REMAX Center logo for Château Élan Guide Braselton Georgia
The Chateau Elan manor house with manicured gardens and fountain on a sunny day in Braselton Georgia
Community Events · · 20 min read

Upcoming Events in Braselton & Chateau Elan

Fall & Holiday 2026 Event Calendar

Fall is when Braselton and Chateau Elan truly come alive, and this year the season runs straight through to the New Year. Between the final farmers market on the Town Green, Halloween trolley rides and costume soirées at the winery, the antique shows, holiday concerts and tree lightings, and the rumble of race weekends at Road Atlanta, there is something on the calendar almost every weekend from now through the holidays. Here is a look at the events we are most excited about, each one sourced from the official town, resort, and racetrack calendars.

As a Chateau Elan resident, I love this stretch of the year. The weather turns crisp, the community gathers a little more often, and the calendar fills with a wonderful mix of neighborly traditions and world-class happenings. New to this refresh: the Art-Tiques Holiday Market fills the Buford Community Center lawn with 250-plus vintage vendors the weekend of November 21 and 22; downtown Gainesville brings back Jingle Mingle and the famous Lighting of the Chicken that same Saturday; John Berry's Celebrate Christmas tour plays The Eagle on Friday, November 27 at 8:00 PM; the Toys for Tots benefit concert with the Broad St. Concert Band and Capitol City Xpress Big Band follows at the theatre on Saturday, November 28; Chin Track Days runs its Post-Thanksgiving Tradition open-lapping weekend at Road Atlanta on November 28 and 29; Jefferson lights its downtown tree on Sunday, November 29 at 6:00 PM, a new date for 2026; Jolly Holly Day returns to Suwanee Town Center Park on Friday, December 4; and the outdoor ice rink is back on Sugar Hill's plaza for the winter season. December 5 still shapes up as a full day out, with the Jefferson Christmas Parade and Stroll in the morning, the free Buford Holiday Festival and Parade downtown, and the Little Mulberry Park holiday 5K, 10K, and half marathon in Dacula. Christmas on Green Street lights up downtown Gainesville the following afternoon, December 6, and Winder's 77th annual Christmas Parade and Santa's After Party closes out the weekend of December 12, with the Sugar Hill Holiday Celebration filling downtown Sugar Hill that same Saturday evening. Halloween week still has a couple of nights to go, with trolley rides through October 29, the resort's chef and winemaker dinner and costume soirée on Friday, October 30, and the PathParade and carnival along the LifePath on Saturday, October 31, and the resort's Thanksgiving buffet at Versailles is confirmed for 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Our standing advice: the Halloween trolley tours and the most popular holiday celebrations sell out, so book early.

Rows of grapevines at Chateau Elan winery in Braselton Georgia during the fall harvest season

Harvest season at the Chateau Elan winery

Fall & Holiday 2026 Calendar

Mark your calendar.

Every event below is listed with its date and a direct link to the official source so you can confirm details and book ahead.

October

Holiday Happening

Braselton Trolley Halloween Lights Tours

Nightly through October 29 (final nights October 27 - 29)

Evening departures, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Boarding at Pinnacle Bank, Mulberry Walk, Braselton

The Braselton trolley wraps up its spooky-season run with the final nights October 27 through 29, one-hour rides past the area's best Halloween light displays with departures at 7:00, 7:15, 8:15, and 8:30 PM. Tickets are $12 per person and are sold online only. The tours typically fill up, so book ahead through Explore Braselton for one of the last rides of the season.

Source: Explore Braselton
Resort & Winery

Ode to October: A Chef & Winemaker Dinner

Friday, October 30

Multi-course dinner, from $200 per person

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort's chefs and winemakers join forces for a multi-course dinner celebrating the season at its peak. It is one of several estate dinners this fall and an elegant way to close the month, with limited seating, so reserve through the resort's signature events page.

Source: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Resort & Winery

An Old-Fashioned Halloween Costume Soirée at Chateau Elan

Friday, October 30

Evening costume affair, from $89 per person

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort closes out October in vintage style with an old-fashioned Halloween costume soirée: cocktails, music, and clever costumes set against the estate's elegant backdrop. A Halloween Hideaway overnight package includes party tickets for those who want to make a full weekend of it. It is Halloween with a sophisticated twist, right in the neighborhood.

Source: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Community & Family

Hoschton Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 30

Early evening on City Square Street, downtown Hoschton

City Square Street, Downtown Hoschton (near Braselton)

The City of Hoschton brings its downtown trunk or treat to City Square Street, a friendly evening of decorated vehicles, candy, and small-town Halloween fun just down the road from Chateau Elan. It is part of Hoschton's 2026 downtown events schedule, and the city posts the full lineup on its festivals and events page as the date approaches.

