No Place Like Home: Celebrating the Holidays in Tucker

Despite warnings about a possible winter surge of COVID combined with the seasonal return of the flu and the emergence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Tucker residents are embracing the season and celebrating the return of holiday traditions. Here’s a list of some of the holiday events to enjoy with friends and family this December.

Saturday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. to Noon FODAC BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Rehoboth Baptist Church | 2997 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker Cost (reservations required)

Join WSB Chief Meteorologist Glenn Burns and the “Man in Red” himself for a festive holiday breakfast! Hosted by Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), the event will include a gourmet breakfast buffet, carol sing-along, a toy for each child, and an opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Professional photographer on site at the event will take photos, which will be available via free online download. Reservations are required; costs and registration fodac.org/breakfast-with-santa-december-11-2022. Proceeds benefit FODAC Pediatric Home Medical Equipment (HME) Program.

Saturday, December 10, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. BRG BRUNCH WITH SANTA AND HIS ELF

Blue Ribbon Grill | 4006 Lavista Road, Tucker Cost (reservations required)

Kick off the winter holidays with a fun family brunch at The Blue Ribbon Grill, including visit and photos with Santa and Elf! Reservations required; cost and tickets available at tinyurl.com/hw8szp8r.

Saturday, December 10, 1:00 p.m. SRAA HOLIDAY SHOWCASE

Pre-Show Holiday Market 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the gym Smoke Rise Baptist Church | 5901 Hugh Howell Road, Tucker Free and open to the public

Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts Annual Holiday Showcase will include choreography from academy dance students of all ages, from pre-school to adult; scenes from elementary and high school drama students; and instrumental performances by students and faculty. A Pre-Show Holiday Market in the gym will raise funds for SRAA Junior Theatre Festival attendance, and offer for sale crafts, gifts, sweets, and photos with Santa.

Saturday, December 10, 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS AT TUCKER

Tucker First United Methodist Church | 5095 Lavista Road, Tucker Free (registration required)

For over a decade, Christmas at Tucker has engaged audiences with the beautiful story of Jesus’s birth, presented through powerful music, drama, and pageantry. Christmas at Tucker is presented as a gift to the Tucker community by Tucker First United Methodist Church. Music provided by the Tucker First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and Orchestra. Details and registration christmasattucker.com.

Friday, December 16 - Sunday, December 18 DINK THE HALLS

Tucker Recreation Center | 4898 Lavista Road, Tucker Cost (pre-registration required)

Enjoy some holiday competition with the Annual Dink the Halls Pickleball Tournament. The action’s going to be fast and furious, as well as merry and bright! Register online at tucker.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=7 or call 470.481.0205.

Saturday, December 17, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Taste of Christmas in the Arab World: Artist and Artisan Bazaar

Alif Institute | 3288 Marjan Drive, Atlanta

Alif’s Artist and Artisan Bazaar will be the perfect place to support local artists and small business owners. Enjoy the company of community while browsing unique handmade and homemade items, and savor a delicious Arabic Christmas feast for lunch! Santa will make an appearance from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m., followed by “A Journey through Christmas Traditions in the Arab World.” For more information, alifinstitute.org/12-17-a-taste-of-christmas-in-the-arab-world-artist-artisan-bazaar or email info@alifinstitute.org.

Sunday, December 18, 11:00 a.m. CHRISTMAS CANTATA: THE GIFT

First Christian Church of Atlanta | 4532 Lavista Road, Tucker Free and open to the public

Presented by The First Christian Church of Atlanta Choir, this cantata will feature beloved carols and exciting new songs as it traces the ageless Christmas story through the lens of gratitude and our response to the Greatest Gift.

Sunday, December 18, 1:00 p.m. ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS: A MUSICAL PLAY

First Christian Church of Atlanta | 4532 Lavista Road, Tucker Free (with a new and unused toy donation) and open to the public

Featuring the Tucker Young Festival Singers, this holiday musical retells the nativity story through songs and stories of those who shared in the event. It’s the week before the church Christmas pageant and the cast of children is determined to bring new life to the Christmas story. But with a bossy angel, wisecracking shepherds, unruly sheep and know-it-all wisemen, will they get it together in time? Will the Christmas pageant be a complete flop? Or will the children somehow discover the true joy and wonder of Christmas by making room for what really matters? A unique component of this musical is the inclusion of a Toy Drive as part of the story. The congregation is invited to be active participants in the show by donating gently used toys.

Monday, December 19 to Thursday, December 22, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, December 27 to Thursday, December 30, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. TRC HOLIDAY CAMP

Tucker Recreation Center | 4898 Lavista Road, Tucker Cost

If you are looking for some time to take care of those holiday chores without the prying eyes of the kids, register now for the TRC Holiday Camp. Camp will be daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and costs just $30 per day. It will be days filled with fun, sports, games, crafts, and field trips. Spots are limited so register now - tuckerga. gov/departments/parks_and_recreation or call 470.481.0205.

Saturday, December 24, 11:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE ON MAIN STREET

Main Street, Tucker Free

Gather around the Main Street Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve to enjoy coffee, cocoa and caroling. Coffee and cocoa available from 11:00 to 11:30 p.m., and caroling by candlelight starts at 11:30 p.m. Event organized by volunteers from all across the Tucker community. For additional information, contact Art Wood at art@artwoodonline.com or call 404.909.3567.