Guide to Georgia by cyberguy1976

Guide GEORGIA To

Events Attractions Fairs & Festivals

November/ December 2012

Enchanted Garden Of Lights At Rock City

GGEORGIA uide To

Volume 52 Number 4 Holiday Issue November/December 2012

CONTENTS Metro Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6 Atlanta Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Garden & Nature Events . . . . . . . .7 Entertainment Venues . . . . . . .8-11 Christmas Parades . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Tree Lighting Ceremonies . . . . . . .10 The Nutcracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 Theatre Directory . . . . . . . . . .14-15 Holiday Events in Georgia . . . .16-29 Holiday Tours of Homes . . . . . . . .23 Long Running Holiday Events . . .30

ON THE COVER ock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, which features more than 30 holiday scenes, illuminated rock formations, and a million lights, will delight visitors November 16–January 5. Shown on the cover is an original oil painting of Rock City during the holiday season by Anthony A. Abreu of Blue Ridge (see page 6 for information on this fine artist). This Holiday Issue also includes an article on Ruby Red Christmas which is held at Ruby Falls on Fridays and Saturdays during December, as well as information on an array of other holiday events throughout Georgia.

GUIDE

GEORGIA

801 Nebula Rd., Manchester, GA 31816 Phone 706-846-2620 E-mail guidetogeorgia@windstream.net Patty Proctor . . . . . . . . .Publisher/Editor Hayley Yawn . . . . . .Publisher’s Assistant Debi Richardson . . . . . . .Graphics Editor 803-259-1990, debi@guidetogeorgia.com The GUIDE TO GEORGIA, founded in 1960, is the premiere publication for information on activities and entertainment in Georgia. Four issues are published each year, and the magazines are distributed in all 11 Georgia Welcome Centers, in local visitor bureaus, in hotels, and numerous other outlets as well as to subscribers. Subscription is $10 per year. Contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission.

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

METRO ATLANTA The Elegant Elf Marketplace in Sandy Springs The Sandy Springs Society will present the second annual Elegant Elf Marketplace for holiday gift-buying on Friday and Saturday, November 9-10, from 9am-5pm. The marketplace will be held at the Hitson Activities Center of the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, located at 85 Mt. Vernon Hwy. All profits will benefit local charities. The Elegant Elf Marketplace will feature one-stop shopping for unique, high-end holiday gifts. Over 70 artisans and exhibitors will offer gift-buying opportunities for glass, art, food, garden, household, jewelry, and children’s and women’s items. Food trucks will stop by each day with “elegant” lunch offerings. Demonstrations will take place on the exhibition stage located in the “South Pole.” New this year will be 30+ artists displaying art works for sale along the “North Pole” gallery walls. The Sandy Springs Society, the largest philanthropic organization in Sandy Springs, has 310 members who have raised over $2.3M in the past 24 years for local charities, focusing on the arts, community, education, environment, and city heritage. Visit www.sandyspringssociety.org or like them on Facebook to find out more about the exhibitors, demonstrations, and event details, or call 404-222-0044 for more information.

Events Throughout November & December Nov. 1-Dec. 2 –Cirque du Soleil TOTEM, Atlantic Station. 404-975-4270. Nov. 1, Dec. 6 – First Thursday Art Walk, Downtown Atlanta, 5-8pm. 404-658-1877. Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6, 13 – Terrific Thursdays, Downtown Decatur. 404-3704100. Nov. 2-30 – Martinis & IMAX, Fernbank Museum, Fridays 5:30-10pm. 404-929-6300. Nov. 17-Jan. 6 – Model Train Show, Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 24 – Breakfast or Lunch with Santa, Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth. 770-476-2013. Dec. 4, 6, 11, 18 – Holiday High Teas, Bulloch Hall, Roswell, 4pm. 770-992-1731.

November 1-3 – Netherworld Haunted House. 404608-2484. 1-4 – Indian Festival & Pow-Wow, Stone Mountain Park. 770-498-5690. 2-4 – Theatre Project Footlights: The

Little Mermaid. Mable House, Mableton. 770-819-7765. 3 – Wine Tasting Festival, Decatur Square, 1-4pm. 404-370-4100. 3 – Mac Powell of Third Day, Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. 3-4 – Chastain Park Arts Festival. 404237-2177. 3-4 – Sweet Auburn Heritage Festival. 404-886-4469 or 404-399-0886. 4 – Wedding Expo, 6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. 8-11 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000. 9-10 – Elegant Elf Marketplace, Sandy Springs Methodist Church. 404-222-0044. 9-19 – Mt. Zion Craft Show, Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Marietta. 770-971-1565. 10 – Santa arrives at Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth, 2pm. 770-4762013. 10 – Cherokee Heights Arts Festival, Marietta. 770-218-3836. 10 – Veterans Day Parade, Downtown Atlanta, 11:11am. 770-528-2611. 10-11 – Model Railroad Days, S.E. Railway Museum, Duluth. 770-476-2013.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

METRO ATLANTA ATLANTA ATTRACTIONS Atlanta Cyclorama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-658-7625 Atlanta History Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-814-4000 Atlanta Preservation Walking Tours . . . . . . . . 404-688-3353 Bulloch Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-992-1731 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-872-5338 Carter Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-865-7100 Centennial Olympic Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-222-PARK Chattahoochee River Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-641-3705 CNN Studio Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-827-2300 Fernbank Museum of Natural History . . . . . . . 404-929-6300 Fox Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-881-2100 Georgia Aquarium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-581-4000 Georgia Department of Archives. . . . . . . . . . . 678-364-3700 Georgia Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-223-4636 Georgia State Capitol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-656-2844 Georgia World Congress Center . . . . . . . . . . . 404-223-4000 Gone With The Wind Museum, Marietta . . . . . 770-794-5576 Governor’s Mansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-261-1776 Heritage Green Sandy Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-851-9111 High Museum of Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-733-4400 Imagine It! Children’s Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-659-kids Kennesaw Mtn. Nat’l Battlefield . . . . . . . . . . . 770-427-4686 Margaret Mitchell House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-249-7015 Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-528-1444 Marietta Museum of History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-794-5710 Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site . . . . . . . . 404-331-5190 Medieval Times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-935-6878 Michael Carlos Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-727-4282 Museum of Civil War/Locomotive History . . . . 770-427-2117 Oakland Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-688-2107 Piedmont Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-875-7275 Road to Tara Museum, Jonesboro. . . . . . . . . . . 770-478-4800 Scott Antique Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-569-2800 Six Flags Over Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-948-9290 Smith Plantation, Roswell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-641-3978 Southeastern Railway Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-476-2013 Stone Mountain Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-498-5690 Underground Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-523-2311 Woodruff Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-733-4750 World of Coca Cola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-676-5151 Wren’s Nest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-753-7735 Yellow River Game Ranch, Lilburn . . . . . . . . . . 770-972-6643 Zoo Atlanta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-624-9453

See Beauty and the Beast at the Fabulous Fox Theater November 27-December 2 and stay in Sandy Springs with a fabulous hotel package.

Have a Night on the Town in Sandy Springs! Enjoy Broadway in Atlanta’s production of Beauty and the Beast with one of the fabulous hotel packages in Sandy Springs from November 27-December 2. For one low price, your family can enjoy the show, a Beauty and the Beast themed promotional gift, and a special treat. The whole family can enjoy this classic tale at Atlanta’s most famous venue, The Fabulous Fox Theater. You will want to book early for Flashdance in February, Million Dollar Quartet in March and this spring for Sister Act in April. For dates and hotel information visit our website at www.visitsandysprings.org/broadway. During your stay, be sure to take the time to explore the other great live shows that happen nightly around town, around the corner from your hotel. Steve’s Live Music entertains with live music, the Punchline (a premier comedy club) will leave you laughing for days, and the many wide variety of restaurants offer something for everyone. Stay in Sandy Springs to explore the very best of the metro area. For more information, visit www.VisitSandySprings.org or phone 866-511-7742.

REGENCY SUITES HOTEL 975 West Peachtree Street at 10th Street ATLANTA, GEORGIA All-suite hotel; Elegant kitchenettes; Luxurious continental breakfast; complimentary dinner (Mon.-Thurs.) Located two blocks from I-75/85, next to Midtown MARTA station. 404-876-5003 / 800-642-3629 www.regencysuites.com

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

METRO ATLANTA Scott Antique Market in Atlanta The Scott Antique Market at the Atlanta Expo Centers, the world’s largest monthly indoor antique show, features two buildings stocked full of pretty much every antique imaginable. With 366,000 square feet to explore, and over 3,300 booths, it’s almost impossible to leave without finding exactly what you’re looking for, according to the show’s organizers. All things antique wind up at the Scott Antique Market – antique furniture, vintage hardware, rare art, stunning glassware, heirloom silver, incredible jewelry, and so much more. The Scott Antique Market, described as “America’s favorite treasure hunt,” always takes place the second weekend of every month at the Atlanta Expo Centers which straddle I-285 at Exit 55. Parking is free; admission is only $5; and a complimentary shuttle goes between both buildings. Upcoming shows will be Nov. 8-11, Dec. 6-9, Jan. 10-13, and Feb. 7-10. For a complete list of show dates and more information on Scott Antique Markets, call 740-569-2800 or visit www.scottantiquemarket.com.

November 10-11 – The Pulse on Tour, Georgia Int’l. Convention Ctr., College Park. 678-244-9800. 15 – Lunchtime, Several Dancers Core Studio, Decatur. Free lunch for the first 40. 404-373-4154. 16 – Friday Jazz, High Museum of Art, 5-10pm. 404-733-4437. 17 – S. E. Indians Heritage Program, Atlanta History Center. 404-814-4000. 18 – Heritage Winter Classic & Midtown Brass Quintet, Heritage Green, Sandy Springs, 4:30pm. 404-851-9111. 30-Dec. 1 – Georgia Dive Show, Georgia International Convention Center, College Park. 678-244-9800.

December 1 – Evening in Bethlehem, Roswell Methodist Church, 5,6,8pm. 770-993-6218. 1 – Christmas Farmers Holiday Mart, Downtown Alpharetta, 1-5pm. 404-402-5389. 1 – Gingerbread Christmas at Smith Plantation House, Roswell. 770-641-3978.

Anthony Abreu Painting on Front Cover nthony A. Abreu, whose original oil

painting is on the cover of this issue, lives and works in Blue Ridge, Georgia. This painting of Rock City and many of his other paintings can be seen at High Country Art and Framing in historic, downtown Blue Ridge, or at the Dream Givers Art Gallery in Toccoa or by visiting his website at www.abreufineartgallery.com. For more information, phone 706-946-3278 or e-mail fineart@anthonyabreu.com.

1, 8 – Snow on the Square, Downtown Alpharetta, 1-3pm. 678-297-6078. 2 – Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, Roswell Presbyterian Church, 4pm. 770-993-6316. 2 – Alpharetta Band Concert, Adult Activity Center, 3pm. 678-297-6140. 3-18 – Governor’s Mansion Tour, 391 Paces Ferry Rd. 404-261-1776. 6-9 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000. 7-23 – A Christmas Carol, Bulloch Hall, Roswell. 770-992-1731. 8 – Candlelight Tour of Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall, Smith Plantation, Roswell. 770-640-3855. 13 – Decatur Bonfire & Marshmallow Roast, Downtown, 7-8pm. 404-370-4100. 16 – Michael O’Neal Singers/Messiah Sing-Along, Roswell Methodist Church, 3pm. 770-594-7974. 16 – Heritage Winter Classic with Joe Gransden & Francine Reed, Heritage Green, Sandy Springs, 4:30pm. 404-851-9111. 17 – Holiday Craft Market, Pinckneyville Park, Norcross. 770-417-2200. 20 – Reenactment of 1853 Mittie Bulloch & Thee Roosevelt Wedding, Bulloch Hall, Roswell. 770-992-1731. 31 – Radio Disney Noon Year’s Eve, Village Green, Smyrna, 10:30am-12:30pm. 770-434-6600. 31 – Peach Drop, Underground Atlanta. 404-523-2311.

January 10-13 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000.

February 7-10 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Garden and Nature Events Festival of Camellias at Massee Lane in Fort Valley Camellias, the roses of winter, bloom throughout the coolest months during Camellia Days from November until March or April at Massee Lane Gardens, located 5.5 miles south of Fort Valley on GA 49. Easy walking tours wind through ten acres of formal camellia gardens with camellia trees flowering alongside the brick walks. A landscaped greenhouse with camellias and azaleas assures blooms even during the coolest weather. Two galleries showcase exquisite displays of porcelain art. The Festival of Camellias runs every day in February when camellia blooms are at their peak. The first Saturday of February offers free admission. Other events throughout the month will include a Camellia workshop, Camellia culture demonstrations, and entertainment. Camellias and Sasanquas will be for sale. The gardens are open daily and are handicap-accessible with wheelchairs available in the gift shop. Visit www.americancamellias.org or call 478-967-2358 or 877-422-6355.