Source: City of Hoschton
Community & Family

Halloween PathParade & Carnival in Braselton

Saturday, October 31

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Starts at S&S Ace Hardware, 3740 Village Way, Braselton LifePath

A costumed golf cart and kids parade winds down the Braselton LifePath before a carnival and Tent R' Treat take over, one of the friendliest Halloween mornings in town. Decorations, candy stops, and a family carnival make it a welcoming way to celebrate Halloween with the whole neighborhood, and it is listed on the town's official events calendar.

Source: Explore Braselton
Community & Family

Halloween Carnival at Primrose School of Braselton

Saturday, October 31

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Primrose School of Braselton, 2711 Old Winder Highway, Braselton

Primrose School of Braselton opens its campus for a family-friendly Halloween carnival with spooky games, festive activities, and treats for the little goblins. It is a cheerful, low-key way to fill Halloween morning, and the school posts details on the town's official events calendar.

Source: Explore Braselton
Motorsports

SCCA American Road Race of Champions

October 30 - November 1

All weekend

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

The SCCA American Road Race of Champions brings amateur road racers from across the country to Road Atlanta for a weekend of wheel-to-wheel competition. It is a racers' event at heart, but the paddock and grandstand access make the weekend fun for spectators too.

Source: SCCA

November & December

Community & Fitness

Chateau Runs: A Morning Run with Winemaker Simone

Wednesday, November 4

Complimentary morning run, post-run gathering at Paddy's Irish Pub

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort's complimentary Chateau Runs series returns Wednesday, November 4, an easy social run led by Winemaker Simone with a post-run stop at Paddy's Irish Pub. It is a friendly, low-key way to meet neighbors and resort regulars while taking in the estate's scenic side, and it is listed on the resort's Book Unique Experiences page.

Source: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Community & Farm Fresh

Braselton Farmers Market

Friday, November 6 (final 2026 market)

3:00 - 7:00 PM

Braselton Town Green, 9924 Davis Street, Braselton

The farmers market shifts to its fall monthly cadence on the Town Green, and Friday, November 6 is the final 2026 date. North Georgia farmers, artisan bakers, and local craftspeople gather for one last relaxed afternoon of the season, a lovely way to stock the pantry before the holidays. The town's events calendar has the full fall listing.

Source: Explore Braselton
Winery & Festival

Suwanee Wine Fest

Saturday, November 7

Gates at 1:00 PM

Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee

The 13th annual Suwanee Wine Fest pours into Town Center Park for a polished autumn afternoon of regional wines, live music, and food vendors on the lawn, exactly the kind of easy-going festival that suits the season. It is a lovely reason to make the short drive down from Braselton, and tickets and the full lineup are posted on the official festival site.

Source: Suwanee Wine Fest
Holiday Happening

Gateway to the Holiday in Hoschton

Saturday, November 7

From 10:30 AM

Hammond Park and Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Hoschton (near Braselton)

The neighboring town of Hoschton kicks off the season with Gateway to the Holiday at Hammond Park and Mt. Zion Methodist Church, an early-November gathering of holiday vendors, music, and festive cheer just down the road from Chateau Elan. It is a warm, local way to ease into the season's celebrations, and the City of Hoschton publishes its full holiday lineup on its festivals and events page and the Eventbrite listing as the date approaches.

Source: Eventbrite
Motorsports

VDCA Veterans Day Historics

Saturday & Sunday, November 7 - 8

All weekend

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

The Vintage Drivers Club of America brings a weekend of classic and historic sports car racing to Road Atlanta, a fitting salute in the days around Veterans Day. Vintage race cars, open paddock access, and the scenic North Georgia setting make it a relaxed way to spend a November weekend at the track.

Source: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
Holiday Happening

A Kindred Collective Christmas at Eagle Ranch

Thursday, November 12

From 3:30 PM

Wink Wynne Lodge, Eagle Ranch, Flowery Branch (near Braselton)

Kindred Collective brings its holiday gathering to the Wink Wynne Lodge at Eagle Ranch, a welcoming seasonal market and get-together just up the road from Chateau Elan. It is a cozy way to ease into the season's shopping and social calendar, and ticket details are posted on the organizer's Eventbrite page, so check there as the date approaches.

Source: Eventbrite
Motorsports

BMW CCA Club Racing at Road Atlanta

Friday - Sunday, November 13 - 15

All weekend

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

The BMW Car Club of America brings its club racing series to Road Atlanta for a weekend of wheel-to-wheel competition, with open paddock access and the track's scenic North Georgia setting. It is a relaxed, paddock-friendly way to spend a November weekend at the track, minutes from Chateau Elan.

