Holiday celebrations abound from the mountains to the lake shore

Shop for handmade gifts, shake a leg to festive tunes, stroll through light tunnels, welcome Santa in a Christmas parade. These are among the holiday activities lighting up the season around Lake Lanier and the mountain headwaters.

Here’s a look:

Nov 15 – Jan 4 – Magical Nights of Lights, Buford. Return of drive-through lights spectacle with six miles of animated festive scenes, 5-10 p.m. Nov. 15-Jan. 4, Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. $25 standard vehicle ( up to 10 passengers) in advance online; $35 at the gate; vans & shuttles 11-20 passengers starting at $100; buses over 21 passengers starting at $250. www.lanierislands.com.

Nov 15 – Dec 31 – License to Chill Snow Island, Buford.  Snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, s’more making, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Nov. 15 through Dec. 31; see website calendar for possible extended dates, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Various prices. www.margaritavilleresorts.com.

Nov 15 – Winter Wonderland, Braselton. Annual parade, tree lighting, entertainment, market and more, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Downtown Braselton & Town Green. www.explorebraselton.com.

Nov 20 – 30, Dec 4-7, 11-14, 18 – Jan 4 – Gainesville Glows: Lanterns & Lights. Holiday show closes out Gainesville Garden’s 10th anniversary with lighted woodland animals, romantic luminaries, enchanting lanterns, light tunnel, plus s’more pits, 5-10 p.m. Nov. 20-30, Dec. 4-7, 11-14, & Dec. 18-Jan. 4, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $16.95-$34.95. www.atlantabg.org/gainesville-garden, 404-888-4760.

Nov 22 – Cumming City Center Winter Market/Tree Lighting. Winter market, live music, family activities, warm drinks and desserts, 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 22, market begins 10 a.m., Cumming City Center, 423 Canton St. www.cummingcitycenter.com.

Nov 22 – Jingle Mingle, Gainesville. Kiddy train rides, carriage rides, open house and live music at historic buildings and Roosevelt Square, holiday shopping, Santa’s arrival and Lighting of the Chicken ceremony, 4-8 p.m. Nov. 22, Historic Gainesville Square. www.exploregainesville.org.

Nov 22 – Christmas in Downtown Dawsonville. Parade, tree lighting, market, Santa visits, food trucks, 2-8 p.m. Nov. 22, Dawsonville City Hall, 415 Hwy. 53 E. www.dawsonchamber.org.

Nov 22 – Winter Market, Cumming. Local vendors, seasonal goodies, kids zone, food trucks, life music, Santa visits, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.

Nov 22 – Hops & Holly Wreathmaking Workshop, Gainesville. Horticulturalist guides evergreen wreathmaking, participants sip a garden beer, 11 a.m-1 p.m. Nov. 22, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $75, members $70. www.Atlantabg.org/gainesville-garden, 404-888-4760.

Nov 22 – Cumming City Center Tree Lighting. Live music, family activities, treats, warm drinks, 6-7 p.m. Nov. 22, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. www.cummingcitycenter.com.

Nov 25 – A Thankful Storytime, Gainesville. Join naturalist outside Visitor Center to listen to a story about being thankful, sing a silly song, do a craft, 2-2:45 p.m. Nov. 25, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $3, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.

Nov 26 – Jan 1 – Wilshire Wonderland of Lights, Gainesville. Extended stroll through beloved Gainesville park to Rock Creek Veterans Park decorated with holiday lights, plus Santa visits/photos, 5-10 p.m. Nov. 26-Jan. 1, Wilshire Trails Park, 849 Wilshire Trials Rd. See website for Santa’s schedule. www.gainesville.org/918/Wilshire-Wonderland.

Nov 27 – Dec 6 (Thurs thru Sat), nightly Dec 11 – 23 – Mountain Country Christmas in Lights, Hiawassee. See Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in holiday lights, plus music, arts vendors, food, Santa visits and Cowtown exhibit with cow milking, butter ice-cream making, 6-9 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. Nov. 27-Dec. 6, nightly Dec. 11-23, 1311 Music Hall Rd. $9, free to children 12 & younger. Closed Dec. 24 & 25. www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Nov 28 – Dec 28 – Old Fashioned Christmas, Dahlonega. Annual celebration with near-daily holiday activities beginning with Lighting of the Square 5:30 p.m. Nov. 28, carriage rides, Santa visits, food trucks, Festival of Trees, and more through Dec. 28, Holiday parade noon Dec. 13, Historic Downtown Dahlonega. www.dahlonegachristmas.com.

Nov 28 – Annual Lighting of the Village, Helen. Musical performances by local groups, Santa’s arrival and visits, 5-7 p.m. Nov. 28, Riverside Park, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. www.helenga.org.

