The big day is almost here and the man in red is heading to town. Whether you’re ready to celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, check out our roundup of activities happening around East Cobb. Visit our online calendar HERE.

DECEMBER 22-23 & 26-30, JANUARY 4

Dynamite Days Off Camp. During the school holiday breaks the McCleskey YMCA is providing healthy fun activities for children 5-12. Activities include swimming, crafts, sports and group games. 9am-4pm (extended care from 7:30am-6pm). Members: $40/day. Program Members: $60/day. McCleskey YMCA, 1055 E Piedmont Road, Marietta. More info: 770-977-5991.

DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 4, 2017

Cobb County schools closed for winter break.

DECEMBER 24

Chanukah Celebration. Chabad of Cobb  will have its Chanukah celebration featuring a menorah lighting, buffet dinner, grand dreidel game, latkes and donuts, music, special activities and crafts for children. 7:30-9pm. $18/adult; $10/child. Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. More info: 770-565-4412 or www.cobbjewishacademy.org.

A Civil War Christmas. Participants can join Ranger Matthew Ibbetson as he discusses how a Civil War soldier would have experienced the holiday in December 1864. 11:30am-12:30pm. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive. Kennesaw . More info: 770-427-4686 ext. 0 or www.nps.gov/kemo.

THROUGH DECEMBER 29

The 1940’s Radio Hour. Since opening its doors as Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square, The 1940’s Radio Hour has been the most requested show from the community. It is a sweet nostalgic tale of a kinder, gentler time. It is December 21, 1942 in the dusty little 5,000 watt, New York City radio station WOV. This is a home to a mismatched mingling of working class performers who are somewhat  second rate. This crew treat each other and behave like family because in many ways they are. December: 15, 16,17, 19, 20 – 8pm; December: 17, 18, 27, 28, 29 – 3pm. Tickets: $30-$50. Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square, 11 Whitlock Avenue NW, Marietta. More info: 770-426-4800 or www. Theatreinthesquare.net. 

DECEMBER 28 & 30

The Legacy of Roosevelt’s Tree Army. As part of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park’s Every Kid in the Park program participants can come out and enjoy a multimedia presentation and guided hike highlighting the Civilian Conservation Corps and their legacy in the U.S. and the park. The program is open to all ages, but the subject matter is targeted at fourth graders and follows Georgia Performance Standards. The hike will be approximately 2 miles. 11:30am-12:30pm. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive. Kennesaw . More info: 770-427-4686 ext. 0 or www.nps.gov/kemo.

DECEMBER 26-30

Junior Lifeguard Training. Lifeguarding is one of the best jobs for high school and college students. The Junior Lifeguarding program is designed to give participants the foundation of knowledge and skills to be future lifeguards. Participants will learn lifesaving rescue techniques, be able to shadow lifeguards, learn about volunteer opportunities as a Junior Lifeguard at the Y. Course will include both in water and classroom sessions. 9am-4pm. Members: $200. Program Members: $290. McCleskey YMCA, 1055 E Piedmont Road, Marietta. More info: 770-977-5991.

DECEMBER 27-30 

Lifeguarding Training. Become a certified lifeguard. Successful participants of this course will be certified in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Administration, and Red Cross Lifeguarding at pools, water fronts, and water parks. Participants must attend all classes, be able to swim and pass prerequisite swim requirements, and be 15 by the end of the class. 9am-5pm. Members: $200. Program Members: $290. McCleskey YMCA, 1055 E Piedmont Road, Marietta. More info: 770-977-5991.

DECEMBER 30

Menorah Lighting on Marietta Square. Congregation Ner Tamid will hold a ceremony on the Glover Park Stage at Marietta Square to light a Menorah as part of a Chanukah Celebration which will include holiday music and fun children’s games. All are welcome. Chanukah is celebrated this year from sundown on December 24 through sundown January 1. Congregation Ner Tamid, 1349 Old Highway 41, Suite 220, Marietta. More info: 678-264-8575 or www.mynertamid.org.

Winter Break Camp at Camp Kingfisher, a taste of summer camp fun with some unique twists. Kindergarten – 7th grade. 9am-4pm. Free extended care available from 8-9am & 4-6:15pm. Members: $180-$280. Non-members: $200-$310. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055, ext. 238, or chattnaturecenter.org.

DECEMBER 27-31

Tournament of Champions Classic. The six-time state champion Wildcats will welcome 31 teams from eight different states. There will be 12 games played each of the four days. Times vary. Tickets: $10/person, 5 and under free. Wheeler High School, 30068. Times vary. Tickets: $10/person, 5 and under free. More info: www.tounamentofchampionsclassic.com

ONGOING

Free Mulch. Cobb EMC offers free mulch from the clearance maintenance of Cobb EMC power lines. It is available throughout the year and can be delivered when crews are in your area. More info: 678-355-3413.

TUESDAY AND SATURDAY

Feeding Time at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of their resident animals as they are being fed. 4pm. Admission: ) $10/Adult, $6/Child (3-12), $7/Senior 65+, $7/ Student (Ages 13 -18), Children 2 & under are free. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055 or www.chattnaturecenter.org.

EVERY FRIDAY

The Gritters Knitters. Do you knit, crochet, or work with yarn in anyway? If you would like to get together to craft, get inspired, and make new friends, then this group is for you. All skill levels are welcome the only requirement is your enthusiasm! Just bring your yarn and yourself. Fridays: 11am-1pm. Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta. More info: 770-528-2524

EVERY SATURDAY

Marietta Square Farmers Market features products that are grown and produced in Georgia, including produce, plants, honey, breads, cheese and other items. Saturday 9am-12pm. Rain or shine. Now open all year. Glover Park-Marietta Square. More info: 770-499-9393 or mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net.