While you're trying to figure out how the month of December came back around so fast, don't forget to make actual plans.
As we prepare to celebrate a new year, there are still plenty of fun things to do throughout metro Atlanta in 2016.
Here are our 10 suggestions for events that will take place this month:
Nativity Scene
Many of the live Nativity scenes that can be found throughout metro Atlanta during this time of year are free.
In Cobb County, Mountain View United Methodist Church offers a walk through “Bethlehem,” while the Peachtree Road Lutheran Church’s attraction in Fulton County includes a petting zoo.
Children’s Christmas Parade
Witness the largest holiday parade in the Southeast and a 35-year-old Atlanta tradition this December. The Children’s Christmas Parade features balloons, floats, Santa Claus and more.
Bring a folding chair to sit along the parade route or watch from your couch as it unfolds live on WSB-TV.
The parade will kick off on Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m., traveling from Peachtree Street and 16th Street and ending at Peachtree Street and 5th Street.
10:30 a.m. Dec. 3. Free. Peachtree Street and 16th Street. Choa.org/parade.
Peter Pan at Cobb
If you’re looking for an event to attend that isn’t holiday themed, consider revisiting a classic. The Atlanta Lyric Theatre is putting on their production of Peter Pan at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre this month.
Revisit your childhood with your adult friends or bring the kids along to this family-friendly event.
8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. 2 p.m. Dec. 10. $25-$61.50. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta.
Atlanta Santa Speedo Run
Brace the cold in a speedo for a great cause. The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run will return to Virginia Highlands on Dec. 10. Proceeds from the 1.5-mile run and party will benefit local charity Chris 180 (formerly Chris Kids), and their work with homeless youth. The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run is hoping to raise $100,000 this year. Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $250, in addition to a $25 registration fee.
2 p.m. Dec. 10. $250 (minimum donations raised) and $25 (registration fee). Manuel's Tavern, 602 North Highland Ave., Atlanta. Atlantasantaspeedorun.com.
Santa Pub Crawl
A few thousand people are expected to participate in the Atlanta Pub Crawl this year. For 25 years, the crawl has provided a holiday-themed way for friends to stumble from bar to bar, enjoying drinks and good company along the way. Tickets includes free drink specials and entry into Opera, Flip Flop’s, Lava Lounge, RiRa, Sutra Lounge, Tin Lizzy’s, Front Page News, and other local restaurants.
Christmas-themed attire is mandatory.
Additionally, a Toys for Tots US Marine Corps toy drive will take place at registration.
5 p.m. Dec. 10. $5 (in advance), $10 (day of). Front Page News Midtown, 1104 Crescent Ave., Atlanta. Freshtix.com.
Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz and The Dream will put on a “Hip-Hop and R&B edition” of V-103’s Winterfest Dec. 10 at Philips Arena. The artists have all amassed a number of hits that have been instrumental to the musical identity of Atlanta in recent years.
8 p.m. Dec. 10. $33-$103. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. Ticketmaster.com.
Panda Naming Celebration at Zoo Atlanta
Find out the names of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda twins on their 100th day. The event will include a performance by the International School Choir and more.
9:30 a.m. Dec. 12. $22.99-$25.99 (ages 12 and older), $16.99-$17.99 (ages 3-11), $18.99-$21.99 (ages 65 and older), $21.99 (with college ID), free (members and military). Zooatlanta.com.
Doorway to Magic
25 Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and more will come to life in this Disney Live! Production. There will be four opportunities to see the famous characters at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre this December.
2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 17. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 18. $20-$40. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. Disneylive.com.
Atlantic Station’s Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Chabad Intown will light one branch of a life-size menorah every day in Atlantic Station between Dec. 24 to Jan. 1. Visit Central Park in the mixed-use community to view the life-size menorah.
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 24-Jan. 1. Central Park at Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta. Atlanticstation.com.
DWTS Live
Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars winner Laurie Hernandez, along with season 23 pro finalists will visit Atlanta on New Year’s Eve as a part of the Dancing with the Stars: Live! – We Came To Dance national tour.
7 p.m. Dec. 31. $56-$121.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Foxtheatre.org.
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