Community Corner

Here Comes Santa, Turkey Trots, Tree Lightings and More

It's easy to get into the holiday spirit in the area.

It may be Thanksgiving Day, but it’s also the start of the stretch run to Christmas all over Gwinnett.

Check out some of the weekend’s holiday-themed activities, courtesy of Explore Gwinnett (Gwinnett Visitor's and Convention Bureau).

Find even more on the Gwinnett Weekends pdf attached to this file.

Find out what's happening in Duluthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here’s a quick sampling, according to local websites, and Explore Gwinnett:

Duluth Tree Lighting

Find out what's happening in Duluthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Nov. 30: 35th annual tree lighting and festivities on the Duluth Town Green. The evening starts at dusk with caroling, the sky is completely dark by the time a guest vocalist sings "O Holy Night," and the 20 foot, live evergreen tree is illuminated, glowing with thousands of beautiful lights. (arts and crafts, 4pm-6:30pm, Tree Lighting 6:30pm, Free, 770-476-3434)

Believe … in Buford

  • Nov. 30: Join us for the lighting of our Christmas tree, roasting smores by the fire, outdoor viewing of The Polar Express, and a very special appearance by Santa Claus. (6pm, 770-945-6762)

Buford Fest and Parade

  • Dec. 1: A fun-filled day of stage performances, vendors, shopping, giveaways, holiday treats and an exciting parade in Historic Buford. (Parade 11am, Festival 12pm, Tree Lighting 5:30pm, Free, 678-677-3858)

Turkey Day in Dacula

  • Nov. 28: Stars and Strikes in Dacula is open on Thanksgiving for bowling and other fun. (Bowling3pm $2 until 9pm, $1 after 9pm, 678-780-8988)

Tree Lighting in Lawrenceville

  • Nov. 28: Lots to do during the 26th Lighting of the Tree on the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse grounds. Festivities include music and entertainment in the gazebo and a parade to usher in Santa Claus. On the East Lawn there will be photos with Santa in his sleigh (on loan from the North Pole), dance teams and kid’s activities. A 30 ft Norway spruce with 30,000 lights will be switched on at 6pm. (5pm-8:30pm, Free, 770-822-5450)

Lilburn Tree Lighting

  • Nov. 30: Welcome the holiday season with the lighting of the tree in front of City Hall. After the tree lighting, children are welcome to stay and listen to a variety of holiday stories. Entertainment will be provided and coloring contest winners will be announced. (5pm-8pm, Free, collecting canned goods 770-921-2210)

Loganville Tree Lighting

  • Nov. 29: Loganville Town Green (6pm-8:30pm, 770-466-1165)

Turkey Trots

  • Nov. 28: Turkey Day 5K, The Forum Shops, Peachtree Corners. Proceeds benefit military charities. (8am, $15-$30)
  • Nov. 28: Sugarloaf Country Club Turkey Trot 5K. Sponsored by Women's Club of Sugarloaf Country Club Charities Inc. benefitting Rainbow Village, The Partnership Against Domestic Violence, The American Heart Association - Go Red for Women and Wellspring Living. (8 am, $25)
  • Nov. 28: 3rd annual Thanksgiving Day Zumba 5K at Bunten Road Park near Duluth. Join Janice Davis Canty and the Duluth ZUMBA family for the 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Day 5k race. Bring your family, neighbors and visitors out to enjoy an exciting morning of fellowship, fun and exercise, before enjoying your Thanksgiving meal! (8 am, 770-656-1140)

Stone Mountain Village Parade, Fireworks

  • Nov. 29: Get your holiday on with our traditional village Christmas parade and fireworks. A great event for the whole family... and a great new tradition for holidays to come. (Festivities 4pm-7:30pm, Parade 6pm, Fireworks 7:30pm, Free, 770-498-7334) 


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