Source: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
Community & Family

Exotics Sunrise Saturdays Car Show

Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, December 12

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Northeast Georgia Bank, 5045 Hwy 53, Braselton

A free monthly gathering of exotic and collector cars in the Northeast Georgia Bank lot, organized with Apex Motorhaus. Early risers get the best views as the sun comes up over a parking lot full of supercars, a relaxed and friendly way to spend a Saturday morning in Braselton.

Source: Explore Braselton
Holiday Happening

NFP Holiday Marketplace & North Pole Kids Zone

Saturday, November 14

From 9:00 AM

Williams Place, 1575 Natchez Way, Dacula

A one-day holiday marketplace in Dacula with vendor shopping and a North Pole Kids Zone, a handy way to cross gifts off the list while the whole family is entertained. Details on the vendor lineup and hours are posted on the Eventbrite listing, so confirm plans closer to the date.

Source: Eventbrite
Holiday Happening

Mall of Georgia Tree Lighting

Saturday, November 14

5:00 - 9:00 PM

The Village Amphitheatre, Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Drive NE, Buford

Mall of Georgia kicks off the shopping season with its free annual tree lighting at The Village Amphitheatre, an evening of holiday music, family activities, and a screening of The Polar Express that makes the moment feel like the season is officially here. It is an easy stop off I-85 on the way to Buford, and the official Explore Gwinnett listing confirms the schedule.

Source: Explore Gwinnett
Resort & Winery

Chateau Elan Muscadine Run

Saturday, November 14

Morning trail race, chip timed

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

A scenic trail race on the resort grounds with 3.2-mile and 5.9-mile courses, chip timing, finisher medals, and a post-race wine tasting for runners 21 and older. It is a polished, active way to enjoy the estate's rolling vineyard views, and a fitting kickoff to a November weekend in the neighborhood.

Source: GoTrail
Resort & Winery

Wine & Tennis Weekend at Chateau Elan

Friday - Sunday, November 6 - 8

Two-night stay with Cliff Drysdale Tennis instruction and a private wine tour and tasting

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

A polished resort package pairing tennis and wine, hosted with Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Chateau Elan: two nights on the estate, eight hours of instruction, and a private wine tour and tasting. The resort has confirmed the first autumn weekend edition for Friday through Sunday, November 6-8, a polished way to ease into the season, and it posts each weekend edition and pricing on its Tennis and Wine Weekends page.

Source: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Resort & Winery

Date Night Dance Series at Chateau Elan

Friday, November 6

Evening experience, from $125 per person

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort adds a Friday-night flourish to the season with its Date Night Dance Series: a guided dance lesson paired with estate wine, a polished and playful way to ease into a November weekend on the grounds. It is listed with pricing on the resort's Book Unique Experiences page, where the fall lineup of weekend experiences is posted.

Source: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Concert & Theatre

Miracle on 34th Street at The Eagle

Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 15

Weekend matinees at 3:00 PM and evening performances at 8:00 PM

The Eagle Theatre at Sugar Hill, 5029 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill

The Players Guild at Sugar Hill brings the beloved holiday classic to the stage at The Eagle for a two-weekend run, a warm and polished way to open the season's theatre calendar. Weekend matinees and evening performances fill the schedule from November 6 through 15, and tickets are on The Eagle's official events page.

Source: The Eagle at Sugar Hill
Holiday Happening

Chateau Elan Holiday Season

November 15, 2026 through January 2, 2027 (the resort's confirmed 2026 holiday season)

Resort holiday programming

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort turns festive for the holidays each year, and the 2026 season is now confirmed to run November 15 through January 2. The beloved traditions return as their dates are posted: the Grand Illumination tree lighting in the Atrium of the Inn, the Gingerbread Experience, the A Toast to the Season tastings at the winery, Cookies with Claus, Breakfast with Santa, and the New Year's Eve celebration. The resort's official holiday itinerary also highlights Cookies with Santa at Studio 100, candlelit dinners, and fireside evenings, and it posts the full season lineup on its holidays page as announcements are made.

Source: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Holiday Happening

Christmas Wishes Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting

Friday, November 20

6:30 - 9:00 PM; lantern parade at 6:30, tree lighting at 7:00, drone show at 7:15

Downtown Flowery Branch, 5302 Railroad Avenue

The City of Flowery Branch kicks off the season with its Christmas Wishes celebration downtown: a holiday lantern parade steps off at 6:30 PM, the downtown tree lighting follows around 7:00 PM, and a drone show lights up the sky over the lakefront at 7:15 PM, with live music, food trucks, and craft vendors filling the evening. The free event is confirmed for Friday, November 20, and the official listing has the full lineup.

Source: City of Flowery Branch
Holiday Happening

Braselton Tree Lighting

Friday, November 20

6:00 PM

Braselton Town Green, Historic Downtown Braselton

The town lights the tree on the Braselton Town Green to open the holiday weekend, ahead of the full Celebrate the Holidays festival on Saturday. It is an intimate, old-fashioned kickoff to the season right in the heart of historic downtown, and it is listed on the town's holidays page.

