Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular, Buford. Stroll through lakeside holiday light show with traditional displays to high tech images, includes stops for s’more supplies and hot cocoa, plus Margaritaville-themed bars, Santa’s Tiki Bar and Tipsy Elf, 5 p.m. through Feb. 27. $9.99-$14.00. www.margaritavilleresorts.com.
License to Chill Snow Island, Buford. Snow tubing, ice-skating, snow play, carnival rides, fire pits and more, various hours through Feb. 27, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7650 Lanier Islands. $39.99-$159.99 family of four; season passes available. $20 gate fee per vehicle. www.margaritavilleresorts.com.
Holiday Tree Trail, Gainesville. Holiday display of 6-foot Fraser firs decorated in nature themes by local businesses, families and organizations, Dec. 1-Jan. 2, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bar Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.
Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm, Sautee Nacoochee. See historic farm mansion by candlelight in Victorian holiday décor, hear about traditions with docents dressed in 1870s garb, plus live music, Christmas tree contest, 4-7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 3- Dec. 18, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy 17. Adults: $12, youth (6-17): $7, children 5 and under: Free. Family rate (2 adults + their children) $40. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.
Christmas in Lula Parade. Floats, bands, choral groups and Santa parade down Main Street to Cobb Street, 6 p.m. Dec. 4. www.cityoflula.com.
Christmas at the Gorge, Tallulah Falls. See Santa, make crafts, enjoy snacks, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.
City of Cumming Christmas Festival. Christmas parade on Tribble Gap Road from Forsyth Central High School to Cumming Fairgrounds, 5 p.m.: fairgrounds holiday festivities 6-8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. www.cummingfair.squarespace.com.
Christmas on Green Street, Gainesville. Annual parade, open house, holiday festivities, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 5, Historic Green Street. www.gainesville.org.
Holiday Lights Trolly Tours, Braselton. 1½ hour tour of holiday light displays in enclosed trolly, beginning 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 10, 14, & 17, Mulberry Walk, 6322 Grand Hickory Dr. $11.50. www.visitbraselton.com.
Holiday Jamboree on the Mountain, Mountain City. Live music, holiday crafts, Santa visits, hayrides, gingerbread house contest, 4-6 p.m. Dec. 11, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-746-2141.
Holiday Boat Parade, Lake Lanier. Annual holiday lights parade of boats, Dec. 11. Land viewing at Pig Tales, 6800 Lights Ferry Road, via charter houseboat and from various Lanier parks and shorelines. Parade entry fees $75-$230. www.lanierpartners.org.
Old Fashioned Christmas, Dahlonega. Historic mountain town holiday festivities include with Santa visits, carriage rides, live music, festival of trees and more through December. Christmas parade Dec. 11, Historic Downtown Dahlonega, www.dahlonegachristmas.com.
Sunset Candy Cane Hunt, Tallulah Falls. Hunt candy canes at sunset, enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate and holiday movie, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 11, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. Limited space. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7081.
Christmas Market, Flowery Branch. Block party with Santa, farmers market vendors, artisans, fireworks, 2-8 p.m. Dec. 18, Downtown Flowery Branch. www.flowerybranchfarmersmarket.com.
First Night Dahlonega. New Year’s Eve celebration with indoor and outdoor live entertainment, car show, children’s activities and Golden Nugget Drop at 11:59 p.m.; early children’s Nugget Drop 8:45 p.m., celebration begins 6 p.m. Dec. 31, Historic Downtown Dahlonega. $10. www.dahlonegafirstnight.org.
Dropping of the Edelweiss, Helen. Music, food, party hats, dancing, champagne toast and more, 8 p.m. Dec. 31-12 a.m. Jan. 1, Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss St. $20 per person, $35 couples, half price children 6-12, free to children younger than 6. www.helenga.org.
Paddle & Plunge Polar Bear Swim, Gainesville. Two New Year’s Day options: a guided 2-mile canoe/kayak paddle around island at Limestone Cove at 11 a.m. and noon Polar Bear Plunge on the beach, Jan. 1, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $20-$40. www.lakelanierolympicvenue.org.
New Year’s Day 5K, Cumming. 9 a.m. Jan. 1, North Forsyth Middle School, 3545 Coal Mountain Rd. $21-$25. www.fivestarntp.com.
Falls to Farm First Day Hike, Sautee Nacoochee. 11-mile one way hike from Anna Ruby Falls to Hardman Farm Historic Site spans estate of Hardman Farm’s founding family, includes shuttle from farm to start of hike at falls, support stops, post-hike meal, farm tour and commemorative t-shirt, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 1, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $40. www.gastateparks.org., 706-868-1077.
First Day Hike to Duke’s Creek Falls, Helen. 1.3-mile hike to pit stop at primitive cabin continues 1.2 miles to falls, 1-3 p.m. Jan. 1, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.
First Day Hike on Back Country Trail, Tallulah Falls. 3-mile moderate hike, 9-11 a.m. Jan. 1, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. Call to register. No pets. For ages 8 and older. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.
New Year’s Hike in Chicopee Woods, Gainesville. Guided hike with nature center naturalist, 8-10 a.m. Jan. 1, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. See website for registration information. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
