Holiday Guide
Family’s Coming to Town: Your Johns Creek Holiday Hosting Guide
Holiday Guide · 6 min read · By Kristin Oswald, Executive Director
| Nov. 27Ice rink opens | Dec. 4Tree lighting | 3Hotels in town | Feb. 7Last day to skate |
The guest list is growing, the guest room is already spoken for, and somebody just asked what there is to do around here. If you’re hosting family and friends this season, Johns Creek has you covered: comfortable hotels a few minutes from your front door, restaurants that can seat the whole crew, and a holiday calendar that now includes a brand-new outdoor ice rink at Medley. Here’s everything you need to plan a full house without the stress.
Save these dates
Send this list to anyone deciding when to visit. The first weekend of December is the busiest of the season.
| Nov. 7 |
Diwali Celebration, 4 to 8 p.m. at The Boardwalk at Town Center. Free, with vendors, food, performances, and a drone and light show at 7 p.m. |
| Nov. 26 |
Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, 8 a.m. on Johns Creek Parkway. Earn the pie. |
| Nov. 27 |
Merry Medley, from 4 p.m. A holiday concert, performances, the ice rink’s grand opening, and a fireworks finale. |
| Dec. 4 |
Holly Jolly Block Party, 6 to 8 p.m. at The Boardwalk at Town Center. Free, with Santa, hot cocoa, local choirs, and the lighting of the city’s 40-foot tree. Hanukkah also begins at sundown. |
| Dec. 12 |
The Art Center Holiday Market , 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hot cocoa and handmade gifts from local artists, from pottery and jewelry to paintings and holiday decor. |
| Dec. 12 |
Breakfast with Santa and Snacks with Santa at Park Place in Newtown Park. Registration is open now and spots go fast. |
Where to put up your guests
Love them dearly, but everyone sleeps better with their own room. Johns Creek’s three hotels keep visiting family close enough for morning coffee and far enough for a little breathing room. All three have meeting rooms, so you can host a small family gathering there too.
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6440 East Johns Crossing Free hot breakfast and free parking make it an easy pick for families. One less meal for the host to plan. |
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11695 Medlock Bridge Road Free shuttles and bar for a quiet nightcap after a long day of togetherness. |
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11505 Medlock Bridge Road Roomy spaces for longer stays, plus meeting space if you’d rather host the gathering somewhere other than your dining room. |
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Host tip Expecting several households? Call us for help booking room blocks. Booking together keeps everyone in one spot and it’s worth doing early: Thanksgiving week fills up quick! |
Let someone else do the dishes
Whether it’s a family reunion or the office party, these spots are built for a crowd.
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Big parties Sankranti’s Abhira Ballroom seats up to 400. YiFan hosts up to 250. |
Family dinners Stoney River welcomes groups of 10 to 60. Pampas Steakhouse sets a celebratory table. |
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New this year Medley brings STIR, Rena’s Italian Fishery & Grill, and more, with the rink right outside. |
Hosting at home Persian Basket caters a spread that takes the pressure off the host. |
Book holiday party reservations now, since December weekends go quickly. Need more ideas? Browse our venue guide.
A Thanksgiving weekend plan for a full house
The kids are out of school all week and the relatives are in town through Sunday. Here’s how to keep everyone happy.
| Thu |
Send the energetic ones to the Turkey Trot at 8 a.m. while you get the bird in the oven. Everyone comes home hungry. |
| Fri |
Skip the leftovers and head to Merry Medley. Lace up for the rink’s first day of skating, grab dinner on the Plaza, and stay for the fireworks. |
| Sat |
Walk off the pie at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve or along the Boardwalk, then shop small for the holidays at Johns Creek’s local boutiques. |
| Sun |
One last brunch together before the goodbyes. Then put your feet up. You earned it. |
| Know before you go | |
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Rink hours Mon to Thu 3 to 10 p.m., Fri 3 to 11 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Extended hours on school holidays. Skate the Plaza |
Breakfast with Santa $20 per resident child, $30 per nonresident child. Registration required and space is limited. |
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School breaks Fulton County Schools are out Nov. 23 to 27 and Dec. 21 to Jan. 1. |
Getting to Medley 2140 Medley Boulevard, at Johns Creek Parkway and McGinnis Ferry Road. |
Dates and hours can change, so confirm with each organizer before you go. Find more seasonal happenings on our events calendar.
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Room for everyone this season Hotels, restaurants, and holiday events, all in one place. |
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Share your holiday moments. #VisitJohnsCreek |