Source: Explore Braselton
Holiday Happening

Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands

Nightly, November 20 through January 3

Evening drive-through, roughly 5:00 - 10:00 PM; per-vehicle admission

Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands (Buford)

More than six miles of animated, sparkling holiday displays turn Lake Lanier Islands into a drive-through wonderland from November 20 through January 3. Priced per vehicle rather than per person, it is a wonderfully easy way to take the whole family, or a carload of visiting friends, to see the season in style, all just a short drive from Chateau Elan. New this year, Give Back Nights run November 20 through 30, when guests who bring five cans of food to the front gate earn admission, a feel-good way to see the lights while supporting the community. The full 2026 season dates and per-vehicle pricing are confirmed on the official Lanier Islands page.

Source: Lanier Islands
Holiday Happening

License to Chill Snow Island at Lake Lanier Islands

Opening Friday, November 20, 2026 and running through the winter

Daily holiday hours; snow tubing and ice skating sessions posted on the resort's page

Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Holiday Road, Buford

The lakefront transforms into a winter playground with Blizzard Mountain, billed as Georgia's longest snow tubing slide at 575 feet, plus an ice-skating rink, snow play, carnival rides, and s'mores by the fire. It opens Friday, November 20 for the season, and day passes let you play from morning to evening, the closest thing to a snowy mountain escape without leaving Northeast Georgia, and a favorite way for families to make a full day of a trip to the islands.

Source: Lanier Islands
Community Festival

Heart of Braselton Antique Show

Saturday & Sunday, November 21 - 22

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (per earlier 2026 editions; confirm closer to the date)

Braselton Civic Center, 27 East Lake Drive, Braselton

The indoor antique and vintage market returns to the Braselton Civic Center as the town's big holiday weekend gets underway, run by the organizers behind the town's beloved antique festivals and described as full of the finest curators around. With Celebrate the Holidays happening downtown the same weekend, it is the perfect excuse to make a full festive day of it, and the show is listed on the organizer's official 2026 schedule.

Source: Braselton Festival
Community Festival

Art-Tiques Holiday Market at the Buford Community Center

Saturday & Sunday, November 21 - 22

From 9:00 AM

Buford Community Center, Town Park & Theatre lawn, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford

The vintage market organizers behind Braselton's beloved festival season bring the Art-Tiques Holiday Market to the lawn of the Buford Community Center, with 250-plus vendors selling holiday home decor, furniture, farmhouse goods, vintage finds, jewelry, and local art alongside food trucks and live music. Admission is free, and with Celebrate the Holidays happening downtown Braselton the same weekend, it is an easy way to turn Thanksgiving weekend into a full festive outing.

Source: Buford Community Center
Holiday Happening

Celebrate the Holidays in Braselton

Saturday, November 21

10:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Historic Downtown Braselton

The town celebrates the holiday weekend with its main event in historic downtown: a morning parade, an all-day festival and marketplace on the Town Green, food trucks, local entertainment, photos with Santa, live reindeer, and an evening tree lighting. It follows the Friday night tree lighting on the Town Green, and the town's holidays page has the full weekend lineup. Free to attend and the perfect kickoff to the season.

Source: Explore Braselton
Motorsports

MVP Track Time Flyin' Turkey Trot at Road Atlanta

Saturday & Sunday, November 21 - 22

Open lapping and instruction sessions, all weekend

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

The Flyin' Turkey Trot brings two days of open-lapping track time to Road Atlanta the weekend before Thanksgiving, a holiday-weekend tradition for drivers who want to stretch their cars' legs on the 2.54-mile circuit. Even without a car in the paddock, the day is a lively spectacle: the track's visitor policy welcomes spectators to the grandstand and paddock areas, so it is an easy, close-to-home way to catch race cars in motion. Registration and session details are on the track's official track days schedule.

Source: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
Holiday Happening

Jingle Mingle & the Lighting of the Chicken in Gainesville

Saturday, November 21

Downtown holiday soirée, followed by the Lighting of the Chicken

Downtown Gainesville, Georgia (near Braselton)

Downtown Gainesville's famously quirky Jingle Mingle returns the Saturday before Thanksgiving, wrapping the square in holiday lights, live music, and late-night shopping before the moment everyone waits for: the ceremonial Lighting of the Chicken. It is one of the Southeast's most unexpected holiday traditions, and a cheerful, one-of-a-kind way to open the season a short drive from Chateau Elan. The City of Gainesville publishes the full evening lineup on its downtown events page.

