Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: 4 ways to have the best weekend in DeKalb

Start celebrating the holidays with beauty and grace by attending the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the Glenn Auditorium this Friday. With a candelit service, readings from scripture and choral music, it's sure to set the mood for a beautiful holiday season.

Decatur Holiday Marketplace and Cafe. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3. Free. Clairemont Elementary School. 155 Erie Ave., Decatur. 404-370-4450. www.decaturholidaymarketplace.com.

If you still have a little holiday shopping to do, stop by the Decatur Holiday Marketplace and Cafe taking place inside of Clairemont Elementary School this weekend. Not only will you enjoy an array of delicious cafe foods, but you're sure to find gifts for those hard-to-shop-for relatives with over 100 artists and craftsmen on site.

12 events in Atlanta to add to the family wish list this December

Annual Lake Avondale Tree Lighting. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Free. Lake Avondale. 59 Lakeshore Drive, Avondale Estates. 404-294-5400. www.avondaleestates.org.

Join the residents of Avondale Estates for their annual tree lighting celebration happening on Lake Avondale. Come see the famous floating tree, designed by resident Thomas P. Samford, light the night.

Jingle Mingle Mile. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Free. Rail Arts District, Avondale Estates. 404-294-5400. www.avondaleestates.org.

The Rail Arts District will host the Jingle Mingle Mile this Saturday, which will include five holiday market, fun holiday activities for the family, delicious food and crafts beer. You might even get a chance to see Santa while you're there.

Snow Mountain returns to Stone Mountain Park