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- 🎄Kick Off the Holidays: Tree Lighting Events Across DeKalb County!
🎄Kick Off the Holidays: Tree Lighting Events Across DeKalb County!
Fatal pedestrian accident, Baraka Shwarma's opening, upcoming holiday events, and more


Good morning, Tucker!
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Tucker Tidbit of the week! Tucker is home to over 3,000 businesses with 88% qualifying as small businesses! Read on to learn more about a NEW small business coming to Tucker.
In today’s edition:
DeKalb County tree lighting ceremonies
Fatal pedestrian accident on Lavista Rd
New Mediterranean restaurant opening
Holiday events galore — don’t miss out!
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Stay in the Loop 💫
🎄 DeKalb County Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Communities across DeKalb County will kick off the holiday season with Christmas tree lighting events. All events are free to attend!
Community | Date / Location | Features |
---|---|---|
Avondale Estates | Date: Monday, Dec 2 @6-8 pm) Location: Town Green, 64 N. Avondale Road | Nutcracker ballet, children’s choir sing-along, hot chocolate, sweets, special treats from Banjo Coffee |
Decatur | Date: Thursday, Dec 5 @ 6 pm Location: The Square, 101 E. Court Square | Santa flips the switch at 7 p.m., hot cocoa, carols, snow |
Clarkston | Date: Friday, Dec 6 @ 6 pm Location: Clarkston Woman’s Club, 3913 Church Street | Winter Wonderland Festival, holiday parade, tree lighting, arts & crafts, fireworks, hot cocoa, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus |
Tucker | Date: Saturday, Dec 7 @ 4 pm Location: Church Street Green Space, 4316 Church Street | Tree lighting, menorah lighting, Santa, winter crafts, hot chocolate (more details below!) |
Oakhurst | Date: Sunday, Dec 8 @ 4 pm Location: Harmony Park | Lantern-making, parade to park, Oakhurst Community Choir, holiday lighting, coffee and hot chocolate |
Stone Mountain | Date: Saturday, Dec 14 @ 4pm Location: Main Street | Holiday parade, battle of the bands |
Read more from the source: Decaturish
🕊️ Fatal Pedestrian Accident on Lavista Road in Tucker
A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle on Lavista Road in Tucker on Nov. 30 around 8:39 p.m. DeKalb Police say the driver, heading east on Lavista, hit the pedestrian at the intersection of Lavista and Henderson Mill roads. The driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Read more from the source: Decaturish
🎁 Toys for Tots Donations Happening Now!
Want to help children in need this holiday season? Tucker Recreation Center is a drop-off location for Toys for Tots from December 2-21. Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the annual holiday drive! Collection boxes will be placed in the main lobby during operation hours.
All donations will go toward spreading joy and making the holiday season brighter for local families. ✨

Donate to Toys for Tots from 12/2-12/21 | Photo Source: Tucker Parks and Recreation Instagram
🌲 Trees and Wreaths Available at Tree 129 Lot!
Troop 129’s Christmas tree lot is still open for business! In addition to trees, the lot offers hand-tied bows, wreaths, handmade ornaments by the Girl Scouts, and a "Breakfast with Santa" event on 12/7 (RSVP required - check out the Events section below).
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday from 5pm - 9pm
Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 9pm
Get your tree before it’s too late!

Photo Source: Patrece Keeter

Pricing at Tree 129 Lot | Photo Source: Lisa Whiteis
Small Business News 📰
🚨 New Restaurant Coming Soon!
Baraka Shwarma is opening a new location on Friday, December 6th! Located next to Paramount Coffee and El Taco Naco on Idlewood Road, this will be Baraka Shwarma’s 3rd location.
The Tucker community is excited to have a new Mediterranean restaurant in the neighborhood. 😋 Be sure to go out and support!
Tucker Moments 📸
😏 Tucker Grinch Continues its Holiday Travels
Tucker’s Grinch is loving his 2024 holiday travels!
Families are enjoying this Tucker holiday tradition. If the grinch happens to end up on your doorstep, be sure to bring him to a family that could use some Christmas cheer ✨

