Metro Atlanta is a family holiday happening hub in December.
From holiday traditions like the "Nutcracker" to an off-kilter winter night with jugglers and acrobats, there will be no bah humbugs uttered at the following 12 events your family can enjoy before the New Year.
Fill your family's wish list with these holiday events around Atlanta:
Holiday Tea at American Girl
2 p.m. Dec. 4
$21.50 per person, reservations required
This glamorous ritual to start the holidays includes teatime treats and a sparkly snowflake craft.
Adventure to Santa at North Point Mall
9 a.m.-9 p.m Dec. 9-10; 11 a.m.-8 p.m.Dec. 11; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 15-17 and 19-21; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 18 ; 8 a.m.-10 p.m.Dec. 22-23; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 24,
Photo package prices vary
North Point Mall, Center Court 1000 North Point Circle
Here's a new twist on the traditional pre-Christmas visit to see Santa: this DreamWorks DreamPlace attraction offers a cinematic journey (accompanied by Po from Kung Fu Panda) with a visit to a live Claus at the end.
Book your passport by clicking here.
For a sneak peak video, click here.
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Every weekend in December including Christmas Day; 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
All activities are included with admission (starting at $12.50 with online saver); pre-booking tickets is recommended for guaranteed entrance by visiting www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta3500 Peachtree Rd. Suite G-1. 404-848-9252
The Big Tree Build on Dec. 3 and 4 kicks off the LEGOLAND® holiday festivities, which continue right into Christmas Day. Guests can also learn how to create LEGO® holiday trees and experience the winter takeover in MINILAND®. And during December, if one member of your group is wearing an ugly holiday sweater, all of you get 10 percent off retail purchases, though restrictions apply.
Credit: Contributed by Charlie McCullers
Credit: Contributed by Charlie McCullers
Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker
7:30 p.m. Fridays Dec. 9 and 16, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 23; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 10 and Dec. 17; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday Dec. 11 and Dec. 18; 7:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 15; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 20; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 21 and Thursday Dec. 22; 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 24
$25-$108
The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St. http://foxtheatre.org/
The dazzling tradition will hold the whole family rapt through the epic battle with the Nutcracker against the Rat King and the delights of the Christmas room. The Georgia Youth Choir sings in Act I's Snow Scene and the stage glitters throughout. The performance is a solid two hours, though, so this may not be the fare for tiny tots.
For a sneak preview, click here.
Atlanta Rhythm Section at Eddie's Attic
7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 9
$40-$46
515 N McDonough St Ste B, Decatur. 404-377-4976 http://eddiesattic.com/
Take a tween or teen for a break from the Jingle Bells and catch up with these Southern Rock legends at an intimate all-ages show. Their biggest hits include "So Into You," "Champagne Jam," "Imaginary Lover," and "Spooky."
Credit: Contributed by Northeast Cobb Patch
Credit: Contributed by Northeast Cobb Patch
Reindeer Day at Chattahoochee Nature Center
12 p.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11
9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238
Included with admission of $10 adults, $7 seniors and students, $6 children 3-12 (2 and under free)
Live reindeer, storytime, hot cocoa and yes, reindeer games are the highlights at this full day of fun activity.
4 p.m. Dec. 11$30; $25 discount categories; $10 students
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts Emory University
1700 North Decatur Road
Glad tidings and sweet sounds of Christmas past and Christmas yet to come, this concert is a good choice for an all ages group.
2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 17; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 18,
Tickets start at $20, all seats reserved
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy. 800-745-3000
Ah, the magic of Disney.
Celtic Woman
7:30 p.m. Dec. 11
$70-$110
Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
A lovely performance for the soulful lassies and lads and their parents. The world-famous all-female musical ensemble brings its Celtic folk and classical crossover to the stage in support of its aptly named new studio work, Voices of Angels.
LIVE! In Roswell Series ATL Collective presents: The Beach Boys Christmas Album
8 p.m. Dec. 17
$30; season tickets are $75Roswell Cultural Arts Center
950 Forrest St., Roswell.
If 4-part harmony on "I'll be home for Christmas" or "Little Saint Nick... he don't miss no one" make your heart swell, here's the show for you and the fam. Through a partnership with The ATL Collective, RCAC is hosting a special holiday performance of The Beach Boys chart-topping 1964 Christmas Album, song by song. It's not billed as a sing-along concert, but no doubt that's what will happen.
Lift Up Atlanta's 2016 Christmas Extravaganza
12 noon-6 p.m. Dec. 17
Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. www.liftupatlanta.org
Admission is a donation of a new toy for a child in need
This is the kind of Christmas festival that harks back to community festivals of olde. Family fun includes all manner of games and activities, shopping, a Christmas concert and the jolly old elf for the kiddies. Double your fun by making an expedition to buy a new toy to donate (that's the admission) ahead of the festival. All proceeds help Lift Up Atlanta, which provides for homeless and low-income families in metro Atlanta.
Cirque De La Symphonie Holiday Spectacular
8 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 20; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 21 $63-$254
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra-Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE.
Christmas-themed marvels abound in this extravaganza of acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, strong men and high flying aerialists on (and above) the stage. Music by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell performing holiday hits round out the performance. Definitely worth leaving work early Wednesday to catch the matinee.
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