November

December

1-Mar. 31 – Camellia Days at Massee Lane Gardens, Fort Valley. 1-15 – Chrysanthemum Season, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain. 800-callaway. 2 – Holiday Tour of Trees, Delmar Gardens, Lawrenceville. 770-923-3100. 3 – 100th Annual Chrysanthemum Show, Stilesboro Academy, Taylorsville. 770-445-1962. 3 – Medical Herb Gardening Workshop, Atlanta Botanical Garden. 3 – Snakes Alive! Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs, 2pm. 770-732-5871. 6 – Founder’s Day at Callaway Garden, Pine Mountain. 800-callaway. 9 – Kayaking & Wildlife Watch, Ft. Yargo, Winder, 4-6pm. 770-867-3489. 10 – Harvest Festival, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah. 912-395-1212. 10 – Reptile Day, Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. 10 – Astronomy Night, Providence Canyon, Lumpkin. 229-838-4706. 10-11 – Middle Georgia Camellia Society Show, Municipal Bldg., Byron. 478-825-1337. 10,17 – Make Your Own Basket, Smithgall Woods. 17 – Lunar Sky Watch, Crooked River State Park, St. Marys. 912-882-5256. 17 – Boughs & Berries, Atlanta Botanical Garden. 17 – Backcountry Geology Hike, Sweetwater Ck. St. Pk., Lithia Springs. 912-882-5256. 17 – Design/Make Holiday Cards, Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. Nov. 17-Jan. 2 – Atlanta Botanical Garden Ride-on-Train, various dates. 19 – Kayak the Marshes, Crooked River State Park, St. Marys, 1pm. 912-882-5256. 23 – Craters in the Moon, Stephen Foster State Park, Fargo, 6pm. 912-637-5274. 28 – Full Moon Hike, Tallulah Gorge, Tallulah Falls, 6pm. 706-754-7981.

1 – Back to Nature Holiday Market, Chattahoochee Nature Ctr., Roswell. 770-992-2055. 1 – Fresh Greenery Christmas Workshop, Callaway Gardens, 10am. 1 – Spices for Your Health, Smithgall Woods. 1, 8 – Holiday Decorating, Atlanta Botanical Garden, 10am. 1-22 – Christmas Tour of Callaway Home, Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange. 706-882-3242. 2 – Holiday Open House, State Botanical Gdn. 7 – Greenery Wreaths, State Botanical Garden, 7pm. 8 – Reindog Parade, Atlanta Botanical Gdn. 8 – Christmas Wreath Workshop, Hills & Dales Estate. 10am. 9 – Geology Hike, Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. 15 – Children’s Christmas Celebration, Hills & Dales Estate, 9:30am. 16 – Reindeer Day, Chattahoochee Nature Ctr., 1-4pm. 20 – Make a Holiday Centerpiece, State Botanical Garden.

Garden & Nature Centers in Georgia • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ashantilly Center, Darien . . . . . . . .912-437-4473 Atlanta Botanical Garden . . . . . . . .404-876-5859 Bamboo/Coastal Gdns., Savannah .912-921-5460 Birdsong Nature Ctr., Thomasville .800-953-bird Callaway Gardens, Pine Mt. . . . . . .800-Callaway Chattahoochee Nat. Ctr., Roswell .770-992-2055 Columbus Botanical Garden . . . . .706-327-8400 Elachee Nature Ctr., Gainesville . .770-535-1976 Flint RiverQuarium, Albany . . . . . .229-639-2650 Ga. Mt. Research Ctr., Blairsville . .706-745-2655 GSU Botanical Gdn., Statesboro . .912-871-1149 Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange . . .706-882-3242 Massee Lane, Fort Valley . . . . . . . . .478-967-2358 Oakland Island, Savannah . . . . . . . .912-898-3980 Oxbow Meadows, Columbus . . . . .706-687-4090 Phinizy Swamp, Augusta . . . . . . . . .706-878-3087 Smithgall Woods, Helen . . . . . . . . .706-878-3087 State Botanical Garden, Athens . . .706-542-1244 Tybee Island Marine Center . . . . . .912-786-5917

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Entertainment Venues in Georgia AUGUSTA ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX 706-722-3521,www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Nov. 9-10 Nov. 20 Nov. 29 Dec. 11 Dec. 13

Christmas Made in the South KICKS 99 Guitar Pull Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Cirque Dreams Holidaze Holiday Pops at the Bell

Christmas Parades

404-658-7159, www.atlantaciviccenter.com

Nov. 8-11 Dec. 29

Behind the Pulpit New Year’s Weekend Celebration

BLACK BEAR STAGE Sautee, 678-989-9580, www.helenga.org

Nov. 9 Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 31

CS&K and Lefevre Quartet Manuel Covington Elvis & Buddy Jewell Elvis & Band

CALLANWOLDE

NOVEMBER 23 Stone Mountain . . . . . .5pm 26 Thomasville . . . . . . .6:30pm 27 Rome . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30pm 27 Smyrna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Forsyth . . . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 29 LaGrange . . . . . . . . . . .6pm

770-413-0607 229-226-3446 800-444-1834 678-631-5541 888-288-9742 706-884-8671

DECEMBER 1 Atlanta . . . (dntn) 10:30am 1 Baxley . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6pm 1 Blairsville . . . . . . . . .4:30pm 1 Brunswick . . . . . . . . . .10am 1 Byron . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1pm 1 Cleveland . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 1 Conyers . . . . . . . . . .4:30pm 1 Dahlonega . . . . . . . . . .5pm 1 Douglas . . . . . . . . . .6:30pm 1 Fort Valley . . . . . . . . . .5pm 1 Griffin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6pm 1 Hawkinsville . . . . . .5:30pm 1 Helen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2pm 1 Kennesaw . . . . . . . . . . .1pm 1 Lilburn . . . . . . . . . . . .10am 1 Loganville . . . . . . . .5:30pm 1 Manchester . . . . . . . . .6pm 1 McCaysville . . . . . . . . .2pm 1 Moultrie . . . . . . . . . . . .6pm 1 Richmond Hill . . . . . . .10am 1 Savannah . . . . . . . . .5:30pm 1 Valdosta . . . . . . . . . . . .5pm 1 Warner Robins . . . . . .10am 1 Waycross . . . . . . . . .6:30pm 2 Albany . . . . . . . . . . . . .5pm 2 Newnan . . . . . . . . . . . .3pm 2 Thomson . . . . . . . . . . .3pm 3 Rockmart . . . . . . . . . . .6pm 4 Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4pm 6 Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 6 Cartersville . . . . . . . . . .6pm 6 Fitzgerald . . . . . . . . .6:30pm 7 Cochran . . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 8 Cave Spring . . . . . . . . .6pm 8 Madison . . . . . . . . .3:30pm 8 Roberta . . . . . . . . . . . . .5pm 8 Tybee Island . . . . . . . . .1pm 11 Tallapoosa . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 13 Bainbridge . . . . . . . .6:30pm 13 Calhoun . . . . . . . . . . . .7pm

404-785-7337 912-367-7731 877-745-5789 912-265-4032 478-956-5555 706-865-5356 800-conyers 706-864-3513 912-383-0277 478-825-3733 770-228-8200 478-783-1717 706-878-2181 770-422-9714 770-921-2210 770-466-1165 706-846-3741 800-899-6867 229-890-5456 912-756-3345 912-234-0295 229-259-3577 888-288-9742 912-287-2946 229-883-8330 770-254-2627 706-597-1000 770-684-5454 478-988-8000 706-613-3620 800-733-2280 800-386-4642 478-934-2965 800-444-1834 706-342-1251 478-836-3825 912-786-5444 770-574-2482 229-243-8555 706-625-3200

ATLANTA CIVIC CENTER

Atlanta, 404-872-5338, www.callanwolde.org

Nov. 9 Nov. 11 Nov. 11 Nov. 16-18 Dec. 7-19

Storytelling Veterans Expressing Their Stories Northumbrian Smallpipes/ Dick Hensold Concert Holiday Pottery Sale Christmas at Callanwolde

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS OF COWETA COUNTY Newnan, 770-254-2787, www.thecenteronline.net

Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Dec. 13-15

Junie B. Jones Atlanta Pops Christmas at the Centre

CLASSIC CENTER Athens, 800-918-6393, www.classiccenter.com

Dec. 8-9 Dec. 8-9 Dec. 17

Athens Symphony Christmas Concert Athens Artist Market– Handmade for Holidays West Side Story

COBB CIVIC CENTER Marietta, 770-528-8450, www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov

Nov. 4 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 16-18 Dec. 1-2 Dec. 8 Dec. 21

Cheerfest Antique Gun & Military Collectibles Show/Sale Gem & Mineral Show/Sale Eastman Gun & Knife Show Big Chicken Chorus Happy Birthday Jesus Party

COBB ENERGY CENTRE Atlanta, 770-916-2800, www.cobbenergycentre.com

Nov. 10, 13, 16, 18 Atlanta Opera: Carmen Nov. 28 Ray LaMontagne Nov. 29 Rick Springfield Nov. 30 So You Think You Can Dance Tour Dec. 3 Morrissey Dec. 7 Indigo Girls Dec. 8 Brian Setzer Orchestra Dec. 11 Buddy Valastro Dec. 13-16 West Side Story Dec. 31 Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam

COLUMBUS CIVIC CENTER 708-494-8330, www.columbusciviccenter.org

Nov. 3 Jokers Wild Comedy Tour Dec. 13 Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Entertainment Venues in Georgia FERST CENTER FOR THE ARTS Atlanta, 404-894-9600, www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu

Nov. 29 Ga. Tech Holiday Concert Dec. 2 Empire Brass/Elisabeth von Trapp Dec. 8 Spyro Gyra

FOX THEATRE Atlanta, 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.org

Nov. 1 Nov. 4 Nov. 7 Nov. 10 Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 27-Dec. 2

Frankie Valli Celtic Thunder Heart Chris Tucker Martina McBride Mannheim Steamroller Beauty & the Beast

GWINNETT CENTER Duluth, 800-224-6422, www.gwinnettcenter.com

Nov. 3 Nov. 3-4 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 12-13 Nov. 17 Dec. 16 Dec. 19

God’s Love at Work Women’s Expo Cotton States Cat Expo Ludwig Symphony Orchestra The Who Stone Mountain Chorus Forgotten Carols Southern Ballet: Very Grinchy Christmas Twelve Gifts of Christmas Carrie Underwood

GEM THEATRE Calhoun, 706-625-3132, www.calhoungem.org

Nov. 6 Nov. 11 Dec. 2 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 8 Dec. 9 Dec. 10

War Bonds: Songs & Letters of WWII Etowah Jazz Society Gordon H. S. Concert Ga. Cumberland Academy Concert Annie Moses Band The Van Leers Sonoraville H. S. Concert Handbell Concert

GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIRGROUNDS Perry, 478-988-8000, www.perryga.com

Nov. 3-4 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 16-18 Nov. 29

Eastman Gun Show Autofest & Swap Meet Mistletoe Market Taste of Perry

GRAND THEATRE Cartersville, 770-386-7343, www.thegrandtheatre.org

Nov. 3 Dec. 8

7 Bridges–Ultimate Eagles Experience Atlanta Pops Orchestra

GRAND OPERA HOUSE Macon, 478-301-5460, www.thegrandmacon.com

Nov. 6-7 Nov. 10-11 Dec. 1 Dec. 3-4 Dec. 22

Tap Dogs Cirque Mechanics A Grand Mercer Christmas Catch Me If You Can John Berry Christmas Concert

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Entertainment Venues in Georgia HARRIS ARTS CENTER

HISTORIC RITZ THEATRE

Calhoun, 706-629-2599, www.harrisartscenter.com

Nov. 9-10 Nov. 29-Dec. 2 Dec. 8-9

Calhoun Community Chorus: Homeland It’s a Wonderful Life– Live Radio Play North Georgia Art Ramble

Brunswick, 912-262-6934, www.goldenislesarts.org

Nov. 11 War Bonds: Songs & Letters of WWII Dec. 8 A Christmas Carol Dec. 14-22 It’s a Wonderful Life

