Gwinnett Daily Post

Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, but Santa Claus is getting a long jump on his holiday duties, arriving at two Gwinnett locations Saturday.

Santa is set to arrive at Gwinnett Place Mall at 10:30 a.m., setting up shop in his Winter Wonderland. The jolly old elf will be available for pictures, and kids can enjoy Santa's favorite snack - milk and cookies - with the big man himself from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Belk wing of the mall. Simon Kidgits members can attend this event for $2 and nonmembers can attend for $7. To make a reservation, call 770-476-5160.

Santa will also visit the Southeastern Railway Museum from 1 to 2 p.m., arriving by train. Snacks and drinks will be available, and kids can enjoy a craft corner where they can create a holiday-themed craft to take home. Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children ages 2 to 12 and free for children younger than 2. For more information, call 770-476-2013.

Other local events happening this weekend

The Gwinnett History Museum will present Pioneer Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at 455 S. Perry St., Lawrenceville. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 770-822-5178 or e-mail gwinnetthistorymuseum@gwinnettcounty.com.

Gwinnett County novelist Lillian Faulkner Baggett will sign copies of her novel, "Out of Eden: A Saga of the South," from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Borders in the Mall of Georgia. For more information, e-mail jlbaggett@bellsouth.net.

SideBar: If You Go

Santa arrives at the following

Gwinnett locations Saturday:

Where: Gwinnett Place Mall, 2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth

When: 10:30 a.m., with milk and cookies with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information: Visit www.simon.com

Where: Southeastern Railway Museum, 3595 Buford Highway, Duluth

When: 1 to 2 p.m.

For more information: Call 770-476-2013