Whether you want to usher in Christmas with lights or a wonderful performance of a “Christmas Carol,” there are plenty of festive ways to celebrate this special time of year. Here are some ideas for Christmas Eve and Christmas 2018:
‘A Christmas Carol’ at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Christmas Eve
David de Vries returns in the role of miser Ebenezer Scrooge, following in the footsteps of such local actors as Tom Key and Chris Kayser in a superb, heartwarming performance. With a gorgeous stage, and wonderful singing, this holiday classic takes the stage at 2:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve for a final performance. $14-$115. Alliance Theatre at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org.
Medieval Times’ Atlanta Castle in Lawrenceville on Christmas Eve
Travel back in time and experience a medieval Christmas in Medieval Times' seasonally-decorated Atlanta Castle, with 15-feet-tall Christmas trees in every corner and wreaths hung along the walls. This Christmas Eve, Medieval Times Atlanta will continue its tradition of story time by the fireplace. Children are welcome to come in their pajamas, sit around the fire and snack on cookies and hot chocolate during a bedtime story after the show at 7:30 p.m., just in time to fall asleep cozy and ready for Santa. 5 p.m. show followed by bedtime story. $36.95-$56.95. 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy Suite 517, Lawrenceville, MedievalTimes.com
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights for both Christmas Eve and Christmas
Take a festive stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden's Garden Lights, Holiday Nights which wows visitors this year with new displays and a twist on last year's towering three-dimensional light curtain. This year's display includes new music, choreography and sound effects with more than 70,000 color-changing LED bulbs creating images of the Northern Lights, a storm at sea and a gentle snowfall. For the first time, the show will extend to the new Skyline Garden, where the Flower Walk will be immersed in an all-white light tunnel. Robinson Gazebo, with its views of the Midtown skyline, will be transformed into a mod Skylights Lounge offering comfy seating, cash bars and a DJ. 5-11 p.m. nightly including Monday, Christmas Eve and Tuesday, Christmas. through Jan. 6. $14.95-$39.95. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE., Atlanta; 404-876-5859. atlantabg.org
Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier
Transport yourself into a laid-back, tropical state of mind as you wind your way through seven miles of traditional – yet unique – holiday lights. Classic favorites like the "12 Days of Christmas" display will make their return this year along with 19 new lights displays, including an "It's 5 o' Clock Somewhere" clock and a Christmas tree made entirely of surfboards.Magical Nights of Lights is open every day from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. including Christmas Eve and Christmas through Jan. 6. $43 per vehicle (shuttle buses or other buses are more). Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 678-304-3120, lanierislands.com/margaritaville
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge Christmas Day Brunch
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge makes it easy for families to sample piles of delicious food during the holidays with a Christmas Day Lunch Buffet packed with holiday favorites on Christmas from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Recently renovated, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa on the terrace overlooking the North Georgia mountains. Take a winter-time walk along the trails. Call 706-344-1521 to reserve a table. $26.95 per person. 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville. amicalolafallslodge.com
MORE: An Atlanta drinker's guide to the holidays: Where and what to drink
For other entertainment ideas, go to our weekly podcast about the arts and entertainment, accessAtlanta. You can download it from iTunes, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts.
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