Holiday Calendar

Holly Jolly Events

A Toy for a Tour. Atlanta Braves Museum. Children 13 years and younger who donate a new and unwrapped toy receive a complimentary tour of Turner Field. Walk-up tours only. Dec. 1-21. Mon.-Sat. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta. 404-522-7630. Adults, $17; 13 and younger, free with toy donation. Free parking in Turner Field Gold Lot.
Holly Jolly Holidays. LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Santa takeover of MINILAND, holiday ornament builds and more. Dec. 1-31. Times vary. legolanddiscoverycenter.com. 3500 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Included with admission. Adults, $19; ages 3-12, $15; 2 and younger, free.
WinterFest. Tanglewood Farm. Photos taken aboard a miniature sleigh hooked-up to a miniature reindeer cow. Carols, decorated trees, miniature farm animals, hot cider and hot chocolate. Dec. 1- 29. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Christmas Day. 171 Tanglewood Dr., Canton. 770-667-6464. $10; 11 months and younger, free.
Coming Home for the Holidays. Smyrna Village Green. Activities for children, parade, concerts and visit with Santa. Tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. 5-9 p.m. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna. 770-431-2842. Free.
Elf Party. Bean Head Toys. Photos with real-life elves, cookie decorating and crafts. Dec. 3. 3-5 pm. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd. NE, Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. Free.
Shimmer and Shine Snowflake Celebration. American Girl North Point Mall. Create a snowflake craft and dine together at American Girl. Includes a meal, memory book and an American Girl quiz book. Ages 8 and older. Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Reservations required. $38/person.
Sl’Hay Ride. East Roswell Recreation Center. A family hayride around the park, with cookie decorating and hot chocolate. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dec. 6. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6134. Reservations required. $18. 11 months and younger, free.
Polar Express Party. Mansell Crossings Barnes and Noble. Storytime, hot cocoa, treats and giveaways. Pajamas encouraged. Dec. 6. 7 p.m. 7660 North Point Pkwy., Ste. 200, Alpharetta. 770-993-8340. Free.
Dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Bogan Park Recreation Center. Learn ballet, ornament craft, snacks and more. Parents join the party for the last 10 minutes for a short performance. Dec. 7 and 21. Ages 3-5, 1-2:30 p.m. Ages 6-10, 2:30-4:30 p.m. 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford. 678-277-0850. Pre-register by Dec. 2. Ages 3-5, $10; Ages 6-10, $15.
Polar Express Adventure. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Meet the train conductor, watch elves make toys, write a letter to Santa and meet the jolly fellow himself. Hot chocolate and refreshments included. Space is limited. Dec. 7. 6-10 p.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Adults, $5; ages 4-12, $3; 3 and younger, free.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Story Time. Little Shop of Stories. Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic. Dec. 7. 3 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.
Holiday Celebration on the Square. Roswell. Carolers from schools, lighting of the Historic Town Square, a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a visit from Santa Claus. Dec. 7. 5 p.m. Intersection of Hwy. 9 and Hwy. 120, Roswell. 770-641-3950. Free.
Joy of Giving Christmas Festival. Shallowford Presbyterian Church. Photos with Santa, the Secret Santa Shop, bake sale, crafts, face painting and more. Dec. 7. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2375 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta. 404-321-1844. Free.
Reindog Parade. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Holiday dog parade and dress-up competition, plus Doggie Expo. Dec. 7. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Garden admission, Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.
Snow on the Square. Downtown Alpharetta. Snowballs, snowmen, hot chocolate and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the gazebo. Bring a camera for photos. Dec. 7. 1 p.m. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6000. Free.
Meet the Holidays: Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Mexican holiday celebration with a reading of The Lady of Guadalupe and a special craft. Ages 8 and younger. Dec. 7. noon and 3 p.m.; Dec. 8. 3 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Included with museum admission. $12.75; 11 months and younger, free.
Elf on the Shelf Author Appearance. Barnes and Noble, Peachtree Corners. Story time and book signing with Chandra Bell, plus coloring and games. Dec. 8. 2 p.m. 5141 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners. 770-978-5154. Free.
