15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend
Looking for some family-friendly fun this weekend in metro Atlanta? Several winter festivals, including ones in Avondale Estates and Marietta, will be happening. And if you or your kids are praying for snow, they will be able to romp in the machine-made kind at Alpharetta’s Snow Day.
Check out the following 15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:
Virginia-Highland Winterfest and Tour of Homes
The historic neighborhood hosts a 5K Jingle Jog, holiday parade, a Kids Corner, gift market and Tour of Homes.
Saturday and Sunday. 5K $25 and up. Tour of Homes $35 and up. Virginia-Highland neighborhood, Atlanta.
This heartwarming musical, based on Leo Lionni’s Caldecott Honor book, tells the story of Frederick the field mouse, who reminds everyone that more than one kind of gift is worth sharing. An instrument “petting zoo” will be available between shows from 3-3:50 p.m. Saturday and 4-4:50 p.m. Sunday.
Continuing 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, plus additional dates. $10-$45. Synchronicity Theatre in Peachtree Pointe, 1545 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-484-8636.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra — along with the ASO Chorus and its director, Norman McKenzie, the Morehouse College Glee Club and Atlanta Young Singers — performs carols and hymns.
Continuing 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. $53.95 and up. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4800.
Enjoy a day of festive activities with musical performances, such as fiddle tunes by Doug Carson, handbells from Smyrna First United Methodist Church and Victorian carolers from “Like the Dickens.” Candle dipping, card making, wreath-making demonstrations, Civil War soldier stories, a children’s craft and festive train layouts also will be offered, and Santa will be on-site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Included with regular admission of $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children. Board the Caboose Experience for $5. Southern Museum, 2829 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw. 770-427-2117.
This holiday revue returns to the Strand with costumed singers and dancers performing Christmas favorites.
8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. $41.20-$54.64. Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080.
The Sewell Mill Library in Marietta will host a day with art vendors, photos with “Parker Claus” (Cobb County Parks’ mascot), family-friendly crafts, a sensory craft room, story time sessions, workshops in glass blowing and ceramic painting, a family scavenger hunt and holiday music and theater performances.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Free. Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-509-4989.
Brookhaven opens its first winter wonderland-inspired market with art, handmade goods and curated vintage finds.
Continuing 5-9 p.m. Friday plus Dec. 19. 804 Town Blvd. NE, Suite 1070, Brookhaven. 678-879-4620.
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s annual celebration of the holidays and art concludes this weekend with events including a free screening of “Home Alone” inside the mansion (6-8 p.m. Friday) and a family-friendly performance of “A Christmas Carol?” — a fast-paced story with just two actors (4 p.m. Saturday, $20).
Continuing Thursday-Sunday. Free admission with charges for workshops and some other experiences. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338.
Head to downtown Avondale Estates as businesses host performances, holiday crafts, photos with festive characters, artist markets and demonstrations and special activities and surprises.
11 a.m. Saturday. Participating businesses in downtown Avondale Estates.
A 1-mile fun run will be followed by a buffet and mini “Nutcracker” performance. Participants are welcome to dress in festive attire such as pj’s and jog before heading inside for the food and entertainment.
8:30 a.m. Jingle Jog registration, 9 a.m.; jog, 10 a.m.-noon; brunch and mini “Nutcracker” performance, Sunday. Jingle Jog $25 adults or children; “Nutcracker” brunch $45 adults, $30 children; both events $55 adults, $45 children. The Hotel at Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000.
Play in a winter scene created by snow machines, view holiday music performers, design a custom-pressed beanie and more.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Free. Town Green, 40 S. Main St., Alpharetta.
Tony Award winner Baayork Lee directs this musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, which was written by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, plus additional dates. $70 and up. Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 404-477-4365.
Participate in a chocolate-tasting session and then create your own half-pound chocolate bar by choosing your preferred type of chocolate and adding toppings. While your bar sets, you’ll design and color a custom wrapper and take your wrapped bar home to enjoy or to give as a gift. The event is designed for ages 5 and up, so families are welcome.
6-8 p.m. Saturday. $30 per person making chocolate. Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory and Cafe, 1575 Old Alabama Road, Suite 205, Roswell. 678-728-0100.
“Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Norcross Christmas Show”
The holiday classic has been transformed into a fun, family-friendly theatrical experience that works new details into a music-filled show.
Continuing 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, plus additional dates. $16-$18. Lionheart Theatre Co., 10 College St. NW, Norcross. 404-919-4022.
The Suwanee Ballet performs popular scenes from the classic holiday ballet, with the dramatic Mother Ginger and her charming children added this season.
2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. $20. The Eagle Theatre, 5029 W. Broad St. NE, Sugar Hill. 678-482-6333.
