Metro Atlantans celebrate the holiday season by continuing old traditions, decorating public spaces and putting on plays. The EAST COBBER is happy to provide a sampling of those special events to help you get in the holiday spirit.
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
NOVEMBER 12 – JANUARY 1
Stone Mountain Christmas. More than two million lights and an abundance of performances and activities. Prices and times vary by day.
Stone Mountain Park, U.S. Highway 78, East Stone Mountain
770-498-5690 | www.stonemountainpark.com/Activities/Events/Stone-Mountain-Christmas
NOVEMBER 19 – FEBRUARY 26
License to Chill Snow Island. Get your adrenaline fix at Snow Island tubing on the 575 feet long, 8-story high Take a spin around the ice rink, enjoy the carnival sights, smells and rides, or play in the snow. Free/Children under 2; $39.99- $54.99. Check website for hours of operation.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
470-323-3440 | www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-at-lanierislands/attractions/license-to-chill-snow-island
WEEKENDS NOVEMBER 12 – JANUARY 8
The Botanical Express at Atlanta Botanical Garden. Climb aboard as the conductor takes you on a scenic holiday journey around the Garden. Train does not run in inclement weather. Check website for train hours. $5/passenger; $3/ member plus admission to the gardens.
Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta
404-876-5859 | atlantabg.org
NOVEMBER 30
Bethlehem Walk. The Christmas story comes to life! Join and take a look back at the little town of Bethlehem. You will experience the true meaning of Christmas as the story of Jesus’ birth comes to life through interactive storytelling.
5-7pm. Free.
Mt. Bethel Church
4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb
https://mtbethel.org/event/bethlehem-walk/
DECEMBER 1- DECEMBER 24
Winter Wonderland at The Marietta Square. Marietta’s Winter Wonderland returns featuring the Festival of Trees.
Marietta Square Glover Park
50 North Park Square, Marietta
winterwonderlandmarietta.com
DECEMBER 3 & 4
36th Annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. This year, get a glimpse inside private homes in Marietta’s Whitlock Avenue Historic District. Saturday: 9am-8pm; Sunday: 10am-5pm. All-inclusive ticket provides one visit to each home. $25/advance, $30/at event.
Marietta Welcome Center, No. 4 Depot Street, Marietta
770-429-1115 or 770-426-4982 | mariettapilgrimage.com
DECEMBER 9 & 10
Christmas at Piedmont Church. This free 2-day event features over 40 unique handmade arts and crafts booths, children’s play area, food, entertainment provided by local school choruses and dance groups, and free photos with Santa.
Friday: 5-9pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm. Free.
Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta
770-423-1330 | jrmmanagement.com/arts—crafts.html
DECEMBER 11
Enchanted Woodland Wonders Family Fun Day. This family favorite is bound to delight with live reindeer, seasonal festivities, partner booths, crafts, lawn games, and more. Noon- 4pm. $15/adults; $11/students/seniors; $9/children; ages 2 and under free. Free for CNC members.
Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell
770-992-2055 ext. 238 | chattnaturecenter.org
DECEMBER 20
It’s a Wonderful Life Movie Marathon. The Strand continues its tradition of playing It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen all day on the Tuesday before Christmas. Fuzzy pajamas are encouraged, and popcorn and drinks will be served. Showtimes: 11am, 2:30pm, 6pm, 9:15pm. Tickets: $10.
The Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theater
117 N Park Square, Marietta
770-293-0080 | earlsmithstrand.org
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTINGS
NOVEMBER 20
The Lighting of Avalon. From the annual opening of Avalon on Ice to the magnificent tree lighting, and an appearance from Jolly Old Saint Nick himself, there’s something exciting for all to enjoy. Tree Lighting at 7pm. 1-9pm. Free. Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta
experienceavalon.com/events/eventitems/the-lighting-of-avalon/
DECEMBER 1
Lighting of the Christmas Tree. Kick-off the holiday season with The City of Marietta’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in conjunction with the arrival of Santa Claus in Glover Park on the Marietta Square. The fun begins at 4pm with performances by local school choruses. 4-8pm. Free.
Glover Park, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta
770-794-5601 | mariettaga.gov
DECEMBER 4
Holiday Lights Celebration. Friends for the East Cobb Park will be hosting a tree lighting featuring musical performances on the park stage and a visit from Santa. 5-7:30pm. Free.
East Cobb Park, 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb
eastcobbpark.org
CONCERTS
DECEMBER 3
Cobb New Horizons Symphonic Band Christmas Concert. Come celebrate the holidays with the Cobb New Horizons Band. Directed by Dr. Charles Jackson. 2pm. Free.
Lassiter High School Concert Hall
2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta/East Cobb
cobbnewhorizonsband.com
Holiday POPS 2022. ‘Tis the season for fun-filled music! Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops is the favorite way for friends and family to enjoy time together in a festive concert experience. With Santa, a sing-along, and so much more! 3pm & 8pm. $14-$46.
