Hey neighbor!
Can you believe we're three days out from Christmas?
Whether your tree is perfectly decorated or still leaning a little to the left (no judgment), I hope this week brings you some real moments of peace, joy, and maybe a few belly laughs with the people you love.
I put together this guide to help you make the most of the next few days — without the stress of figuring it all out yourself. Consider it my little gift to you.
Merry Christmas, Gwinnett. Let's make it a good one.
— Your Neighbor, Gus
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
📝 THE QUICK LIST
When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
Mon–Tues | Christkindl Market | Lawrenceville Lawn |
Christmas Eve | Glow Light Show | Coolray Field |
Christmas Eve | Magical Nights of Lights | Lake Lanier |
Christmas Eve | Church Services | Various |
Christmas Day | Movies! | AMC, Regal |
Christmas Day | Light Shows | Coolray & Lanier |
All Week | Snow Tubing | Lanier Islands |
STILL HAPPENING: LAST-CHANCE EVENTS
Atlanta Christkindl Market (FINAL DAYS!) 📍 Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St 📅 Mon 12/22: 11am–9pm | Tues 12/23: 11am–9pm | Christmas Eve 12/24: 11am–4pm 💰 FREE admission
This is IT, folks — the market closes Christmas Eve. Bratwurst, Glühwein, a 50-foot Ferris wheel, and last-minute handcrafted gifts from 66+ vendors. If you haven't been yet, this is your final boarding call. 🎡
✨ CHRISTMAS EVE IDEAS
1. Glow Light Show at Coolray Field 📍 2500 Buford Dr, Lawrenceville 📅 Open Christmas Eve 6pm–10pm | Also open Christmas Day! 💰 $39.99+ per vehicle
Over 1 million LED lights, holiday music on your radio, and you don't even have to leave your car. Hot cocoa in the cupholder = peak Christmas Eve vibes.
2. Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier 📍 Lanier Islands Resort, Buford 📅 Open nightly 5pm–10pm (including Christmas Eve & Christmas Day!) 💰 $25–$35 per vehicle
Six miles of sparkling, animated displays. This one's back after a 5-year hiatus — and it's completely redesigned. A Gwinnett classic reborn.
3. Catch a Christmas Eve Church Service Several local churches are hosting candlelight services:
Gwinnett Church (Sugar Hill) — 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
Christ the King Lutheran (Peachtree Corners) — 6pm & 8pm
A beautiful way to center the evening on what it's really all about. 🕯️
🎁 CHRISTMAS DAY: WHAT'S ACTUALLY OPEN
Yes, things ARE open on December 25th. Here's what to do after the presents are unwrapped and the kids are bouncing off the walls:
🎬 GO TO THE MOVIES Theaters are OPEN on Christmas Day — and honestly? It's a vibe. Popcorn for lunch, no cooking, no cleanup.
Now Playing:
Avatar: Fire and Ash — James Cameron's back. IMAX recommended.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — Perfect for the kids (and the kid in you)
Zootopia 2 — Judy Hopps is back on the case (Incredible sequel)
Opening Christmas Day:
Anaconda — Yes, THAT Anaconda, but it's a comedy now starring Jack Black & Paul Rudd 🐍
Marty Supreme — Timothée Chalamet plays a ping-pong legend. Trust the Safdie brothers.
Song Sung Blue — Hugh Jackman + Kate Hudson in a heartfelt musical drama
📍 AMC Sugarloaf Mills, Regal Mall of Georgia, and more
✨ MORE LIGHT SHOWS Both Glow Light Show and Lake Lanier's Magical Nights of Lights are open Christmas night (6pm–10pm). Honestly? Christmas Day might be the best night to go — fewer crowds, same magic.
🍽️ RESTAURANTS OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY Don't feel like cooking? These spots typically stay open:
Waffle House — The real Christmas miracle
IHOP — Pancakes fix everything
Fogo de Chão (Dunwoody) — Go big or go home
The Melting Pot (Duluth) — Fondue + family = memories
Benihana — Dinner AND a show
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen — Cajun Christmas? Why not.
Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and make reservations where possible.
👨👩👧👦 FAMILY FUN IDEAS (ANY DAY THIS WEEK)
Snow Tubing at License to Chill Snow Island 📍 Lanier Islands Resort 📅 Open daily through the holidays Georgia's ONLY snow tubing hill — 575 feet of high-speed, snowy fun. No passport to Colorado required.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars Need a grown-up escape? Check out:
The Reindeer Room at Truck & Tap (Duluth & Lawrenceville)
Rudolph's Rooftop above Buffalo's Cafe (Dacula)
Grinch Pop-Up at Over The Top Burger
Après Ski at Perry Street Chophouse (Lawrenceville) — alpine vibes, fancy cocktails
Classic Christmas Movies at Home Sometimes the best tradition is the simplest. Queue up Elf, Home Alone, or — if you're bold — Die Hard (yes, it counts), and enjoy the couch.
💬 FINAL THOUGHT
Christmas isn't about having the perfect plan — it's about being present with the people who matter.
So whether you're driving through a million lights, catching a movie, or just sitting on the couch in matching pajamas... you're doing it right.
Merry Christmas, Gwinnett. 🎄
From our family to yours, — Gus Your neighbor and Local Enthusiast at Gwinnett Best
P.S. — If your family asks "What should we do?" just forward them this email. You're welcome. 😉
I’M NOT AI (I’M A REAL PERSON)
Where I will be tonight:
My family and I (and my in-laws😅) will be headed to Avalon, not Gwinnett but my in-laws have never been.
Question for you:
Which event are you looking forward to the most?
Favor to ask🙏🏼
Can you share this email with a friend? Would love to have more neighbors!