IMPERIAL THEATRE Augusta, 706-722-8341, www.imperialtheatre.com

Tree Lighting Ceremonies NOVEMBER 20 Griffin (Airport Rd.) . . .6pm 20 Hapeville . . . . . . . .5:30pm 22 Atlanta (Lenox) . . .6:15pm 23 Brunswick . . . . . . .5:30pm 23 Ellijay (parade) . . . . . . .6pm 23 Helen . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6pm 23 Lawrenceville . . .6-8:30pm 23 Loganville . . . . . .6-8:30pm 23 McCaysville . . . . . .5:30pm 24 Blue Ridge . . . .11am-dusk 24 Jekyll Island . . . . . . . . .4pm 26 Forsyth . . . . . . . . . . . .6pm 27 Smyrna . . . . . . . . . . .5-9pm 27 St. Marys . . . . . . . . . . .dusk 28 Valdosta . . . . . . . . .5:30pm 29 Grayson . . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 29 Marietta . . . . . . . . . .5-8pm 30 Alpharetta . . . . . . . . . .5pm DECEMBER 1 Augusta . . . . . . . . . . . .2pm 1 Blairsville (parade) . .2-6pm 1 Buford . . . . . . .11am-night 1 Cartersville (parade) . .5pm 1 Conyers . . . . . . . . . . . .6pm 1 Cornelia (parade) . . .4-7pm 1 Decatur . . . . . . . . . . . .7pm 1 Duluth . . . . . . . . . .6:30pm 1 Griffin (Dntn) . . . . . . .7pm 1 Jasper (parade) . . . . .3-9pm 1 Kennesaw . . . . . . .5:30pm 1 Marietta . . . . . . . . . .5-8pm 1 Morrow . . . . . . . . . .2-7pm 1 Riverdale . . . . . . . .6-10pm 1 Roswell . . . . . . . . . . . .5pm 1 Senoia (parade) . . . .4-8pm 1 Social Circle . . . . . .5:30pm 1 Sugar Hill . . .5:30-8:30pm 1 Thomson . . . . . . . . . . .6pm 2 Atlanta (Gov. Mansion) 6:30pm 6 Bainbridge . . . . . . . . . .6pm 6 Kingsland . . . . . . . . .4-7pm 7 Acworth . . . . . . .6:30-9pm 7 East Point . . . . . . . .5:30pm 7 Tybee Island . . . . . .6:30pm 8 Blairsville (Vogel) . . . . .4pm 8 McDonough . . . . . . . .6pm 8 Norcross . . . . . . . . . . .dusk 8 Plains (parade) . . . 5:30pm 13 Warrenton . . . . . . . . . .5pm 15 Clarkesville . . . . . . . .6-8pm

770-259-3577 404-669-8269 404-233-6767 912-265-4032 706-635-7400 706-878-2181 770-466-1165 770-283-9016 800-899-6867 800-899-7415 912-653-3636 888-642-4628 770-434-6600 912-882-4000 229-242-2600 770-963-8017 770-429-1115 678-297-6078 706-821-1754 706-745-5493 770-623-3600 770-607-3480 706-602-2606 706-778-8585 404-370-4100 770-476-3434 770-228-5356 706-692-1164 770-422-9714 770-429-1115 770-968-1623 770-909-5300 770-641-3705 770-254-2627 770-464-1866 770-945-6716 706-597-1000 404-251-1776 229-243-8555 912-729-5999 770-917-1234 404-270-7016 912-786-5444 706-745-2628 770-288-7300 770-448-2122 229-824-5373 706-465-9604 706-968-4190

Nov. 16 Dec. 14 Dec. 20

Steep Canyon Rangers Suzy Bogguss Christmas with John Berry

MADISON -MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER Madison, 877-233-0598, www.mmcc-arts.org

Nov. 9 Dec. 2 Dec. 13

Letters Home Community Holiday Concert Atlanta Symphony Holiday Concert

MILLER PARK Marietta, 770-528-8875, www.cobbcountyga.gov

Nov. 3-4 Nov. 10-11 Dec. 22-23

RK Gun Show Daughters of Nile Fall Festival Eastman Gun Show

NORTH ATLANTA TRADE CENTER Norcross, 770-279-9899, www.northatlantatradecenter.com

Dec. 1-2 Dec. 7-9 Dec. 8-9

Exotic Bird Fair Mammoth Rock Gem & Mineral Show Eastman Gun Show

PHILIPS ARENA Atlanta, 404-878-3000, www.philipsarena.com

Nov. 17 Dec. 1 Dec. 16

Madonna Kevin Hart Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival

PUNCHLINE COMEDY THEATRE Atlanta, 404-252-5233, www.punchline.com

Nov. 2-3 Nov 8-11 Nov. 23-25 Dec. 7-9 Dec. 20-23

Jon Reep Christina Pazsitsky Roy Wood, Jr. Craig Showmaker Flip Schultz

RIALTO CENTER Atlanta, 404-413-9tix, www.rialtocenter.org

Nov. 4 Nov. 10 Dec. 1-2

Gilberto Gil Bela Fleck & Marcus Gala Holiday Concert

RIVERCENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS Columbus, 706-256-3612, www.rivercenter.org

Nov. 1-2 Nov. 9 Nov. 17 Nov. 26 Nov. 30 Dec. 2 Dec. 7 Dec. 17

Martha Speaks CSO & Guitarist Jason Vieaux Shrek the Musical Canadian Brass Joe Bonamassa No Shells Stage Play CSO/Christmas in the Valley Cantus Christmas

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Entertainment Venues in Georgia ROSWELL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER 770-594-6232, www.roswellgov.com

Nov. 6-18 Dec. 7-8 Dec. 14-15 Dec. 21-22

A Taffeta Christmas Atlanta Dance: Babes in Toyland Winter Polar Express It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play

TRUSTEES THEATER

Savannah 912-525-5050, www2.scad.edu/venues/trustees

Thru Nov. 3 Nov. 10

Savannah Film Festival The Shining

UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Athens, 888-289-8497, www.uga.edu/pac

SAUTEE-NACOOCHEE CENTER 706-878-3300, www.snca.org

Nov. 24, Dec. 29 Nov. 17 Dec. 1 Dec. 1

Community Contra Dances Tellabration! Christmas at the Cabin Sautee Stars Children’s Theatre Performance

SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER 800-351-7469, www.savannahcivic.com

Nov. 8 Nov. 10 Nov. 29-Dec. 2

Needtobreathe Tour Jake Owen Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy

Nov. 1 Nov. 4 Nov. 6-7 Nov. 9

Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Blue Man Group Bela Fleck & UGA Symphony Orchestra Nov. 13 miXt Nov. 15 ARCO Chamber Orchestra Nov. 26 Pianist Martha Thomas Nov. 29-30 UGA Holiday Concert Dec. 9 Itzhak Perlman

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE Atlanta, 404-733-5010, www.vzwamp.com

Nov. 1 Evening with Rush Nov. 3 Gary Sinise & His Lieutenant Dan Band

SCHWARTZ CENTER Atlanta, 404-727-5050, www.arts.emory.edu

Nov. 2 Nov. 4 Nov. 10 Dec. 7-8 Dec. 15-16

Warsaw Philharmonic Trumpet Festival Gala Concert Sergio & Adair Assad Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Christmas with Atlanta Sacred Chorale

SPIVEY HALL Morrow, 678-466-4200, www.spiveyhall.org

Nov. 3 Nov. 4 Nov. 10 Nov. 11 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 7-9 Dec. 16

Christian McBride Trio Piedmont College Singers Jupiter String Quartet Kurt-Alexander Zeller Pianist Paul Lewis Pianist Jedan-Efflam Bavouzet Susan Graham, Mezzo-Soprano Violinist Julia Fisher Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Celtic Yuletide/Michael Londra

STRAND THEATRE Marietta, 770-293-0080, www.earlsmithstrand.org

Nov. 4 Keep It Loud Tour Nov. 9 Bertie Higgins & His Band of Pirates Nov. 17-18 I Give Myself Away Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 27-30 Sanders Family Christmas Dec. 7-23 White Christmas (Atlanta Lyric Theatre)

THOMASVILLE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 229, 226-0588, www.thomasvillearts.org

Nov. 11 Nov. 17-18

Veterans Day Celebration Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival

Events sometimes change, so phone for information before driving long distances.

“The Nutcracker” Atlanta Ballet Dec. 7-26. . . . . . . Atlanta (Fox) 404-873-5811 Atlanta Festival Ballet Dec. 1 . . . . . . Jonesboro Arts Ctr. 770-507-2775 Dec. 15-16 McDonough Arts Ctr. 770-507-2775 Ballet Theatre South Albany Nov. 29-Dec. 2 . . . Munc. Aud. 866-750-0840 Ballethnic Dance Company Nov. 15-18 . . . . Ferst, Atlanta 404-894-9600 Dance Augusta Nov. 25-27 . . Imperial Theatre 706-722-8341 Dance Theatre of Dalton Dec. 7-15 . . . . . . . High School 706-529-5664 Gainesville Ballet Company Nov. 30-Dec. 2 . . . . . . . Brenau 770-532-4241 Georgia Academy of Dance Peachtree City Nov. 10-11 . . . . . High School 770-631-3128 Georgia Ballet Marietta Nov. 30-Dec. 2. . . . . Civic Center 770-528-0881 Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre Nov. 23-25 . . . Cobb Civic Ctr. 770-426-0007 Griffin Ballet Theatre Nov. 23-25 . . . . . . Griffin Aud. 770-228-1306 Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Dec. 1-16 . . Gwin. Ctr., Duluth 800-224-6422 Lafayette Ballet Troup Arts Center Nov. 30-Dec. 2. . . . . . LaGrange 706-882-9909 Middle Georgia Ballet Macon Dec. 12-16. . . . . . Opera House 478-301-5460 Northeast Georgia Ballet Nov. 23-25. Gwin. Ctr., Duluth 770-921-7277 Roswell Dance Theatre Nov. 23-Dec. 2 . . . . . . Roswell 770-998-0259 Savannah Dance Theatre Nov. 24 . . . . . . . Lucas Theatre 912-897-2102 South Georgia Ballet Nov. 24-25. . Thomasville Aud. 229-378-2787

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Sporting Events FOOTBALL

BASKETBALL

HOCKEY

Home Schedules ATLANTA FALCONS

Home Schedule ATLANTA HAWKS

Home Schedules AUGUSTA RIVERHAWKS

Nov. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .DALLAS Nov. 18 . . . . . . . . . .ARIZONA Nov. 29 . . . . .NEW ORLEANS Dec. 16 . . . . . . . . .NEW YORK Dec. 30 . . . . . . . .TAMPA BAY 404-223-8444 www.atlantafalcons.com

Nov. 2 . . . . . . . . . .HOUSTON Nov. 7 . . . . . . . . . . .INDIANA Nov. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MIAMI Nov. 19 . . . . . . . . .ORLANDO Nov. 21 . . . . . .WASHINGTON Nov. 24 . . . . . . . .LA CLIPPERS Nov. 28 . . . . . . . .CHARLOTTE Nov. 30 . . . . . . . .CLEVELAND Dec. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .DENVER Dec. 7 . . . . . . .WASHINGTON Dec. 13 . . . . . . . .CHARLOTTE Dec. 15 . . . . . .GOLDEN STATE Dec. 19 . . . .OKLAHOMA CITY Dec. 22 . . . . . . . . . .CHICAGO Dec. 26 . . . . . . . .CLEVELAND Dec. 29 . . . . . . . . . .INDIANA 404-249-6400 www.nba.com/hawks

Nov. 2 . . . . . . . .FAYETTEVILLE Nov. 3 . . . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE Nov. 15 . . . . . . . .PENSACOLA Nov. 16 . . . . . . . .PENSACOLA Nov. 24 . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE Nov. 29 . . . . . . .FAYETTEVILLE Nov. 30 . . . . . . . .HUNTSVILLE Dec. 7 . . . . . . . . . .MISSISSIPPI Dec. 8 . . . . . . . . . .MISSISSIPPI Dec. 13 . . . . . . . .COLUMBUS Dec. 21 . . . . . . . .HUNTSVILLE Dec. 22 . . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE Dec. 27 . . . . . . .FAYETTEVILLE Dec. 28 . . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE 706-933-2645 www.augustariverhawks.com

GEORGIA BULLDOGS Nov. 3 . . . . . . . . . . .OLE MISS Nov. 17 . . . . .GA SOUTHERN Nov. 24 . . . . .GEORGIA TECH 877-542-1231 www.georgiadogs.com

GA TECH YELLOWJACKETS Nov. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . .DUKE 888-TECH-TIX, 404-894-5447

ramblinwreck.cstv.com

ICE SKATING Nov. 16-Feb. 3 .Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, 404-223-4412 Dec. 7-9, 14-16 . . . . . .Cornelia Community Park, 800-778-8585. Nov. 26-Feb. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Olde Town Pavilion, Conyers 800-conyers or 770-602-2606

