North Fulton's Light Up the Season 2015

Holiday Hospitality

Toys for Tots
 Bring the joy of Christmas to Americas needy children. To participate, simply bring a new, unwrapped toy or game. 11/16, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Johns Creek City Hall (4th floor), Park Place, or one of the fire stations from Nov. 17-Dec. 19. JohnsCreekGA.gov

Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child uses gift-filled shoeboxes to bring hope to children living in desperate situations all around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has sent more than 100 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 120 different countries. Suggested items include school supplies, hygiene items and toys. Theyre accepting donations 11/16-11/23. Drop-off locations in the North Fulton area include Johns Creek Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Alpharetta. 770-777-9342. SamaritansPurse.org/OCC

Childrens Restoration Network 2015 Thanksgiving Food Drive
Their goal is to collect 250+ turkeys with all the trimmings for children living in shelters and group homes, and fill their pantries for the Holidays! They are accepting donations from 11/1-11/22, 10:00 am-4:30 pm, Roswell Town Center, 610 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, Ste. 5000A. 770-649-7117. ChildRN.org

The Drake House
The Drake House provides short-term crisis housing, education and empowerment programs for homeless mothers and their children in North Fulton County, designed to assist the family in working toward self-sufficiency. Their food pantry is stocked with canned goods, dry items, such as pasta, cereal and rice, paper and cleaning products, toiletries, diapers and baby items, condiments and juices. Through gift card donations, fresh foods, such as milk, cheese and eggs are purchased each week to supplement the canned and dry items. Mothers complete a grocery need list each Monday evening during their workshop, volunteers fill the orders, and families return to their apartments with provisions for the week. The pantry is stocked through donations from individuals, businesses, faith-based organizations and civic groups. Donations may be made during office hours, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am-4:00 pm, 10500 Clara Drive, Roswell. 770-587-4712 x305. TheDrakeHouse.org

NFCC Thanksgiving Food Drive
Thanksgiving is a special time to share a family meal. NFCCs annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution Day helps over 900 local families in need to celebrate the blessings of Thanksgiving in their homes. Donations of non-perishable, Thanksgiving food items and grocery store gift cards in $25 increments are needed this November! Please limit your donations to specific items for a Thanksgiving meal. General items for our Food Pantry can be made to our Food Pantry at our main location on Elkins Road. Friday, 11/20: 4:00-7:00 pm, Saturday, 11/21: 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Holiday Distribution Site: 1175 North Meadow Pkwy., (Enter off of Wills Road), Roswell. 770-640-0399. NFCCHelp.org

Holiday Happenings

November 7
St. Benedict 11th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Featuring over 40 vendors. Lunch and baked goods also will be for sale. We will hold raffle drawings with all product lines represented by our vendors. Offerings include hundreds of unique gift ideas, artistic cards, home dcor, floral arrangements, jewelry, crocheted/knitted items, clothing/ accessories, handbags/totes, books, fused glassware, yard art, seasonal gifts, pet items, headbands/bows, doll clothes, blankets, pottery, gardening items, gourmet food items, artwork, wood carvings and so much more. 9:30 am-5:30 pm, 11045 Parsons Road, Johns Creek. 770-753-4374.

November 15
Cambridge Subdivisions Annual Holiday Shopping and Craft Fair
There will be live music, custom artwork, holiday dcor, clothing and accessories, health and beauty products, monogramming services, raffles and 25+ local vendors. Admission is free! Noon-6:00 pm, Cambridge Clubhouse, 5950 Millwick Drive, Johns Creek.

November 22
The Lighting of Avalon
Kick off the holiday season with us at the Lighting of Avalon. This family-friendly event will feature seasonal music, entertainment throughout the day, and free activities for all ages. Just after the sun sets, our 30-foot decorated Christmas tree will light up the night, and the evening will culminate with the parade arrival of Santa Claus and a festive fireworks display. 12:00-8:00 pm, Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

November 23-25, 27
Thanksgiving Break Bonus Fun
Everyone loves live animals, so during Thanksgiving break, meet a live animal at our Bonus Creature Features each day. Afterwards, join us on a bonus guided hike. The crisp, fall air will have you begging to get outside! These activities are included with general admission, and Free to CNC Members. 11:00 am, Chattahoochee Nature Center. VisitRoswellGa.com

November 24
Autumn at Autrey Mill
Join us for fall activities during Thanksgiving week. Seasonal crafts, hikes, tours and smores at the fire pit. 10:00 am-1:00 pm, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek. 678-366-3511. AutreyMill.org/events.htm

November 27-29
The Nutcracker
A Roswell tradition, with over 300 cast members; dancing cupcakes, mice, soldiers and an array of favorite characters enchant children and adults. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-998-0259. FallInNorthFulton.com

November 30
City Hall Tree Lighting
Santa Claus makes an early appearance at a party highlighted by the traditional lighting of a giant dreidel and 30-foot Christmas tree. Children can give him their wish list and participate in kids activities. Local elementary school choruses accentuate the festive air with a selection of seasonal favorites before the Mayor throws the switch! 6:30 pm, Johns Creek City Hall parking lot. JohnsCreekGa.gov

November 30
Cards for Veterans
Sign the giant holiday cards designed by JC 5th graders for military personnel at our three Georgia veterans hospitals. The cards will be available for signing at the tree lighting and City Hall through Dec. 5. 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Johns Creek City Hall, 4th floor. JohnsCreekGa.gov