Source: City of Gainesville
Holiday Happening

A Chateau Thanksgiving at Versailles

Thursday, November 26

11:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Versailles Restaurant, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort celebrates Thanksgiving with its traditional buffet in the Versailles Restaurant, served from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day, and the A Chateau Thanksgiving overnight package includes two buffet tickets for a full holiday stay. It is a gracious way to gather the family without the cooking, all set against the estate's elegant backdrop just moments from home. The town's official calendar confirms the date and service time.

Source: Explore Braselton
Resort & Winery

A Chateau Thanksgiving Estate Feast

Thursday, November 26

Thanksgiving evening chef and winemaker pairing dinner

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

Alongside the classic buffet at Versailles, the resort offers a second way to celebrate Thanksgiving: an Estate Feast pairing the chefs' holiday menu with estate wines, an elegant choice for a smaller, more intimate gathering. The resort posts details and reservations through its Thanksgiving page, so check there as the menu is finalized.

Source: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Holiday Happening

Santa's Magical Arrival at Lake Lanier Islands

Friday, November 27

5:00 - 9:00 PM

Game Changer at Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Holiday Road, Buford

Santa and his festive friends arrive by fire truck at Game Changer to officially kick off the holiday season at the lake, with Cindy Lou Who, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and Frosty along for the ride. It is a cheerful, family-friendly way to open the season, and it pairs perfectly with the resort's Magical Nights of Lights drive-through just down the road.

Source: Lanier Islands
Holiday Happening

Holiday Market at Lake Lanier Islands

Select evenings: November 27 - 28, December 4 - 5, December 11 - 12, and December 18 - 23

4:00 - 9:00 PM

Game Changer Holiday Headquarters, Lake Lanier Islands, Buford

The lake's holiday market gathers local artisans, makers, and retailers at Game Changer's Holiday Headquarters on select evenings through the season, with live entertainment to match. It is a warm, easy way to cross gifts off the list with the family, and it pairs beautifully with an evening at Magical Nights of Lights.

Source: Lanier Islands
Holiday Happening

Breakfast with Santa at Lake Lanier Islands

Select mornings: November 28 - 29, December 5 - 6, December 12 - 13, and December 19 - 23

9:00 - 11:00 AM (Santa appearances 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands (Buford)

Lanier Islands pairs a holiday breakfast with a visit from Santa on selected November and December mornings, a cheerful seasonal tradition for families that pairs perfectly with the resort's Magical Nights of Lights. The full slate of mornings and holiday overnight packages are posted on the official Lanier Islands special experiences page, so check there to reserve a morning on the lake.

Source: Lanier Islands
Holiday Happening

Brunch with Santa

Saturday, November 28

9:30 AM

Braselton Civic Center, 27 East Lake Drive, Braselton

A family brunch with Santa at the Braselton Civic Center, a cheerful way to open the holiday season with the little ones. Seating details and tickets are posted on the town's events calendar, so check there to reserve a spot.

Source: Explore Braselton
Community & Family

Small Business Saturday Downtown Flowery Branch

Saturday, November 28

All day, downtown shops and boutiques

Downtown Flowery Branch

The day after Thanksgiving, downtown Flowery Branch joins the national Small Business Saturday celebration with its lakefront shops and boutiques open for the season's first holiday shopping. It is a cheerful, hometown way to start the gift list while supporting the local merchants who give the town its character, and it is listed on the 2026 Georgia Festival Guide along with the area's other seasonal happenings.

Source: Georgia Festival Guide
Concert

Celebrate Christmas with John Berry at The Eagle

Friday, November 27

8:00 PM

The Eagle Theatre at Sugar Hill

Country singer John Berry brings his 30th anniversary Celebrate Christmas tour to The Eagle Theatre at Sugar Hill, an intimate evening of holiday classics and fan favorites that kicks off a full weekend of holiday concerts in the theatre. It is a polished, close-to-home way to enjoy live holiday music, and tickets are on the theatre's official events page.

Source: The Eagle at Sugar Hill
Concert

Toys for Tots Community Toy Drive Benefit Christmas Concert

Saturday, November 28

7:00 PM

The Eagle Theatre at Sugar Hill, 5029 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill

The Broad St. Concert Band and the Capitol City Xpress Big Band join forces for the annual Toys for Tots benefit Christmas concert at The Eagle, an evening of holiday classics that doubles as a community toy drive. It is a meaningful, swinging way to begin the giving season, and tickets and toy-drop details are on the theatre's official events page.

Source: The Eagle at Sugar Hill
Motorsports

Chin Track Days: Post-Thanksgiving Tradition at Road Atlanta

Saturday & Sunday, November 28 - 29

Open lapping sessions, all weekend

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Chin Track Days keeps the holiday tradition alive with two days of open lapping at Road Atlanta the weekend after Thanksgiving, a favorite for drivers who want to stretch their cars' legs on the 2.54-mile circuit. Registration and run-group details are on the organizer's official Road Atlanta page, and the track's visitor policy welcomes spectators to the paddock and grandstand areas to watch the action from the sidelines.

