Thanksgiving is over and shopping has already started, which means the holidays are right around the corner.
Luckily for locals, there are a lot of places to celebrate the holiday season. Below are a few performances, celebrations and events.
This list will be updated, and events can be sent to editor@forsythnews.com.
Winter Wonderland in Cumming Ice Skating Rink
Where? The Cumming Fairgrounds (235 Castleberry Road)
When? Nov. 22 to Jan. 7. Hours vary by day.
What’s going on? For the first time, the fairgrounds will host an ice skating rink with other festivities such as hayrides, a Christmas lights display, holiday music, hot cocoa and s’mores. Admission is $12 for all ages for an hour of skating and includes skate rental. The rink will stay open during several other events at the fairgrounds.
More info: CummingFair.net
“Christmas in Dixie: The Musical”
Where? The Cumming Playhouse (101 School Street)
When? Thursday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec.16, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.
What’s going on? The Cumming Playhouse will present ‘Christmas in Dixie,’ written by Georgia playwright Alicia Croxton Dutton. The story follows two pageant queens stranded in Alabama after a snow storm. Tickets are $25 or $27.50.
More info: PlayhouseCumming.com or 770-781-9178.
The Collection at Forsyth’s Annual Tree Lighting
Where? The Collection at Forsyth (410 Peachtree Parkway)
When? Sunday, Nov. 25 from 4-6 p.m.
What’s going on? The popular outdoor mall will host its annual tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, which will feature live music, kids’ activities, carriage rides, a visit from Santa and activities at stores.
More info: CollectionForsyth.com
Pictures with Santa
Where? Bell Research Center (101 Atlanta Highway)
When? Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon
What’s going on? Santa Claus will be on hand at the Bell Research Center in downtown Cumming to take pictures with the community. Pictures require a $5 donation per child.
More info: Call (678) 455-7216
Jeep and Truck Off-Road Show
Where? The Cumming Fairgrounds (235 Castleberry Road)
When? Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What’s going on? Auto vendors and car enthusiasts will be on hand for an off-road Christmas show at the fairgrounds, which will feature food and drinks, crafts vendors and a visit from Santa Claus. Admission is $10 and guests 13 and under are free.
More info: CummingFair.net
Christmas in Cumming Arts and Crafts Festival
Where? The Cumming Fairgrounds (235 Castleberry Road)
When? Friday, Dec. 7, from 4-9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What’s going on? Local vendors will be showing off and selling their work for those looking for handmade gifts. Admission is $1 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. Free photos with Santa will be available from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, and 12-3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.
More info: CummingFair.net
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
Where? Forsyth Academy of Performing Arts (520 Industrial Way)
When? Thursday, Dec. 13 and Friday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
What’s going on? Actors in seventh-12th grade will perform the Christmas classic, which follows the Herdman kids, “probably the most inventively awful kids in history.” Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.
More info: ForsythAPA.com
Jingle Jog 5K
Where? Across from Cumming Fairgrounds (235 Castleberry Road)
When? Saturday, Dec. 15. Registration opens at 2 p.m.
What’s going on? The annual Jingle Jog will take place at the fairgrounds ahead of the Christmas Parade and festival. Awards will be given for best overall and by age groups starting at 10 years old and going to 60-plus. Prizes will also be given for best costume, decorated stroller, most festive and more. Registration is $25 through Saturday, Dec. 1 and $30 on site. Funds will benefit the Forsyth County Community Connection.
More info: RunSignup.com/Race/GA/Cumming/CummingChristmasJingleJog5K
Cumming Christmas Parade and Festival
Where? Downtown Cumming between Forsyth Central High School and the Cumming Fairgrounds
When? Saturday, Dec. 15 starting at 5 p.m.
What’s going on? Following the same route as the city’s Thomas-Mashburn Steam engine Parade, the inaugural Cumming Christmas Parade will wind through downtown Cumming before stopping at a Christmas festival at the fairgrounds from 6-9 p.m., complete with pictures with Santa, s’mores hot cocoa and hayrides. Those interested in having a float should contact the city’s Facebook page (City of Cumming, Ga- City Hall) or city public information assistant Crystal Ledford at 770-781-2010.
More info: CummingFair.net
North Georgia Barbershop Singers’ “Christmas Collage”
Where? The Cumming Playhouse (101 School Street)
When? Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.
What’s going on? The North Georgia Barbershop Singers will perform a Christmas concert at the Cumming Playhouse on Wednesday, Dec. 19. Tickets are $20, and there is a $5 discount for students, seniors and military members.
More info: PlayhouseCumming.com or 770-781-9178
Cumming Playhouse Singers “In December!”
Where? The Cumming Playhouse (101 School Street)
When? Thursday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.
What’s going on? The Cumming Playhouse singers will perform Christmas hits at the playhouse. Tickets are $15 or $20.
More info: PlayhouseCumming.com or 770-781-9178
The Sound of Sawnee Concert Band Holiday Concert
Where? The Cumming Playhouse (101 School Street)
When? Friday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.
What’s going on? The Sounds of Sawnee Christmas Band will perform several Christmas songs, including “A Christmas Festival,” “Sleigh Ride,” “An American Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” “Blue Christmas” and “Hark! The Herald Tubas Sing.” Tickets are $15 or $20.
More info: PlayhouseCumming.com or 770-781-9178
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And then Some)”
Where? Forsyth Academy of Performing Arts (520 Industrial Way)
When? Friday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m.
What’s going on? The FAPA Players, the academy’s adult theater company, will perform “every Christmas story ever told” rather than “performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time.” Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.
More info: ForsythAPA.com
— Kelly Whitmire