December 1-31
Christmas in Roswell
We invite you, your family and friends to enjoy Roswell during the holiday season as history comes alive, tours are abundant, and we festively celebrate our art and culture. You will find the perfect activity to create special memories of the season for each member of the family. VisitRoswellGa.com

December 2
Cookies with the Clauss
Children enjoy decorating cookies, making crafts and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring your camera for this great photo opportunity! Theres no charge for this event. However, participants are asked to bring a new, UNWRAPPED gift to the event for donations to Toys for Tots. Pre-registration is required by November 30 (walk-ins not accepted). Register early; this event fills fast! 12:30-2:30 pm, Alpharetta Community Center.  678-297-6100. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

December 4
Winter Fest
Craft fair featuring local crafts, such as embroidery, jewelry, glassware, quilts and much more! This festival helps provide conference scholarships for career technology students. 3:30-5:00 pm, Johns Creek High School media center, 5575 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

December 5
Alpharetta Christmas Tree Lighting
All the magic of Christmas glistens at the annual lighting of the 45 live spruce tree, with 10,000 white lights! At 5:00 pm, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with children all evening in the gazebo. A North Fulton Jaycees volunteer will be on-hand to help take FREE online photos, or parents may bring their cameras to take photos. Mayor Belle Isle will read the childrens classic book, Twas the Night Before Christmas. An entertainment program will feature North Point Community Church, who will partner on this years event. 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Alpharetta, across from City Hall at 2 Park Plaza. 678-297-6000. Alpharetta.Ga.Us

December 5
Christmas in Crabapple
2:00-5:00 pm, Broadwell Pavillion, Milton. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us

December 12
Milton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast with Santa
8:00-10:00 am, Fire Station 43, Milton. 678-242-2500. CityOfMiltonGa.us

December 12
Breakfast with Santa
Children visit with Santa and enjoy a light breakfast! Personal cameras welcome. Pre-register children (ages 1-10) by December 7. Bring a new, unwrapped gift to the event for a local donation. 8:30-10:30 am, Alpharetta Adult Activity Center. 678-297-6140. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

December 12
Pet Photos with Santa Paws
Come paws; come all! You and your pet(s) can be photographed with Santa Claus! This holiday pet portraiture is a special bonding experience between pet owners and their pets, and it can make the perfect greeting card, original gift or heartfelt keepsake. Certain restrictions apply for pets. Free! Noon-2:00 pm, Waggy World Dog Park, Alpharetta. 678-297-6132. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

December 12
Breakfast/Lunch with Santa
All Johns Creek boys and girls are invited to have breakfast or lunch with Santa. Children will also enjoy music, holiday crafts, letters to Santa and pictures with Santa. Parents please bring your camera. Breakfast seatings at 9:00 am and 10:30 am, lunch is at noon, Park Place at Newtown School, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. JohnsCreekGA.gov

December 13
Alpharetta City Band Holiday Concert
Enjoy festive and traditional holiday music at this free concert, co-sponsored by the Alpharetta Golden Age Club. Cookies and punch will be served. 3:00 pm, Alpharetta Adult Activity Center. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

December 16-18
The North Pole Fa-La-La-La Follies
Lee Bryan, That Puppet Guy, is returning to Roswell with another captivating show, Yule love it! Get ready for hilarious holiday high-jinx as some talented residents of the North Pole perform in their annual talent show. The zany and colorful cast of characters includes a wisecracking fruitcake, a musical goose, tumbling teddy bears, a duo of dancing deer, the not-so-abominable snowman and much, much more. This sparkling holiday production combines music, live vocal performance and a variety of beautifully costumed hand puppets and rod puppets. This show will sleigh you! All shows will begin at 4:00 pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellPuppets.com

December 19-21
Santas Missing Mail
Ominous Crook and his sidekick, Skellmutt, are two dastardly bad guys who are out to stop Christmas by stealing Santa Claus mail. Youll meet some panicked elves, a wise-cracking reindeer, a dim-witted superhero and Santa, himself. The audience will also give Davids friend, Fitzgerald, some help in writing a letter to St. Nick. This production, written by David Stephens, debuted in 1998 and is being brought back by All Hands Productions for the holiday season. Saturday and Mondays shows will begin at 10:00 am, and Sundays show will begin at 2:00 pm, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell. 770-594-6232. RoswellPuppets.com

Holiday Highlights

LaVida Massage
Are you looking for the Best. Gift. Ever?! Best of Life Award Winner, LaVida Massage, is making the stress of holiday shopping easier, with limited time gift card offers for Massage and Facial services. For the holidays, if you buy three, $50 gift cards, youll receive a gift certificate for a FREE 60-min Custom Massage session or 60-min Signature Facial Session. Purchase a $100 gift card, get a free $25 certificate, and if you buy a $50 gift card, youll receive a free $10.00 gift certificate. LaVida Massage offers new client massage specials starting at $39.95 for one-hour sessions or one-hour Signature Facial sessions starting at $49.95. Come try our award winning services, and buy gift cards and gifts for family and friends at the same time! Open 7 days a week with extended hours, and conveniently located in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and East Cobb/Marietta. For a location near you, visit LaVidaMassageGA.com.