The holidays are here and there are plenty of events and activities for the whole family nearby. From meeting Santa to enjoying holiday theater, to taking in the lights, unique shopping or ice skating on the square, here are some highlights in and around Buckhead, Smyrna and Marietta you won’t want to miss.
BUCKHEAD:
Candle Light Nights
Experience Christmas past with a candlelit stroll through the decorated gardens and grounds of the Atlanta History Center, and be transported into the warm glow of the holidays. Guests are welcomed by a lively Christmas Market filled with local crafts and artisanal creations. The three historic houses including the Swan House and Tullie Smith Farm showcase how Southerners celebrated Christmas during the pioneer days, the Civil War era and the 1930s.
December 9 & 16
5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
www.atlantahistorycenter.com
December Cabaret
The Independant Artists Playhouse and The Basement Theatre come together again to present an evening of musical delight. For the holidays this group of talented musical theatre performers have chosen their favorite Christmas songs. This night will certainly put you in the Holiday Spirit at the The Basement Theatre in Buckhead.
December 14
$12
http://iaplayhouse.org/
INTOWN:
Lights in Garden
Enjoy the beauty of the holidays in the splendor of the Atlanta Botanical Garden with the annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. The electrical extravaganza features spectacular light displays throughout the garden with more than one million colorful lights. Explore the new Walk of Flames and a newly expanded Tunnel of Light along with favorites such as the Orchestral Orbs, Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest and the popular Model Trains that continue to make the exhibition a must-see holiday tradition.
Through 1/7/2017
$17- $38
MARIETTA:
A Winter Wonderland
This holiday season, the Marietta Square transforms into a nostalgic Winter Wonderland featuring open-air ice skating, Santa’s Workshop, multi-story Christmas tree and more. Children aged one to ninety-two will make new memories as they skate among the twinkling lights and holiday music. Holiday entertainment will fill the air and the season will conclude with the New Year’s Eve Celebration and Square Drop.
Open daily
$12 includes entrance and skate rental.
http://www.winterwonderlandmarietta.com/
Christmas and Holiday Lights of Life
The annual “Lights of Life” holiday display at Life University takes place every night from Thanksgiving evening through New Year’s Eve. The event features more than a million lights spanning across over a mile of campus. Displays include a nativity scene, a menorah, a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, and numerous stationary and animated holiday displays. In addition, there is a 65-foot-tall rendition of Santa and his sleigh that is the tallest display in the Southeast.
Thanksgiving evening through New Year’s Eve.
$5- $10
Holiday Theater
The whole family will enjoy this classic holiday tale about sacrifice and true love, The Gift of the Magi at Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square. Tickets include a holiday wonderland experience before the show designed for kids and families featuring Christmas characters, snacks, and crafts!
Performances through Dec. 11
$15 – $25
A Festive 5K!
The 16th Annual Sleighbells on the Square 5k/1k/Tot Trot will be held on Saturday, December 10. This festive event for the whole family takes place on the Marietta Square where the 5k will start and finish.
December 10
8 to 10 a.m.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sleighbells-on-the-square-5k1ktot-trot-tickets-28664828273
CUMBERLAND:
Unique Gifts and Crafts
The Second Annual Shoppe Artisan Holiday Market gives Southeastern shoppers a one-stop holiday shopping event that will attract shoppers seeking unique gifts for loved ones and arts and crafts enthusiasts. At the Cobb Galleria.
December 9 – 11
Check web site for hours
http://shoppeartisan.com/
SMYRNA:
Meet Santa!
Take the children to meet Santa, give him wish lists and have pictures taken at the Smyrna Village Green. Pet parents will have a chance to make memories by having pictures of their animal friends taken with Santa with Santa Paws, also at Marietta Square.
December 10
From 6 to 8 p.m.
2875 Atlanta Road