RACING ROAD ATLANTA Braselton, 800-849-race, www.roadatlanta.com Nov. 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SCCA American Road Race of Champions Nov. 30-Dec. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NASA Atlanta Motor Speedway . . . . . . . . . . .Hampton, 770-946-4211 atlantamotorspeedway.com Atlanta Dragway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Commerce, 770-682-3782 www.atlantadragway.com Oglethorpe Speedway Park . . . . . . . . . . . .Pooler, 912-964-8200 www.ospracing.net Silver Dollar Raceway . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reynolds, 478-847-4414 www.silverdollarraceway.com

BIKING Nov. 9-11 . . . . . . . . . .Presidents & Patriots Park to Park Bicycle Adventure, Plains, 229-924-5373

HUNTING Nov. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . .Belle Meade Hunt, Thomson, 706-597-1000

COLUMBUS COTTONMOUTHS Nov. 6 . . . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE Nov. 16 . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE Nov. 17 . . . . . . . .LOUISIANA Nov. 20 . . . . . . . .PENSACOLA Nov. 30 . . . . . . . .KNOXVILLE Dec. 7, 8 . . . . . .FAYETTEVILLE Dec. 15 . . . . . . . . .LOUISIANA Dec. 16 . . . . . . . .HUNTSVILLE Dec. 21 . . . . . . . . .MISSISSIPPI Dec. 29 . . . . . . . .HUNTSVILLE 706-571-0086 http://cottonmouths. pointstreaksites.com

GWINNETT GLADIATORS Nov. 1 . . . . . . . . . .ORLANDO Nov. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . .ELMIRA Nov. 4 . . .SOUTH CAROLINA Nov. 17 . . . . . . . .GREENVILLE Nov. 22 . . . . . . . . .ORLANDO Nov. 23 . . . . . . . . .ORLANDO Nov. 28 . . . . . . .FORT WAYNE Nov. 30 . . . . . . .FORT WAYNE Dec. 8 . . . . . . . . .GREENVILLE Dec. 9 . . . . . . . . . . .TRENTON Dec. 27 . .SOUTH CAROLINA Dec. 28 . .SOUTH CAROLINA 770-497-5100 www.gwinnettgladiators.com

“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with

THANKSGIVING.” Psalm 69:30 NRSV 12

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Sporting Events FOOTBALL

MISCELLANEOUS

Georgia Dome, 404-223-9200 Nov. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . ESPN Champions Classic Nov. 30-Dec. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . SEC Championship Dec. 14-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GHSA Finals Dec. 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HBCU Bowl Game Dec. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chick-fil-A Bowl

Nov. 2-4 . . . . . . Progressive Inter’l. Motorcycle Show, Cobb Galleria Centre, 770-955-8000 Nov. 10. . . . . . . . Backpacking 101, Sloppy Floyd St. Pk., Summerville, 706-857-0826 Nov. 10, Dec. 8 . . . . . . . Lost Person Prevention Panola Mt. St. Pk., Stockbridge, 770-389-7801

EQUESTRIAN SHOWS

WATERSPORTS

Nov. 3 . . . . . . . .Steeplechase, Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, 800-callaway

Nov. 5-6. . . . . . . . . . Canoe Trip to Lewis Island from Ft. King George, Darien, 912-437-4770

GEORGIA INT’L HORSE PARK Conyers, 888-860-4224, www.conyersga.com Nov. 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Cross Country Championship Nov. 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . .The Royal Alpaca Challenge Nov. 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Atlanta Fall Classic I Nov. 14-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Atlanta Fall Classic II Dec. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IEA Horse Show

WILLS PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTER Alpharetta, 404-518-9198, www.alpharetta.ga.us Nov. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IEA Horseshow Nov. 15-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GHJA Finals

Schedules sometimes change, so call to confirm events.

HIKES & RUNS Nov. 3 . . . Cartersville, 5M, 10M, 404-231-9064 Nov. 3. . . . . . Pine Mountain, 10K, 800-callaway Nov. 3 . . . . . Jonesboro, 15K, 5K, 404-231-9064 Nov. 10 . . . . . . . . . Atlanta, 12M, 404-231-9064 Nov. 10 . . . . . . . . . . Millen, 4.8M, 478-982-4881 Nov. 22 . . . . . Atlanta,13.1M, 5K, 404-231-9064 Dec. 21 . . . . . . . . . . Marietta, 5K, 678-468-1981 (For more races, visit www.atlantatrackclub.org or www.runningintheusa.com.)

FISHING Nov. 10, Dec. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . Fly Fishing Clinics Panola Mt. St. Pk., Stockbridge. 770-389-7801

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

P Theatre DIRECTORY directory P ACTOR’S EXPRESS Atlanta, 404-607-show, www.actors-express.com

Nov. 8-Dec. 2 Dec. 15-23

Wolves Libby’s at the Express

AUGUSTA PLAYERS 706-826-4704, www.augustaplayers.org

Dec. 8-9

Christmas Carol (The Musical)

AURORA THEATRE ACT 3 PRODUCTIONS Sandy Springs, 770-241-1905, www.act3productions.org

Nov. 1-17

Legally Blonde

AGATHA’S Atlanta, 404-584-2211, www.agathas.com

Thru Nov. 7 Nov. 8-Jan. 9

Lights! Camera! Zombies! Holly Jolly Murder

ALLIANCE THEATRE Atlanta, 404-733-5000, www.alliancetheatre.org

Thru Nov. 3 Thru Nov. 11 Nov. 23-Dec. 23 Nov. 30-Dec. 23

Real Tweenagers of Atlanta Next to Normal Christmas Carol Holidays with the Chalks

ALPHARETTA CHRISTIAN THEATER

Lawrenceville, 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com

Nov. 3 Swing Concert Nov. 21-Dec. 23 Christmas Canteen Dec. 15 Twas the Night Before Christmas (puppets) Dec. 22 Trouble in Toyland (puppets)

BACK LOT PLAYERS

Forsyth, 478-994-0443, www.thebacklotplayers.org

Nov. 9-18

Diary of Anne Frank

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER 706,632-9223, www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com

Nov. 2-11 Nov. 17 Nov. 22-Dec. 9

678-371-3079, www.act1theater.com

Nov. 23-Dec. 16 Christmas Carol Stone Mountain, 770-469-1105, www.artstation.org

Nov. 17-Dec. 16 Gingerbread Lady

Christmas Wishes

ATHENS COMMUNITY THEATER 706-548-3854, www.townandgownplayers.org

Dec. 7-21

BRUNSWICK ACTORS’ THEATRE 912-280-0023, www.artdowntowngallery29.com

ART STATION Dec. 6-23

Charlotte’s Web Steel String Session Concert Over the River & Through the Woods

Pippin

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS Atlanta, 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org

Thru Nov. 4 Nov. 8-Jan. 6

Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

ATLANTA BALLET 404-873-5811, www.atlantaballet.com

Dec. 8-24

Nutcracker

ATLANTA LYRIC THEATRE Marietta, 404-377-9948, www.atlantalyrictheatre.com

Dec. 7-23

White Christmas

ATLANTA OPERA 404-881-8801, www.atlantaopera.org

DALTON LITTLE THEATRE 706-226-6618, www.daltonlittletheatre.com

Dec. 7-16

Tuna Christmas

ELBERT THEATRE Elberton, 706-283-1049, www.elberttheatre.org

Nov. 30-Dec. 9

Man Who Came to Dinner

Nov. 10, 13, 16, 18 Carmen

FORT GORDON DINNER THEATRE

ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Nov. 9-Dec. 1

706-793-8552, www.fortgordon.com

Harvey

404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org

Nov. 1-3 Nov. 8-10 Nov. 11 Nov. 15, 16, 18 Nov. 17 Nov. 23-24 Nov. 25 Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 9, 16 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 14, 15 Dec. 21, 22 Dec. 31

Mozart Meistersinger Suite Firebird, a Mozartian Debut Youth Orchestra Beethoven’s 5th, Sibelius’s Tapiloa Lang Lang Pirates of Caribbean Jackie Evancho Stellar Ax Christmas with ASO ASO Kid’s Christmas Handel’s Messiah ASO Gospel Christmas Very Merry Holiday Pops New Year’s Eve Pops

GAINESVILLE THEATRE ALLIANCE 678-717-3624, www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org

Nov. 6-17

The Producers

GEORGIA ENSEMBLE THEATRE Roswell, 770-641-1260, www.get.org

Nov. 8-18

Taffeta Christmas

HABERSHAM COMMUNITY THEATER Clarkesville, 706-839-1315, www.habershamtheater.org

Nov. 30-Dec. 9

A Christmas Story

HENRY PLAYERS McDonough, 770-914-1474, www.henryplayers.com

Nov. 15-18

Fruitcakes

Events sometimes change, so phone for information before driving long distances.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

P Theatre DIRECTORY directory P HISTORIC HOLLY THEATER Dahlonega, 706-864-3759, www.hollytheater.com

Nov. 9-25 Dec. 7-23 Dec. 21

5 Women Wearing Same Dress It’s a Wonderful Life Holiday Fundraiser for The Holly

ISLAND PLAYERS St. Simons Island, 912-638-0338, theislandplayers.com

Thru Nov. 12

Cabaret

LEGACY THEATRE Tyrone, 770-306-3343, www.thelegacytheatre.org

Nov. 23-Dec. 16 Winter Wonderettes Nov. 27-Dec. 14 Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

MACON LITTLE THEATRE 478-471-play, www.maconlittletheatre.org

Nov. 30-Dec. 9

Miracle on 34th Street

MAIN STREET PLAYERS Griffin, 770-229-9916, www.mainstreetplayers.org

Dec. 6-16

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

MORTON THEATRE

SAVANNAH THEATRE 912-233-7764, www.savannahtheatre.com

Thru Nov. 18 Southern Nights Thru Nov. 17 The Beat Goes On Nov. 22-Dec. 23 Christmas Tradition

SOUTHSIDE THEATRE GUILD Fairburn, 770-969-0956, www.stgplays.com

Dec. 6-16

Best Christmas Pageant Ever

SPRINGER THEATRE

Columbus 706-324-5714, www.springeroperahouse.org

Nov. 8-17 Dec. 6-22 Dec. 13-22

Marvelous Wonderettes Annie Tuna Christmas

STAGE DOOR PLAYERS

Dunwoody, 770-396-1726, www.stagedoorplayers.net

Dec. 2-8

Greetings

ST. MARYS LITTLE THEATRE 912-729-1103, www.stmaryslittletheatre.com

Dec. 13-16

St. Marys Christmas Spectacular

TALES FROM THE ALTAMAHA

Lyons 912-526-6445, www.talesfromthealtamaha.com

April 4-13

Legenda, Lures, & Corn Likker

Athens, 706-613-3771, www.mortontheatre.com

Nov. 10-11 Dec. 5-9

Smoke on the Mountain The Christmas Post

TATER PATCH PRODUCTIONS Jasper, 770-547-1096, www.taterpatchplayers.org

Nov. 30-Dec. 9

NEW AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE THEATRE TAVERN Atlanta, 404-874-5299, www.shakespearetavern.com

Miracle Worker

THEATRE ALBANY 229-439-7193, www.theatrealbany.com

Nov. 1-25 Titus Andronicus Nov. 29-Dec. 23 Christmas Carol

Thru Nov. 4 Spider Island Dec. 6-16 Little Town of Christmas

NEW DEPOT PLAYERS

THEATER EMORY

Conyers, 678-374-3224, www.thenewdepotplayers.com

December

A Very Conyers Christmas

NEWNAN THEATER COMPANY 770-683-6282, www.newnantheatre.org

Nov. 8-18 Dec. 6-16 Dec. 7-16

David Mamet’s November Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge Madeline’s Christmas & Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail

PERRY PLAYERS 478-987-5354, www.perryplayers.org

Dec. 7-16

Southern Hospitality

Atlanta, 404-727-5050, www.theater.emory.edu

Nov. 8-19

Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest Tales

THEATRE GUILD VALDOSTA 229-247-8243, www.theatreguildvaldosta.com

Nov. 29-Dec. 2

Best Christmas Pageant Ever

THEATRE MACON 478-746-9485, www.theatremacon.com

Nov. 30-Dec. 9

Meet Me in St. Louis

THEATRE ON MAIN Acworth, 770-565-3995, www.theatreonmain.net

Thru Nov. 2 Little Shop of Horrors Nov. 30-Dec. 15 Christmas in New York

PUMPHOUSE PLAYERS

Cartersville 770-387-2610, www.pumphouseplayers.com

Thru Nov. 3

Over the River & Through the Woods Nov. 30-Dec. 14 A Christmas Story

THEATRICAL OUTFIT Atlanta, 678-528-1500, www.theatricaloutfit.org

Thru Nov. 18

Two Drink Minimum

WARNER ROBINS LITTLE THEATRE ROME LITTLE THEATRE 706-295-7171, www.romelittletheatre.com

Nov. 30-Dec. 9

Christmas Carol

478-929-4579, www.wrlt.org

Thru Nov. 10

Sherlock Holmes & Case of Jersey Lily

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 15

Georgia Holiday Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights Rock City’s 18th annual Enchanted Garden of Lights is an award-winning holiday light extravaganza that will be open November 16-January 5 from 6-9pm each night with the exception of Christmas Eve. This family tradition has been chosen as an ABA Top 100 Event and a repeated Top 20 Event by Southeast Tourism Society. The Enchanted Garden of Lights features an enchanted trail with more than 30 holiday scenes and over a million LED lights that transform the gardens’ natural daytime splendor into a fantasyland. Visitors can enjoy decorating gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa, and nightly entertainment. Group rates are available. Dinner with Santa is also back this year with more date options – December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, & 18. For more information, visit www.seerock city.com/santa and www.seerockcity.com/lights Just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City is an enchanted 4,100 foot walking trail showcasing lush gardens and soaring rock formations. It is open daily from 8:30am4pm. For information, visit www.seerockcity.com or phone 706-820-2531 or 800-854-0675.

