CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTINGS
DECEMBER 5
Roswell Christmas Tree Lighting. This event will include choral performances, hot chocolate, fire pits and s’mores, a special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Mayor Kurt Wilson, a visit from Santa Claus, and the culminating event: the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree at the center of Heart of Roswell Park. Canton Street, between Norcross Street and Magnolia Street, will be closed (similar to Alive in Roswell). 6pm. Free.
Heart of Roswell Park
925 Canton Street, Roswell
DECEMBER 7
East Cobb Park: Holiday Lights Celebration. Live music, outdoor fun, tree lighting, and a visit from Santa. 5:00-9pm. Free.
East Cobb Park
3322 Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb.
https://eastcobbpark.org/
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
WEEKENDS THROUGH JANUARY 4
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. 10am-2pm. $6/passenger; $4/member plus admission to the gardens.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta
404-876-5859 | atlantabg.org
THROUGH JANUARY 19
Skate City Springs. Skate to holiday music, warm up with hot cocoa, and make memories. Admission includes skate rental. Online reservations recommended. $18/Adults; $15/Children (2-9) per hour.
City Green
1 Gambos Way, Sandy Springs
https://citysprings.com/skate
THROUGH FEBRUARY 22
License to Chill Snow Island. Get your adrenaline fix at Snow Island tubing on the 575 feet long, 8-story high Blizzard Mountain slide, one of the fastest snow rides in North America! Take a spin around the ice rink, enjoy the carnival sights, smells and rides, or play in the snow. Free/ Children under 3; $39.99-$44.99; Check website for hours of operation.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
770-945-8787 | lanierislands.com/holiday-events/snow-island/
DECEMBER 5-7
39th Annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour.
This year, get a glimpse inside five private homes located in the Kennesaw Avenue Neighborhood. Each home will be decorated for the holiday season. Friday: 5-8pm; Saturday-Sunday: 9am-4pm. $35/advance, $40/at event.
Marietta Welcome Center, No. 4 Depot Street, Marietta
770-429-1115 or 770-426-4982 | mariettapilgrimage.com
DECEMBER 12-13
Christmas at Piedmont/Artist Craft Show. Features local schools’ chorus, orchestra, and band performances, dance troupes, inflatable jumpies for kids, crafters offering hand-made gifts for purchase. Friday: 5-9pm; Saturday: 9am-5pm. Free.
Piedmont Church
570 Piedmont Road, Marietta
770-423-1330 | https:// https://piedmontchurch.tv/events/christmas-at-piedmont2/
DECEMBER 14
Enchanted Woodland Wonders Family Fun Day. This family favorite is bound to delight with seasonal festivities, activities, and games. 12-4pm. Cocoa and S’mores available for purchase. $22/adults; $18/students/seniors; $16/Children. Free for CNC members and children ages 2 and under.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Road, Roswell
www.chattnaturecenter.org
DECEMBER 23
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: $19
The Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theater
117 N Park Square, Marietta
770-293-0080 |www.earlsmithstrand.org
CONCERTS
DECEMBER 6
Cobb New Horizons 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
www.cobbnewhorizonsband.com
DECEMBER 6
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. 3pm & 8pm. $7-$23.
KSU
Bailey Performance Center
1000 Chastain Road, Building 30, Kennesaw
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35355/production/1245268
DECEMBER 6-7
Holiday POPS! ‘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. Saturday: 7:30pm; Sunday: 3pm. $15-$49.
Marietta Performing Arts Center
699 Manning Road SW, Marietta
770-429-2390 |georgiasymphony.org
DECEMBER 20
Ringin’ in the Holidays. The Atlanta Vocal Project, an a-cappella group specializing in the barbershop style. This event exemplifies the spirit of the holidays with a stage full of the most wonderful singers performing your holiday favorites in perfect harmony. 2pm & 7pm. $28-$38.
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
950 Forrest Street, Roswell
770-594-6232 | www.RoswellCAC.com
DECEMBER 11-14
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. Thursday: 8pm; Saturday: 3pm & 8pm; Sunday: 3pm. Tickets start at $52.
Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
www.aso.org/events/detail/christmas-with-the-aso-4
DECEMBER 12 & 14
God With Us: A Christmas Worship Celebration. Be a part of an event that spreads Christmas cheer to the whole community. Friday: 7pm; Sunday: 5pm. Free.
Mt. Bethel Church
4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
www.mtbethel.org/events
DECEMBER 14
Cobb Wind Symphony Holiday Concert. Conductor Alfred Watkins and Assistant Conductor Bob Cowles present holiday classics. 6pm. Free. (Donations accepted.)
