For a festive December, check out these events in North Fulton.
Alpharetta
Avalon On Ice. Hours vary by day, Dec. 1 - 31. $12 - $18, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta, 770-765-2000, www.experienceavalon.com.
Lace up a pair of skates and glide on ice at Avalon's Rockefeller-inspired skating rink.
Alpharetta Christmas Farmers Market. 9:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 5, free, Old Canton Street in downtown Alpharetta, 678-297-6133, awesomealpharetta.com. This year's holiday-themed Downtown Alpharetta Farmers Market.
Johns Creek
Yacht Rock Schooner, Smooth Sounds of the 70'S. 10 p.m., Dec. 18. $10. 37 Main, 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Johns Creek, 678-580-2329, 37main.com.
The 8-man Schooner specializes in the smooth sounds of the late 70s and early 80s. It's a party that spans generations, and the band consists of some of Atlanta's top players with a dual keyboard setup, multiple ace vocalists and a sax man. If you're a big fan of Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, and Michael McDonald, this is the band for you.
Roswell
Works in Clay Ceramics Show and Sale. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 3, free, Roswell Art Center West, 1355 Woodstock Road, Roswell, 770-641-3990, www.roswellclaycollective.com.
This reception opens the holiday sale of handmade ceramic artworks made by Roswell's Clay Collective. Functional, sculptural, and whimsical forms offer light fare, smart gift ideas, and serious collectibles.
Twisted Tinsel. 11 a.m., Dec. 5, house tours: $5, activities are free, 678-640-3855, www.bullochhall.org.
The second annual Twisted Tinsel Holiday Spectacular is hosted by all three homes in the Southern Trilogy -- Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall, and the Smith plantation. Ride the trolley between each antebellum mansion, which will be decorated for the holiday season. Each home will have holiday games, Twisted entertainment, and more activities.
Heirloom Holiday Dinner: The Roaring '20s. 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Dec. 5, $75/person, 27 Oak St., Roswell, 770-992-1665, www.roswellhistoricalsociety.org.
The Roswell Historical Society hosts dinner and dancing for a Roaring Twenties Gala at Muse & Co. Fine Arts in the SOCA Village. Celebrate all the glitz, all the jazz, and none of the prohibition while helping to raise funds for the society's work in preservation and education. Dress is Roaring '20s or traditional.
Winter Puppet Series. Showtimes vary, Dec. 16 - 21, $5, 950 Forrest St., Roswell, 770-594-6232, www.roswellpuppets.com.
The Roswell Cultural Arts Center hosts its first ever Winter Puppet Series, featuring two local puppeteers and their puppets.
m-pact. 8 p.m., Dec. 19, $35, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell, 770-594-6232, www.roswellcac.com.
As seen in the PBS "Christmas from LA" special, the warmth and elegance of m-pact's a capella show pairs perfectly with an evening of holiday favorites. The group performs selections from their award-winning Christmas album, "The Carol Commission."
Sandy Springs
Holiday DivaPalooza to Benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. 6 p.m., Dec. 6, $12 - $15, Steve's Live Music, 234 Hilderbrand Drive, Sandy Springs, 404-418-6777, www.steveslivemusic.com.
An eclectic mix of songs, including a few holiday favorites will be served up by fabulous female singers. Teresa Lynne, Hannah Zale Chelsea Shag, Jeni Michelson, Teresa Kay Williams, Kristen Justice Petro, Pam Cushenan, and Melissa Gordon Rhine. Make it a great holiday kickoff while helping those less fortunate.
