guides

East Atlanta Holiday Festivities Guide

November 11, 2018


In this Guide, you will find a list of upcoming Holiday Family Fun in and around the East Atlanta area. Make sure to bookmark this page as this guide will be updated regularly throughout the holiday season. Are you or your organization hosting an event that you would like included in this guide? Submit your event HERE

Get a FREE kid-friendly event calendar for East Atlanta, GA and beyond full of festivals, fairs, activities, events and more! Sign up by clicking HERE!


Performing Arts

A Very Grinchy Christmas

Infinite Energy Center, Lawrencville GA 

November 23rd-Dec 22nd

Tickets: $13.50 - $20.50

The Grinch meets "The Nutcracker" in Southern Ballet Theatre's "A Very Grinchy Christmas". Inspired by Dr. Seuss' classic children's story, this new holiday favorite tells the story of the ultimate Christmas hater, The Grinch, who sets out to steal the presents of everyone in Whoville. Along the way, he orchestrates a battle between a Nutcracker, a Rat King, dolls, mice, toy soldiers and even cannons. But, with the help of Cindy Lou Who and the rest of Whoville, the ultimate grouch learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Purchase tickets online or on location


A Christmas Carol

Aurora Theatre GA 

November 17 & 18

Tickets: $25-$30

Let Anthony Rodriguez guide you through the traditional tale of Mr. Scrooge and the troop of Dickens’ characters in a one-man presentation of A Christmas Carol with a twist. 

The exhilarating one-man Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns for a limited 4-week engagement. Nestled in the intimate 80-seat Peach State Federal Credit Union Studio, the theatre is transformed to make you feel as though Mr. Dickens has personally invited you into his parlor. Although a few amazing theatrical effects have been added, this rendition captures the true spirit of Christmas–the joy of giving. The story is adapted for the stage and directed by Tony Brown. Audiences will remember Mr. Brown from his memorable turns on the Aurora Theatre Stage (Merlin in Camelot, Colonel Mustard in Clue: The Musical). Tickets can be purchased HERE


Cirque Dreams Holidaze

The Fox Theatre, Atlanta GA 

November 24th & 25th

Tickets: $41.50-$71.50

Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2018 season with the must-see holiday show The New York Daily News proclaims a ''delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleighload and so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil.'' Created by Cirque Dreams Founder and Broadway Director Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a new cirque adventure, Broadway musical and family holiday spectacular wrapped in one! This incomparable phenomenon features over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrating the most wonderful time of year from Thanksgiving to Chanukah, Christmas and New Year's. Audiences of all ages will be mesmerized and marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers the Boston Globe hails ''Entrancing...Las Vegas meets family entertainment.'' Experience this unique multi-million-dollar live stage production that dazzled at the Kennedy Center and has entertained millions of people across the country, touted by BroadwayWorld as ''The Perfect Holiday Gift...a show that everyone will enjoy.''


Aurora Children's Playhouse Holiday Series

Aurora Theater, Lawrenceville GA 

December 1st-22nd

Tickets: $7

This holiday season, The Aurora Children's Playhouse will be featuring the following children's productions for all to enjoy: Cirque NOEL, Twas The Night Before Christmas, The North Pole Fa-la-la-la Follies, & Santa's Missing Mail. Purchase Tickets online.


The Urban Nutcracker Act II- Wonderland

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, Decatur GA 

December 15-16

Tickets: $15-$20

Ballethnic Dance Company and Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center brings Act II of Urban Nutcracker Wonderland to the Community for three performances. The performance features Act II of Urban Nutcracker which takes place in The Land of Sweets, where Sarah’s dreams take her on a journey to the “land of Sweet Auburn Avenue”. Sarah and her young prince, Leroy are greeted with delightful gifts and entertained by a bubbly Coca-Cola Pas de six, leaping Black Russians, and Spice Drop Tumblers. The queen of Auburn Avenue, is Brown Sugar (traditional, Sugar Plum Fairy). She and the (Cavalier) Chocolatier present Sarah and Leroy with an enchanting grand Pas de Deux (dance with two) followed by a colorful finale of all the dancers.

As a special attraction, guests will enjoy the wintery Wonderland filled with magical lighting and décor, and shop at Ballethnic’s Sweet Auburn Avenue Boutique and Gift Shop. Tickets Available for online purchase HERE.


The Urban Nutcracker

Tri-Cities High School  Viola Turner Theater, East Point GA

December 20-23

Tickets: $15-$40, Vary by date and seating preference

This soulful celebration takes place on Atlanta's own Sweet Auburn Avenue in the 1940's. Step back in time at Urban Nutcracker as the smooth Chocolatier sweeps Brown Sugar off to a magical land filled with leaping Reggae Rag Dolls and the spinning Black Russian. This fresh take remixes the classical ballet with a fusion of modern, jazz and tap for a fun new experience that captures all the magic of the original. Enjoy the majestic journey and whimsical and mysterious characters, such as Mother Spice and her tumbling Spice Drops and the bubbly Coca-Cola Pas de Six, at Tri-Cities High School

**Please Note: There is no reserved seating at this event, except for VIP ticket holders on Opening Night ONLY'**

Tickets Available for purchase HERE


Markets & Festivals


The Atlanta Christkindl Market

Atlantic Station, Atlanta  GA 

November 23rd-December 23rd

FREE Admission

The Atlanta Christkindl Market (www.christkindlmarket.org) is a one-month long Holiday event organized by the German American Cultural Foundation. This is the market's third year, and we have a bunch of fantastic surprises in store for you...