Ruby Red Christmas at Ruby Falls Enjoy a classic holiday Christmas at Ruby Falls in Chattanooga. Back for its 5th year, Ruby Red Christmas will be held Friday and Saturday nights in December from 5-9pm. The last tour will begin at 8pm. As you approach the Cavern Castle, it will be snowing; and during your tour you will meet wonderful costumed characters and be surrounded by holiday acoustical music. After your tour, take a carriage ride and encourage the children to visit the North Pole Workshop for festive activities. For the past two years Ruby Red Christmas has been chosen as a Top 20 Event for December by the Southeast Tourism Society. For information, visit www.rubyfalls.com/christmas. Ruby Falls is America’s deepest commercial cave and largest underground waterfall open to the public. Enjoy a guided tour through the fascinating cavern with its unique rock formation. Ruby Falls is open daily except Christmas Day, from 8am-8pm. For more information, visit www.rubyfalls.com or phone 423-821-2544.

Monthly Events in Georgia Nov. 1-Dec. 23 – SENOIA – Southern Living Idea House. 770-254-2627. Nov. 1-5, 9-12, 16-21, 23-25, Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 14-31 (not 25) – BLUE RIDGE – Scenic Railway. 877-413-8724. Nov. 2, Dec. 7 – AUGUSTA – 1st Friday, Downtown, 5-10pm. 706-826-4702. Nov. 2, Dec. 7 – BRUNSWICK – First Friday, Downtown, 5-8pm. 912-265-4032. Nov. 2, Dec. 7 – ELLIJAY – First Fridays, Downtown, 5-8pm. 706-635-7400. Nov. 2, Dec. 7 – SAVANNAH – Oyster Roast/Fireworks, Westin. 912-201-2000. Nov. 2-Dec. 29 – WOODBINE – Opry, Fri. & Sat., 7-10pm. 912-576-3027. Nov. 2-Dec. 31 – BLAIRSVILLE – Misty Mt. Railroad Tours, Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat.,

2pm. 706-745-9819. Nov. 3-24 – LITHIA SPRINGS – Hayride & S’mores, Sweetwater Creek State Park, Saturdays, 2pm. 770-732-5871. Nov. 3-24 – RISING FAWN – Hayrides & Campfires, Cloudland Canyon, Saturdays, 2-6pm. 706-658-4050. Nov. 3, Dec. 1 – SAVANNAH – First Saturday on the River. 912-234-0295. Nov. 6,20, Dec. 4 – AUGUSTA – Luncheon Concerts, St. Paul’s Church. 800-726-0243. Nov. 8, Dec. 13 – ELLIJAY – Cherry Log Pickin, Gilmer Senior Center, Downtown. 706-635-3786. Nov. 9, 10, 16, 17, 30 Dec. 1, 6-8, 12, 13, 15, 21, 22, 31 – CORDELE – SAM Shortline Excursion Train. 877-427-2457. Nov. 10, Dec. 8 – ALBANY – Freedom Singers, Civil Rights Institute. 229-432-1698.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

ys are the Best! National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus A Victorian Christmas will be held two weekends this year at the Port Columbus Civil War Naval Museum which will be decorated in traditional Victorian holiday style with circa 1863 decorations and trees. The event, scheduled for December 1-2 and December 8-9 from 1-4pm each day, will feature carolers, Victorian Era entertainment and music, hospitality from local bakeries and coffee shops, and shopping. The museum will be open for guests to tour. A Civil War Era Santa will be there December 8-9 to listen to children’s want lists. Photos with Santa will be available. Santa, as we know him, first appeared at an army camp to pass out presents to soldiers. Prominent political cartoonist Thomas Nash’s 1863 image depicted a jolly, plump, bearded man delivering gifts to Union troops at their encampment, wearing a fur-trimmed suit of patriotic stars and stripes. Enjoy unique shopping in the museum store and explore naval operations for the North and South through displays of uniforms, artillery, firearms, personal effects, flags, murals, a timeline exhibit, ships and ship replicas, and a battle simulator theater. Open daily 9am-5pm. See coupon in ad on page 27. 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus. 706-327-9798. www.portcolumbus.org.

Holiday Happenings on Georgia’s Peach Blossom Trail Drive off the Interstate during the holidays and take the road less traveled – along the Peach Blossom Trail. For more information, visit www.peachblossomtrail.com or phone 888-288-9742. November will bring the mystery/comedy Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily to the Warner Robins Little Theatre. Love Planes and Trains? Visit the 5th annual Planes and Trains Exhibit at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins on November 17-25. Visit www.mgmrc.org for more information. The 55th Annual Warner Robins Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 1 at 10am. See the beautiful Camellias at the Camellia Blossom Show at the Byron Conference Center in Byron November 10-11. While in town, visit the Gin ger bread Market on November 10 Festival of Trees at the Byron B a p t i s t HARRIS ARTS CENTER Church from November 5 – December 9 10am-3pm. On Thursdays, Fridays, and • Featuring Decorated & Themed Saturdays from November 23rd-December Christmas Trees • Silent Auction for Trees 22nd, visit the Peach Shops at Byron for the • Raffle Tree • Free Admission Holiday Art & Craft Mart. 706-629-2599 Just down the road in Perry the Mistletoe Market will be held November 16-18 at the Candlelight Tour Georgia National Fairgrounds. During the NEW ECHOTA STATE HISTORIC SITE entire month of December enjoy Christmas at December 1 the Crossroads in Perry. Visit www.christmas • 6:30-9:30 p.m. Take your own Candle, atthecrossroads.info for a list of events. Lantern, or Flashlight • Decorations Join Fort Valley Mayor Stumbo on Dec. 6 • Music • Refreshments • Reminiscent for his annual Christmas Party at 7pm at the of 19th Century Cherokees • $5 Admission Austin Theatre. The Tour of Homes and 706-624-1321 Churches in Fort Valley will be held Dec. 15 800-887-3811 from 11-4. After your tour, visit the Holiday www.exploregordoncounty.com Mart at the Farmers Market from 11-4. November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 17

Christmas in Calhoun

Georgia Holidays Fitzgerald and the Blue & Gray Museum The Fitzgerald Harmony Jubilee will be held November 9-10 at Paulk Park. There will be a hot air balloon glow on Friday night, tethered balloon rides on Saturday, a balloon launch, live bands, artisan market, and parachute jumps. The annual Christmas Parade in Fitzgerald will be held Thursday, December 6, at 6:30pm through Historic Downtown Fitzgerald. After enjoying the parade, visit the downtown merchants as they will be open late during this event. Fitzgerald history is revealed on every corner with blue and gray sidewalks and streets named for Yank and Reb Generals, Georgia rivers, and native trees. Yanks and Rebs rest side by side in the Evergreen Cemetery. The Blue & Gray Museum tells, through a documentary and more than 1200 artifacts, the story of Fitzgerald and its Civil War roots. Visit the Fire Engine Museum, tour historic homes and buildings, and delight in home-cooked foods. For information, visit www.fitzgeraldga.org or phone 800-386-4642.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival in Port Wentworth The 14th annual Latin Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held in Port Wentworth on December 15 from 11am-11pm. The event will be held at the soccer fields at Cantyre Street and Barnsley Road and will feature folk music, games, piñatas, dancing, a greased pole, a mechanical bull, food, and children’s events. A national holiday in Mexico, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe holds religious significance for Roman Catholics who honor December 12 as the day Juan Diego, a 16th century American Indian, said the Virgin Mary appeared to him on a hillside in Guadalupe. The image of the Lady of Guadalupe is on display in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City and is perhaps Mexico’s most popular religious and cultural image and the focus of an extensive pilgrimage. For information, contact the Port Wentworth Chamber of Commerce at 912-9651999 or www.VisitPortWentworth.com.

Monthly Events in Georgia Nov. 15, Dec. 18 – FITZGERALD – 3rd Thursday Concerts, Carnegie Center, 7pm. 229-426-5035. Nov. 15, Dec. 20 – BLAIRSVILLE – Shape Note Singing, Cthse., 6:30pm. 706-745-5493. Nov. 17, Dec. 15 – WINDER – Fun at Fort Yargo. 770-867-3489. Nov. 23-Dec. 22 – BYRON – Holiday Art & Craft Mart, Peach Shops at Byron. 478956-2409. Dec. 7-9, 14-16 – CORNELIA – Christmas in the Park & Com. House. 800-778-8585. Dec. 7-9,14-16 – TATE – Christmas Open House, Historic Tate House. 770-735-3122.

November 1-3 – BAINBRIDGE – Decatur County Fall Festival, Fairgrounds. 229-246-4774. 1-3 – SAVANNAH – Film Festival, Trustees Theater. 912-525-5050. 1-4 – NEWNAN – Always. . . Patsy Cline, Wadsworth Auditorium. 770-683-4612.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Georgia Holidays Christmas in Blairsville The Mistletoe Market & Sugar Plum Tearoom will be held November 17-18 at the North Georgia Technical College in Blairsville. The artists and crafters will be in the indoor Conference Center; in the café area the popular Tearoom will serve salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts. Parking and admission will be free. 706-896-0932. The North Georgia Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Union County Historical Museum on November 30 at 7pm. The Kris Kringle Mountain Market on November 30-December 1 at the Farmers Market will be reminiscent of European Holiday Markets. A Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, beginning at 2pm. Pictures with Santa Claus and face painting are scheduled in the Old Court House for 11am-1pm prior to the parade. Other events that day will include a Living Nativity and an Open House at the Mountain Life Museum. Both events will be free. On Sunday, Dec. 4, a special Christmas concert at the Old Court House at 1:30pm will feature the musicians from the Friday Night Concerts. 706-745-5493. A Christmas Tree Lighting at Vogel State Park on Dec. 8 from 4-6:30pm will feature caroling, hayrides, bonfire, hot chocolate & cider, and a visit from Santa. Unwrapped gifts for children can be donated to the Sheriff’s Deptment Toy Drive. Parking will be $5. 706-745-2628. For more information, call 877-745-5789 or visit www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com.

November 1-4 – SAVANNAH – Coastal Empire Fair. 912-354-3542. 1-4 – SAVANNAH – Opera Week. 855766-9372. 1-25 – Summer of Daisy Fay, Marietta Theatre. 470-255-0074. 2 – DALTON – Mistletoe Market, Creative Arts Guild. 706-278-0168. 2 – LUMPKIN – Craft Day at Westville Village. 888-733-1850. 2-4 – TYBEE ISLAND – Arts Association Show & Sale. 877-savannah. 3 – AUGUSTA – Symphony Orchestra, First Baptist Church, 7:30pm. 706-826-4705. 3 – BLUE RIDGE – SAAG National Juried Art Show, Art Center. 706-632-2144. 3 – BOSTWICK – Cotton Gin Festival & Gin Run. 706-342-0182. 3 – CARTERSVILLE – Nighttime Hayrides/Native American Storytelling, Etowah Indian Mounds. 770-387-3747. 3 – CARTERSVILLE – Singing Cookes, Brown Conference Ctr., 7pm. 706-252-1048. 3 – CASSVILLE – Burning of Cassville/ Confederate Cemetery Luminaries. 678-3226967. 3 – DARIEN – Fall Festival, Downtown. Clam Jam, Pine Marsh Farm. 912-437-4837. 3 – FORT VALLEY – 45th Annual Jailhouse Alley Art Show/Sale. 478-825-5986. 3 – JULIETTE – Syrup Makin’ Time on Jarrell Plantation. 478-986-5172. 3 – MANCHESTER – Veterans Day Parade, 11am. 706-763-1028. 3 – ROME – Ma Rainey Blues Festival, DeSoto Theatre. 706-295-7171.

