By Anabel Kissel
This issue, we’re not taking a day trip; we’re taking a holi-day trip! One perfect day spent surrounded by Christmas traditions, magical performances and all the festive flavors you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t worry! We aren’t sending you to the North Pole, and you won’t need a flying sleigh to get there, because for this holi-day trip we’re going to Downtown Lawrenceville!
You’ve got a long day of making merry memories ahead of you, so our first stop is to fuel up at Boulder Creek Coffee. This historic-home-turned-coffeehouse is the definition of cozy and charming. Grab your drink of choice; I recommend their peppermint latte or hot chider (a delicious mix of chai tea and cider), find a seat and start sipping!
Our next stop, just a block away, is the Christkindl Market! Open Wednesdays through Sundays, November 20 to December 24, this open-air market is a blend of traditional German fare and local Atlanta businesses. Wandering through rows of vendors selling everything from homemade jewelry to wool mittens, take the opportunity to do some light Christmas shopping and maybe add a few things to your own wish list. A mandatory stop on our itinerary is sampling the German food: golden-brown schnitzel, piping hot bratwurst topped with sauerkraut, warm spiced glühwein or a classic salty pretzel. These treats are the highlight of the market!
As the sun sets and Lawrenceville is illuminated by the glowing trees and lights, it’s time to head over to the Aurora Theatre for an evening showing of the Christmas Canteen. Every weekend from November 19 to December 23, this Aurora Theatre original takes to the stage, delighting audiences with hilarious comedy, dazzling dance routines, heartwarming sketches and musical numbers featuring Christmas classics that will have you singing along.
The final stop on our holi-day trip itinerary is Old Nick’s at the Lawrence Hotel. Named after Lawrenceville’s old town mule, this new addition to the DTL is serving shareable plates, kebabs and hand-crafted cocktails like the Old Nick’s Old Fashioned. Nightcap in hand, toast to a day spent soaking up the Yuletide cheer, as you close the night surrounded by friends, family and neighbors. In a place like Downtown Lawrenceville, you never know who you’ll meet; another Old Saint Nick might be toasting to a long day’s work just one barstool over!
With so many holiday events spread across the season, from the annual Lighting of the Tree at the Historic Courthouse to the Holiday Magic Extravaganza at Aurora Theatre, selecting one perfect day in the DTL is impossible. This itinerary features the more “evergreen” festivities, but I highly recommend checking out Lawrenceville’s calendar for more events.