Whether you are scrimping or splurging on your holiday plans, Explore Gwinnett’s top recommendations for welcoming visitors this holiday season are here.
Surprise….she’s back! One of Atlanta’s most beloved and iconic holiday traditions (70 years!) is back, but with a twist…in Gwinnett! Atlanta’s very own Pink Pig “Penelope” (or Penny for short) will start a new tradition at the 2024 Georgia Festival of Trees, which has moved to the Gas South District for 2024. The Pink Pig will be a highlight of the Festival of Trees but with a modern twist. The new ride is a rail-less, open ride guiding children through a forest of dazzling Christmas trees, live music and entertainment, a local holiday market and more. It is a must-have holiday family picture!
Just up the road, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands will transform into their action-packed “License to Chill Snow Island.” Kids will adore gliding down Blizzard Mountain, one of North America’s longest snow rides at 575 feet long and eight stories high! For the slightly less courageous, there are carnival rides and a wondrous stroll through the dazzling Lakeside Light Spectacular. The event will open in mid-November and close early February.
It is not just about Christmas. Peachtree Corners will celebrate the “Holiday Glow” by lighting a 6-foot Menorah and an innovative LED tree at the Town Green on December 1st. Free and family- friendly is our fave kind of event. Local singers will lead a holiday sing-along, a holiday concert from Geek Squad, trackless train rides, visits from Santa and a local artisan market.
For those in a holiday throwback mode, plan a visit to Historic downtown Norcross’s Holiday Village. Hop aboard their complimentary carriage rides, running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., starting December 6th through December 20th.
Held the first weekend of December, you will find a sleighful of festive activities, including a Lozano Farms petting zoo, face painting, photos with Santa, Christmas carolers and even some special appearances by Disney princesses.
Downtown Duluth will be Decking the Halls the second weekend of December. There will be a real snow playground, a giant snow slide, free crafts and visits with Santa. Delicious food trucks and an eclectic holiday market will also make this a great Saturday visit!
Juggling everyone’s diverging plans can be a challenge – but for those with widely diverse interests, the Lawrenceville Arts Center will be the place to be in November and December, with over twenty-five wildly varying events, ranging from live comedy (Matt Walsh! Tim Meadows!), children’s theater and the Southern Circuit of Indie Filmmakers. There’s a Hispanic art exhibit, Puerto Rican Salsa dancers, a Motown Christmas, and a sizzling Earth, Wind + Fire Experience. And for the purists, the one-man Tony Rodriguez’s “A Christmas Carol” will be back for its 18th year. The Aurora Theatre’s perennial favorite “A Christmas Canteen” is back on the Grand Stage for its 29th year, a dazzling array of musical numbers, riotous bursts of comedy, a star-studded cast and the perfect sprinkle of nostalgia.
Atlanta’s premier drive-through Christmas light show features over 1 million LED lights, set to a rollicking musical background. Open from November 15-December 29, the sparking extravaganza is sure to wow your visitors and kiddos alike.
There’s so much more going on this holiday season…visit www.exploregwinnett.org for all the event details!