3 – ST. MARYS – Wounded Warriors Day, Downtown, 9:45am-noon. 912-882-4000. 3 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Glynn Art Market. 912-638-8770. 3 –TATE – Tate Day Festival. 706-692-6598. 3 – THE ROCK – Pumpkin Destruction Day, The Rock Ranch. 706-647-6374. 3 – WARM SPRINGS – Fala Day Festival, Downtown. 800-FDR-1927. Nautical Program, FDR Little White House. 706-655-5870. 3-4 – CONYERS – The Royal Alpaca Challenge, Georgia International Horse Park. 706-835-1837. 3-4 – JUNCTION CITY – Harvest Days in Old Talbot, Patsiliga Museum. 706-269-2620.

Conyers

Ice Skating at the Pavilion

Olde Town Christmas Party November 30

(open Nov. 16 thru Feb. 3, 2013)

Hometown Holiday Parade December 1

30 Minutes East of Atlanta

1-800-CONYERS

visit.conyersga.com

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Georgia Holidays The Merritt Pecan Company in Weston The Merritt Pecan Company offers a large selection of items including pecans, log rolls, homemade pecan pies, homemade cakes, jellies, jams, syrups, pralines, brittle, candy coated pecans, sugarfree items (candy, jellies, syrups), gift baskets and boxes, T-shirts, cookbooks, Georgia souvenirs, Vidalia onion products, homemade jerky, and BBQ sauces. All of the pecans are grown and harvested on their farms and processed at their plant. The retail store is located on Hwy. 520 in Weston, Georgia, halfway between Albany and Columbus. Store hours are 7am-7pm every day except Christmas Day. Merritt Pecan Company takes pride in its clean restrooms and also has a Chevron Food Mart with a wide range of convenience store items, gas, diesel, a food court, and an ATM machine. Outside picnic tables are available, and there is ample space to walk a dog. For more information, phone 1-800-762-9152. Items can also be ordered on the web at www.merritt-pecan.com.

November

November 9-11 –

Northeast Georgia 2012 Winter Arts Tour, www.artstour.org 17 – Appalachian Christmas, Babyland General Hospital, 706-865-2171 21-Dec. 8 – Festival of Trees, Unicoi St. Pk., 1-800-573-9659 23-25 – Christkindlmarkt – Dntwn. Helen, 706-878-1908 23 – Annual Lighting of the Village, 6 pm, Downtown Helen, 706-878-2181

December Nov. 21-Dec. 8 – Festival of Trees, Unicoi State Park, 1-800-573-9659 1-2 – Christkindlmarkt, Downtown Helen, 706-878-1908 1 – Deck the Halls, Unicoi State Park, 1-800-573-9659 1 – Christmas Parade, Dntwn. Helen, 2 pm, 706-878-2181 1 – Holiday Tour of Homes, 10am-4pm, White County Chamber of Commerce, 706-865-5356 1 – Christmas in the Mountains Festival, 3-8pm, Downtown Cleveland, Lighted Christmas Parade, Downtown Cleveland, 7 pm, 706-865-5356 8 – Nacoochee Village Christmas, Nacoochee Village, 706-878-2181

3-4 – SOPERTON – Million Pines Arts & Crafts Festival. 912-529-6611. 3-4 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Antique Show, Pier Village. 912-264-3254. 3-4 – TOCCOA – Toccoa Harvest Festival. 877-6toccoa. 6 – APPLING – Pioneer Living, Mistletoe State Park. 706-541-0321. 7-8 – SUWANEE – Christmas in Town Center Park. 770-945-1524. 8 – RICHMOND HILL – Taste of Richmond Hill, 5:30-7pm. 912-756-2676. 8 – SAVANNAH – Taste of Savannah, Trade Center, 7-10pm. 912-232-1223. 8-11 – CONYERS – Great American RV Show, Ga. Int’l. Horse Park. 770-483-4411. 9 – CONYERS – Peach Pit Comedy Show, Olde Town. 770-483-4411. 9 – JEKYLL – Heather Heath Portrays Fanny Kemble, J. I. Club Hotel. 912-635-2600. 9 – SUMMERVILLE – Taste of Summerville, 5-11pm. 800-726-0243. 9 – THOMASVILLE – Thomasville Singers, Trinity Church. 229-227-6964. 9-11 – NORTHEAST GEORGIA – Winter Arts Tour. 706-778-4654. 9-11 – SAVANNAH – Telfair Art Fair, Downtown. 877-savannah. 9-11 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Ga. Literary Festival, Convention Ctr. 800-675-7235. 10 – BYRON – Gingerbread Market, Byron Baptist Gym. 478-825-2409. 10 – CORDELE – Tribute to Veterans, Georgia Veterans State Park. 229-276-2371. 10 – DALLAS – Candlelight Tours, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield, 6:30pm. 770-443-7850. 10 – DAWSONVILLE – Veterans Day Celebration, Downtown. 706-265-6278.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Georgia Holidays Annual Festival of Lights Parade in Douglas The Annual Festival of Lights Parade will be held in Douglas on Saturday, December 1, at 6:30pm. The theme for this year’s parade will be “Celebrate a Hometown Christmas.” One of the largest night-time parades in South Georgia, this event will feature over 100 entries and will be watched by over 25,000 spectators. Festivities will begin at 3:30pm in downtown Atkinson Plaza with Music on Main Street until 5:30pm. At 6:00pm, the 5K Run & Walk will begin along the parade route. The Annual Festival of Lights Parade will light up Peterson Avenue at 6:30pm and make its way from the Coffee County Courthouse to the Alternative Education Center. Douglas will also host other events during the Holiday Season beginning with Downtown Holiday Open House on Nov. 18 from 1pm-5pm; Santa Stroll on Dec. 8 from 1:30pm-5:30pm; and Christmas on the Pond at General Coffee State Park on Dec. 8 from 6pm-9pm. For more information, call 912-383-0277 or visit www.CityofDouglas.com.

November 10 – NICHOLLS – Pioneer Harvest Festival, Gen. Coffee St. Pk. 912-384-1581. 10 – OCHLOCKNEE – Old South Day Festival. 229-574-5375. 10 – PINE MOUNTAIN – Veterans Day Program, FDR St. Pk., 9:30am. 706-663-4858. 10 – PLAINS – Veterans Day Open Car, Truck, Motorcycle Show, Downtown. 229824-5373. 10 – SAVANNAH – Met Opera Star Keith Miller, SCAD Museum. 912-233-3525. 10 – SUMMERVILLE – Parade and Tour of Summerville. 800-726-0243. 10 – THE ROCK – The Great Outdoor Adventure, The Rock Ranch. 706-647-6374. 10 – THOMASVILLE – Bull, Boar, & Fowl BBQ Cookoff/Festival, Central Park. 229-7352111. 10-11 – CEDARTOWN – Native American Inter tribal Gathering, Bert Wood Park. 706748-5657. 10-11 – HELEN – Civil War Expo, Riverside Park. 800-858-8027. 11 – AUGUSTA – Oka’Chaffa Indian Festival, Phinizy Swamp Park. 706-828-2109. 11 – KINGSLAND – Veterans Day Parade, Downtown, 11am. 912-729-7933. 11 – SAVANNAH – Very Special Jazz, Westin Harbor Resort. 404-997-3281. 13 – BRUNSWICK – Far Cry Chamber Orchestra of Boston, Glynn Academy. 912836-4111. 13 – JASPER – Classic Concert by Local Attorney & Doctor, Presbyterian Church. 706692-1164. 15 – AUGUSTA – Holiday Open House, Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706-826-4700. 15 – SAVANNAH – Bag It, Lucas Theatre. 912-525-5050. 16 – THOMASVILLE – Friday at Noon

Concert, First UMC. 229-227-6964. 16-18 – MADISON – Christmas in the Country Marketplace, Sunflower Farm. 404433-5646. 16-18 – PERRY – Mistletoe Market, Georgia National Fairgrounds. 478-988-8000. 16-18 – RUTLEDGE – Christmas in the Country, Downtown. 404-862-9893. 16-18 – SAVANNAH – Christmas Made in the South, Trade Center. 877-savannah. 16-18 – ST. SIMONS – Mistletoe Market & Fa La La Tour, Glynn Arts Gallery. 912-6388770. 16-18 – WARM SPRINGS – Candlelight Tour, Downtown Village. 800-FDR_1927. 17 – CLEVELAND – Appalachian Christmas, Babyland General. 706-865-2171. 17 – FOLKSTON – Sugar Cane Grinding/ Syrup Boil, Okefenokee Refuge. 912-496-7836.

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Georgia Holidays Christmas in the Mountains of White County Christmas in the Mountains is a magical time in White County. Holiday festivities will begin at BabyLand General’s Appalachian Christmas in Cleveland on Nov. 17. The Festival of Trees at Unicoi State Park will be held Nov. 21-Dec. 8. Trees and wreaths will be theme decorated and on display for a silent auction that will end on Dec. 8 at 2pm. Also at Unicoi, Deck the Halls on Dec. 1 will include holiday crafts, hayrides, and music in the decorated lodge. Admission will be free; parking will be $2. Helen, a quaint Bavarian village in Northeast Georgia, will kick off the holiday season with the Lighting of the Village on Nov. 23 at 6pm. The Christmas parade will take place on Dec. 1 at 2pm. Cleveland will celebrate with a “Christmas in the Mountains Festival.” Festivities will begin Dec. 1 at 3pm with pictures with Santa, choral groups, arts and crafts and food vendors, children’s activities, and a lighted parade at 7pm. Other events will include a Christkindlemarkt in Helen on Nov. 23-25 and Dec. 1-2, a Holiday Tour of Homes in White County on Dec. 1, and Nacoochee Village Christmas in Helen on Dec. 8. For information, visit www.whitecountychamber.org, phone 706-865-5356 or 800-392-8279, or e-mail whitecountychamber@whitecountychamber.org.

November 17 – JULIETTE – Battle of Griswoldville Commemoration, Jarrell Plantation. 478-9865172. 17 – MIDWAY – American Revolution Encampment, Fort Morris. 912-884-5999. 17 – PLAINS – Cane Syrup Day, Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. 229-824-4104. 17 – TWIN CITY – Sugar Cane Festival, George Smith State Park. 478-763-2759. 17-18 – BLAIRSVILLE – Mistletoe Market/ Sugarplum Tea Room, N. Ga. Tech. 706-8960932 or 877-745-5789.

17-18 – CARTERSVILLE – Gun Show of the South, Brown Conference Center. 770606-5763. 17-25 – WARNER ROBINS – Planes and Trains Annual Exhibit, Museum of Aviation. 888-288-9742. 18 – CALHOUN – Christmas Open House, Downtown. 800-887-3811. 18 – CARTERSVILLE – Christmas at Grand Oaks. 770-382-6322. 18 – DOUGLAS – Downtown Holiday Open House, 10-5pm. 912-383-0277. 20 – APPLING – Indian & Pioneer Living, Mistletoe State Park. 706-541-0321. 22 – DAWSONVILLE – Appalachian Thanksgiving, Amicalola Falls State Park. 706-344-1505. 22 – ROME – Turkey Trot, Downtown. 727-458-8556. 23-25 – YOUNG HARRIS – Brasstown Resort Holiday Arts & Crafts Show. 706-8976179. 24 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Motown Christmas, Convention Center. 912-635-3636. 24 – SAVANNAH – Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Savannah River. 877-savannah. 27 – ST. SIMONS – Jorge Pena/St. Augustine String Group, Presbyterian Church. 912-638-2220. 29 – COVINGTON – Covington-Conyers Choral Guild, First Baptist Church, 8pm. 770761-0474. 30 – CONYERS – Olde Town Christmas Party, 5-8pm. 800-conyers or 770-602-2606. 30 – CONYERS – Covington-Conyers Choral Guild, Rockdale Auditorium, 8pm. 770-761-0474.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Georgia Holidays Christmas Tour of Homes in Madison The Morgan County Historical Society will present its biennial Christmas Tour of Homes in Madison on November 30 & December 1. The tour will showcase an intimate view of Madison’s past, a past filled with excellent examples of Greek Revival, Victorian, and Craftsman architecture. Stroll tree-lined streets in this enchanting antebellum town to see the homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Day tours are scheduled from 10am-4pm with candlelight tours from 5-9pm. Tickets are $25 before Nov. 29 and $30 the days of the tours. There are special rates for groups of 10 or more and special combo ticket rates. Visa and MasterCard will be accepted. Madison offers charming restaurants, shops, and accommodations and is located an hour east of Atlanta and thirty minutes south of Athens. Ample parking is free. For information, contact Heritage Hall-Tour Headquarters, 277 South Main St., Madison; phone 706-342-9627; visit www.friendsofheritagehall.org; or e-mail madisonheritagehall@yahoo.com.