Marietta Performing Arts Center
1171 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta
770-429-2390 | georgiasymphony.org
Kennesaw State University: School of Music Holiday Concert.
Kick off your holidays with the School of Music as they celebrate the season and present a festive and exciting program full of holiday favorites performed by the KSU Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and choirs. 2pm & 8pm. $7.50-$32.50. Reservations required.
Bailey Performance Center, KSU
1000 Chastain Road, Building 30, Kennesaw
arts.kennesaw.edu/concerts-and-events/music.php
DECEMBER 10
Marietta Pops Orchestra Holiday Concert. Join the Marietta Pops Orchestra as they take a musical trip down Christmas memory lane. 7pm. $20/adults; Free/under 10.
First Baptist Church Marietta
148 Church Street, Marietta
mariettapopsorchestra.org
DECEMBER 11
Atlanta Concert Band. Come enjoy some holiday music. 4pm. Free.
Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church
471 Mt. Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs
atlantaconcertband.org
Carols for Christmas – A Celebration of Hope. Be a part of an event that spreads Christmas cheer to the whole community. There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the event. 4pm. Free.
Mt. Bethel Church
4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb
mtbethel.org/event/carols-for-christmas/
DECEMBER 15, 16 & 18
Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in an evening of holiday carols, hymns and more. This timeless tradition begun by Robert Shaw is sure to inspire holiday cheer in listeners of all ages. December 15 & 16: 8pm; December 18: 3 pm & 7pm. $20-$89.
Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
aso.org/events/detail/christmas-with-the-aso-1
DECEMBER 23
The Strand Ole Opry’s Country Christmas. Following in the footsteps of great southern tradition, Opry’s back porch style sing features a live band, local singers, and storytelling. Keep the good times going with a post-show hootenanny in the Lumiere Lounge! Join performers for a toast, a drink, and sing-alongs after the show. 8pm. Tickets: $20.
Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
117 North Park Square, Marietta
770-293-0080 | earlsmithstrand.org
LIGHT DISPLAYS
NOVEMBER 12- JANUARY 14
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at The Atlanta Botanical Garden. While plenty of the show’s fan-favorite features will return, guests can expect new twists. 5-10pm. Select days ticket prices vary with discounts, check website for pricing on your day.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta
404-876-5859 | atlantabg.org
NOVEMBER 16 – JANUARY 1
World of Illumination Reindeer Road. Whiz through mountainous terrain, traverse glacial peaks, explore the northern ice caves and make your way through the northern forests to the heart of it all – Santa’s Workshop – the world’s largest animated toy shop. Be dazzled by reindeer, snowmen, and toys galore as you witness the most spectacular drive-through light forest this side of the arctic. Who knows, you may even catch Santa and his elves making your present this year…if you’ve been nice! Check website for pricing of time slot tickets.
Six Flags White Water Parking Lot
250 Cobb Parkway, Marietta.
worldofillumination.com/marietta-georgia
NOVEMBER 19 – JANUARY 1
Holiday in the Park. More than one million LED lights and dozens of Christmas trees, festive shows, tasty culinary treats and, of course, the Big Man: Santa Claus in al his glory. Select days. Ticket prices vary with discounts, check website for pricing on your day.
Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell
sixflags.com/overgeorgia/events/holiday-in-the-park-3
NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 31
Lights of Life. Millions of holiday light displays throughout the Life University campus. Pony rides, train ride, and petting zoo. Seasonal drinks and snacks. Check website for pricing and hours.
Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta.
678-331-4342 | life.edu/lights-of-life
MENORAH LIGHTING
DECEMBER 18-26
Menorah Lighting at Temple Beth Tikvah. Come light the Menorah every night during Chanukah. Check website for more information and times.
Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell
bethtikvah.com
DECEMBER 23
Menorah Lighting on Marietta Square. Congregation Ner Tamid of Marietta will have a Menorah Lighting on the Glover Park Stage. The event will be led by Rabbi Joseph Prass, featuring Hanukkah music, hot chocolate and doughnuts, and lots of gelt! 6:30 pm. Free.
Marietta Square, 50 Park Square, Marietta
678-264-8575 | mynertamid.org
PARADES
DECEMBER 3
Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights. Join the City of Woodstock for an evening of fun. Before the parade, enjoy food from vendors or local restaurants. The parade begins at 5:30pm. After the parade head to The Park at City Center for the Christmas tree lighting, a visit from Santa, crafts and many more activities! 4:30pm. Parade begins at 5:30pm.
8588 Main Street, Woodstock
770-592-6000 | woodstockga.gov
DECEMBER 3
Kennesaw’s A Day with Santa. Santa’s arrival begins at 2pm with a Main Street parade featuring marching bands, decorated floats, vintage cars, and colorfully-costumed characters. There will be a holiday host of activities. There will be a tree lighting in the evening. 2-7pm.