Source: Chin Track Days
Concert

Joe Gransden: Sing Me a Song for Christmas

Sunday, November 29

4:00 PM

The Eagle Theatre at Sugar Hill, 5029 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill

Atlanta trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden brings his holiday jazz show to The Eagle for an intimate Sunday afternoon of seasonal standards, the kind of polished, close-to-home concert that makes December feel official. The date is confirmed on the artist's official shows page, and tickets are sold through the theatre.

Source: Joe Gransden
Holiday Happening

Jefferson Christmas Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 29

6:00 PM

Downtown Jefferson, Georgia (near Braselton)

The City of Jefferson lights its downtown Christmas tree at 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 29, a new date and time for 2026 that opens the town's holiday week ahead of the Christmas Parade and Stroll on December 5. It is a friendly, small-town way to start the season just up the road from Chateau Elan, and the city's official page has the details.

Source: City of Jefferson
Holiday Happening

Cravin' Bacon Walk in Downtown Braselton

Thursday, December 3

5:00 - 9:00 PM

The Mill, 16 Frances Street, Downtown Braselton

The annual bacon-tasting walk returns to downtown Braselton, with local restaurants and shops pouring bacon-inspired bites as you stroll the historic streets under the holiday lights, starting from The Mill at 16 Frances Street. Tickets are sold through Explore Braselton, and exact stops and timing are confirmed on the official 2026 listing.

Source: Explore Braselton
Holiday Happening

Chateau Elan Christmas Tree Lighting (The Grand Illumination)

Friday, December 4

6:00 - 7:00 PM in the Atrium of the Inn

The Inn at Chateau Elan, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort lights its grand Christmas tree in the Atrium of the Inn each December, the traditional kickoff to the holiday season on the estate and one of the most photographed evenings of the year in Braselton. The official listing confirms the 2026 event for Friday, December 4 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, and the evening is open to guests and the community alike.

Source: Explore Braselton
Holiday Happening

Gingerbread Experience at Chateau Elan

December 4 - 28

Holiday experience in the Atrium of the Inn

The Inn at Chateau Elan, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort's annual Gingerbread Experience returns to the Atrium of the Inn, a beloved December tradition of fanciful gingerbread displays, warm holiday beverages, and festive treats that fills the estate's grand hall with the season's sweetest scents. It is one of those genuinely cozy Chateau Elan traditions that makes December on the estate feel like a page from a storybook. Dates and details are confirmed on the resort's holidays page.

Source: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Holiday Happening

Jolly Holly Day in Suwanee

Friday, December 4

6:00 - 9:00 PM; tree lighting around 8:00 PM

Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee

The City of Suwanee fills Town Center Park with its annual Jolly Holly Day: holiday music, family activities, and festive treats leading up to the town tree lighting around 8:00 PM, with a performance by the All Stars Performing Arts Academy to set the mood. It is a polished, family-friendly way to spend a December evening a short drive from Chateau Elan, and the city's official calendar has the full schedule.

Source: City of Suwanee
Holiday Happening

Meet Santa at Magical Nights of Lights

Fridays, December 4, 11, and 18

6:00 - 9:00 PM

Game Changer at Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Holiday Road, Buford

Santa pays a visit to Game Changer at the lake on holiday Fridays, making it easy to fold a quick visit with the kids into an evening at Magical Nights of Lights. It is a cheerful, low-fuss way to see the season's star guest without a long wait, and the official Lanier Islands page has the full slate.

Source: Lanier Islands
Holiday Happening

Buford Holiday Festival and Parade

Saturday, December 5

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Historic Main Street and the Buford Community Center, Buford

Buford's historic district celebrates the season with a free hometown holiday festival and parade, the kind of small-town gathering that makes December in northeast metro Atlanta feel especially warm. The parade steps off from the Buford Community Center and the festival fills Main Street through the afternoon, and the official Explore Gwinnett listing has the full schedule.

Source: Explore Gwinnett
Holiday Happening

Jefferson Christmas Parade & Stroll

Saturday, December 5

11:00 AM parade; Enchanted Forest tree lighting to follow

Downtown Jefferson, ending at Lions Park (near Braselton)

The City of Jefferson lines its downtown streets for the annual Christmas Parade and Stroll, with the parade ending at Lions Park where the Enchanted Forest tree-lighting ceremony follows. It is a friendly small-town tradition just up the road from Chateau Elan, and the city's official page has the route and schedule.