November 30 – RICHMOND HILL – Chili Cook-Off & Holiday Fun, 6:30pm. 912-756-3345. 30-Dec. 1 – BLAIRSVILLE – Kris Kringle Mountain Market, Farmers’ Mkt. 706-439-6030. 30-Dec. 1 – MADISON – International Christmas Bazaar, Steffen Thomas Museum. 706-342-7557.

December 1 – BAINBRIDGE – Christmas Boat Parade, Earle May Boat Basin, 6pm. 229243-8555.

Holiday Tours of Homes NOVEMBER 3-4 Cartersville . . . . . . . . . .770-606-8862 30-Dec. 1 Decatur . . . . . . . . .404-370-4100 30-Dec. 1 Madison . . . . . . . . .706-342-9627 DECEMBER 1 Brunswick . . . . . . . . . . .912-554-3628 1 Grayson . . . . . . . . . . . . .678-985-7775 1 Thomson . . . . . . . . . . . .706-597-1000 1 White County . . . . . . . .706-865-5356 1 Woodbine . . . . . . . . . . .912-576-5170 1-2 Hiawassee . . . . . . . . . . .706-896-4966 1-2 Marietta . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-429-1115 2 Fort Benning . . . . . . . . .800-999-1613 2 Griffin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-228-8200 2 Warner Robins . . . . . . . .888-288-9742 7-8 Washington . . . . . . . . . .706-678-2013 8 St. Marys . . . . . . . . . . . .912-882-4000 8 St. Simons Island . . . . . .912-638-2880 8 Stone Mountain . . . . . . .770-413-0607 8-9 Atlanta (Vir.-High.) . . . .678-901-9683 8-9 Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . .912-236-8362 9 Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-725-4902 9 Manchester . . . . . . . . . .706-846-3433 9 Senoia . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-254-2627 15 Fort Valley . . . . . . . . . . .478-825-5986

1 – BLAIRSVILLE – Christmas on the Square, Living Nativity, Mountain Life Museum Open House, afternoon. 877-745-5789. 1 – BRUNSWICK – Holiday Bazaar, Ross Waterfront Park. 912-262-6934. 1 – CALHOUN – New Echota Candlelight Tour, 6:30-9:30pm. 706-624-1321. 1 – CARTERSVILLE – Christmas at Red Top Mountain State Park. 770-975-4226. 1 – CLEVELAND – Christmas in the Mountains Festival, Downtown. 706-865-5356. 1 – DARIEN – First Saturday, Waterfront. 912-437-4837. 1 – HELEN – Deck the Halls, Unicoi State Park. 800-573-9659. 1 – MANCHESTER – Celebration of Trees, Community Building. 706-846-3741. 1 – ROME – Rome Symphony Orchestra. 706-291-7967.

Christmas in Fitzgerald

Christmas Parade

Through Downtown Historic Fitzgerald

December 6 6:30 p.m.

Downtown Merchants will be open late 20 miles from I-75 Exit 82

www.fitzgeraldga.org

1-800-386-4642

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Georgia Holidays Blue Ridge Scenic Railway This 26-mile round trip from Blue Ridge to McCaysville offers spectacular views of scenic valleys, forests, rolling hills, and the beautiful Toccoa River. The train, which travels over recently upgraded tracks built more than 100 years ago, is dieselpowered and includes climate-controlled vintage coach cars, an open-air car, and a concession car with snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. The ticket office is in the 100 year old depot in Blue Ridge, only 95 miles north of Atlanta. The Railway will celebrate the holidays from Nov. 23Dec. 24 on the one-hour Santa Express with daytime, fun-filled train rides. Hear a Christmas story, sing Christmas carols, and visit with Santa as he walks through each train car visiting and posing with the kids for photos. Each passenger will receive the traditional Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Memento. Night Trains to Santa’s Pavilion on various dates from Nov. 23-Dec. 22 will depart at 4pm from the Blue Ridge Depot for the one hour train ride to McCaysville/Copperhill. Santa will visit with the children in each car and give each child a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas momento and candy cane. Santa will pose with the passengers for pictures on the train or in the Christmas Pavilion. During the two hour layover visitors can dine at restaurants or shop at antique and gift shops, visit Santa Village on the deck overlooking the river, and visit Santa at his workshop. The train will return to Blue Ridge at 8pm. Seats are limited; and advance reservations are required. For schedules, ticket prices, and more information, call 877-413-8724 or 706-632-8724 or visit www.brscenic.com or e-mail info-brscenic.com.

December 1 – ST. MARYS – Christmas in the Waterfront Park, 12-8pm. 912-882-4000. 1 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Holiday Market, Lutheran Church. 912-638-4673. 1 – THOMSON – Festival Off Main, Depot. 706-597-1000. 1 – VALDOSTA – Holiday Open House, Downtown. 10am-4pm. 229-242-2600. 1 – WARM SPRINGS – Pearl Harbor Remembered, FDR Little White House. 706655-5870. 2 – HOMER – Christmas Celebration, Courthouse, 6pm. 706-677-3510. 3 – BLAIRSVILLE – Christmas Concert, Old Courthouse, 7pm. 706-745-5493.

3 – BRUNSWICK – Coastal Symphony of Georgia, Glynn Academy. 912-634-2006. 4 – AUGUSTA – Festival of 9 Lessons & Carols, Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706826-4700. 4 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Holiday Tea, Jekyll Club Hotel, 3:30pm. 912-635-2600. 5 – THOMASVILLE – DAR Christmas Tea, Goggins Home, 3-5pm. 229-225-9267. 5-9 – ATHENS – The Christmas Post Play, Morton Theatre. 706-613-3771. 6 – BAINBRIDGE – Christmas on the River, Earle May Boat Basin, 6pm. 229-2438555. 6 – FORT VALLEY – Mayor’s Annual Christmas Party, Austin Theatre, 7pm. 478825-3733.

Enjoy the convenience of having the “Guide To Georgia” mailed directly to you 4 issues for $10 per year – Spring • Summer • Fall • Holiday Name ______________________________________________ Phone________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________________ State_______ Zip________________

Mail to: Guide To Georgia, 801 Nebula Road, Manchester, GA 31816 24

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Georgia Holidays Holiday Celebrations in Peach County Downtown Fort Valley will boast over a million glowing holiday lights during the Festival of Lights December 1-January 6. The extravaganza will feature lights in the downtown gazebo, the outlining of the business area, stand-alone picture displays throughout the town, and the lighting of the approaches to the city. Holiday events in downtown Fort Valley will include the Mayor’s Christmas Party at the Austin Theatre on December 6 at 7pm and a parade on December 1 at 5pm. In nearby Byron, the Gingerbread Market will be held at the Byron Baptist Church Gym on November 10 from 10am-4pm. The parade will be December 1 at 1pm. Byron will have the Holiday Art Mart November 23-December 22 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays featuring Georgia made products. Fort Valley, Byron, and Peach County are located two hours south of Atlanta on I-75, exits 149-136. For more information, call 478-825-3733 or 478-956-2409 or visit www.peachchamber.com.

Christmas in Calhoun The Festival of Trees will be held in Calhoun November 5-December 9. Admission to the Harris Arts Center’s display of 100 sumptuously decorated, themed Christmas trees will be free, and entries by local businesses and talented individuals and artists will run the gamut from traditional to whimsical. Imaginative decorations featuring fairies, toys, trains, sports, nature, Santas, snowflakes, and more, will be offered for silent auction; and there will also be a magnificent raffle tree. 706-629-2599. The New Echota Christmas Candlelight Tour will be held December 1 from 6:30-9:30pm. Take your candle lantern and celebrate Christmas New Echota-style with decorations, music, and refreshments reminiscent of the 19th Century Cherokee Nation Capital. Dress warmly and wear good walking shoes for this one-mile walking tour of the historic Cherokee town. Admission will be $5. 706-624-1321. Other events will include plays, concerts, an art ramble, handbells, and events at the Harris Arts Center and GEM Theatre (see schedule in venue section), the arrival of Santa on Dec. 8, and the Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 13 at 7pm. For information on all of these December events, visit www.exploregordoncounty.com 7 – AUGUSTA – Amusements Big Band, or phone 800-887-3811. Hardin Arts Center, 7:30pm. 706-726-0366. 7 – SAVANNAH – City Market Holiday Open House, 6-9pm. 912-232-4903. Enjoy Beautiful 7 – WASHINGTON – Gen. & Mrs. Robert Toombs at Home Site, 5-9pm. 706-678-2226. Camellias at 7-8 – THOMASVILLE – Christmas at Massee Lane Pebble Hill Plantation. 229-226-2344. 8 – ATHENS – Holiday Spirits Museum Gardens Mile Tour. 706-353-1820. • Camellia Days 8 – DARIEN – Colonial Christmas at Fort October Thru March King George, 7pm. 912-437-4770. • Festival of Camellias 8 – DAWSONVILLE – Christmas Open Every Day in February House, Amicalola Falls State Park, 4-9pm. 706-265-1969. • Tours Welcome 8 – DOUGLAS – Santa Stroll, Downtown, AMERICAN CAMELLIA SOCIETY 1:30-5:30pm. 912-383-0277. 100 Massee Lane • Fort Valley • GA 8 – DOUGLAS – Christmas on the Pond, 478-967-2358 • www.americancamellias.org Gen. Coffee St. Pk., 6-9pm. 912-383-0277. November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Georgia Holidays Cane River Vineyard & GeorgiaBob’s BBQ GeorgiaBob’s BBQ offers true Southern BBQ with locations in Byron, Warner Robins, Macon, and Milledgeville. Famous for their gourmet chicken salad and “Georgia style” pulled pork, GeorgiaBob’s was chosen as 1 of 3 in the State of Georgia to appear on the National TV Hit Series “BBQ Pitmasters.” In Byron, GeorgiaBob’s Cane River Vineyard offers award winning wines & gourmet gifts. The quaint Wine Tasting Room offers a “Five 4 Five” ($5) special which includes a tasting of 5 wines with a take-home collectible wine glass. Their awardwinning Peach Country Peach was first of the 13 GeorgiaBob’s Signature Series available only at the Tasting Room. Not a wine drinker but looking for the perfect gift? Choose from wine purses (an Oprah favorite), jewelry, wine accessories, college collectibles, picnic packs, cookbooks, aprons, relishes, vegetables, salad dressings, unique gifts for men, and more. The Vineyard is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-8pm. It is open other days for special events. For information, visit www.canerivervineyard.com or phone 866-330-VINO. The GeorgiaBob’s BBQ Restaurants, where fine food is a family tradition, are open daily from 11am-9 pm (closed Sundays 8pm). For information, visit www.georgiabobs.com or phone Byron at 478-654-6682, Warner Robins at 478-971-1341, Macon at 478-257-6710 or Milledgeville at 478-295-0696.

December 8 – FOLKSTON – Christmas on Chesser Island, Okefenokee Refuge. 912-496-7836. 8 – HELEN – Nacoochee Village Christmas. 706-878-2181. 8 – JULIETTE – Jarrell Plantation Christmas, 1-4pm. 478-986-5172. 8 – KINGSLAND – Farragut Festival. 800433-0225. 8 – LaGRANGE – Christmas Wreath Workshop, Hills & Dales Estate. 706-882-3242. 8 – LUMPKIN – Christmas at Westville Village. 888-733-1850.

8 – MADISON – Caroling by Candlelight, Town Park, 5-7pm. 706-342-1251. 8 – MIDWAY – Colonial Christmas, Fort Morris. 912-884-5999. 8 – OMAHA – Christmas on the Lake, Florence Marina State Park. 229-838-4706. 8 – RICHMOND HILL – Winter Muster at Ft. McAlister. 912-727-2339. Christmas Stroll and Holiday Market at Gregory Park. 912756-3444. 8-9 – NORTH GEORGIA – Art Ramble. 706-632-2144. 9 – CONYERS – Play of Herod Concert, Monastery of Holy Spirit, 7pm. 770-602-2606.

14th Annual

December 1 Saturday, 6:30 p.m. • One of the largest night-time parades in S.E. GA • Featuring over 100 entries • Over 25,000 spectators Additional Events for the Day •Holiday •Music on Main Shopping •5K Road Race 912-383-0277 • www.cityofdouglas.com

Sat. 11 am to 11 pm

Latino Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe December 15 Folk Music • Games • Piñatas • Dancing • Food Greased Pole • Mechanical Bull • Children’s Events CANTYRE ST. & BARNSLEY RD.