Lassiter Concert Hall
2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta
www.cobbwindsymphony.org
DECEMBER 22
The Strand Ole Opry’s Country Christmas. A down-home bluegrass concert of your favorite Christmas hits with an extra dose of banjo and fiddle!! Following in the footsteps of great southern tradition, it transports patrons to the hills and valleys of the south for an old-time back porch swing with a live country bluegrass band, local singers, and storytelling. The Strand Ole Opry singers are local performers who volunteer their talents to support The Strand. 7:30pm. Tickets: $30.
Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
117 North Park Square, Marietta
770-293-0080 | www.earlsmithstrand.org
HANUKKAH HAPPENINGS
DECEMBER 14
Menorah Lighting. Join with Chabad of Cobb to celebrate Chanukah with a traditional Menorah lighting celebration, family-friendly activities, Chanukah treats and a Gelt Drop. Collect all the chocolate gelt you can as they rain down. 5:30-6:30pm.
The Avenue East Cobb, The Plaza
4475 Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb
DECEMBER 18
Chanukah Celebration in Downtown Roswell. Drop in and enjoy a family-friendly evening of food and fun with traditional Chanukah foods, hot drinks, a prize and gelt drop from a Roswell Firetruck, the lighting of a 9ft-tall menorah, kids’ activities and prizes. Free. 5:30pm.
Heart of Roswell Park
925 Canton Street, Roswell
DECEMBER 20
Menorah Lighting on Marietta Square. Congregation Ner Tamid of Marietta will have a Menorah Lighting on the Glover Park Stage in Marietta Square. The event will be led by Rabbi Joseph Prass, featuring Hanukkah music, raffles and prizes, and FREE hot chocolate, donuts, latkes, and chocolate gelt! EVERYONE IS WELCOME! 6:30pm. Free.
Marietta Square
50 Park Square, Marietta
678-264-8575 | https://mynertamid.info/annual-community-menorah-lighting-in-marietta-square/
HOLIDAY MARKETS
THROUGH DECEMBER 23
Annual Christkindlmarket Roswell. Homemade mulled wine according to traditional German recipe, food, vendors, giftshops, pictures with Santa and more! See website for times. Free admission.
Bulloch Hall
180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell
roswell-christkindlmarket.com
DECEMBER 5-6
Annual Apple Annie Arts and Crafts Show. Over 100 of the Southeast’s finest artisans and crafters. One of the largest non-profit shows with a high quality and large assortment of crafts and arts in a festive setting. Proceeds
support local charities. No strollers. Friday: 9am-6pm; Saturday: 9am-2pm. $5. Catholic Church of St. Ann
4905 Roswell Road, Marietta
st-ann.org or www.facebook.com/appleanniecraftshow
DECEMBER 5-6
Roswell United Methodist Christmas Gift & Craft Show. Find the perfect gift for anyone and everyone in your life; from kids to in-laws to teachers and anyone in between. 9:30am-3pm. Free Admission.
Roswell United Methodist Church
814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell
www.rumc.com/christmasgcs
DECEMBER 5-7
Cobb PARKS Holiday Artisan Market. Shop for unique handmade gifts and holiday décor from local artisans. Friday: 4-8pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm (Includes Merry Marketplace Youth Market. This unique event features young entrepreneurs, ages 10 to 17, showcasing and selling their incredible homemade goods. Stop by to support our talented young and rising artists!); Sunday: Noon-5pm. Free Admission.
Cobb County Civic Center
548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta
https://www.cobbcounty.gov/events/holiday-artisan-market
DECEMBER 6
Back to Nature Holiday Market and Festival. Meet over 40 fine arts artisans. The market contains local vendors selling their handmade, eco-friendly goods for your holiday gift giving. 10am-4pm. Free, Reservations recommended.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Road, Roswell
770-992-2055 | chattnaturecenter.org
DECEMBER 12-14
Christmas Market at Northpoint Mall. Shop with Unique artisans, crafters and makers will be onsite with unique gifts and holiday décor. Check website for times.
Northpoint Mall
1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta
770-740-9273 | www.northpointmall.com
HOLIDAY RACES
DECEMBER 13
Sleighbells on the Square 5K, 1K & Tot Trot. Bring the family and help raise funds for Cobb County Bar’s Children’s Emergency Fund. The Fund provides emergency grants to Cobb County households facing financial emergencies or crises. Festive holiday attire is encouraged. $15-$40. Tot Trot: 9:20am; 1K: 9:10am; 5K Race: 8am.