Source: City of Jefferson
Concert & Theatre

Elf Jr. at The Eagle

Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6

Saturday 7:00 PM, Sunday 2:30 PM

The Eagle Theatre at Sugar Hill, 5029 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill

The young performers of OTSCT bring Buddy the Elf to The Eagle in Elf Jr., a family-friendly holiday musical that turns the theatre into the North Pole for a weekend. It is a charming way to introduce the little ones to live theatre, and showtimes are posted on the theatre's official events page.

Source: The Eagle at Sugar Hill
Community & Fitness

Holiday 5K, 10K & Half Marathon at Little Mulberry Park

Saturday, December 5

8:00 AM start

Little Mulberry Park, Dacula

Get the holiday season moving with a timed 5K, 10K, or half marathon through Little Mulberry Park in Dacula, a cheerful December tradition that draws runners from across the region. It is a healthy, festive way to begin a December Saturday, and race details and registration are on the US Road Running listing.

Source: US Road Running
Motorsports

NASA Southeast Santa's Toy Run

December 5 - 6

All weekend; gate fee is a $25 new unwrapped toy or $25 cash donation

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

The NASA Southeast region closes its competition season at Road Atlanta with the annual Santa's Toy Run weekend of club racing across multiple classes, a fitting December tradition at the track. Admission is a $25 new unwrapped toy or a $25 cash donation to the toy drive, making it a paddock-friendly, approachable way to spend a December weekend while giving back.

Source: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
Holiday Happening

Christmas on Green Street in Gainesville

Sunday, December 6

3:00 - 7:00 PM; Rotary tree lighting around 5:30 PM

Downtown Gainesville, Georgia

Downtown Gainesville welcomes the season with Christmas on Green Street: a cheerful afternoon of parade floats, marching bands, Santa, food trucks, and the Rotary Club tree lighting on the square. It is a scenic lakeside town a short drive from Braselton, and the official Explore Gainesville listing confirms the schedule.

Source: Explore Gainesville
Holiday Happening

Holiday Lights Trolley Tours

Daily, December 6 - 23

6:00 - 9:30 PM

Boarding at Pinnacle Bank, Mulberry Park, Braselton

Hosted by the Braselton Visitors Bureau, these sold-out-worthy trolley rides take you on a one-hour tour of the brightest holiday light displays and attractions around town, with complimentary hot cocoa to close the ride. Boarding is at Pinnacle Bank in Mulberry Park, and tours typically sell out, so book ahead online.

Source: Explore Braselton
Holiday Happening

Flowery Branch Christmas Market

Thursday, December 10

Evening holiday market in downtown

Downtown Flowery Branch

The City of Flowery Branch hosts its annual Christmas Market downtown, a festive evening of local vendors, seasonal gifts, food, and holiday cheer along the lakefront streets. The 2026 edition is listed for Thursday, December 10 in the Georgia Festival Guide, and the city posts the full vendor lineup closer to the date.

Source: Georgia Festival Guide
Motorsports

24 Hours of Lemons

December 11 - 13 (on-site check-in and trackdays Friday, December 11)

All weekend

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

The 24 Hours of Lemons brings its famously irreverent mix of budget endurance racing, costumes, and chaos to Road Atlanta, with trackdays and check-in on Friday and the race itself on Saturday and Sunday. For spectators, it is the most fun you can have at a racetrack without driving yourself.

Source: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
Holiday Happening

Christmas at Countryside

Saturday, December 12

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Countryside Antiques and Home Décor, Braselton

A holiday market at Countryside Antiques and Home Décor in Braselton, with around 50 vendors selling handcrafted gifts, local art, jewelry, and home décor alongside food trucks, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa. It is an easy, festive way to knock out some holiday shopping without leaving the neighborhood, and details are on the organizers' official event page.

Source: Braselton Festival (Vintage Markets)
Holiday Happening

Winder Christmas Parade & Santa's After Party

Saturday, December 12

2:30 - 5:30 PM

Downtown Winder and Jug Tavern Park (near Braselton)

Winder marks its 77th annual Christmas Parade through downtown, finishing at Jug Tavern Park for Santa's After Party with holiday activities and treats. It is a long-running hometown tradition a short drive from Chateau Elan, and the City of Winder's official page confirms the date and times.

Source: City of Winder
Holiday Happening

Sugar Hill Holiday Celebration

Saturday, December 12

5:00 - 9:00 PM

Downtown Sugar Hill, Dawn P. Gober Community Plaza and The Bowl, 5019 West Broad Street

The City of Sugar Hill closes its holiday weekend with the Sugar Hill Holiday Celebration at Dawn P. Gober Community Plaza and The Bowl: free Santa photos, holiday vendors, live entertainment, and festive activities filling the downtown just off the West Broad corridor. It is a polished, family-friendly way to spend a December evening a short drive from Chateau Elan, and the city's events page has the full lineup.