Teddy Bear Tea. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Bring a special teddy bear for a festive children’s tea and hot chocolate, sandwiches, pastries, live entertainment and Santa. Don’t forget a camera for photos. Only 4 children per adult please. Ages 4 and older. Dec. 8
and 15. 3-4:30 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Pre-register. $25.
Cocoa and Caroling. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Celebrate the season with Christmas carols and hot cocoa on the Callanwolde front lawn. Dec. 11. 5:30-7 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Free.
Holiday Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast. Decatur Square. Visit Santa at the bandstand and roast marshmallows on the square. Dec. 12. 7-8 p.m. Downtown Decatur. 404-371-8386. Free. 
Christmas in Cumming. City of Cumming Fairgrounds. Free photos with Santa, plus light show, hayride, live music, marshmallow roasting and arts and crafts show. Dec. 13. 4-9 p.m.; Dec. 14. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-423-1330. Adults, $1; 12 and younger, free.
Debbie’s Dance Concert. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center. Holiday music comes to life through live performances by Pinckneyville’s Ballet Dancers and local vocal artists. Light refreshments. Photos at an additional cost. Dec. 13. 6:30 p.m. 4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross. 678-277-0920. Pre-register by Dec. 7. $5/person.
Holiday Lights. East Cobb Park. Children’s choir, live music, Santa and Rudolph, plus the lighting of the great tree. Dec. 1. 5 p.m. 3322 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-591-3160. Free.
Christmas Tree Lighting. Vinings Jubilee. Holiday music, treats, train and pony rides, face painting, balloon twisting and pictures with Santa Claus at the tree lighting. Dec. 5. 6-8 p.m. 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 770-438-8080. Free.
Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting. Annual lighting of the tree. Dec. 5. 7 p.m. East Court Square, Decatur. 678-615-0915. Free.
Christmas Tree Lighting. Historic Downtown Alpharetta. Annual lighting of 45 foot live spruce tree, plus slide rides, photos in the giant snow globe, music and activities. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m. in the gazebo. Dec.  6. 5-8 p.m. Milton Square City Park, Alpharetta. Free.
Tree Lighting and Community Celebration. Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming. Annual tree lighting with live entertainment, children’s activities and photos with Santa.  Dec. 6. 6-8 p.m.1200 Northside Forsyth Dr., Cumming. 770-844-3200. Free.
Elf on a Shelf Dinner. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Elves serve dinner in the Superior Court Ballroom, with the Big Elf himself available for photos. Includes photo, hot cocoa bar, crafts, story time and sing-a-long songs. Dec. 13. 6 p.m. 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Pre-registration required. $12. ages 12 months and younger, free with paid adult.
Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides. Vinings Jubilee. Horse-drawn sleigh rides. Dec. 13 and 20. 5 -8 p.m. 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-438-8080. Free.
Christmas for Kids. Bulloch Hall. Yule log and candy cane hunt, snacks, craft, storytelling and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Ages 5-11. Dec. 14. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731. Reservations required. $10.
Candy Cane Hunt. East Roswell Recreation Center. Pizza dinner, followed by a candy cane hunt. Bring a flashlight and basket. Dec. 14. 5:30-7 p.m. 770-594-6134. 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. Registration required. $18.
Night at the Polar Express. East Roswell Recreation Center. Family movie night with popcorn, hot chocolate and goodies. Dec. 14. 6:30-10 p.m. 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6134. Reservations required. Parents free. Pre-register children. $12.
Jingle Bell Ride. Riverside Park. A gentle pace bike ride on Riverside/Azalea Multi-Use Trail, followed by hot chocolate and cookies. Open to all riders and their families. Riders must supply their own bicycles and helmets. Dec. 14. 3 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-643-8010. Free.
Polar Express Story Time with Santa. Little Shop of Stories. Christmas classic with Santa. Dec. 14. 1 and 4 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. $5. Reservations required.
Polar Express Party. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center. Hot chocolate bar, story time, crafts, games, a movie and more plus Santa. For ages 3-13. Dec. 14. 10 a.m. 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890. Pre-registration required. $6/child. (Parents must attend with child.)
