Merry & bright: Holiday happenings

Candy Rush

• When: Open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 3, 2021
• Where: Six Flags White Water, 250 Cobb Parkway N., #100, Marietta
• Cost: Weekday tickets are $35 plus taxes and fees per vehicle, while weekend and holiday tickets are $45 plus taxes and fees per vehicle; tickets are sold online only
• For more information: worldofillumination.com/candyrush/
• About the event: World of Illumination presents Candy Rush, a one-mile, holiday drive-through animated lights show featuring almost 2 million lights. No limos, buses or RVs are permitted.

Stone Mountain Christmas

• When: Select dates through Jan. 3, 2021
• Where: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain
• Cost: Tickets for non-members are $31,95 for adults and youth ages 12 and older, $29.95 for children ages 3 to 11 and children 2 and younger are admitted for free
• For more information: www.stonemountainpark.com/Activities/Events/Stone-Mountain-Christmas
• About the event: Festive music, millions of lights, special shows and holiday characters. This year’s event includes a special viewing of a Christmas Lasershow.

Evergreen by Vintage Market Days of Greater Atlanta

• When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 22
• Where: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville
• Cost: Tickets are available at the gate for $10 on Friday and Saturday and $5 on Sunday, with children younger than 12 admitted for free
• For more information: vintagemarketdays.com/market/greater-atlanta/
• About the event: This shopping event features vendors from Georgia, as well as artisans and crafters from 10 other states selling vintage goods, antiques, clothing, home décor, and more. Music, food trucks, and games are also planned.

Lighting of the Tree

• When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26
• Where: Lawrenceville Square
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: events.exploregwinnett.org/event/lighting_of_the_tree_1132
• About the event: A long-standing tradition continues as the Great Tree will be lit on the lawn of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse on Thanksgiving.

Santa Family Photo Sessions

• When: Multiple session times available Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 18-20
• Where: The White Fallow Estate, 2343 Brown Road, Buford
• Cost: $125 per session
• For more information: Call 678-825-6255 to reserve a session
• About the event: Private, 20-minute photo sessions with Santa. Families are encouraged to bring canned goods for the North Georgia Co-op. Space is limited.

Socially Distant Christmas Back Home with Scott Thompson and Brent McDonald

• When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1
• Where: Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main St., Duluth
• Cost: $25
• For more information: eddieowenpresents.com
• About the event: A classic holiday show with a twist.

Atlanta Festival of Lights

• When: 6 to 11 p.m. nightly from Dec. 1 through Jan. 18, 2021, with no shows on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
• Where: Atlanta Station, 1380 Atlanta Drive N.W., Atlanta
• Cost: $25 per car Sunday through Thursday and $35 per car Friday and Saturday
• For more information: Email atlfestivaloflights@gmail.com
• About the event: This is a drive-through holiday lights experience.

Third Stream Big Band Orchestra Christmas

• When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
• Where: Innovation Amphitheater, 1005 Austin Road, Winder
• Cost: $20
• For more information: rhpinnovation.wpengine.com/event/3rd-stream-big-band-orchestra-christmas/
• About this event: Holiday music concert with special guest Eric Moore.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

• When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, Saturday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, Sunday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 13
• Where: Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
• Cost: $37 to $64.50
• For more information: gwinnettballet.org/tickets/
• About this event: The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre brings this classic tale to life with a cast of more than 100 professional and student dancers. Seating is limited due to social distancing requirements and only 200 tickets will be sold per show. Virtual tickets are also available.

The Barefoot Movement Christmas Show

• When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
• Where: Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford
• Cost: $25 to $35
• For more information: www.bufordcommunitycenter.com/event/the-barefoot-movement-christmas-show/
• About the event: Enjoy the music of a Nashville-based bluegrass band in limited, distanced seating.

Holiday Glow on the Town Green

• When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
• Where: Peachtree Corners Town Green, 5140 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: events.exploregwinnett.org/event/holiday_glow_on_the_town_green_1783
• About the event: Enjoy holiday performances, holiday lights and pictures with Santa as Peachtree Corners holds it tree lighting. Santa visits and photos are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Christmas Canteen at the Bowl

• When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
• Where: The Bowl at Sugar Hill, 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill
• Cost: Tickets from $50
• For more information: Call 678-226-6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com/productions-and-programs/view/christmas-canteen-at-the-bowl/
• About the event: A socially distant event, the Aurora Theatre will bring its holiday cabaret to the stage for one weekend only. Attendance is limited for this outdoor event where attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets. Masks must be worn when not eating or drinking.

Christmas Market at The Hall

• When: 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
• Where: Revival Hall Taproom, 16 S. Public Square, Jefferson
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: www.revivalhall.com
• About the event: Featuring festive drinks, live music, photos with Santa and 10 pop-up shops for holiday shopping.

Tannery Row Artist Colony Holiday Market

• When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
• Where: Tannery Row Artist Colony, 554 W. Main St., Buford
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: tanneryrowartistcolony.net/schedule-1
• About the event: Peruse original artwork available for purchase during this event.

Victorian Holiday

• When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
• Where: Historic Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave. S.E., Atlanta
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: https://oaklandcemetery.com/event/victorian-holiday/2020-12-05/
• About the event: This event will include a Holiday Green Market selling wreaths, garlands, and specialty Christmas trees (accepting cards only, no cash), a self-guided holiday scavenger hunt and holiday photos. Face coverings are required.

