Santa, Reptiles, Bluegrass and More: What to Do This Weekend in Gwinnett

Check out of the events scheduled this weekend in the area, and find even more on the Gwinnett Weekends pdf attached to this file.

Here’s a quick sampling, according to local websites, and Explore Gwinnett (Gwinnett Visitor's and Convention Bureau):

Furry Friends and Santa

• Nov. 17: It’s Pet Photo Night with Santa Claus near Nordstrom’s at the Mall of Georgia (part of the mall’s Santa Photo Experience at the Buford-area mall). No exotic pets. (770-271-9458)

Hit the Trail

• Nov. 16: Choose either a 5K or 10K at the Little Mulberry Park Trail Run near Dacula. A 2013-14 Xterra Georgia event. (7 a.m. packet pickup, 8:30 a.m. race, $25-$40)

Santa on a Train

• Nov. 16: Yep, Santa arrives on a train at the Southeastern Railway Museum near Duluth. You don’t see that very often. (1 p.m., 770-495-0253, ext 2)

Repticon!

• Nov. 16-17: Repticon, called the biggest and most exciting reptile shows in Georgia, visits the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds near Lawrenceville this weekend. (Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $5-$15)

Polar Express

• Nov. 15: The weather is expected to add to the atmosphere with chilly temps for the Groovin’ on the Green showing of “Polar Express” in Loganville. (dusk, free, 770-466-1165)

Man of 1,000 Vocals

• Nov. 15: The Norcross Community Center hosts Maxwell Taylor, the “Man of 1,000 Vocals” who’ll share the performance styles of James Brown, Barry White and Frank Sinatra. (7 p.m.-9 p.m., free, 678-421-2049.

Volume Five Bluegrass

• Nov. 16: Volume Five is the featured act at Everett’s Music Barn near Suwanee. (8 p.m., $15 donation requested, 770-945-5628.

Don’t Forget Football

• Nov. 15:  The first round of the Georgia High School Association begins with many local teams in action.