Santa’s Magical Playhouse. Bill Johnson Community Activity Building. Parents run holiday errands while children ages 5-10 enjoy a morning of games, cookie decorating, crafts and a special visitor. Dec. 14. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3760. $22.
Reindeer Day. The Chattahoochee Nature Center.  Meet live reindeer, plus reindeer crafts and campfire treats. Dec. 15. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; 13-18, $7; 3-12, $6; 2 and under, free.
The Polar Express Mommy & Me Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Take an imaginary trip to the North Pole. Dec. 19. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Adults, $7.50 adults; Children, free.
Gingerbread Story Time. Little Shop of Stories. Popular holiday event. Dec. 21. 2 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. $5/child. Reservations required.
The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Story Time. Little Shop of Stories. Children follow along at this read-aloud story time. Dec. 23. 6 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.
Polar Express Experience. Southeastern Railway Museum. Board a vintage railroad car for movie-viewing, with live conductor and porters, cookies, cocoa and Santa. Children can dress in pajamas for the movie. Saturdays in Dec. through Christmas. 3:30 and 6 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Reservations required. Polar Express, $20. 1 and younger, free. 
Stone Mountain Christmas. Stone Mountain Park. Holiday light displays, holiday shows, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and, new this year, meet Rudolph and Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster. Through Jan. 1. Visit stonemountainpark.com for event dates and times. U.S. Hwy. 78, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Adults, $28; ages 3-11, $22; parking, $10.
Sustainable Gingerbread House Display. Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. Through Jan. 3. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. Closed Dec. 23-25 and Jan. 1. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Included with admission. Adults, $7.50-10.50; ages 3-12, $3.50-6.50; 2 and younger, free.
Holiday Model Train Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Six tracks of G-scale choo choos. Through Jan. 4. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and evenings during Garden Lights. Closed Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Included with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.
Global Winter Wonderland. Turner Field. Larger-than-life lantern designs of landmarks from countries all over the globe. Theme nights throughout the month. See globalwonderland.com. Through Jan. 5. Nightly 5-11 p.m. 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta. 770-723-3862. Tickets include rides and live entertainment. Adult, $24.99; ages 5-12, $16.99; 4 and younger, free.
Macy’s Pink Pig. Lenox Square Mall. Atlanta’s famous pig train takes families through a life-sized storybook ride. Through Jan. 5. Dec. hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Dec. 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 26, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Upper Level Parking Deck, 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. macys.com/pinkpig. $3/ride.
Season of Magic. Piedmont Park. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the park, plus carousel rides for children. Through Jan 5. Thurs.-Sun., 4-10:30 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Rd., NE, Atlanta. 404-875-7275. Carriage rides: Adults, $25; under 12, $20. Carousel rides: $3.
Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Exhibition of decorated trees and artifacts from around the world. Through Jan. 5. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.
Let it Snow. Atlantic Station. Winter wonderland with daily realistic snowfall. Through Feb. 14. Visit atlanticstation.com for times. 17th St., Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free.
Royal Tea and Grand Yuletide Ball. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. High tea with Prince Goodtidings and Princess Joy includes the juice or tea and a plate of sweets, followed by royal dance lesson. Includes goodie bag and autograph book. Children encouraged to dress for the special occasion. Dec. 7, 14 and 21. 12:30-2:30 p.m. 117 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 770-293-0080. Limited space available. $15.
Hometown Holiday. City Hall Plaza. Children’s Village tent, concessions, music, Santa and lighting of the Christmas tree. Dec. 7. 5-9 p.m. 151 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2525. Free.
It’s a Wonderful Life Movie Marathon. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. The 1946 holiday classic starring Jimmy Stewart, with holiday sing-along preshow. Dec. 23. noon, 3, 6 or 9 p.m. 117 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 770-293-0080. $8.
Christmas Parade. Coweta County Justice Center. Winter wonderland-themed holiday parade. Dec. 8. 3 p.m. 72 Greenville St., Newnan. 770-253-8283. Free.