With the wonky weather calling for t-shirts one day and trench coats the next, you may need a little help getting into the holiday spirit. This year, Atlanta has must-have memories all season long! Read on for a few the city’s can’t-miss classics and be sure to check the Holiday Events Calendar for even more merriment:
Stone Mountain Christmas
Stone Mountain Park
Friday - Sunday only, through Jan. 1, 2012
Twinkling with more than two million lights, Stone Mountain Christmas is packed with smiles and cheer. Hot for Winter 2011, Toyrific! peeks underneath the tree to follow a group of misfit toys on their mission to save Christmas. Other family favorites include the Holly Jolly Cabaret - featuring a live pianist and all the sing-alongs you secretly adore - as well as the Wonderland Walkway and Snow Angel Palace. If Santa needs some help, stop into the many holiday shops for hand-blown glass ornaments, seasonal décor, toys and more!
Back for 2011, Stone Mountain’s classic Christmas shows include a riveting ride on The Polar Express 4D Experience, as well as the Sleigh Ride Musical Revue which features holiday celebrations across the globe. For some small-town magic, catch the old-fashioned Christmas Parade, the Simply Christmas Musical Revue and a visit from Santa himself! Relax and end the evening with a cozy, quiet train ride around the mountain.
Snow Mountain
Stone Mountain Park
Opening Nov. 23
Ready for a snow day? Wander through a winter wonderland as Stone Mountain’s Laser Lawn is coated with fresh “snow” each day. Head to the top of Atlanta’s tallest snow drift and slide down the 400-foot tall Tubing Hill! For even more chilly thrills,visit the Snow Play Zone - thousands of feet of fresh powder, perfect for that epic snowball fight or chorus of snow angels! Engage your brain in the Igloo City and dig a tunnel, create a city or build of a fort. Snowman Valley has everything you need to make a snowfriend, from funny hats and outfits to the all-important carrot nose. Test your aim at the Snowball Shooting Gallery with tons of spinning, twisting and turning targets. Afterwards, relax by the flickering fires at SnoFire Point and chill out with S’mores and tasty drinks.
The Ice Rink at Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park
Nov. 19 - Jan. 29, 2012
Perfect for entertaining the family on a post-pie sugar high, Atlanta’s only outdoor ice rink offers theatrical lighting, a holiday soundtrack and plenty of treats. Afterward, take a stroll around C.O.P. and enjoy the Holiday in Lights display as millions of twinkling bulbs light up faces of all ages against the skyline’s silhouette.
Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker
Fox Theatre
Dec. 8 - 24
One of Atlanta’s can’t-miss classics for more than 50 years, this season’s Nutcracker features even more twirling fairies and swirling snowflakes. This year, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, young Marya and the Prince are accompanied live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra for each performance.
Enjoy some hometown holiday traditions in East Point. Just minutes from the sights and lights of Downtown and filled with small-town hospitality, it’s easy to make merry memories all season long. A few family-friendly events include:
Downtown Tree Lighting
Dec. 2
Smiles and hearts warm each year during the annual Downtown Tree Lighting. This year’s tree will glitter and gleam with even more lights. Afterward, join in the sing-a-long of your favorite Christmas songs, have a meet-and-greet with Santa and get a head start on decorating your own tree with a seasonal arts and crafts.
East Point Holiday Farmers Market
Dec. 10
Homecooked meals are even more delicious when make with fresh, locally-grown produce! Pick up a few seasonal essentials and browse the handmade gifts sections for sumptuous jams and jellies, as well as sweet treats and crafts.
