Magical Holiday Activities Near Forsyth County

With only a few more weeks until Christmas, the holiday season is in full swing and with it comes an abundance of exciting local activities that are sure to thrill young and old.

Whether you’ve recently moved to the Forsyth County area or you’ve been here for years, the list of fun things to do is sure to keep you and your family in the holiday spirit throughout the month of December.

1.) Blink Midwinter Light Show—Glenbrooke Subdivision, Cumming: (Nov. 27-Jan. 1) This free event is a beautiful synchronized residential light show that is set to music; however, while admission comes at no cost, donations are accepted—100% of which will be given to Canine Assistants. Hours are 5:30-10:00pm on Sunday through Thursday and 5:30-11:00pm on Friday and Saturday. COST: FREE. ADDRESS: 7020 Cole Court, Cumming, GA 30028. WEBSITE: blinkmidwinter.com.

2.) Christmas in Castille Light Show—Castille Subdivision, Alpharetta: (Dec. 4-27) This display, which is located at a residential home in Alpharetta, is synchronized to songs such as “Amazing Grace,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and “Wizards in Winter.” Weather permitting, it can be seen from 6:00-9:00pm on Thursday through Saturday and requires viewers to tune their car radios to 89.9FM. COST: FREE. ADDRESS: 4220 Tivoli Way, Alpharetta, GA 30004. WEBSITE: www.christmasincastille.com.

3.) Ice Rink & Holiday Events—The Avalon, Alpharetta: (Dec. 11-31) From the arrival of Santa Claus to outdoor ice skating, the Avalon has an array of holiday activities for the whole family. Santa will be available Mon-Fri from 11:00am-7:00pm, Saturdays from 10:00am-8:00pm, and Sundays from 12:00pm-6:00pm (with extended hours starting Dec. 21st). Additional Santa-themed events include Cookies with Santa, Story Time with Santa, and Breakfast with Santa, as well as PAWtraits with Santa, where you’re welcome to bring your pet for photos with Santa from 6:00-8:00pm on Dec. 14th and 7:00-9:00pm on Dec. 21st. COST: Varies. CONTACT: 770-765-1000.

4.) Holiday Lights—Technology Park, Johns Creek: (Dec. 11-31) If you’re on a budget this year, the Johns Creek Owners Association and Emory Johns Creek hospital have sponsored a free event that includes nearly a mile of beautiful light displays along the Hospital Parkway in Technology Park. COST: Free. CONTACT: 800-590-4211.

5.) Sugar Hill Ice Rink—Downtown, Sugar Hill: Located just minutes from the Mall of Georgia, this brand new ice rink sits behind City Hall and offers general admission skating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets can be purchased online (www.icerinkatsugarhill.com) or at the gate. Hours of operation vary depending upon whether school is in session, so it is recommended that interested patrons check the calendar on the www.icerinkatsugarhill.com website for dates and times. COST: $8.00 for ages 5-12, $10.00 for ages 13 and up. Admission for children under the age of four is free; however, they are not permitted to skate. CONTACT: 770-945-6716.

6.) Magical Night of Lights—Lake Lanier Islands, Buford: (Nov. 16-Dec. 31) Celebrating 20 years of holiday festivities, Lake Lanier Islands offers a fantastic holiday driving adventure which includes a drive over Snowflake Bridge, down through the 12 Days of Christmas display, up past the Illuminated Diamond Wonder Light, under the Blanket-Lit Bridge, and to the Dancing Holiday House for Santa’s Workshop, the Christmas Carnival, and more! Visitors will also be delighted to spend time in the Holiday Village, where they will be treated to a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, delicious holiday fare, pony and amusement rides, and holiday shopping. For children, Santa will also be available at the Santa Shop! COST: Starting at $20 for the Snow Lights; however, packages starting at $209 are available for SnowWorld, which includes an assortment of snow-covered slides, tubing, and delicious food. CONTACT: 770-945-8787.

7.) Old-Fashioned Christmas—Downtown Square, Dahlonega: (Dec. 11-21) This month-long celebration begins with the Lighting of the Square and continues daily with an abundance of holiday entertainment, caroling, wine sampling, and live theater events. Kids are also welcome to visit Santa every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and a live nativity scene with animals can be seen at the Park Place Hotel. Other events include old-fashioned trolley and horse-drawn carriage rides, as well as a holiday parade and a Sleigh Bell Tour of several local inns. COST: Activity prices range from $3-$15. CONTACT: 706-864-3513

8.) Tea with Santa—The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead: (Dec. 11-14, 18-21) As one of the Ritz-Carlton’s most notorious traditions, tea with Santa is held in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge and is perfect for adults and older children. Reservations are required for each sitting (1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm); however, this elegant formal service includes a visit from Santa, as well as musical entertainment and caroling by the famed Dickens Singers. COST: $59/adult, $52/child. CONTACT: 404-237-2700.

9.) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Lights Up Atlanta—Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta: (Dec. 11-12, 16-21, 23-24, 26-28) Directed by Jon Ludwig and based on the beloved 1964 animated special, this magical holiday classic is a not-to-be-missed treat for the whole family! Through the use of rod and body puppets, skilled puppeteers present the timeless tale of Rudolph’s acceptance that has inspired audiences for decades. COST: Call for show times, pricing, and reservations. CONTACT: 404-873-3391.

CONCLUSION

While I’ve highlighted several local activities, as well as an assortment of adventures that require a bit of driving, Georgia is filled with interesting holiday events that are sure to please your entire family.

If you’re new to the area or you’d like to know more about any of the above happenings, please feel free to contact me for more information.

Happy Holidays!

Pam Evans | Hello Pam Evans Real Estate | www.HelloPamEvans.com | 678-778-6551