As the new year begins, DeKalb County residents can find plenty of activities worth marking down on the calendar. Check out these January events, which can make for an easy, inexpensive and fun-filled weekend or outing.
Avondale Estates
Kagami Biraki Celebration | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 9
Free
Aikido Center of Atlanta, 116 Center St., Avondale Estates, Ga. 30002
404-297-7804
Aikido instructors and their students from across the state will descend on the Aikido Center of Atlanta to celebrate the Japanese New Year with martial arts displays and practice matches.
Chamblee
Bring One for the Chipper | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 2.
Free.
Public Works facility, 3210 Cumberland Drive, Chamblee, Ga. 30341
www.chambleega.com
Recycle your Christmas tree and enjoy holiday refreshments at the Public Works facility. Each person who brings a tree will receive a free tree seedling, as well as seeds for spring vegetables and flowers.
Clarkston
Atlanta Chinese Dance Co. | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 30
Free
Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, Ga. 30021
404-508-7175
Spend the morning at the library and watch the Atlanta Chinese Dance Co. perform costumed traditional dances in honor of the Chinese New Year.
DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents "Around the World in 60 Minutes" | 3 p.m. Jan. 24
$5
Georgia Perimeter College, Clarkston campus gymnasium, 555 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, Ga. 30021
www.dekalbsymphony.org
The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents an hour of music from around the globe as part of its annual children's concert. The performance will include musical and dance acts.
Decatur
Kevin Hazzard | 7:15 p.m. Jan. 13
Free
Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, Ga. 30030
404-370-3070
A former paramedic shares passages from his new book, "A Thousand Naked Strangers." The book is based on Kevin Hazzard's experiences responding to tragedy and emergencies in Atlanta.
Doraville
Short Story Discussion Group | 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan. 8
Free
Doraville Library, 3748 Central Ave., Doraville, Ga. 30340
770-936-3852
Discuss Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence" during this month's discussion group meeting at the Doraville Library, which will procure additional copies of the book for interested participants.
The DaVinci Machines Exhibition | 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Jan. 4-20
$18.95
Perimeter Pointe, 1155 Mount Vernon Highway NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30338
www.discoverdavinci.com
This exhibit features original works from Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo on loan from Florence, Italy. The exhibit also showcases 60 precise, hand-crafted models of da Vinci's famous inventions.
Dunwoody
Caffeine & Octane | 8-11 a.m. Jan. 3
Free
Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30346
www.caffeineandoctane.com
This car show, which has been running for 10 years, features high-performance, classic vehicles and often showcases rare makes and models. The mix of cars on display changes monthly.
Lithonia
Indoor Basic Archery | 10 a.m.-noon. Jan. 2
$12
Panola Mountain State Park Nature Center, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, Ga. 30281
770-389-7801
Take the first step toward honing your skills as a marksman by learning some basic archery skills. A certified instructor will guide participants, and equipment will be provided.
Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Christmas | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 1-3
Ticket prices vary
Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Ga. 30083
www.stonemountainpark.com
Get in some last-minute Christmas cheer during the last few days of Stone Mountain Park's annual holiday celebration. Families can see "Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 4-D," watch live performances of seasonal favorites and ride the Sing-a-long Train.
