surrounding the Town Green from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Downtown Braselton, 9924 Davis St. www.downtownbraselton.com.
