🌱 Christmas Eve Cooking Class + Run Rudolph Run 5K Back In Gwinnett

Hey, Dacula! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

High: 47. Low: 37.

Check out what our local sponsor can do for you:

Ready to experience the magic of Disney? Let Emily Williams at The Magic For Less Travel plan your entire Disney experience — just pack your bags and go. The Magic for Less Travel is a travel agency dedicated to making your vacation dreams a reality, and Emily has over 19 years of experience customizing unique Disney vacation experiences — especially for young families and those who are young at heart! Visit Emily here to learn more and receive a free no-obligation quote for your next vacation.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top three stories in Dacula today:

1. Learn how to cook from a professional chef at Chateau's Culinary Studio. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, the studio will be holding a cooking class for all experience levels. Participants will learn how to cook a seasonal meal in a fun hands-on class. Once the cooking is complete, the class gets to sit down and savor their hard work in a communal dinner. (Chateau Elan)
2. Christmas Eve in Dacula just got a lot more active! Gwinnett County will be holding its traditional Run, Rudolph, Run 5K and Fun Run on Dec. 24. There will be Christmas music, cookies, hot cocoa, and of course Santa Claus himself. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. on the day of the event. (Active)
3. Free Chapel in nearby Gainesville will be holding a Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Dec. 24. The event will last for an hour and feature a sermon from Pastor Jenetezen Franklin. Afterward, everyone will light their candles to create a gorgeous light display. Families are welcome. (Dawson News)

Patch deals of the day:

If you need a last-minute gift and don't want to brave the crowds, here's something to consider. These limited-time offers — hand-selected by the Patch Deals team — can be purchased instantly. You can then let the recipient know what's headed their way and skip the whole wrapping presents fiasco altogether.

* $100 Restaurant.com eGift Card (89% off) — Pay just $11 and get $100 to spend at participating local restaurants.

* Sam's Club 1-Year Membership (50% off) — Save on groceries, kitchen supplies, electronics and more — plus save up to 60 percent on hotel accommodations around the world.

* Skoove Premium Piano Lessons (87% off) — Get a lifetime subscription on interactive piano and keyboard lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced players.

(Patch may earn a commission on purchases. All deals are as of publication and could change.)

Today in and around Dacula:

• Toddler Storytime At Gwinnett County Public Library, Mountain Park Branch (10:30 AM)
• Music And Movement At Gwinnett County Public Library, Hamilton Mill Branch (11:00 AM)
• Adult Book Bingo At Hall County Library Blackshear Place, Gainesville (5:00 PM)
• Mixology Demonstrations At Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Braselton (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Ms. Rogers, a front office clerk at Taylor Elementary School, has been recognized as a SHINE Staff Member for the kindness and love she shows to students every day! Thank you for all your hard work! (Gwinnett County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Beatles fans, this is for you: now you can enter to win two tickets to "Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles" as Gas South District! Visit the link for more information on entering. (Gas South District via Instagram)
• Gwinnett County Library will be holding a reading of "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie." Kids are encouraged to dress up as mice — and they may even get to meet the mouse from the book himself! (Gwinnett County Public Library via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Come Celebrate Hope with Us! (December 24)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.