Marietta Square
10 E Park Square, Marietta.
More info/registration: cobbcountybar.org.
DECEMBER 20
Dashing Through the Square 5K & 1K sponsored by the PEARL Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rho Zeta Omega Chapter. $45. Race: 7:30am.
Marietta Square
99 S Park Square, Marietta
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/100654/10th-annual-dashing-through-the square-5k-runwalk
LIGHT DISPLAYS
SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH JANUARY 4
World of Illumination Candy Rush Sugar plum fairies. Gigantic gingerbread village. Sweets as far as the eye can see. Candy Rush produced by World of Illumination, is the world’s largest animated drive-through audio-visual experience, highlighting larger-than-life Christmas characters and confections. This mile-long journey, hosted by Chef Kuma, features millions of colorful lights and enchanting Christmas music that everyone in the family will enjoy — a must see treat for the entire family. Check website for pricing of time slot tickets. 6-10pm.
Six Flags White Water Parking Lot
250 Cobb Parkway, Marietta
worldofillumination.com/marietta-georgia
THROUGH DECEMBER 30 (Closed 12/24 & 12/25)
Holiday Lights of Hope Walk-Through. Step into a world where holiday magic comes to life – a twinkling wonderland awaits! Welcome to the Enchanting Christmas Spectacle, where dreams are illuminated, and festive cheer knows no bounds. Sunday-Thursday: 6-9pm; Friday-Saturday: 6-10pm. $10/person; Under 12 Free; $25/Season Pass. Check website for weather closures.
Hobgood Park
6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock
holidaylightsofhope.com or www.facebook.com/HolidayLightsOfHope
THROUGH DECEMBER 31
Lights of Life. Millions of holiday light displays throughout the Life University campus. Petting zoo, train rides, and a concession stand offering seasonal drinks and snacks. See Website for hours. $10/car; $20/bus.
Life University
1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta.
678-331-4334 or life.edu/lights-of-life
SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH JANUARY 4
Stone Mountain Christmas. Each day during Stone Mountain Christmas, you can enjoy park attractions including Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more! Then, become immersed in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters! Prices and times vary by day.
Stone Mountain Park
U.S. Highway78, East Stone Mountain
770-498-5690 | www.stonemountainpark.com/Activities/Events/Stone-Mountain-Christmas
THROUGH JANUARY 11
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. 5-11pm. Select days ticket prices vary with discounts, check website for pricing on your day. $30-$62. After 9pm: $19.99.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta
404-876-5859 | atlantabg.org
THROUGH JANUARY 18
Illuminights at the Zoo. Showcasing vistas of brilliantly illuminated wildlife and captivating sights that celebrate the wonders of nature. Experience hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns and captivating displays that celebrate the beauty and magic of nature after dark. 5:30-9:30pm (last entry at 8pm). $19.99/children (11 & under), $21.99/seniors, $24.99/adults (12+); Children under 2, free. Value price dates available check website.
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta
404-624-9453 |www.zooatlanta.org
SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH JANUARY 4
Magical Nights of Lights. Start your holiday adventure at 5 PM each evening and drive through 6 miles of dazzling lights at Magical Nights of Lights! From shimmering displays to playful holiday scenes, every turn is filled with magic and nostalgia. Cozy up in your car, enjoy festive scenes at your own pace, and listen to Christmas favorites while you enjoy our Christmas light show. 5-10pm. Starts at $25 online; starts at $35 at the gate.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
470-323-3440 | https://www.lanierislands.com/holiday-events/magical-nights-of-lights/
PARADES
DECEMBER 6
Kennesaw’s Holly Days Parade. The festivities begin at 11:30 am with a parade on Main Street, featuring costumed characters, designer floats, marching bands, and Santa’s sleigh. Pictures with Santa will be available from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at Depot Park. Free walk-up and reserved photo sessions are available (see website for link for reservations. Free; Santa reservations: $15. 11:30-2:30m.
Depot Park
2828 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw
www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-event/holly-days-parade/
DECEMBER 7
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, at Woodstock Elementary. After the parade head to The Park at City Center for the Christmas tree lighting, a visit from Santa, crafts and many more activities! Parade begins at 5:30pm.
