By Lauren S. | Originally published: December 2024 | Updated: March 2025
Updated to reflect new seasonal offerings and highlight increased resident demand for family-friendly events.

The holiday season in Gwinnett County tends to come with a predictable rhythm—light shows, mall Santas, and that awkward office party with store-bought cookies. But in December of last year, something different happened in a quiet community in Suwanee. And it all started with a table full of frosting and sprinkles.

We hosted a cookie decorating night for residents—simple in concept, but wildly effective. Families came in hesitant, juggling coats and kids and holiday fatigue. But within minutes, the room warmed. Parents laughed, kids showed off their masterpieces (and ate half of them), and neighbors who’d never spoken before were comparing gingerbread techniques.

It wasn’t flashy, but it worked. Because sometimes, community-building doesn’t look like a grand gesture. It looks like icing on your sleeve and someone offering you the red sprinkles when yours run out.

Since that night, we’ve had a surge of requests for family-friendly, hands-on experiences, especially in suburban communities like Lawrenceville, Duluth, and Lilburn. So for 2025, we’re bringing even more of these feel-good events to life—with updated themes, new DIY kits, and even “cookie & cocoa” stations for colder months.

Because the truth is, a little sugar goes a long way. Especially when it brings people together.