PORT WENTWORTH 912-965-1999 www.VisitPortWentworth.com

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Georgia Holidays 2013 Tales from the Altamaha: “Legends, Lures & Corn Likker” Listen… can you hear it? The rustle of the wind in the trees, birds chirping in flight, and the waters of the Altamaha? It’s calling, calling…and once again you will have the opportunity to be transported back to a time when Southern traditions were just being forged. The awardwinning Georgia folk-life play, Tales from the Altamaha, takes the stage for its ninth year, April 4-13, 2013, with a brand new production created from the writings of Colonel T. Ross Sharpe. Playwright, Laurie Jo Upchurch, has selected a different set of stories this year and created a brand new experience for the stage. A project of Lyons Better Hometown, Tales from the Altamaha continues to be a cultural celebration steeped in the southern traditions unique to rural South Georgia. Make plans now to embark on the ride of a lifetime as you experience the lives, loves, losses, scandals, and just plain ol’ gossip that is Tales from the Altamaha. Tickets go on sale in January. Visit www.talesfromthealtamaha.com or call 912-526-6445 for information.

St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin in March Everything is turning green in Dublin! The Order of Shillelagh and Order of the Blarney Stone will present the 48th Annual St. Patrick’s Festival of Dublin-Laurens County February 23 through March 24, 2013. With more than 30 different events, this month-long, family-friendly festival will have something for everyone. Local favorites will include pageants, Leprechaun contests, a pancake supper, and a library book sale. Visitors will enjoy Super Saturday (March 16, 2013) which will feature the Leprechaun Road Races, Rifle Matches, St. Patrick’s Parade, and St. Patrick’s Arts and Crafts Fair. A tennis tournament, golf tournaments, and the Century Bike Ride will also be featured events of the festival. Everyone will be looking skyward on the weekend of March 23 as the Balloon Fest will fill the skies over Laurens County with hot air balloons. For more festival information, visit www.dublinstpatricks.com or phone 478-2725546. Located on I-16E in middle Georgia, Dublin is a quick drive from most locations around the state. Lodging includes hotels, motels, and bed & breakfast inns. Visitors will enjoy visiting historic Downtown Dublin’s unique restaurants.

9 – DAHLONEGA – Gold Mine Christmas Open House. 706-864-2257. 9 – SAVANNAH – Colonial Christmas at Wormsloe, 1-4pm. 912-353-3023. 9 – THOMSON – Christmas Celtic Guitar, First Baptist Church. 706-595-4252. 13-14 – THOMASVILLE – Victorian Christmas, Downtown, 6-10pm. 229-228-7977. 14-15 – CHATSWORTH – Cherokee Christmas by Candlelight, 5-9pm. 706-695-2598.

Tues.-Sat.: 10:00am-4:30pm Sun.-Mon.: 12:30-4:30pm Closed: New Year's, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

GTG 2012

December

Georgia Holidays A Hometown Holiday in Conyers There’s no place like home for a Hometown Holiday like Conyers, Georgia! The holiday season in Conyers begins with the opening of the Olde Town Conyers Pavilion Ice Skating Rink at 949 South Main Street on Nov. 16. The rink will be open through Feb. 3. Hours of operation vary, so call the Conyers Welcome Center at 1-800-CONYERS or visit www.icedays.com for a schedule. The Olde Town Christmas Party on Friday, Nov. 30, from 5-8pm will feature complimentary carriage rides, shopping and dining opportunities, visits with Santa, and a Secret Santa Shop for kids in the Conyers Welcome Center. Other events will include the Covington-Conyers Choral Guild Concert on Nov. 30 at 8pm at the Rockdale Auditorium; the Hometown Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 4:30pm and the Tree Lighting later that day at 6pm; the Play of Herod Concert on Dec. 9 and the Atlanta Boy Choir Concert on Dec. 15 at 6:30pm, both at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. For more information on these events and on Conyers, which is located only 25 miles east of Atlanta, visit www.visitconyersga.com or call 1-800-CONYERS.

December 14-16 – SAVANNAH – Philharmonic Holiday Pops, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. 912-525-5050. 15 – ADEL – Christmas at Reed Bingham State Park, 6-8pm. 229-896-3551. 15 – AUGUSTA – Augusta Choral Society, St. Paul’s Church, 7:30pm. 706-826-4713. 15 – BLUE RIDGE – Christmas at the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Ctr. 706-632-2144.

City of Fort Valley, Georgia

Festival of Lights Georgia’s Largest Outdoor Municipal Lighting Display South of Atlanta

December 1 - January 6

Events in Fort Valley December 1, 5pm Christmas Parade December 6, 7pm Mayor’s Christmas Party Austin Theatre

Events in Byron November 10, 10am-4pm Gingerbread Market Municipal Building Conference Center Nov. 23-Dec. 22, Thurs., Fri., Sat.

Holiday Art Mart December 1, 1pm Christmas Parade FORT VALLEY •478-825-3733 B YRON •478-956-2409 PEACH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.peachchamber.com

15 – CONYERS – Atlanta Boy Choir Concert, Monastery of Holy Spirit. 770-6022606. 15 – CONYERS – Gun Runner Gun & Knife Show. 770-602-2606. 15 – NICHOLLS – Christmas on the Pond, Gen. Coffee St. Pk., 6-8pm. 912-384-7082. 15 – PORT WENTWORTH – Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival, 11am-11pm. 912-9651999.

V An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2: 9-14

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012

Georgia Holidays Visits from Santa to Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth Santa will arrive at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2pm. There will be refreshments and photos with Santa. Enjoy breakfast or lunch with Santa on Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22 and watch a unique showing of The Polar Express in a railroad car while the staff entertains in sync with the movie. Breakfast will start at 9am and will include craft time, breakfast, photos with Santa, a hayride, and a train ride. Lunch will start at noon and will include craft time, a pizza lunch with Santa, a hayride, and a train ride. Show times will be at 3:30 and 6pm. On Saturday, Nov. 24, there will only be lunch and a 6pm Polar Express Experience. Refreshments will also include hot chocolate and cookies. Model Railroad Days on Nov.10-11 will feature various gauges of model railroads including Norfolk Southern’s upgraded exhibit car and the Vines Garden Railway ‘G’ scale exhibit. There will also be hands-on activities, a craft table, and refreshments; Spiced Right BBQ will also be available. The railway museum, located at 3595 Buford Highway in Duluth, is open in November and December Thursday through Saturday and selected Sundays from 10am-5pm. With ad on page 4 one free train ride with each paid admission. For more information, phone 770-476-2013 or visit www.Southeastern RailwayMuseum.org.

December 15 – SAVANNAH – Luminary Lights with Santa, Skidaway Island, 6-8pm. 912-598-2300. 15 – TOCCOA – Christmas for Travelers, Travelers Rest, 1-5pm. 706-356-4362. 19-24 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Christmas Bagpiper, Jekyll Club Hotel, 4pm. 912-635-2600. 20 – BAINBRIDGE – Christmas on the Square, Willis Park 5-6pm. 229-248-2000. 25 – SAVANNAH – Holiday Jazz Concert, Westin Harbor Resort, 5pm. 404-997-3281.

2012 HISTORICAL SOCIETY BIENNIAL

31 – McDONOUGH – New Year’s Eve Geranium Drop, Square, 8-12pm. 770-8983196. 31 – ROSSVILLE – Gold City Quartet, Colonnade Amphitheater, 7pm. 800-3313258.

February 23-March 24 – DUBLIN – 48th Annual St. Patrick’s Festival of Dublin-Laurens County. 478-272-5546. MERRITT PECAN CO. ✩ HWY. 520 ✩ WESTON, GA

CP HRISTMAS TOUR H H RIVATE

ISTORIC

Madison, Georgia

OMES

November 30 & December 1 PECANS ✩ PECAN CANDIES PECAN PIES ✩ ROASTED PECANS HOMEMADE CAKES ✩ GIFTS SOUVENIRS ✩ JELLIES AND SAUCES GIFT BOXES AND BASKETS COOKBOOKS

OPEN EVERY DAY (except Christmas Day)

HERITAGE HALL, TOUR HEADQUARTERS, 277 SOUTH MAIN ST.

HOURS: 7A.M. TO 7 P.M.

Day and Candlelight Tours 706-342-9627 madisonheritagehall@yahoo.com

www.friendsofheritagehall.org

1-800-762-9152 • www.merritt-pecan.com November / December 2012 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 29

Long-Running Holiday Events Nov. 1-Dec. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas in Roswell. 770-640-3253 Nov. 5-Dec. 9 . . . . Festival of Trees & Holiday Market, Harris Arts Center, Calhoun. 706-629-2599 Nov. 10-Jan. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Stone Mountain Christmas, Stone Mountain Park. 770-498-5690 Nov. 10-Jan. 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Georgia Christmas, Smith Plantation, Roswell. 770-641-3978 Nov. 14-Dec. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . Festival of Trees, Macon Museum of Arts & Sciences. 478-477-3232 Nov. 16-Dec. 22 . . . . Extended Shopping Hours (Fri. & Sat.), Warm Springs Village. 800-337-1927 Nov. 16-Dec. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas at the Crossroads, Perry. 478-988-8000 Nov. 16-Dec. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fantasy in Lights, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain. 800-225-5292 Nov. 16-Dec. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Magical Nights of Lights, Lake Lanier Islands. 800-840-5253 Nov. 16-Jan. 5 . Enchanted Garden of Lights, Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain. 800-854-0675 Nov. 17-Dec. 30 . . . . . . . . . . Christmas in the White Houses, Bulloch Hall, Roswell. 770-992-1731 Nov. 17-Jan. 4 . . . . . . Holiday Show & Sale, B. R. Mountains Arts Assn., Blue Ridge. 706-632-2144 Nov. 17-Jan.5 . . . . . . . . . . . Garden Lights, Holiday Lights, Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859 Nov. 18-Jan. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday in Lights, Atlanta Centennial Olympic Park. 404-223-4412 Nov. 18-Jan. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gift of Lights, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton. 770-423-1330 Nov. 19-Feb. 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park. 770-498-5690 Nov. 20-Dec. 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holidays Along the Divine 9, Alpharetta/Roswell. 770-640-3253 Nov. 20-Dec. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lights of the South, Grovetown. 706-825-6441 Nov. 21-Dec. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festival of Trees, Unicoi State Park, Helen. 800-573-9659 Nov. 22-Dec. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tybee Island for the Holidays. 877-savannah Nov. 22-Jan. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gingerbread Village, Westin Savannah Harbor Resort. 912-201-2201 Nov. 22-Jan. 1. . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday Light Spectacular, City Park, Cornelia, 7-11pm. 706-778-4654 Nov. 23-Dec. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holiday Art Mart, Peach Shops at Byron. 478-956-2409 Nov. 23-Dec. 22. . . . . . . Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to Santa’s Village, McCaysville. 877-413-8724 Nov. 23-Dec. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Ridge Scenic Railway/Santa Express. 877-413-8724 Nov. 23-Dec. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festival of Lights, Chehaw, Albany, Thurs., Fri., Sat. 229-430-5275 Nov. 23-Dec. 29. . . . . . . . . . . Copper Basin Christmas Village, McCaysville, 5:30pm. 800-899-6867 Nov. 23-25, Dec. 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christkindlemarkt, Helen. 706-878-1908 Nov. 24-Jan. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holidays in History, Jekyll Island. 877-4 j e ky l l Nov. 30-Dec. 16 . . . . . . . Festival of Trees & Lights, Clayton Co. Int’l. Pk., Jonesboro. 770-477-3766 Dec. 1-29. . . Ruby Red Christmas, Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN, Fri./Sat. (except 24). 423-821-2544 Dec. 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas in Olde Macon (house museums). 478-743-3401 Dec. 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Old-Fashioned Christmas, Dahlonega. 706-864-3513 Dec. 1-Jan. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festival of Lights, Downtown Fort Valley. 478-825-3733 Dec. 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festival of Trees, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta. 404-223-4000 Dec. 4-18 . . . . . . Antebellum Christmas at Old Governor’s Mansion, Milledgeville. 478-445-4545 Dec. 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Country Christmas in Lights, The Rock Ranch. 706-647-6374 Dec. 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snowing in the Square, Washington, Fridays. 706-678-2013 Dec. 7-Jan. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia’s Amazing Christmas, Lafayette. 706-639-1500 Dec. 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas in Cornelia, Community House, Fri. & Sat. 706-778-8585 Dec. 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas at Callanwolde, Atlanta. 404-872-5338 Dec. 9-31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nights of Lights, Guido Gardens, Metter. 912-685-2222 Dec. 15-30. . . . . . . . . . . . Wild Adventures Christmas, Valdosta (Closed 23, 24, 25). 229-219-7080

The next issue of the Guide to Georgia will be the Spring Issue which will include March, April, and May events. To advertise in this issue, contact Patty Proctor at

706-846-2620 or e-mail guidetogeorgia@windstream.net The deadline for information in the Spring Issue will be February 1, 2013 30

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / November / December 2012