Deck the Hall

• When: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
• Where: Duluth Town Green, 3142 Hill St., Duluth
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: events.exploregwinnett.org/event/deck_the_hall_9306
• About the event: Live entertainment, festive decorations and a tree lighting ceremony with a laser show will cap off this event, which also includes crafts for kids, a snow playground, a snow slide, a train ride and more. An open house will be held at City Hall from 4 to 5 p.m. where residents can talk with city council members and take in the building’s decorations. Light refreshments will be served.

Drive Thru Bethlehem

• When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
• Where: McKendree United Methodist Church, 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Lawrenceville
• Cost: Free
• For more information: www.mckendreeumc.com/events/2020drivethrubethlehem
• About the event: Experience the night of Jesus’ birth as you drive through Bethlehem in the parking lot of McKendree UMC. Bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Lawrenceville Co-op.

Cookies with Santa

• When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
• Where: The Rustic Rack Boutique, 64 N. Broad St., Winder
• Cost: $5 per family, with tickets available for purchase in advance at the store
• For more information: Call 770-876-8776 or email info@therusticrack.com
• About the event: Bring a camera and capture your child enjoying cookies with the jolly ol’ man himself.

Holiday Hangouts

• When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19
• Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta
• Cost: $10 for members and $20 for non-members
• For more information: www.fernbankmuseum.org/events/calendar-of-events/2020/12/05-holiday-hangouts
• About this event: Enjoy after-hours access to all museum exhibits, special holiday-themed activities, access to oversized snow globes and a sock skating rink. This event is for all ages. Space is limited and online tickets reservations are required. Face coverings are required and physical distancing should be observed.

Sounding Off the Christmas Season

• When: 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
• Where: City of Auburn, 1369 Fourth Ave., Auburn
• Cost: Free
• For more information: www.cityofauburn-ga.org/CityCalendar.aspx?CNID=10478
• About the event: The event will feature food, music, performances and the ceremonial lighting of the tree in downtown Auburn. Free photos with Santa will be offered.

Chloe Agnew From Me to You

• When: 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
• Where: Red Clay Music Foundry, 3116 Main St., Duluth
• Cost: $35
• For more information: eddieowenpresents.com
• About the event: Live for the holidays, Irish singer Chloe Agnew will spread musical cheer to celebrate the season. The event will be streamed live for free.

A Sugarloaf Ballet Christmas

• When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
• Where: Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: events.exploregwinnett.org/event/a_sugarloaf_ballet_christmas
• About this event: The Sugarloaf Youth Ballet will presents its annual Christmas celebration with a baroque ensemble playing classical Christmas music followed by the presentation of The Nativity Ballet. While the event is free to attend, tickets are required and seating is limited to meet social distancing requirements. A virtual ticket for live streaming of the performance is available.

Fernbank After Dark: Holiday Spirits

• When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11
• Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta
• Cost: $16.95 for members and $21.95 for non-members
• For more information: www.fernbankmuseum.org/experiences/fernbank-after-dark/
• About this event: Enjoy after-hours access to the holiday exhibit Winter Wonderland, holiday-themed activities, live music and more. This event is exclusively for those 21 and older.

Holly Dolly Christmas

• When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 12
• Where: Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford
• Cost: $30 to $35
• For more information: www.bufordcommunitycenter.com/event/holly-dolly-christmas/
• About the event: Enjoy the music of Georgia-born singer Katie Deal in limited, distanced seating.

Holiday Market

• When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
• Where: Countryside Antiques, 115 Harrison St., Braselton
• Cost: Free admission
• For more information: Call 706-824-7204
• About the event: The event will feature 50 vendors, as well as food trucks, music, and more.

Lawrenceville’s Merry Little Christmas & Fireworks Show

• When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
• Where: Downtown Lawrenceville
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: www.downtownlawrencevillega.com/eventson/merry-little-christmas-experience-fireworks-show/
• About this event: This event will include a “Christmas Classics” drive-in movie on the Lawrenceville lawn, a holiday ice sculpture, live Christmas music, shopping and dining on the square and a drive-in fireworks show beginning at 8:30 p.m. Santa will also be in attendance. Reservations are required for the drive-in movie and will open at 8 a.m. Dec. 7.

71^st annual Winder Christmas Parade

• When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
• Where: Throughout the city of Winder
• Cost: Free to attend
• For more information: www.cityofwinder.com/about-us/festivals-events/winder-christmas-parade
• About the event: This year’s Winder Christmas Parade is a reverse parade — participants will be stationed throughout the Winder area, and parade-goers will drive through the parade route to enjoy the different displays.

“A Christmas Carol”

• When: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 16 through 23
• Where: Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville
• Cost: $60 for non-members and $50 for members
• For more information: Call 678-226-6222 or visit www.auroratheatre.com/productions-and-programs/view/a-christmas-carol/
• About the event: Anthony Rodriguez, co-founder and producing artistic director of the Aurora Theatre, brings to life a one-mad adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to the theater stage. Seating is limited and attendees are asked to wear masks when not seated.

Jaimee Paul and Leif Shires Christmas

• When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18
• Where: Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford
• Cost: $25 to $35
• For more information: www.bufordcommunitycenter.com/event/jaimee-paul-leif-shires-christmas/
• About the event: Enjoy a Jazz Christmas featuring Jaimee Paul and Leif Shires in limited, distanced seating.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker with live orchestra 

• When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20
• Where: Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
• Cost: $42 to $69.50
• For more information: gwinnettballet.org/tickets/
• About this event: The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre brings this classic tale to life with a cast of more than 100 professional and student dancers and a live orchestra. Seating is limited due to social distancing requirements and only 200 tickets will be sold per show. Virtual tickets are also available.

*Please be aware that some events may be canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances or health and safety issues surrounding COVID-19. Please confirm events are still happening before you go.