As we kick off November, we start to think ahead to this joyous holiday season. Our homes may be filled with extended family and friends more than usual during this time, old traditions and new take place as we decorate and celebrate, and there is so much to be thankful for.
If you are looking for some fun, festive things to do around town, here are some of our favorite things locally or worth the drive this holiday season.
MILTON
Milton Friends of CHOA Jingle Mingle Holiday Market
When: Thursday, Dec 1 10 am
Where: 945 Mid Broadwell, Milton GA 30004
What: Shop for everyone on your list at the Milton Friends Jingle Mingle at The Jenny Doyle Group's office in downtown Crabapple, benefiting The Never Settle Campaign for Children's Hospital of Atlanta. Shoppers will enjoy a complimentary coffee in the morning and festive cocktails at night as they shop local and curated women's, children's and men's accessories and attire, plus home decor, original artwork, hostess gifts, holiday foods and more. All vendors are donating a portion of their sales during the gift show directly to Children's, so grab your friends and make a morning or night of shopping local and supporting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Christmas in Crabapple & Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, Dec 2, 2 – 6 PM
Where: Broadwell Pavilion, 12615 Broadwell Rd, Milton, GA
What: The City of Milton hosts the Annual Christmas in Crabapple annually in early December. This quaint holiday event takes place in historic downtown Crabapple at the Broadwell Pavilion
Enchanted Christmas Tree Forest
Where: Scottsdale Farms, 15639 Birmingham Hwy, Milton, GA
When: Saturday, Nov 18
What: Beginning November 18th, the Enchanted Christmas Tree Forest will be stocked with gorgeous trees brought in from the mountains of North Carolina and Oregon. Sizes range from 2 feet to towering giants with a large variety of trees, including Fraser Fir, Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir and many others. See the selection of flocked trees, fresh wreaths and garlands, as well as custom greenery arrangements created to fill your home with the fragrance of Christmas.
Holiday Lantern Tour
When: Thursday, Dec 7, 6 PM
Where: The Painted Horse Winery and Vineyards, On the Roundabout, 13762 Hopewell Rd, Milton, GA
What: Get into the festive spirit! Join proprietors Pamela and David and embark on a magical walking journey and wine tasting with our enchanting Lantern Tour of Pamelot Estate. Experience the winery.
Holiday Milton Farmers Market
When: Saturday, Dec 9, 11am-3pm
Where: City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA
What: Join us for a special, one-day HOLIDAY Milton Farmers Market in Crabapple for unique gifts, crafts, homemade foods, and handmade items.
ALPHARETTA
Downtown Alpharetta Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, Nov 18, 5pm - 9pm
Where: 178 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA
What: Kick off the holiday season with a 50 ft. tree lighting in Downtown Alpharetta. Enjoy live music, snow flurries, vignettes from Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, sing-alongs, and more! To top it all off, Santa and friends will make a guest appearance! Join us for this unforgettable experience with family and friends.
Holiday Hop & Shop
When: Saturday, Dec 2, 9:30 - 4:00 PM
Where: 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009
What: Holiday shopping just got easier! Take advantage of the FREE hop on, hop off shuttle, running from 9:30 - 4:00 p.m. as you browse for handcrafted items for everyone on your list. You'll have the chance to visit four unique markets offering a variety of crafts, food, décor, jewelry, sweet treats, and much more! Plus, there are plenty of fun activities for the kids including free pictures with Santa, holiday character meet & greets, and live music. Don’t forget to keep receipts to get up to three gifts wrapped for free! Make it a fun day of holiday shopping while supporting your community.
Channukah Menorah Lighting
When: Thursday, Dec 7 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Downtown Alpharetta, 2 Park Plaza Alpharetta, GA 30009
What: Join Chabad and the City of Alpharetta for the annual lighting of the Alpharetta Menorah on the Town Green. Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 5:30pm.
Flicks & Flurries on the Town Green
When: Saturday, Dec 16, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Where: 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009
What: Experience the enchantment of winter in Downtown Alpharetta during the holiday season. Take a stroll past decorated storefronts, twinkling lights, and snow flurries on Town Green. Catch one of the rotating holiday shorts on the big screen, complete with an inflatable snow globe for photos and Brewable's hot cocoa available for purchase. Snow flurries will appear every 15 minutes between movies - the perfect opportunity to capture those precious moments. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.
