Boy, do we have a lot in store for you this week. From the annual Santa Speedo Run to Whiskey tastings, holiday shows and plenty more, check out our weekly events listing below.
Monday, Dec. 7
Ice Skating in Atlanta
Through Jan. 10. Monday hours are 4:30-10 p.m. at Centennial Olympic Park. Not only is spending an evening at an ice rink a romantic date idea, but it's fun for family and friends, too. Tickets are only $12 per person for a 90-minute session and include skate rental. Event details at centennialpark.com
Noche de Velas celebration
5 p.m. at Aurora Theatre. Celebrate one of Colombia's most observed traditional holidays, Little Candles' Day or Candles Night. This day marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season in Colombia and is observed by lighting candles and lamps to illuminate the streets. Bring your family and friends along to enjoy an evening of food and fun with Aurora Theatre's Hispanic community. Admission is free. Event details at auroratheatre.com
'Twas the Night Before Christmas Holiday Play Class
6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Theatre. For only $5, you can enjoy this production of the timeless holiday classic put on by hardworking Atlanta-area elementary and high school students. Event details at auroratheatre.com
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Burger and Pint Night
Tuesday evenings at BOCADO Burger and BOCADO. Both restaurants offer a special Burger & Pint Night every Tuesday. Bring a date or some friends and enjoy a burger and pint for $13.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
5-10 p.m. at Atlanta Botanical Garden and repeats daily. Check out this annual electrical extravaganza and the year's new features including the massive Tunnel of Light and of course, yearly favorites like the Orchestral Orbs, Radiant Rainforest, Glittering Galaxy and more. Event details at atlantabg.org
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer comes to town
10 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. at Center for Puppetry Arts. Get in the holiday spirit for this year's adapted play based on the timeless animated television special. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is recommended for ages 4 and up and will be performed in the Mainstage Theater. Event details at events.accessatlanta.com
Sounds of the Season
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Mall at Peachtree Center's food court. Enjoy a festive afternoon of live music and food from Peachtree Center's restaurants including Aviva by Kameel, Panbury's Pie Cafe and more. Event is free to the public.
Fantasy in Lights 2015
Through Jan. 2, 2016, at Callaway Gardens. Enjoy this spectacular light and sound show with some friends, family or a date and enjoy what National Geographic Traveler calls one of the world's "Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights." While you're at it, stop by Christmas Village for some holiday shopping and take a photo with Santa. For ticket and event details, go to callawaygardens.com
Vienna Boys' Choir
7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Symphony Hall. One of the world's best known boys' choirs is headed to Atlanta all the way from Vienna, Austria. Enjoy an evening of beautiful, classical music featuring works from composers like Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Handel and more. Tickets start at $15. Event details at events.accessatlanta.com
Thursday, Dec. 10
Peachtree Center Holiday Green Market
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Mall at Peachtree Center's food court. Get your holiday shopping done this Thursday at the one-day-only seasonal Green Market featuring local vendors. Shop for gifts and goods including produce, baked goods, jellies, crafts and more. Event is free to the public.
Santa Ride
5 p.m. at Atkins Park. Grab your bikes and don your holiday costumes for a bike ride all around the city. Though there's no official fee, a minimum donation of $25 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society is much appreciated. The ride is less than ten miles and there will be a costume contest towards the end. Event details on facebook.com
Holiday Lights of Hope begins
Opens 6 p.m. every night through Dec. 22 at Hobgood Park. Don't miss this Woodstock hometown Christmas tradition. Walk through a scene of over 1,000,000 LED holiday lights, a 30-foot-tall Christmas Light Tree, 17-foot-tall reindeer and 15-foot-tall snowmen family. The event also features a Santa village, children's area, vendors, concessions, live music and more. The celebration benefits the Anna Crawford Children's Center. Tickets are $10 for ages 15 and up and free for ages 14 and under. Event details at holidaylightsofhope.com
Bourbon Thursdays
Thursdays at Sweet Auburn Barbecue. There's nothing wrong with an early start to the weekend. Enjoy a bourbon-focused $6 cocktail menu crafted by beverage director Blake Carter.
