that Won’t Break the Stocking

Here are Atlanta Parent’s top picks for holiday entertainment that are free or under $5!

Santa’s Wonderland Bass Pro

5900 Sugar Loaf Pkwy. Lawrenceville. 678-847-5500
Cost: Free
Dates: Through Dec. 24.
The Experience: Families have the chance to make special Christmas memories including pictures with Santa, crafts, games and activities.  Check basspro.com/santa for locations.

Polar Express Adventure

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117.
Cost: Adults, $5; ages 4-12, $3; ages 3 and younger, free.
Dates: Dec. 6. 5-9 p.m.
The Experience: Meet the train conductor, watch elves make toys, write a letter to Santa and meet the jolly fellow himself. southernmuseum.org

The Velveteen Rabbit

Dancing Goat Theatre
10700 State Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 770-772-0762.
Cost: $5
Dates: Dec. 6, 18-20. 11 a.m.
The Experience: A tender story of a child receiving a special stuffed animal for Christmas. performingartsnorth.org

Lights of Life

Life University
1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta; 678-331-4334.
Cost: $5/car
Dates: Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Thurs., 6-10 p.m.
The Experience: Drive-through 1.5 mile display of light attractions, including a 65-foot-tall Santa and his sleigh. life.edu

Candlelight Tour

McDaniel Farm Tour
3251 McDaniel Rd., Duluth. 770-904-3500.
Cost: $5.
Dates: Dec. 5, 7, 11-14, 19-22. 6 and 7 p.m.
The Experience: Tour the 1930s Farm with costumed guide, followed by hot chocolate or apple cider and a holiday craft. Registration required at gwinnettehc.org.

Christmas in Cumming

City of Cumming Fairgrounds
235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-423-1330.
Cost: Adults, $1; 12 and younger, free.
Dates: Dec. 12. 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 13. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Experience: Free photos with Santa, plus light show, hayride, live music, marshmallow roasting and arts and crafts show. cityofcumming.net

Hometown Holiday

City Hall Plaza, 51 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2525.
Cost: Free.
Dates: Dec. 6. 5-9:30 p.m. Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m.
The Experience: Children’s Village tent with kids crafts and activities, concessions, music, Santa and lighting of the Christmas tree. visitpeachtreecity.com

Macy’s Pink Pig

Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-231-2800.
Cost: $3/ride.
Dates: Through Jan. 4.
The Experience: Atlanta’s famous pig train takes families through a life-sized storybook ride. View website for hours. macys.com/pinkpig.

Twisted Tinsel

Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation.
Cost: Each house, $5/person; ages 12 and younger free.
Dates: Dec. 6. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 770-641-3978.
The Experience: Explore decorated antebellum mansions, enjoy holiday games and entertainment. Visit southerntrilogy.com.

Evening in Bethlehem

Roswell United Methodist Church
814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-993-6218.
Cost: Free
Dates: Dec. 6. Tours at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.
The Experience: Indoor, dramatic re-enactment of the  first Christmas with live characters and real stable animals. Registration required at rumc.com/Bethlehem.