Showtimes:
6:15 PM – Shrek the Halls
6:45 PM – Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury
7:30 PM – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
AVALON
The Lighting of Avalon
When: Sunday, Nov 19, 1 - 8 PM
where: Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard Alpharetta, GA 30009
What: From the annual opening of Avalon on Ice to the magnificent tree lighting, and an appearance from Jolly Old Saint Nick himself, there’s something exciting for all to enjoy. For a list of the day's activities click here. Santa at Avalon will continue through December 24, and Avalon on Ice will continue through January 15. For additional info and other Santa events click here. Don't miss Santa's Secret 'Stache, a returning pop-up dessert bar and themed cocktails at the Avalon Ice Rink.
Tuck-Ins With Santa The Hotel at Avalon
When: Multiple Dates through Nov 24- Dec 23
where: Hotel at Avalon
What: Atlanta’s best staycation hotel offers a unique, delightful + magical experience for children of all ages. The magic begins with a knock-knock-knock on the door, a smile spreads from ear to ear as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive. Imagine young ones excitedly sharing their hopes, dreams, and a bedtime snack with the jolly man in red!
Menorah Lighting
When: Sunday, Dec 10
where: 400 Avalon Boulevard Alpharetta, GA 30009
What: Help us light up the night! Guests are invited to the Boulevard to celebrate the fourth night of Chanukah with a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony. Our friends at Chabad of North Fulton will help us light our menorah and have special goodies for guests!
CANTON
Christmas in Canton
When: Sunday, Dec 10 6-9PM
Where: Downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street Canton, Georgia 30114
What: You’re invited to join us for Christmas in Canton! Activities will include a visit with Santa, The Polar Express movie, train rides, petting zoo, face painting, balloon artist, inflatables, s’mores and more! The shops will be open extended hours to assist you with your Christmas shopping.
CUMMING
Tree Lighting and Winter Market
When: Saturday, Nov 18 6 PM
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
What: Start your holiday season with lots of family-friendly fun at the Cumming City Center on Saturday, November 18th! Following the Winter Market, Local Church Forsyth and Lou Sobh Automotive present a Christmas Tree Lighting Event beginning at 6 PM with live music from the Big Beyond, family activities, warm beverages and desserts from local vendors!
HALCYON
Halcyon Holiday Shopping Event
When: Thursday, Nov 16 6-9PM
Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way Alpharetta, GA 30005
What: Gather your girlfriends and head to Halcyon for a festive night of shopping, sips and holiday cheer! All of the boutiques along Town Square will be offering something special for you such as storewide discounts, gifts with purchase, holiday refreshments, sips and more!
Gobble Wobble 5K/10K Fun Run
When: Thursday, Nov 23 7:45am- 10am
Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way Alpharetta, GA 30005
What: 8th Annual family fun run, 5k or 10k Thanksgiving morning.
Halcyon Holiday Magic
When: Saturday, Dec 2 11am- 3pm
Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way Alpharetta, GA 30005
What: Come help us officially welcome Santa and friends to Halcyon and kick off the holiday season! It’s going to be a MAGICAL day!
Shine Your Light Chanukah Celebration
When: Tuesday, Dec 20 5-7pm
Where: Halcyon
What: We invite the entire community our Chanukah Celebration at Halcyon. Meet us in the Village Green for the lighting of the Menorah, gelt (chocolate coins), latkes, games, giveaways and music. This event is held in collaboration with Chabad of Forsyth and Congregation Beth Israel
LAKE LANIER
Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular
When: Wednesday, Nov 22
where: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy Buford, Georgia 30518
What: Visit Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular for a night of nostalgic wintry fun. The Lakeside Lights Spectacular will take you on a magical walk through an amazing lighting extravaganza with festive seasonal music. Great for the whole family!
DULUTH
Deck the Hall
When: Saturday, Dec 2, 2-7 PM
Where: 3142 Hill St NW Duluth, GA 30096
What: Help us Deck the Hall as we kick off the holiday season in Downtown Duluth! This event features live entertainment, crafts for the kids, a real snow playground and snow slide, photo ops with Santa and holiday light installations.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve
When: Sun, Dec 10, 2 – 6 PM
where: Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA
What: Rock out this holiday season with TSO as we bring back ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More’! We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure this winter tour is our best show in years.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
When: Saturday, Dec 16 10AM - 12PM
where: 3142 Hill St NW Duluth, GA 30096
What: This event is designed to give our little ones a chance to tell Santa their last few wishes for Christmas. Arts and crafts are available for the kids (while supplies last), and children can bring letters to Santa to take back to the North Pole!
ATLANTA
ATLANTA CHRISTKINDL MARKET
When: Multiple Dates starting Nov 17 - Dec 23
where: Buckhead Village District, 290 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
What: Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Atlanta Christkindl Market, a unique fusion of traditional German festivities and the vibrant spirit of Atlanta. From delicious culinary delights to handcrafted treasures, immerse yourself in an enchanting world where old-world charm intertwines with the modern energy of this bustling city.