8588 Main Street, Woodstock
770-592-6000 | woodstockga.gov
DECEMBER 7
Sparkle Sandy Springs. the city’s annual holiday celebration, featuring an award-winning nighttime parade! The City Springs District transforms into a winter wonderland with giant inflatables, snow machines, twinkling holiday houses, and plenty of festive magic. Check website for details and times.
City Green,1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs.
www.visitsandysprings.org/
SANTA SIGHTINGS
SATURDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 20
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. Free with Garden Admission or Membership.
10am-2pm.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta
404-876-5859 | atlantabg.org
THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Avalon
Appointments preferred, walk ups daily. 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 (walk up only). Pet portrait: Tuesdays: 4-7pm walk up only. $35-$45.
Santa’s House in Palmers Plaza
400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta
770-765-2000 | www.experienceavalon.com
SELECT DAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 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
mariettawinterwonderland.com
SELECT DAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Santa’s Post Office at The Battery
Bring your letters for Santa and get a picture. Check website for hours. Pet dates: 11 & 18: 4-8pm.
The Battery
800 Battery Avenue SE, Atlanta
batteryatl.com
THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Cumberland Mall
Check website for hours and reservations
1000 Cumberland Mall SE, Atlanta
770-435-2206 | www.cumberlandmall.com
THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Lenox Square Mall
Check website for hours and reservations
3393 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta
404-233-6767 | www.simon.com
THROUGH DECEMBER 23
Phipps Plaza
Appointments Only. Check website for appointments.
3500 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta
404-262-2270 | www.santaatphipps.com
THROUGH DECEMBER 24
North Point Mall
See Website for hours; reservations strongly encouraged. $20 booking fee, put towards pictures or digital package. Caring Santa (Sensory Friendly): December 6 & 13, 10-11am. Santa Paws (Pet photos): December 9 & 16, 11am-7pm.
1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta
770-740-9273 | www.northpointmall.com
THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Perimeter Malls.
Check website for hours and reservations
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta
770-394-4270 | www.perimetermall.com
THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Town Center Mall
Check website for hours and reservations
400 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw
770-424-0742 | www.towncenteratcobb.com
THEATER & DANCE
THROUGH 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. See website for dates and times and prices.
Coca-Cola Stage
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
404-733-4650 l alliancetheatre.org
THROUGH DECEMBER 28
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. No shows on Mondays. Tickets start at $18.
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta
404-873-3391 | www.puppet.org
DECEMBER 5-24
A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge sums up his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him. See website for dates and times. $21-$25.
Woodstock Arts Theatre
8534 Main Street, Woodstock
woodstockarts.org/events/acc/
DECEMBER 6-27
Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker. The beloved Christmas production returns to surprise and delight all audiences. See website for dates and times. Tickets start at $47.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta
404-881-2100 | www.atlantaballet.com/performances/nutcracker
DECEMBER 12-14
Atlanta Dance Theater’s Nutcracker. This timeless tradition fills the stage with colorful costumes and beautiful sets. Friday: 7pm; Saturday: 2pm & 7pm; Sunday: 2pm. $24.
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
950 Forrest Street, Roswell
770-594-6232 | www.RoswellCAC.com
DECEMBER 18-23
The Nutcracker. The Georgia Ballet’s Nutcracker is a magical, enchanting ballet that is perfect for the whole family! Showtimes vary. $36-$59. Sensory friendly show December 18.
Jennie T. Anderson Theatre
548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta
770-528-8490 | www.georgiaballet.org/season
DECEMBER 19-24
Stepp Stewart’s Christmas at the Savoy. A holiday musical revue that will have you singing and swinging in the aisles. Join us for Stepp Stewart’s Christmas at the
SAVOY. A Jazzy Christmas musical set in the late1930’s with holiday hits like: Jingle Bell Swing, Spread Cheer, Chestnuts Roasting, Sleigh Ride and more. High energy swing forgotten era. Take a trip uptown to New York’s holiday hotspot, The Savoy Ballroom. Friday: 8pm; Saturday: 2pm & 8pm; Sunday: 2pm; Monday & Tuesday: 7pm; Wednesday: 3pm. $42-$48.
Marietta New Theatre in the Square
11 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta
770-426-4800 |www.mariettatheatresquare.com
DECEMBER 12-21
A Christmas Tradition: A Musical Revue. Sharing the holiday spirit through sparkling song and dance! This home-town favorite holiday revue features costumed singers and dancers performing both traditional and funky Christmas favorites. $42-$55. See website for dates and times.
The Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
117 N. Park Square, Marietta
770-293-0080 | www.earlsmithstrand.org
