Let Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation get you in the holiday mood as the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse offers special events for this year’s holiday season.  Carriage rides, visits with Santa, children’s crafts, carolers and the annual Lighting of the Tree will all help bring the holiday spirit to Gwinnett County.

The holiday season kicks off with the 20th Annual Lighting of the Tree on November 22 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. The evening will include musical entertainment, carriage rides, food and hot beverage concessions, Santa visits, and free self-guided holiday tours of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse and grounds. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. and will be emceed by Fox5’s Randy Travis. Santa will arrive at 6:45 p.m. Entertainers will include Miss Gwinnett, Aundrea Poole; Gwinnett's Outstanding Teen, Kelsey Thrift; Class Act Band; Steve McKee; Abby Mauragas; and the Gwinnett Choral Guild.

Santa will make additional stops for holiday hours at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse from 4:30 – 8 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 30, and Dec. 1-2, 7- 9, 14-16 and 21-23. Framed Santa photos will cost $5 each. Free children’s crafts will also be offered during these times and will include snowflake ornaments, snowman decorations and holiday cards for parents. The grounds and downstairs of the courthouse will also be available for self-guided tours during these hours. Outdoor entertainment during holiday hours at the courthouse will include Shiloh High School Chorus, Parkview High School Chorus, Sugar Hill elementary and many more.

Carriage rides around historic Lawrenceville will be available on Dec. 1, 8 and 15 from 5 – 8:30 p.m. and are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Additionally, the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse will offer Workshop Wednesdays on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 2 – 4 p.m., where Santa’s Workshop on the first floor of the courthouse will be open for free children’s crafts.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan St., in downtown Lawrenceville. For more information and a complete entertainment schedule, call 770-822-5450.