It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there, at least for the last couple of days in Atlanta.
Along with getting into the holiday spirit a bit early, many Atlantans will be spending their weekend honoring veterans at events across metro Atlanta.
See which metro Atlanta events rank high on our list of the best things to do this weekend.
Cobb
A Christmas Story: The Musical. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 to 12. $10 for adults, fee for children ages 12 and under. Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. 5239 Floyd Road SW, Mableton. 770-819-7765. www.mablehouse.org.
Everyone loves watching “A Christmas Story” during the holiday season, so why not take it a step further by seeing this iconic story live at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. You'll follow along on Ralphie's quest for an Official Red Ryder air rifle in this hilarious musical.
The Flying Dutchman. 8 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 and 12. Ticket prices vary. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta. 404-881-8801. www.atlantaopera.org.
Experience an ancient ghost story filled with love, adventure and danger this weekend as part of the Atlanta Opera series. the Flying Dutchman features awe-inspiring scenery and visuals and the stunning voices of Jay Hunter Morris, Wayne Tigges and Melody Moore.
4th Annual Day of Bonsai. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $7 for adults, $6 for military and seniors, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, free for children ages 5 and under, free for members. Smith Gilbert Gardens. 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. www.smithgilbertgardens.com.
Pick up a new hobby this weekend at the Day of Bonsai festival taking place at Smith Gilbert Gardens. It all starts Saturday morning, with all-day demonstrations, huge collections and exhibits and arts and crafts for the whole family.
2017 Veterans Day Parade on the Marietta Square. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. Parade begins at Roswell Street Baptist Church. 774 Roswell St. NE, Marietta. Parade ends at Historic Marietta Square. 12 East Park Square, Marietta. www.marietta.com.
Come out to honor veterans on Saturday at the Veterans Day Parade through Historic Downtown Marietta. This year's parade will features marching bands, drill teams, colorful floats, veterans organizations and military vehicles.
DeKalb
Dunwoody UMC Holiday Festival. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. Dunwoody United Methodist Church. 1548 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody. 770-394-0675. www.dunwoodyumc.org.
It's time again for the Dunwoody UMC Holiday Festival, which will include a massive silent auction, arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, shopping, a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa and more.
Stone Mountain Christmas. 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Ticket prices vary. Stone Mountain Park. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. www.stonemountainpark.com.
Experience a spectacular holiday celebration like no other at Stone Mountain as the landmark hosts the opening day of Stone Mountain Christmas this Saturday. With holiday characters, twinkling lights, photo opportunities, a visit from Santa and special exhibits like a Musical Walk-Through, Singalong Train and Snow Angel Palace, your kiddos will love it.
The Wedding Dress Experience & Bridal Show. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $10 per person. Marriott Century Center. 2000 Century Blvd. NE, Atlanta. 404-698-1000. www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org.
Plan that perfect winter wedding this weekend at The Wedding Dress Experience & Bridal Show. With over 600 gowns for purchase, experience planners and vendors, SWAG bags, giveaways and a vast array of vendors, you'll leave feeling prepared for the big day.
S'mores for ALL! at Hawk Hollow. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $10 suggested donation for non-members, free for members. Hawk Hollow Greenspace. 2304 1st Ave., Atlanta. 404-371-1920. www.wyldecenter.org.
Enjoy s'more by fireside at Hawk Hollow while meeting other members of the community as you discuss and show support for the Hawk Hollow Greenspace. RSVP requested.
Gwinnett
North Atlanta Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 to 12. $28 per person. Infinite Energy Center. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-772-8000. www.northatlantadancetheatre.com.
Don't let the holidays go by without taking the whole family to see “The Nutcracker,” performed with stunning detail, costuming and scenery by the North Atlanta Dance Theatre all weekend long at the Infinite Energy Center.
Holiday Craft Market. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. Pinckneyville Park Activity Building. 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 678-277-0920. www.gwinnettparks.com.
Pick out a few items for your friends and family for the holidays at the Holiday Craft Market, which takes over the Pinckneyville Park Activity Building on Saturday. From arts and crafts, to jewelry and pottery, you'll shop from over 30 different vendors and even see Santa Claus at this family-friendly event.
Santa's Wonderland Returns to Bass Pro Shops. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11 and 12. Free. Bass Pro Shops Lawrenceville. 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. 800-227-7776. www.basspro.com.
Santa's Wonderland returned to Bass Pro Shops in Lawrenceville, which will feature a Christmas village with RC trucks, a laser and foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area, photos with Santa and more.
Sesame Street Live! 6:30 p.m. Friday, 10:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 to 12. $20 to $50 per person. Infinite Energy Center. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-578-5125. www.infiniteenergycenter.com.
If you have little ones, don't miss seeing “Sesame Street Live!” on stage this weekend in Duluth. Kids under 14 can even wear costumes to this not-to-miss performance.
North Fulton
4th Annual Veterans Breakfast. 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Free. Alpharetta Adult Activity Center. 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-6140. www.awesomealpharetta.com.
Join veterans for the 4th Annual Veterans Breakfast this Friday at the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center. This important event will include a complimentary hot breakfast, speakers and live entertainment.
Titan Tidings Christmas Gift Show. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 and 12. Free. Blessed Trinity High School. 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 678-277-9083. www.btcatholic.org.
Shop from over 110 vendors at one of the biggest Christmas markets around this weekend at the Titan Tidings Christmas Gift Show. Along with shopping, you'll enjoy a huge bake sale and take part in raffles every hour.
Wetland Restoration Project. 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770- 992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.
Join others in you community to help preserve and restore the wetlands around CNC this Saturday. You'll help remove invasive plants and encourage a healthy wetland environment around the center.
Friday Night Abernathy Greenway Hike. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Free to hike, $11.50 for the movie. Abernathy Greenway Park. 70 Abernathy Road. Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. www.heritagesandysprings.org.
Take a hike Friday night through Abernathy Greenway Park, followed by a movie at the Lefont as part of the Heritage Sandy Springs Outdoors Club
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