Depot Park, 2828 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw
kennesaw-ga.gov/adaywithsanta/
DECEMBER 4
Sparkle Sandy Springs Holiday Parade. The city of Sandy Springs will light up the holidays with a Parade, tree lighting, menorah lighting and Miniature Village. The festivities begin at 4 pm; parade 6 pm. FREE.
City Green Sandy Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
770-206-2022 | citysprings.com/events/sparkle-sandy-springs-2022
SANTA SIGHTINGS
NOVEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 24
Avalon. Appointments preferred, walk ups only if time allows. Sundays: 12-7pm (break: 2-3pm); Mondays: 12-6pm (break: 2-3pm); Tuesday-Thursday: 12-7pm (break: 2-3pm); Friday & Saturday: 10am-7pm (break: 1-2pm & 4-5pm); Christmas Eve: 9am-6pm. $40, includes an email of all images from the photo session.
400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta
770-765-2000 | experienceavalon.com
SATURDAYS NOVEMBER 26 – DECEMBER 17
Botanical Saint Nick. Meet Botanical Saint Nick, clad in his dark green robe and botanical head wreath. Bring a camera to take your own photos with Saint Nick and participate in fun holiday-themed activities. Free with Garden Admission. 10am-2pm.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta
404-876-5859 | atlantabg.org
DECEMBER 2-24
Santa on the Marietta Square. Reserve your time with Santa in advance. See website for available dates/times.
Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot Street, Marietta
winterwonderlandmarietta.com/santa-2
THEATER AND DANCE
NOVEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 31
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Based on the classic television special. Ticket includes the live performance, Create-A-Puppet Workshop, and admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum. Show times vary by date. Tickets start at $21.
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta
404-873-3391 | puppet.org
NOVEMBER 12 – DECEMBER 24
A Christmas Carol. Join the Alliance Theatre for one of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday traditions. Watch as Ebenezer Scrooge encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future in this holiday classic story. Showtimes vary. $42-$78.
Coca-Cola Stage
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
404-733-4650 l alliancetheatre.org
DECEMBER 1-4
The Nutcracker presented by The Georgia Ballet. This ballet features dancing snowflakes, giant toy soldiers, a growing Christmas tree, and a delectable land of sweets. $15-$45. Thursday: 7pm (sensory friendly); Friday: 8pm; Saturday: 2pm & 8pm; Sunday: 3pm & 7pm.
Jennie T. Anderson Theatre
548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta.
georgiaballet.org
DECEMBER 2-18
A Christmas Story presented by Act 3 Productions. Follow 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. This classic movie now on stage. Thursday-Saturdays: 8pm; Sundays: 3pm. Tickets: $20-$31.
Act3 Playhouse, 6285-R Roswell Road, Sandy Springs.
act3productions.org
DECEMBER 2-24
A Christmas Carol. A musical based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella of the same time, A Christmas Carol takes you through Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas Eve night with visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Celebrate the holidays with this beloved Dickens classic reimagined once again. Showtimes vary. $18-$23.
Woodstock Arts Theatre
8534 Main Street, Woodstock
678-494-4251 | woodstockarts.org/events/christmas-carol
DECEMBER 9-22
A Christmas Tradition: A Musical Revue. Sharing the holiday spirit through sparkling song and dance! This hometown favorite holiday revue features costumed singers and dancers performing both traditional and funky Christmas favorites. $25-35. See website for dates and times.
The Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
117 N. Park Square, Marietta
770-293-0080 | earlsmithstrand.org
DECEMBER 9-26
The Nutcracker presented Atlanta Ballet. Based on the original book by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the story takes Marie and her magical nutcracker doll away from a family Christmas Eve party and into a fantastical realm, led by a mysterious inventor. See website for dates and times. Tickets start at $49.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta
atlantaballet.com/performances/nutcracker
DECEMBER 15-17
Trouble in Toyland. Oh no! It’s Christmas Eve — but the toys aren’t finished, the elves are on strike, Santa has lost his laugh, and Rudolph has a runny nose! Will we have to cancel Christmas? Of course not! This show brings hilarious holiday hijinx to the stage that is fun for the whole family. 10am and 1:30pm (12/16). $10.
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
950 Forrest Street, Roswell
770-594-6232 | roswellpuppets.com
DECEMBER 20-22
Holiday Punch! The puppet show that packs a punch! A fast paced, fun filled show featuring fabulous puppets performing fantastic feats! Marionettes! Hand puppets! Shadow puppets! Blacklight puppets! Rod puppets and more will sing, dance and perform tricks that will have you laughing and shouting for more! 10am and 1:30pm (12/21). $10.
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
950 Forrest Street, Roswell
770-594-6232 | roswellpuppets.com
