The cool winds of winter are finally blowing through the city of Atlanta.
Twinkling lights, Santa hats and turkey dinners will soon be upon us.
Here's your ultimate guide to food, shopping and things to do in Atlanta this holiday season.
Check out this list of quintessential holiday activities for Atlanta residents:
Macy's Pink Pig
Macy's Lenox Square Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Since the 1950s, the iconic Pink Pig train has entertained generations of Atlantans over the holidays. Visit Macy's Lenox Square and take a ride on the Pink Pig, now through December 31. The pig is closed to the public November 19, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Visit Macy's website for times of availability. Tickets are $3.
Snow Mountain
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
You'll never see much more than a couple inches of snow in Atlanta, but Stone Mountain has created its own Winter Wonderland. Bring the whole family for holiday festivities, including a 400-foot tubing hill. November 18-February 25. Tickets range from $31.95-$49.95.
Heroes and Villains Fan Fest
Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Take a break from the holiday sweaters and don your cape instead. Meet the talent behind some of the biggest names in superhero stardom, like the cast of Arrow, The Flash, Gotham and Legends of Tomorrow. Get a photo with your favorite celeb or pick the brain of some of the artists behind the comics and shows. November 18-19. Check the website for a full list of guests and a schedule of events. A two-day pass is $90.
Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K
Georgia State Stadium (formerly Turner Field), 755 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Earn that turkey dinner by kicking off Thanksgiving with some good exercise. The Atlanta Track Club hosts a half marathon, 5k, one-mile run and 50-meter dash on November 23. Winners earn a medal, bragging rights and dibs on leftovers. If running isn't your style, watch the fun from the sidelines and join the celebration outside the stadium after the races. Registration ends November 15. Entry fees range from free to $90.
Credit: PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM
Credit: PHIL SKINNER / PSKINNER@AJC.COM
Christmas at Callanwolde
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Every room of the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center will be decorated for the holidays from November 24-December 12. Guests of all ages are encouraged to attend the festive tour and bring a donation for Toys for Tots.
Botanical Saint Nick
Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309
Families can meet Saint Nick in his traditional green robe and botanical head wreath every Saturday from 10:00-2:00 between November 25 and December 16. Guests are encouraged to take pictures with their own cameras. Free with admission.
Invasion: Christmas Carol 2017
Dad's Garage, 569 Ezzard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Tired of the typical "Christmas Carol"? Check out this zany version of your holiday favorite, which changes every night with the addition of a new improvisational character. Will it be Mrs. Claus? Col. Sanders? A T-rex? Check the website for Dad's Garage for showtimes and find out! Tickets range from $17.50 to $39.50.
Children's Christmas Parade
Peachtree Street at 16th Street, 1280 Peachtree Street N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309
Join thousands of spectators on December 2 for the largest holiday parade in the southeast, featuring holiday characters and decorations. Before the parade starts at 10:30, guests can enjoy either an exclusive Breakfast with Santa or a Smiles for the Season Breakfast, with a presentation by the Center for Puppetry Arts.
"A Christmas Carol"
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Discover one of the most well-known (and well-loved) holiday tales as it comes to life on stage. Check the website for showtimes and availability before these shows sell out. December 8-24. Tickets range from $14 to $75.
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Ugly Sweater Run
| 11 a.m. | Dec. 9 | Piedmont Park, 400 Park Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | Registration is $45 (kids under 5 are free) | www.theuglysweaterrun.com
Find your ugliest sweater or buy one from your local thrift store, and then get ready to run. This 3.1-mile run is full of fun activities, like fake snow and contests for the ugliest sweater and the best real/fake beard. Registration includes a medal for those who finish the race, a knit hat and a warm Kahlúa cocktail for the adult runners.
Atlanta Speedo Run
Hudson Grille Midtown, 942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
This 1.5-mile run in holiday speedos and costumes raises money for the nonprofit Bert's Big Adventure, which provides trips to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses. Other activities include a fundraising raffle and costume contest with prizes for best male, best female, best couple and best team. December 9, from 12:00-3:00.
Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Atlanta Symphony Hall at Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Atlanta's resident symphony orchestra and chorus will perform Christmas carols and hymns. The concert will feature special guests, including the Gwinnett Young Singers and the Morehouse College Glee Club. December 9 and 10. Tickets range from $29 to $155.
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