Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- For the 24th straight year, local residents will have the opportunity to kick off the Christmas season with the lighting of a tree at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse.

While festivities beginning at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving night will include live music and an appearance by Santa Claus, the main event will be the ceremonial lighting of a 35-foot Norway spruce outside the courthouse.

Hosted by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation and the Lawrenceville Tourism and Trade Association, the event will showcase music by the Class Act Band, The John King Band and Catherine Kimbro. Free face painting and crafts will be available for children.

The tree lighting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., with Santa Claus dropping by at about 6:45 p.m.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan Street in downtown Lawrenceville. For more information, visit www.gwinnettparks.com.