Friday, Dec. 11
Atlanta Ballet's 'Nutcracker' kicks off
7:30 p.m. at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Through Dec. 27th. Enjoy an enchanting evening with the return of Atlanta Ballet's "Nutcracker," a magical adventure that makes for a perfect date night. Run time is approximately two hours. Tickets start at $17 for students and $22 for adults. Event details at foxtheatre.org | More 'Nutracker' performances in Atlanta
A Christmas Movie with Dad's Garage
10:30 p.m. at 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points. This adult holiday show is perfect for a night out with some buds or a date night with someone who's got a sense of humor. Enjoy an evening of improv comedy as zombies eat at your head, Donald Trump's hair attacks you and more strange things happen to get you in the crazy holiday spirit. Tickets are $15 online, $17 at the door or over the phone. VIP seats are also available for $20 online and $22 over the phone. Event details at dadsgarage.com | More adults-only holiday shows
Libby's at the Express: Ho, Ho Home for the Holidays and A Connie Sue Day Christmas kicks off
7:30 p.m. through Dec. 20 at Actor's Express Theatre. This adults-only show features the legendary Libby Whittemore in her seventh season of Libby's at the Express' annual holiday show. Don't miss out on this Atlanta tradition. Tickets are $40. Event details at actors-express.com | More adults-only holiday shows
Carols and Cocoa
Friday and Saturday, varying times starting at 4:30 p.m. through 9:10 p.m. Send your loved one a little holiday cheer with Aurora Christmas carolers. For $45, carolers will go to the recipient's door, sing a few songs and give them their own custom cocoa gift set. Order online here.
Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales
Through Saturday. Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Dreams really do come true in the world of Disney and you get to experience it live in this show featuring the fairtytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs — hosted by Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. Tickets start at $15. Event and ticket details at disneylive.com
Saturday, Dec. 12
Tinsel & Twine
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Westside Provisions District. Get in the holiday spirit with carolers, falling show, tree stands, complimentary hot cocoa and treats from West Egg Cafe, JCT Kitchen & Bar, Cooks & Soldiers and more. Complimentary printed photos with Santa will also be available. Event details at facebook.com
Holiday Pop-Up 2015
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Stove Works. Shop local at Root City Market's biggest market of the year featuring over 45 local makers, food, live music and tons of fun. Enter the $500 makers giveaway and be sure to swing by early to be one of the first 50 to win swag bags. Tickets are $5. Event details at facebook.com
Holiday Handmade Market
12 - 6 p.m. at Wild Heaven. Great beer, great friends, Santa and food trucks galore. Enjoy a festive Saturday at Wild Heaven for a holiday experience you don't want to miss. The event, a collaboration between Wild Heaven Craft Beers, Little Tree Art Studios and Garage Door Studios, features local artists selling handmade goods (think: jewelry, body scrubs, cookware and treats.) Event details at wildheavencraftbeers.com
Atlanta Santa Speedo Run
2 p.m. at Manuel's Tavern. The 7th annual event is made up of a 1.5 mile fun run to raise money for BlazeSports, which helps those with physical disabilities live full lives through sports and recreation. There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee for participants and individual commitment to raise at least $250 in donations. Event details at atlantasantaspeedrun.org | Take a look at photos from last year's Santa Speedo Run.
Rare American Whiskey Tasting
12 - 2 p.m. at Holeman and Finch. Join whiskey specialist Casey Teague for an afternoon of whiskey knowledge. You and your fellow guest will walk through ten rare American whiskeys including some of the most limited bourbons to ever be released, the John Fitzgerald 20 yr and more. Seating is limited and tickets are going quick. $200 per person. Reserve your seat here. Event details at holeman-finch.com
Sunday, Dec. 13
Pictures with Santa at Piedmont Park
12 - 4 p.m. at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. Grab the beau, kids or your friends for a professional photo session with Santa Claus this Sunday. Imagine a memorable session directed by local photographer John Becker and go home with downloadable images featuring the Midtown Atlanta skyline as the background. Each session is $30 and all funds support Piedmont Park Conservancy. Event details at piedmontpark.org
Ramen Crush ATL
5 p.m. at Miller Union. The ramen pop-up series is back in December with chefs Andy Tran and Daniel Crawford of Ramen Crush ATL. Foodies can enjoy a selection of starters and vegetarian and meat ramen featuring house-made broths and fresh ingredients. The event will continue until the ramen is sold out. Event details at facebook.com
