Christmas events are in full swing this weekend in Atlanta, where you can watch holiday-themed movies, join in on singing your favorite songs, take a photo with Santa and even go on a snow tubing ride. Bring the family along to create memories and start a holiday tradition.
Check out the following 16 things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:
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Cobb
Christmas at Piedmont Church Arts & Crafts Show. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Free parking and admission. Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta. 770-423-1330. https://piedmontchurch.tv/.
Unique arts and crafts items as well as festival food will be for sale, and you’ll also be able to enjoy lots of free entertainment including photos with Santa, snow tube rides on Friday and a petting zoo on Saturday.
All Aboard for Fun. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec.14. Adults $10, seniors 65 and up $8, children 3-17 $5. Southern Museum, 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. southermuseum.org.
Kids can wear their favorite pajamas or winter clothing to watch “The Polar Express” at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. A special winter-themed train layout will be set up, and the gift shop will have new items.
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Have Yourself a Merry-Etta Christmas. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. VIP $30, Adult $20-$25, Senior 55 and up $16-$20, Student $8-$10 and pre-school 6 and under $0.01. Marietta Performing Arts Center, 1171 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 470-349-0550 for tickets and for additional discounts for veterans, active military, first responders, Cobb senior centers and students/staff/faculty of Marietta City Schools. bigchickenchorus.org.
The Big Chicken Chorus will present its annual show featuring characters from favorite Christmas movies and TV specials.
Sleighbells on the Square. 9 a.m. 5K, 9:45 a.m. Tot Trot and 10 a.m. 1K. Saturday, Dec. 14. $30 in advance, $35 on race day. Glover Park on the Historic Marietta Square, 39-75 E. Park Square, Marietta. active.com.
In addition to the races, Sleighbells on the Square includes appearances by costumed characters, face-painting for kids and jingle bells for runners’ shoes. Wear your holiday attire to join in the fun, which includes a free movie for the kids at The Strand Theatre.
DeKalb
Avondale Estates Christmas Tour of Homes. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $15 in advance, $20 on day of tour. Avondale Community Club, 59 Lakeshore Drive, Avondale Estates. http://www.avondaletourofhomes.com/.
Catch the trolley or bus to go on a two-hour tour, starting with an English cottage-style home built in 1926.
Christmas on Medlock. 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Free, with donations accepted and shared with local non-profits. North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock Road, Decatur. https://www.atlantaphilharmonic.org/.
Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra and The Choirs of North Decatur Presbyterian Church will put you in the holiday spirit with music and a reception with snacks will also be held. Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early.
Holiday on Main Street. 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Free admission. 2316 Main St., Tucker. 404-556-7666. facebook.com.
The annual Holiday on Main Street features Santa, a Menorah and tree lighting, holiday music, craft and food vendors, bounce houses and the Tucker Farmer’s Market.
Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $35, with discounts available by phone and at the box office for students, faculty/staff, seniors and alumni. Emerson Concert Hall, Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 North Decatur Road, Atlanta. 404-727-5050. arts.emory.edu.
Join in and sing the songs of the Christmas season together with the chorale, including “Joy to the World.”
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North Fulton
Christmas Family Movie Night. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Free. North Point Community Church, 4350 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. 678-892-5000. northpoint.org.
Wear your pajamas, bring a pillow and blanket, and watch Christmas movies with your family. Popcorn will be provided, and you should RSVP online.
Enchanted Woodland Wonders. 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Free with general admission of $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and up, $6 for kids 3-12, children 2 and under and Chattahoochee Nature Center members admitted free. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. chattnaturecenter.org.
Meet live reindeer until 5 p.m., play reindeer games, enjoy winter crafts, face painting and s’mores and hot cocoa by the campfire.
The Santa Fun Run 5K. 7:45 a.m. packet pickup start, 9 a.m. race start. Saturday, Dec. 14. $25. Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. active.com.
This 5K is a fundraiser for Variety, which raises money for sick, disadvantaged and special needs children.
"Holiday Inn." Various times Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15. Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. cityspringstheatre.com.
Based on the classic film starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, this musical features songs such as “White Christmas.”
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Gwinnett
Bellpoint Gem Show. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, Saturday, Dec. 14 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Adults $5, kids under 15 free. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. bellpointpromotions.com.
Buy jewelry, gems, fossils, minerals, crystals, geodes and more for yourself or for a holiday gift.
"The Nutcracker." 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. $24-$35. Infinite Energy Theater, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464. gwinnettballet.org.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” which has become a holiday tradition for many.
"A Christmas Carol." 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. $40. Aurora Theatre, 128 W. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. auroratheatre.com.
Anthony Rodriguez stars in a one-man adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in which he portrays all the iconic characters.
Santa in the Garden. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Free. Discovery Garden Park, 219 Lawrenceville St. NW, Norcross. norcrossga.net.
Join Santa for toasting marshmallows and drinking hot cocoa around the fire pit.
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