10 local holiday events to help your family celebrate the spirit of the season.
As the holiday season approaches, our community is abuzz with joy and merriment. From holiday-themed events and performances to festive celebrations, the local landscape is set to come alive with the spirit of the season. In that spirit, we’ve curated a roundup of some of the most enchanting local holiday events, ensuring that your season will be filled with many cherished moments.
License to Chill Snow Island
November 11-February 25
License to Chill Snow Island is Margaritaville’s lakeside Christmastime attraction that features tons of holiday- themed activities for the family, including winter carnival rides, an ice-skating rink, snow play areas, fire pit s’mores, and more! The star of the island is the 575-foot-long, eight-story snow tubing hill, which is said to be the fastest in North America. November 11-February 25. For hours and more information, visit MargaritavilleResorts.com/margaritaville-at-lanier-islands.
Lakeside Lights Extravaganza
November 22-January 1
Experience an illuminated winter wonderland at Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular beginning November 22. Immerse yourself in a festive display of lights, choreographed to the rhythm of seasonal tunes. As you stroll through the attraction, let the magic of the holiday season envelop you, creating memories that will shimmer long after the lights dim. For hours and more information, visit MargaritavilleResorts.com/margaritaville-at-lanier-islands.
Gingerbread House Contest
November 27-December 2
Suwanee Performing Arts is hosting its annual Gingerbread House Contest, so get ready to bake up some holiday cheer! Bring your entry to Suwanee Academy of the Arts (341 Main St.) during business hours between November 27 and December 2. (Entries are due by 11 a.m. on December 2.) Follow Suwanee Performing Arts on social for more information and theme announcement. Prizes will be given! For more information, visit SuwaneePerforms.org.
Jolly Holly Day
December 1, 6:30 p.m.
Jolly Holly Day is an annual Suwanee tradition where Santa himself takes the center stage! Children can capture a cherished moment with Santa and enjoy carols performed by local school choruses. As the day unfolds, Santa Claus will lead the lighting of the grand Christmas tree on the fountain in the park. Expect a delightful array of activities, including crafts, gourmet food trucks, indulgent hot chocolate, and scrumptious s’mores. Friday, December 1, 6:30 p.m. Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave. in Suwanee. For more information, visit Suwanee.com.
HappyFeat’s Run Run Rudolph 5K
December 2, 9 a.m.
Get a racing start on the holiday fun with HappyFeat’s Run Run Rudolph 5K. Participants are encouraged to get in the spirit of the season and don holiday running attire or Christmas PJs, and even dress up their strollers, bikes or dogs with festive flair! Plus, the event helps to support HappyFeat, a local nonprofit whose mission is to create inclusive opportunities for people living with disabilities. Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m. Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave. in Suwanee. For more information, visit HappyFeat.org.
The Nativity Ballet
December 2, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Nativity Ballet, hosted by the Sugarloaf Performing Arts Center, presents the 20th anniversary of this special performance. Free of charge, this holiday feature is a gift from the dancers back to the community. The energetic production is made up of a cast of dancers ranging from members of the Sugarloaf Youth Ballet to alumni who return for this annual tradition, plus shepherds, drummers, angels, Mary and Joseph and Wisemen! Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Gas South Theater, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth. For more information, visit SugarloafBallet.org.
TACky Christmas Sweater Improv Show
December 16, 7 p.m.
Get ready for a fun-filled evening with The Actor’s Company for their TACky Christmas Sweater Improv Show! Join them on December 16 at 7 p.m. for a hilarious improv show highlighting the fun side of Christmas. The show will take place at Suwanee Academy of the Arts, located at 341 Main St. in Suwanee. For more information, visit SuwaneePerforms.org.
Nutcracker Tea Party
December 2-3, 3 p.m.
Suwanee Performing Arts’ Nutcracker Tea Party is the perfect event for young children where the enchanting tale of The Nutcracker is brought to life through magical storytelling and beautiful dancing by Suwanee Ballet. Tea parties will take place at 3 p.m. on both Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, at Suwanee Academy of the Arts, located at 341 Main St. in Suwanee. For more information, visit SuwaneePerforms.org.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
December 8-10, and 14-17
Step into a world of enchantment with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, Gwinnett County’s largest and longest-running holiday spectacle. Set to the live music of the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra, The Nutcracker features a cast of over 100 professional and student dancers that captivates audiences of all ages. December 8-10, and 14-17. Gas South Theater, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit GwinnettBallet.org.
Suwanee Ballet’s Best of The Nutcracker
December 9-10, 2 p.m.
Join Suwanee Ballet for a night full of excitement as they perform some of your favorite selections from the classic holiday ballet The Nutcracker! The Best of The Nutcracker will take place at 2 p.m. on both Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10, at Suwanee Academy of the Arts, located at 341 Main St. in Suwanee. For more information, visit SuwaneePerforms.org.