The Event will run from Nov. 23rd through Dec. 23rd and take place on Tower Street at Atlantic Station.
Let's come together as a city and spend the Holidays with family & friends! Join us for everyday festivities and events, as well as German & European vendors residing in our traditional wooden booths.
If you enjoyed the market in the past, we think you'll enjoy this year the most as we have doubled the number of vendors in the market this season!

Keep checking in with us via Facebook/Instagram/Twitter or visit us at www.christkindlmarket.org to stay updated on the latest news and announcements! 


Winter Solstice Gift Market

East Atlanta Village, Atlanta  GA 

December 21st

FREE Admission

Join us for an evening market to find last minute gifts and celebrate the longest evening of the year under the stars!
Featuring:
-Over 20 local crafters, artists and creators!
-Warm drinks from Drogo Coffee and Tea and tasty treats from Sugar Monster Tasha!
- Warm Firepits - Roast some S'Mores, join us for lighting the Yule Log and burning the Solstice Wreath, and write your yearly troubles to burn away in the fire!
-Craft table for making pine cone peanut butter bird feeders, popcorn garlands, and orange sun slice ornaments to hang from the trees for the animals during winter!
-Clothing Drive! Bring donations of new or unwanted clothes (especially warm items such as jackets, sweaters, blanket and socks) to be donated to a local homeless shelter.
Click HERE for a list of Vendors


  Special Holiday Activities


Macy's Pink Pig

Lenox Square, Atlanta GA 

November 3rd- January 6th

Tickets will be available at the Macy's Pink Pig kiosk located between Abercrombie & Fitch and Godiva on the Upper Level.

The Macy's Pink Pig train ride at Macy's Lenox Square in Atlanta, a beloved holiday tradition, runs from Saturday, November 3, 2018 through Sunday, January 6, 2019.

The Macy’s Pink Pig has been a beloved Atlanta tradition for more than 50 years. From its debut in the ‘50s as a children’s ride at the downtown Rich’s store, to its brief stint at the Egleston Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees, five generations of Atlantans have ridden the Macy’s Pink Pig into the holiday season.

Did you know Priscilla, the original Pink Pig, began as a monorail along the ceiling of Rich’s, giving children the experience of “flying over” the toy department? Later, another pig, Percival, was added and they became known as the Pink Pig Monorail Twins. Years later, the monorail was relocated to the roof of the department store and the “monorail twins” took passengers on rooftop rides that provided views of downtown Atlanta and circled the Great Tree.


Tree Lighting & Holiday Kick-off Event

Mall of Georgia, Buford  GA 

November 17th

FREE

Join us for a holiday celebration during our Tree Lighting event. Spend the day at The Village enjoying family activities including faux-ice skating at The Rink, face painter and balloon artist, live entertainment, special presentation by Santa and Papa Elf, lighting of the 50' tree, and Movies Under the Stars presentation of The Santa Clause.

Schedule of events:

3PM - 6:30PM:  Enjoy family friendly activities and live performances on the Village Amphitheatre stage including DJ, Salvatoin Army Brass Band, and Elite Dance Academy.

4:30-6:30: The Throwback Experience performs. 

At 6:30 PM, join us as we light our 50’ tree and enjoy a special presentation from Santa and Papa Elf!

At approximately 7PM, enjoy a special Movies Under the Stars viewing of The Santa Clause.


Winter Wonderland

Fernbank Natural History Museum, Atlanta  GA 

November 23rd-January 6th

Included with Museum admission ($18-$20). Members FREE.

Prepare to ooh and aah over two floors of twinkling, beautifully decorated trees showcasing celebrations around the world in the enchanting Winter Wonderland exhibition. Twinkling with lights, glimmering with color and shining with a variety of cultural objects, a variety of decorated trees and displays recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events from around the world.


Drive Through Christmas Lights

The Rock Ranch, The Rock  GA 

November 22nd-December 25th

Cost: $10/car or $/20 bus, Tickets HERE

Enjoy more than one mile of magical Christmas lights on the farm.  Nights in November and Christmas night, we do not charge per car but gratefully accept donations at the end of your experience.

**Please note – additional activities such as Santa’s Workshop, the Christmas Country Store, and the Christmas Cafe are not available on the nights below. Visit us during the Country Christmas Nights for activities other than the Christmas lights.**


Victorian Holiday at Oakland Cemetary

Historic Oakland Cemetary, Atlanta GA 

December 1st

Cost: You may purchase Tickets for the Holiday Tour of Eternal Homes $16 for adults, $12 for children (6-18) and seniors (65 and over). Historic Oakland Foundation member tickets are $8. Tickets are available at Freshtix.com.

Indulge in the seasonal spirit at the fourth annual Victorian Holiday at Oakland Cemetery.
Victorian Holiday is a FREE, unique, seasonal celebration that features holiday activities for the whole family!
❄ Holiday artists market
❄ Wreath sale
❄ Visits with Santa
❄ Kids' Crafts
❄ More
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HOLIDAY TOUR OF ETERNAL HOMES
Our popular Holiday Tour of Eternal Homes also returns to Victorian Holiday this year. See Oakland's mausoleums decked out in holiday splendor!
Led by a Victorian guide, this walking tour takes you on a "behind-the-stones" look at several of the cemetery’s magnificent mausoleums. Learn about these iconic stone structures while listening to the stories of the Oakland residents buried within. Each mausoleum is decorated for the holidays by local artists and designers.
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ARTIST MARKET VENDORS
We're excited to welcome these Victorian Holiday artist market vendors:
🎁Unique Vintages
🎁Nicholas Kniel
🎁Lily Knit Creations
🎁Miley Made
🎁Under the Slab



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