It’s the most wonderful time of the year! People are grumpy and smacking one another around at Wal-Mart to get that last best deal. Traffic around the mall sucks. Kids expectations are 
insane. So… it’s time to take a step back, get out of the house, and do some fun family things together. To help you with that, here is the 2nd Annual list of things to do in Atlanta this Christmas.
Metro Market Atlanta Holiday Art & Gift Show
Price: $2.00 per adult (or new unwrapped book, toy, or nonperishable food item), children free
Date: December 12 & 13, 2009
Time: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
From their website:
The Metro Market is a fun and exciting new Holiday Market. This year’s Holiday artist show featuring Local talent is set to be unique and fun for the whole family. By combining the talents of many of Atlanta’s local artists and great family fun vendors we are creating an environment that is not only fun to shop but also a great day out!
Grant Park Holiday Lights & Market
Price: $1.00 per person
Date: December 11, 12, & 13, 2009
Time: Friday Dec 11, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday Dec 12, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Sunday Dec 13, 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
From their website:
Based on the European tradition of Advent Markets in old town squares, the Holiday Lights and Market combines a sparkling light display with a holiday gift market, food, holiday beverages and music. The market offers an alternative to mall shopping and focuses on unique gift items – arts, crafts, foods, etc.
Ice Skating at Centennial Olympic Park
Price: $7.00 per person plus $2.00 Skate Rental
Date: November 14, 2009 – January 31, 2010 (several weeks longer than last year!)
Time: Varies – Open daily, including Christmas and New Year’s Day
From their website:
Celebrating its thirteenth anniversary season in the fall, Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink at Centennial Olympic Park is an annual holiday tradition. Visitors enjoy covered observation seating, theatrical lighting on the real ice and holiday music.
Holiday in Lights at Centennial Olympic Park
Price: FREE
Date: November 14, 2009 – January 3, 2010
Time: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
From their website:
Centennial Olympic Park’s annual Holiday in Lights is an Atlanta tradition and celebrating its thirteenth anniversary season this fall. In November, the Park transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights that make up the dazzling display. Different and unique every year, Holiday in Lights runs through the first week of January. The Park is open daily to view the lights from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., including Dec. 25, Christmas Day, and there is no charge for admission.
It’s Snowing in Atlantic Station
Price: FREE
Date: November 21, 2009 – December 31, 2009
Time: Weeknights – 7:30 PM
Friday & Saturday – 6:00 to 9:00 PM
From their website:
This holiday season Atlantic Station brings back a holiday favorite, “It’s Snowing in the Station.” Gather around Atlantic Station’s grand 50-foot tall Christmas Tree and experience the magic of a realistic snowfall. Bring the family and experience Atlantic Station’s Central Park as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The snow is weather permitting and will be cancelled if it is raining.
Visit The Shops in Atlantic Station
Price: FREE (well, besides what you buy J )
Date: November 21, 2009 – December 31, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
From their website:
In the tradition of Bryant Park, Columbus Circle and outdoor European marketplaces, the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces brings back the “Holiday Shops” in Atlantic Station. These open-air shops feature unique holiday items including gourmet jellies, Ecuadorian alpaca, outdoor sports gear, artwork, jewelry, and more.
2009 Children’s Christmas Parade
Price: FREE
Date: December 5, 2009
Time: 10:30 AM
From their website: Surprise your kids this year by taking them to see the Southeast’s premier Holiday Parade! The annual Children’s Christmas Parade has been a ‘ holiday tradition ‘ in Atlanta for years, and features award-winning Marching Bands, Holiday Themed & Animated Floats, giant Helium Balloons & a grand finale featuring Santa Claus. The Atlanta Children’s Christmas Parade begins at Peachtree Street near Baker Street. The route follows Peachtree Street and turns right onto Marietta Street. It will then turn left and end on Centennial Olympic Park Drive.
Price: Family 4 Pack (4 Admissions and 4 Meal Tickets) ~ $109.00 plus tax
Adult Individual Admission (12+) ~ $26.00
Child Individual Admission (3-11) ~ $21.00
Date: November 30 – December 30, 2009
Time: Hours Vary – check the calendar here
From their website: There is nothing like the Christmas season that magically transforms Stone Mountain Park into a land of enchantment.
Within the glow of more than two million twinkling lights, you can watch live entertainment, engage in fun attractions and reconnect with friends and family during this special time of year. Make a Stone Mountain Christmas a part of your holiday tradition. The fun begins early in the day! Be sure to come out early to experience all that this special event has to offer.
Don’t miss these incredible features:
• The Polar Express 4D Experience™— This classic holiday film will warm your heart while engaging your senses.
• Two new family-friendly live shows — Sleigh Ride and Simply Christmas
• Festive Christmas Parade
• Snow Angel Fireworks and Snowfall Celebration — watch high in the sky as the Snow Angel flies and brings winter magic to Stone Mountain Park
• Snow Angel Meet & Greet — Crossroads won’t be the only thing lit up during your visit as your littlest princesses will be dazzled by a visit with the beautiful Snow Angel
• More than two million Christmas lights adorn the buildings in and around Crossroads
• Visit with Santa Claus — Named by USA Today as one of the ten best places in the country to catch Santa Claus
• Sing-a-long Christmas train that also includes a special live show about the true meaning of Christmas
• Crossroads Christmas Carol — a comic re-telling of the classic story by Dickens
• Roaming carolers are sure to get your family in the Christmas Spirit
• A very special Christmas Lasershow (thru 12/23) — Stone Mountain Park’s signature event makes a Christmas appearance with colorful lasers choreographed to your favorite holiday music
• Holiday shopping that includes hand blown glass ornaments, homemade fudge, unique toys and seasonal apparel
• Variety of food options, from traditional southern fare at Miss Katie’s Restaurant to fresh salads and sandwiches at Marketplace.
Additionally, enjoy Stone Mountain Park’s fun attractions that will be open during the daytime – included in your Christmas admission ticket!
• Mini-Golf
• The Great Barn
• Plantation & Farmyard
Related posts:
- 8 Things To Do In Atlanta This Christmas
- 4 Free Things To Do In Atlanta – March 2009
- 23 Frugal or Homemade Christmas and Hanukkah Ideas
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Definitely plan on going to the Grant Park market. Thanks for sharing!
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Momma reply on December 2nd, 2009 3:00 pm:
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