Pig, Out!
Readers remember the iconic Pink Pig ride By Collin Kelley Riding the Pink Pig has been a holiday tradition since 1956 when it launched as an indoor monorail then called the “Snowball Express” – hanging from the ceiling of the toy department at the old Rich’s Department Store in downtown Atlanta. For a generation of kids, squeezing into the Pink Pig after it moved to the roof of Rich’s department store in 1965 was as important as a visit with Santa Claus. The up-close view of the giant Christmas tree and the glittering city skyline would put anyone in the holiday spirit. The coveted “I Rode the Pink Pig” sticker was worn proudly on coat lapels during lunch at The Magnolia Room inside Rich’s or for a treat at The Varsity. When Rich’s closed in 1991, the Pink Pig moved to the Festival of Trees at the World Congress Center before moving to its final home in 2003 on top of the Macy’s parking deck at Lenox Square. The Pig’s two cars were called Percival and Priscilla. Percival retired to the Atlanta History Center, but Priscilla continued to make the holiday rounds at Lenox until 2019. The attraction was put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic. In September, Macy’s announced
event runs now thru Dec. 31. Details at wrensnest.org.
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at 5:30 p.m. Just before 6 p.m., there will be a countdown to light the 52-foot tree on the West Retail Roof. There’s also the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run, Dec. 11, 12-4 p.m., and Smiles for the Season holiday breakfast, Dec. 12, 8-10 a.m. with special characters and a visit from Santa. Visit colonysquare.com for more.
◄Zoo Atlanta
IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival is happening nightly through Jan. 16 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. featuring more than 80 animal lanterns – some up to 20 feet tall. Tickets and more details at zooatlanta.org.
Bellyard Hotel
Rialto Center for the Arts The 24th Annual Gala Holiday Concert, presented by the Georgia State School of Music, is slated for Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. Tickets range $14.45-$36. Christmas with Calabria Foti and Bob McChesney will feature masters of vocals, violin and trombone on Dec. 11, 8 p.m. Tickets range $39.10-$81. Info and tickets are available at Rialto.GSU.edu.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Leslie Odom, Jr.’s The Christmas Tour will spotlight the talents of the awardwinning vocalist, songwriter and actor on Dec. 15, 8 p.m. The ASO’s schedule includes much more, including Holiday Concert at Reinhardt University, Dec. 15; Holiday Concert at North Avenue Presbyterian Church, Dec. 16; Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 17-18, Holiday Concert in Madison, Georgia, Dec. 17, and New Year’s Eve Celebration at City Springs, Dec. 31. Tickets and details at atlantasymphony.org.
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Fernbank Museum Fernbank After Dark: Holiday Party is for adults 21+ to enjoy an after-hours holiday get-together with drinks and live music on Dec. 10, 7-11 p.m. For more info, visit fernbankmuseum.org.
Variety Playhouse A Very Dave Barnes Christmas will feature singer/songwriter Dave Barnes playing music and sharing his wit on Dec. 18, 8 p.m. The tickets range $29-$59. The 10th Annual Holiday Hootenanny, benefitting Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, has a musical line-up that includes Randall Bramblett and Jim Lauderdale among
many others. It’s slated for Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Details and tickets are available at variety-playhouse.com.
The Wren’s Nest For the holidays, artist Tokie Rome-Taylor’s photo exhibition One Day Soon Come celebrates Black children of the south. The work puts them at the center, to see their connections, cultural richness, and belonging within history. The free
Ring In the New Year with a special New Year’s Celebration at Bellyard Hotel on Dec. 31, 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. Tickets cover two cocktails, dinner and dessert buffets, and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be a cash bar. Only 115 tickets are available to the public, but guests who stay at Bellyard on 12/31 can purchase the tickets, $100 per person, for 50% off. Call (404) 806-8333 or visit bellyardhotel. com to find out more.
◄Cathedral of St. Philip The Brass Holiday Concert is Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. featuring members of the Atlanta Symphony Brass. For tickets and information, visit cathedralatl.org/ concerts. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m
