The Studio Holiday Fun Lights, shows, music and parades on tap for the season

By Collin Kelley

The holiday season is here again, and there’s no better place to be than Intown if you’re looking for something to get you into the spirit of the season. From tree lightings and parades to ice-skating and wreathmaking, there’s something for the whole family.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown will transform into a glowing wonderland every night with millions of lights from Nov. 12 through Jan. 7. Explore the new Walk of Flames and a newly expanded Tunnel of Light along with favorites such as the Orchestral Orbs, Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest, and Model Trains that continue to make the exhibition a must-see holiday tradition. For ticket information puppet.org.

Holiday in Lights at Centennial Park

The Downtown Park will once again be lit with thousands of lights from Nov. 18 through Jan. 8. The ice skating rink will also be back, along with a new event – the Chinese Lantern Festival featuring colorful lanterns, performances, food, artisans and more from Dec. 9 to Jan. 15. For more information, visit gwcca.org/park.

Holiday Shopping Spectacular & Market

Local artisans will be on hand Nov. 19-20 at the Georgia Freight Depot in Downtown, 33 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., for the annual Indie Craft Experience (ICE) show. If you’re looking for original, one-of-a-kind art, gifts and more this event is not to be missed. On Dec. 11, ICE will hold its Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Yaarab Temple at 400 Ponce de Leon Ave. For more information, visit ice-atlanta.com.

A Christmas Carol

and more details, visit atlantabg.org.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The faithful recreation of the classic animated TV special returns to the Center for Puppetry Arts for a seventh year from Nov. 8 to Dec. 31. The show sells out quickly, and with the new Jim Henson’s Muppet exhibition, this will be a hot ticket for families. Information and tickets:

The classic Charles Dickens’ story will be staged Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. Visit alliancetheatre.org for information and tickets.

Madeline’s Christmas

For the kids, join French schoolgirl Madeline for a holiday adventure in Paris, step off at Peachtree Street at 16th Street and end at 5th Street. There will be floats, giant helium-filled balloons and marching bands and Santa Claus.

Wreath-Making at The Wylde Center

Dec. 3-31. Visit horizontheatre.org for tickets.

Lighting of Atlantic Station

There will a day of music, activities and events on Nov. 19 from 1 to 9 p.m. capped off by the lighting of the giant Christmas Tree in Central Park and fireworks. The annual skating rink will also open that same day. For more, visit atlanticstation. com.

Lighting of Macy’s Great Tree at Lenox Square

The giant Christmas tree might be artificial now and the event is no longer held on Thanksgiving night, but it’s still a holiday tradition. The tree lighting will be held the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. and include musical guests and fireworks. For more information, visit simon.com/mall/lenox-square.

Children’s Christmas Parade

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will host the annual parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, in Midtown. The parade will

For a more hands-on activity, head over to Oakhurst Garden in Decatur, 435 Oakview Road, for an evening of wreathmaking. Participants will be provided with Balsam Fir wreaths, along with a variety of garden materials including dried berries and herbs, pine cones, magnolia pods, etc. to embellish the wreaths and create one-ofa-kind holiday decorations. The cost is $65 per person, or $55 for Wylde Center members, and all materials are included. Adults must register online in advance and may choose an evening from Nov. 30-Dec. 3 from 7-9 p.m. Tickets will be available Nov. 1. For more information, visit wyldecenter.org.