Nov 29 – Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, Clermont. Annual holiday parade with floats, bands, tractors, antique cars & Santa, followed by tree lighting, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 29, 639 Main Street. www.clermontga.com.

Nov 29 – S’mores with Santa, Gainesville. See Santa, enjoy a treat, plus crafts, 1-3 p.m. Nov. 29, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.

Nov 29 – Movie at the Park, Gainesville. Non-stop Christmas classic, bring chairs & blankets, 3:30-4:40 p.m. Nov. 29, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 678-450-7726.

Nov 29, 30, Dec 6,7 – Chriskindlmarkt, Helen. Handmade gifts, decorations, candied and savory treats, plus additional food vendors, Nov. 29 & 30; Dec. 6 & 7, Market Plaza & Union Hill Park, Downtown Helen. www.helenga.org.

Dec 5 – 20 (Fri & Sat) – Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm, Sautee Nacoochee. See mansion at West End decorated in period décor, learn about Victorian holiday traditions from re-enactors, plus live music, s’mores around a bon fire, 4-7 p.m. Friday and Saturdays Dec. 5-20, Hardman Farm, 143 Hwy. 17. $30 adults, $22 ages 6-17, free to children 5 and younger. Registration required. www.gastateparks.org. 706-878-1077.

Dec 6 – Christmas in the Mountains Festival & Lighted Parade, Cleveland. Parade, open houses, photos with Santa, market on downtown square, Cleveland County Courthouse, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6, market begins at noon, intersection Ga. 129/115. www.whitecountychamber.org.

Dec 6 – Christmas at the Gorge, Tallulah Falls. Holiday snacks, crafts, and hayrides, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 6, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yard Dr. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

Dec 7 – Green Street Santa Sprint, Gainesville. 1st annual 1-mile point-to-point run before Christmas parade on Green Street by participants wearing green Santa suits, 3:55 p.m. Dec. 7, 781 Green Street (corner of Holly/Green St.). $35-$40. https://runsignup.com/greenstreetsantasprint.

Dec 7 – Christmas on Green Street, Gainesville. Annual celebration on Historic Green Street with antique car parade, marching bands, and floats, plus food trucks, mini-train rides,activities and performances at historic homes, 1-6 p.m. p.m. Dec. 7. See new schedule: www.exploregainesville.org.

Dec 11 – Christmas Market, Flowery Branch. Food trucks, craft vendors, local produce, holiday treats, carriage rides, live music, Santa visit, 3:30-7 p.m. Dec. 11, Downtown Flowery Branch, 5310 Railroad Ave. www.flowerybranchfarmersmarket.com.

Dec 12 – Holiday Drive-In Movie, Dawsonville. Watch a Christmas classic from your vehicle, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Rock Creek Sports Complex, 445 Martin Rd. Parking begins at 4:45 p.m., ends at 5:20 p.m. No concessions. www.dawsoncountyga.gov.

Dec 13 – Christmas Parade, Helen. Fire trucks, horses, dirt-buggies, floats, candy, Santa, 6 p.m. Dec. 13, Downtown Helen. www.helenga.org.

Dec 13, 20 – Christmas at the Inn, Toccoa. Hot apple cider, teacakes & dulcimer music at 19th century stagecoach inn decorated with greenery and handmade ornaments, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 13 & 20, Traveler’s Rest Historic Site, 4339 Riverdale Rd. www.gastateparks.org, 706-886-2256.

Dec 13 – Holiday Boat Parade, Lake Lanier. Festival of lights on the water with decorated boat; parade begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 13, Port Royale and floats toward Aqualand Marina for judges’ review before heading to University Yacht Club, Lazy Days and Holiday Marina, then returns to Port Royale for live music and awards. See website for entry fees. www.marinemax.com/stores.

Dec 13 – Cumming Christmas Parade. Holiday floats, antique cars, bands and more parade to Cumming Fairgrounds via from North Forsyth High School via Tribble Gap/Castleberry Rd., 5-6 p.m. Dec. 13. www.cummingfair.squarespace.com.

Dec 13 – Sunset Candy Cane Hunt, Tallulah Falls. Hunt candy canes, watch holiday movie, enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 13, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

Dec 31 – New Years Eve Fireworks, Buford. Landshark Landing, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7640 Lanier Islands Pkwy. www.margaritavilleresorts.com.

Dec 31 – Dropping of the Edelweiss, Helen. Music, dancing, party favors, hors d’ouevres, champagne toast, 8 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31, Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. $30 adults, $15 ages 6-12, free to children younger than 6. www.helenga.org.

Jan 1 – New Year’s Day 5K/Half Marathon, Cumming. 9 a.m. New Year’s Day, North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Dr. $35-$40. www.fivestarntp.com.

Jan 1 – First Day Hikes, Georgia. Many Georgia State Parks plan First Day Hikes to begin the new year. See www.gastateparks.com.