Merry & Bright

from Atlanta Intown - December 2017

by Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Intown, Reporter Newspapers

Selling America’s natural heritage?

Holiday events happening all over Intown

By Kathy Dean and Collin Kelley

The holiday events calendar is huge, so we rounded up some big and small events that will appeal to different ages, interests and tastes. Be sure to visit AtlantaINtownPaper.com for even more holiday events.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 10, 3 p.m. The ASO Christmas concert is a tradition for many Atlanta families. The orchestra and chorus perform beloved Christmas carols and hymns, along with their special guests, the Gwinnett Young Singers and the Morehouse Glee Club. Tickets start at $20. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30309. Find out more at atlantasymphony.org.

ATLANTA SANTA SPEEDO RUN

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m. The 9th annual Atlanta Santa Speedo Run will benefit Bert’s Big Adventure this year. Hundreds of runners will gather at Hudson Grille in Midtown to run a mile in their Speedos and holiday-inspired swimwear. Registration is open at atlantasantaspeedorun.org.

INVASION: CHRISTMAS CAROL AT DAD’S GARAGE

Dec. 1 to 30, 8 p.m. Head to the Old Fourth Ward for a night of wacky holiday improv, where the script is flipped on the Dickens’ classic and anything can happen. For tickets and information, visit dadsgarage.com.

THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 8 to 28. The Atlanta Ballet presents the holiday classic that delights all audiences, the young and the young at heart. Tickets go from $25 to $129. Performed at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30308. Purchase tickets and get info at atlantaballet.com.

HOLIDAY ORGAN CONCERT AND SING-ALONG

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. This year’s annual concert features the original version of the 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street.” Tickets start at $2.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30308. Go to foxtheatre.org for tickets.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING MARKET

Sunday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Local artisans will be on hand at the Yaarab Temple (400 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta 30308) 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. If you do manage to miss it, you can still shop through Dec. 23 at the ICE headquarters in Candler Park, 1390 McLendon Ave., Atlanta 30307. For more information, visit ice-atlanta.com.

MENORAH LIGHTING & HANUKKAH CELEBRATION

Tuesday, Dec. 12-Thursday, Dec. 14, 5:15-6 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy three days of Hanukkah celebrations at Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA). Each night features songs followed by the lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah and a short performance. Complimentary sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and hot chocolate are offered. Free and open to the community and MJCCA members. MJCCA Zaban Park campus, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody 30338. Get information at atlantajcc.org, or contact Rabbi Glusman at 678-812-4161.

BONFIRE & MARSHMALLOW ROAST

A VIVALDI CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. The Choral Guild of Atlanta presents Vivaldi’s Gloria and Magnificat with string quartet. Tickets are $15; discounted senior and student tickets are available at the door. Northside Drive Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Dr., Atlanta 30305. Go to cgatl.org for additional info.

Thursday, Dec. 14, 7-8 p.m. Roast a marshmallow around a roaring 10-foot by 10-foot bonfire blazing in Decatur Square. The event is free, but reservations are recommended, through freshtix.com, so plenty of marshmallows are available. Get more info at visitdecaturgeorgia.com.

Candlelight Nights

Fridays, Dec. 15 & 22, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to stroll through the beautifully decorated gardens and grounds of the Atlanta History Center and enjoy a lively Christmas Market. Holiday traditions come alive in the three historic houses—the Wood Family Cabin, Swan House and Smith Family Farm. $20 for adults, $15 for members and $10 for children. Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta 30305. Find out more at atlantahistorycenter.com.

DECATUR SQUARE CANDLE LIGHTING & HANUKKAH PARTY

Monday, Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) Intown and Chabad Intown for a special Menorah Lighting in Decatur Square. There’ll be songs, holiday crafts, latkes and jelly donuts. Free. Open to MJCCA members and the community. Decatur Square, 115 Sycamore St., Decatur 30030. Contact Lauren Chekanow at 678-812-4107 or visit atlantajcc.org for details.

Christmas At Callanwolde

Through Dec. 12, 12-8 p.m. daily. The historic mansion and grounds are decked out in holiday finery. There are self-guided tours of the elaborately decorated home, an artists’ market, performances and more. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta 30306. For tickets and info, go to callanwolde.org.

The Rink At Park Tavern

Through Feb. 19. The Rink at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park offers all day skate sessions, birthday parties for kids, a New Year’s Eve party and more. Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Atlanta 30309. Information available at parktavern.com.

Holiday In The Park At Six Flags

Through Jan. 3. Head west on I-20 to Six Flags, which will be decked out in more than a million lights and festive decorations for the holiday season. There will also be special rides, events and shows. To see the calendar and buy tickets, visit sixflags.com.

Downtown Countdown

Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. The annual New Year’s Eve party returns to the Southern Exchange at 200 Peachtree featuring bands, DJs, open bar, food and more. Visit downtowncountdown.net/ atlanta for tickets and more information.

NOON YEAR’S EVE AT FERNBANK

Sunday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fernbank will host its fourth annual familyfriendly New Year’s Eve celebration for kids with music, special party favors for the first 1,000 children, and a balloon drop of prehistoric proportions at noon. The popular event caters to youngsters who cannot always celebrate past bedtime. To purchase tickets in advance, visit fernbankmuseum.org.