Source: City of Sugar Hill
Holiday Happening

Sugar Hill Ice Rink on the Plaza

Open through the winter season

Skating sessions on the Dawn P. Gober Community Plaza

Dawn P. Gober Community Plaza, 5039 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill

The outdoor ice rink returns to Sugar Hill's Dawn P. Gober Community Plaza behind City Hall for the winter season, a sparkling addition to the downtown holiday lights and an easy, close-to-home outing for skaters of every age. It pairs perfectly with the Sugar Hill Holiday Celebration on December 12, and the local winter events roundup has the full schedule of hours and sessions.

Source: Suwanee Magazine
Community & Family

Winter Break Bash Movies at The Eagle

Monday, December 21 through Wednesday, December 23

Showings at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM

The Eagle Theatre at Sugar Hill, 5029 West Broad Street, Sugar Hill

The City of Sugar Hill pairs its Winter Break Bash with classic holiday movies at The Eagle: White Christmas on December 21, How the Grinch Stole Christmas on December 22, and The Polar Express on December 23, with 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM showings each day. It is a low-key, family-friendly way to spend an afternoon of the school break, and the city's events page has the full lineup.

Source: City of Sugar Hill
Holiday Happening

Christmas Day Brunch at Lake Lanier Islands

Friday, December 25

12:00 - 4:00 PM (reservations required)

Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Holiday Road, Buford

The resort serves an all-you-can-eat Christmas Day buffet with chef-carved selections and fresh seafood, a polished way to gather the family without the cooking. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the resort, and the brunch pairs naturally with the season's Magical Nights of Lights for a full holiday day at the lake.

Source: Lanier Islands
Holiday Happening

A Noël Feast at Versailles

Friday, December 25

Christmas Day buffet seating

Versailles Restaurant, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort marks Christmas Day with the A Noël Feast buffet in the Versailles Restaurant, a polished holiday meal served in the atrium as the season's lights glow around you. It is a warm, effortless way to celebrate the day close to home.

Source: Explore Braselton
Holiday Happening

Midnight at Chateau: New Year's Eve Celebration

Thursday, December 31

Black-tie evening, champagne countdown

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

The resort closes out the year with a glamorous New Year's Eve celebration: a five-course dinner in Marc Restaurant and a champagne toast at midnight, all in black-tie style. It is the polished, festive finale the season deserves, right in the neighborhood.

Source: Explore Braselton

Everyday experiences worth the drive

Beyond the one-off festivals, the season also brings a steady rhythm of recurring experiences. The winery's signature Chateau Tour & Tasting gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyards and cellars, and daily wine tastings run through the afternoons. Through October 31, the resort's Harvest Season package also pairs an overnight stay with hands-on harvest experiences and an estate Muscadine wine; you can reserve both the tour and the package on the resort's offers page.

Friday and Saturday nights on the estate bring their own rhythm: the winery's live music series runs from 9:00 to 11:30 PM, and Paddy's Irish Pub keeps its stage going from 7:00 to 10:00 PM those same evenings. Both are listed on the resort's live music page, so check there to see who is playing before you head out, and pair a set with a glass of estate wine under the lights.

A few more seasonal favorites to weave into your fall:

  • An afternoon at the winery tasting room as the vines turn gold.
  • A Halloween trolley ride past the town's best light displays.
  • A round on the fairways while the North Georgia foliage peaks in October.
  • Live music and a glass of estate wine on a Friday night.
  • A race weekend at Road Atlanta, minutes from home.
  • A holiday concert in a historic theatre, minutes from home.
  • A tree-lighting walk through downtown Braselton as the holidays arrive.

However you spend the season, there is always a reason to get out, gather with neighbors, and enjoy the life this community was built around. From tee times to closing times, the calendar is full, and the best part is how much of it is right outside your door.

Life's too short for ordinary weekends, and fall in Braselton is anything but ordinary.

Details can change, so always confirm

Event dates, times, and availability are subject to change. Please check the linked official source for each event before you head out, and book tickets early for the most popular celebrations like the Halloween trolley tours and the winery's holiday dinners. This guide was last updated on October 28, 2026, and will be refreshed as new events are announced.

Lisa Harris, REMAX Center luxury real estate agent in Chateau Elan Braselton Georgia
Written by

Lisa Harris

Real Estate Agent · REMAX Center · Chateau Elan Resident · 19 Years Experience

Learn more →

Thinking of making Chateau Elan home?

Contact Lisa Harris for a private tour of available homes in Chateau Elan and Braselton. Neighborhood insights, market data, and everything you need to make this community your own.

404-307-9898 Email Lisa Send a Message

Related Pages

Things to Do Lifestyle Resort & Winery Annual Events & Festivals Petit Le Mans