Garden Lights Holiday Nights
When: Multiple dates from Nov 18 - Jan 14
where: Atlanta Botanical Garden
What: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns with plenty of fan favorites, and guests can expect new twists, including a colorful Glowing Grove along the Flower Walk, oversized flowers leading to Ice Goddess, and several lighted sculptures.
DAHLONEGA
Dahlonega Old Fashioned Christmas
When: Multiple Dates Starting Nov 24 - Mid January
Where: 13 South Park Street Dahlonega, GA 30533
What: From its charming town square to its picturesque mountain backdrop, Dahlonega is a small town bursting with character and Southern tradition. The little town, which is nestled in North Georgia, is about as welcoming as it can be, and has the Christmas charm and festivities worthy of a Hallmark movie (the popular movie, Christmas in Homestead, was filmed there too). Dahlonega is serious about Christmas. Every November, a month-long Christmas extravaganza, known as Dahlonega's Old-Fashioned Christmas, kicks off and you won't be disappointed with the weeks of brilliant Christmas lights, festive events, and plenty of Santa visits. For a full run-down of holiday events, including Old Fashioned Christmas, CLICK HERE.
SERENBE
Holiday Bazar
When: Monday, Dec 4 10 am – 4 pm and Tuesday, Dec 5 10 am - 3pm
Where: Serenbe
What: Our annual Holiday Bazaar will be held at The Inn at Serenbe Pavilion. Enjoy workshops, seasonal activities, a food truck, warm beverages, and more holiday shopping with local artisans. From s’mores on the bonfire to the wreath workshop, Serenbe’s Holiday Bazaar incites the magic of the holiday season with plenty of activities for the family to enjoy.
Holiday Bubbly Tasting
When: Saturday, Dec 18 4- 5pm
Where: The General Store at Serenbe
What: Get in the holiday spirit with some amazing sparkling wines and champagnes at The General Store at Serenbe. We will taste white, pink and red bubbles that are great for holiday gifts or to enjoy with any and all celebrations! Our grazing table will also pair a selection of local artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and holiday treats with the afternoon wine tasting.
Christmas Dinner
When: Sunday, Dec 24 and Monday, Dec 25
Where: The Farmhouse and The Hill at Serenbe
What: Enjoy local holiday cuisine and book your reservations now! The Farmhouse is closed Christmas Eve but taking reservations on Christmas Day from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. The bar is open until 10 p.m. on Christmas. The Hill is open 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.
ASHEVILLE, NC
Christmas at Biltmore
When: Nov 3- Jan 6
Where: Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina
What: Treat yourself to the beloved estate tradition known as Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are at their most enchanting. By day, the elegant rooms of Biltmore House shimmer, beautifully bedecked with Christmas trees, ribbons, garlands, and thousands of twinkling lights. Flickering candlelight, glowing fireplaces, and live music invite you to imagine yourself a guest at the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895.
The Twelve Days of Gingerbread
When: Friday, Dec 1 - Tuesday, Dec 12
Where: Omni Grove Park Inn
What: Gingerbread enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds are invited to compete for more than $40,000 in cash and prizes at the in-person competition in November 2023. Following the Competition, all entries will be on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn throughout the holiday season. The Omni Grove Park Inn will display every entry throughout the resort beginning on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 and continuing through Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. For those that may not travel, “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” presents one of the Top 12 finalists, per day, on the hotel’s Facebook and Instagram channels from Dec. 1-12, 2023. Tune in via Facebook.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO
For those looking to get out of town this winter, further than just a drive, Jenny's favorite holiday ski vacation destination is Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The laid back town, and less crowded slopes, make it the perfect place to enjoy the snow, relax and take in the gorgeous mountain views. For post holiday fun, enjoy the Budlight Cowboy Downhill event.
Budlight Cowboy Downhill
When: Thursday, Jan 15 11am- 4pm
Where: Steamboat Resort, 2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs CO
What: Mark your calendars for the 49th annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill event. It all began 48 years ago when Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s director of skiing, and Larry Mahan, six-time all-around World Champion cowboy, decided to invite a few of the Pro Rodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. The cowboys had such a great time that the downhill has become the most popular event of the season with over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the most unique ski rodeo in the country. When the race kicks off at 1pm Cowboys & Cowgirls will ski down a dual slalom course, go over a jump, lasso a person, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line. The dual slalom is followed by the Stampede Event, which is a mass start; first cowboy/cowgirl to the bottom wins. Click here to watch these cowboys go!
Wishing everyone a happy and eventful holiday 2023 season!
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