Tucker Grinch’s latest visit | Photo Source: Tucker Grinch Facebook Group
👏 Friends of Tucker Parks Receives Award
Friends of Tucker Parks, a local nonprofit, recently received the State Volunteer Award from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association. The organization is recognized for its efforts to preserve and protect Tucker’s parks, promoting outdoor stewardship and community well-being.
The Friends of Tucker Parks is worthy of this award for many reasons but the biggest is their dedication to the parks in the city they live and love,” a statement from the organization says. “Without this invaluable resource, our city would be missing a vital piece that advocates for outdoor stewardship and promotes well-being through nature and play.”
Read more from the source: Decaturish | Learn more about Friends of Tucker: here
🙌 Tucker HS Alumn is the Chicago Bears New Interim Coach
Thomas Brown, an alumnus of Tucker High School and the University of Georgia has been elevated from offensive coordinator to interim head coach for the Chicago Bears! The community is proud to see one of its own reach an impressive milestone. Congratulations, Coach Brown!
Tucker Treasures 💝
Tucker Today partners with Dekalb County Animal Shelter. Every week, we highlight local animals looking for their forever home.
In this week’s edition of Tucker Treasures, we’re featuring Deacon!
![]() Deacon (male); 55 lbs, 1yr old | “Deacon will dazzle you with his good looks, easy to handle size, and affectionate personality. He's playful, friendly and smart. He loves squeaky toys, fetching, and playing tug, and already knows the sit command. He's good on leash, loves belly rubs and giving kisses. Come and meet Deacon and see for yourself!” Spread the word about Deacon! Email [email protected] or call 404.294.2165 for more info. |
Not sure if you want to adopt? Come take a pup for a fun day with the Dog for the Day program. This program is a great way to borrow a canine companion for a hike, a trip to the park, or a lazy day at home. Email [email protected] for more information.
Tucker Events 🎟️
Don’t miss out on upcoming events!

Own a Tucker business? You’re invited! Cost is $30/ticket. Delicious food, jammin music, and drinks will be a flowin - plus fun giveaway prizes!
🎅 North Pole at Tucker
Location: Church Street Greenspace
Date/time: December 7th @ 4-7pm
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate the holiday season with the official lighting of the Christmas tree, the symbolic lighting of the menorah, Santa, winter crafts, hot chocolate and more. Don’t miss out!
![]() Photo Source: City of Tucker Instagram | ![]() Photo Source: City of Tucker Instagram |

Register here!

No charge for vendors to bring a table and set up! Interested in being a vendor? Reach out to Sheri @ [email protected]
🤩 Christmas Lights & Hot Chocolate
Vicki Wardle Howard and LaJan Howard are welcoming folks to stop by and enjoy their Christmas lights and music, a cup of hot cocoa by Mint Coffee, and roast a marshmallow or two! Bring a friend and meet a new friend!
Location: 3546 Castlehill Court
Date/time: Saturday, December 14 (@7-10pm)

Photo Source: Vicki Wardle Howard
📆 Upcoming Events
Hosting an event and want to get featured in Tucker Today? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Event | Details | Location / Date |
---|---|---|
👮 Coffee with a Cop | Hosted by Tucker Precinct - come meet the Command Staff, local officers, and detectives that serve the Tucker community! Say hello, ask questions, and enjoy a cup of coffee! | Location: First Watch (4650 Hugh Howell Rd) Date/time: December 5 (9-10am) |
🚶♀️ Tucker Outdoors Club - Anna Ruby Falls | Join the Tucker Outdoors Club to an adventure to Anna Ruby Falls! Options to self-drive or carpool. Register here. | Location: Meet at Tucker Recreation Center Date: Sunday, December 15 (mmeet @ 9am) |
🍃 Wild Walk Series (Probst Park) | Join us for a morning hike where we explore nature together! Contact Charlie Chavez if you have questions ([email protected]) | Location: Probst Park (5623 Hugh Howell Road) Date/time: December 16 (9am) |
🥒 Holiday Pickleball Tournament | Our annual Dink the Halls Tournament! Register today and grab your spot before it's gone! Click here to register. Questions? Contact Joe Stewart at [email protected] | Location: Tucker Recreation Center Date/time: December 18 - 22nd |
🔁 Recurring Events
Event | Details | Location / Date |
---|---|---|
🀄️Tucker Mahjong Club | A brand new event series to occur every Thursday! For beginners and advanced players. 4 mahjong sets will be provided. Facebook page TBA. | Location: Tucker Recreational Center Date/time: Thursday, November 7 (this will be a special class for beginners!); 1:30pm - 3:30pm |
♟️Tucker Chess Club | 100% free and open to all skill levels! Bring chess gear, snacks, dinner, and friends! Contact [email protected] with any q’s. | Location: 2317 Main St Date/time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday @ 7pm |
🎧️Podcast Club | Join the Podcast Club every 1st Tuesday of the month! Questions? Email Elizabeth at [email protected] | Location: Tucker-Reid Cofer Library Date/time: next meeting is Jan 14th @ 6:30-7:30pm (no meeting in December); recurring every second Tuesday of the month |
Tucker Tunes - Live Music 🎵
Monday
Napoleon's Grill | Jazz Jam Session & Open Mic | 7:30pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Moonshadow Tavern | Open Mic Night | 8:00pm - 11:30pm
Thursday
Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm
Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm
The Mad Italian | Live Music | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm
Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday
El Matador Mexican Restaurant | Live Music | 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thank you, Tucker!
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![]() | Angela Ahn & David Choe Founders + Editors-in-Chief of Tucker Today and DOA Media Group |
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