december 2014

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In Search of Snow

9places around town to find the White Stuff

The bestHOLIDAY EVENTS

Toysfor all good girls and boys

2015

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4 Atlanta Parent December 2014 atlantaparent.com

December 2014 Atlanta Parent 5 atlantaparent.com

26 In Search of a Superhero With Marvel Universe LIVE! arriving on Dec. 20, help your child find his inner superhero with crafts, a DIY cape, Hot Wheels hero cars and more.

30 Seven Smart Moves for New Parents Before your infant takes his first steps, take some of your own – set up a savings account, lay claim to a URL in his name, start a college fund and more (and thank us later).

34 Journals – Fun and Educational Keeping a journal improves writing skills, but it also lets kids explore their emotions, record important events and even break grammar rules.

InsideDecemberFeatures Departments

8 Publisher’s Note

10 News You Can Use

66 Happy Family New Year

Family Fun Guide41 Not-to-Miss Events

42 Eating Out: Shake Shack

43 Last Chance Exhibits

46 Tech City at Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

47 American Sabor at Atlanta History Center

48 Fox Theatre: Take a Tour

49 Find a Tree, Make a Memory

50 December Calendar

51 New Year’s Eve Events

55 Holiday Calendar

31YEARS OF

ATLANTA PARENTVol. 31/ Number 12

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/AtlantaParentMagazine

16 Our Top ToysWe’ve made our list and checked it twice to come up with the best selections for Atlanta Parent’s annual Toy Guide. Find great gifts for infants to ’tweens, tested by kids and their parents.

44 Snow! Snow! Snow! There is plenty of snow this year – the man made stuff – for tubing, snowmen and snow angels. Find places to play in the snow this month.


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Publisher’s Note

Let it Snow – We Love it in Atlanta

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Snow is on lots of people’s minds in December, as in: “Do you think we’ll have a white Christmas this year?” It’s not a question always asked in Atlanta.

Even with the recent cold snap in November, the realists know the odds are not in our favor in our temperate city – we did have snow flurries on Christmas Day a few years ago, but nobody worried about it sticking. And typically, if we get snow, it’s a January or February event.

I remember two real snows in Atlanta when I was growing up, neither of them in December. Once, we arrived home after visiting relatives in Ohio to find our car in an uncovered parking lot with snow up to the bumper. Another time, Mom and I went sledding on cardboard boxes in Piedmont Park.

This December, though, you will find plenty of snow – enough for snow tubing, snowman building or snow angels – if you look in the right places. Man-made snow, and all the fun that comes with it, will be abundant at several locations, from Stone Mountain and Lake Lanier to Atlantic Station. This month’s issue lets you know where to go and what to do (see Page 44).

Sledding with Mom is a fond memory, but I have a confession: I don’t really like cold weather that much. I saw plenty of snow when I attended the University of Dayton for four years. My freshly-washed damp hair would freeze in Ohio winters as I walked to class. Once I tried to drive in the snow and got stuck – definitely not a fond memory.

Still, snow is beautiful when it’s falling, as long as it doesn’t keep falling and falling two feet high. We took our kids to see snow fall at Atlantic Station last year and it was magical for us all. And because it was Atlanta, the temperature outside wasn’t too cold to enjoy it. We’ll probably do another “snow” adventure this year, too.

My family loves the holidays and I can’t wait to put up decorations and lights and trim the tree, but you won’t find me dreaming of a white Christmas. I’m happy to be in a mostly no-snow zone, with my unfrozen hair intact.

Associate Publisher


ItFiguresby Cynthia Washam

Winter Wonders1

Rank of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” among the

Hollywood Reporter’s most popular radio Christmas songs

1816year E.T.A. Hoffman wrote the

short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” which inspired the

quintessential Christmas ballet

1Rank of the holiday classic The Polar

Express among children’s picture books

64Percent of children who named chocolate

chip as their favorite cookie

8Percent who named oatmeal

90Percent of adults who say

they take a break from counting calories during the holiday season

2,200Number of calories in a typical

overindulgent adult Christmas dinner

$2.6 million Cost of the Neiman Marcus fantasy gift

catalog’s most expensive holiday present, a 201-inch outdoor TV system

1952 Year the late Londoner Jack Odell created

the first Matchbox toy car to break his daughter’s habit of bringing spiders to

school in a matchbox

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, The Christian Science Monitor, Publishers Weekly, Factmonster.com, Phillymag.com, New York, MedicineNet.com, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Theplaymania.com.


A Better Chance to Graduate

Georgia is doing a better job of making sure kids attend school – one of the indicators of how well kids will do

academically and whether they graduate.

180,995 Number of kids who missed 15 or more

days or school in 2010

157,850 Number of kids who missed 15 or more

days of school in 2012

Source: Georgia Department of Education

News You Can Use by Amanda Miller Allen

When Kids Are Sick MedZed Can HelpHouse calls for sick children –

once the norm in grandmother’s generation – are back. MedZed now offers at-home pediatric care for children ages 2-17 throughout metro Atlanta.

This telemedicine service uses secure live-streaming video and a pediatric nurse in your home to allow board-certified pediatricians to evaluate, diagnose and treat symptoms. Nurses will see your child 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday and 3-8 p.m. Sunday.

The home visit fee is $150, and a nurse will see another child for an additional $100. The fee is paid by credit card. When you file insurance, you may be reimbursed for all or part of the fee. Visit mymedzed.com or call 404-382-8859.

Parents Admit To Sloppy ChildcareParents aren’t always as careful as they should be in providing a safe

environment for visiting children or kids hitching a ride to or from school or an event. A survey of more than 1,000 parents by Liberty Mutual Insurance found that 79 percent of parents admit to distracted driving such as talking on a cell phone, eating or drinking, and 20 percent say they don’t have proper car seats for all the kids in the car. As for hazards in their homes, 57 percent of parents say poisonous chemicals and prescription medication aren’t out of reach and 50 percent say a pool or hot tub is not secured. About a third said they didn’t know about any allergies of the children visiting their home.

Buy It Online, Ship It FreeMore than 500

retailers have signed up for the seventh annual Free Shipping Day on Dec. 18.

Purchases made that day at online stores such as REI, Harry & David, J. Crew, Belk and The Limited will be shipped for free, for delivery by Christmas Eve. Gift buyers don’t have to meet a minimum order to qualify for the free shipping, and some of the items themselves will be discounted. In each of the past two years, Free Shipping Day generated more than $1 billion in sales. For more information, visit freeshippingday.com.

Toyboxtools.comHasbro and The Autism Project joined

together to create ToyBox Tools, a free educational resource to help children with developmental disabilities experience the joy of play. These tools help parents to select the right toys for all ability levels and make the most of playtime with three levels: basic play, expanded play and social play.


The Spirit of Giving

The holidays are the perfect time to help those less fortunate while teaching your kids to be good citizens. Find volunteer opportunities with PebbleTossers, an organization that matches families based on their interests, at pebbletossers.org.

Here are some other ideas to get your family in the spirit of giving:Charities: Part of the Ronald McDonald House is transformed into Santa’s Workshop allowing families to actually place their donated items in the North Pole themed room. while seeing the families who are staying in the House. Donations can be delivered Dec. 8-19. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-9.p.m. and by appointments on Sat. and Sun. at the Gatewood Ronald McDonald House. Contact Caroline Mealor, [email protected] or 678-704-8098 for a wish list and more information.

Community Assistance Center (CAC): Volunteer to work at the food pantry, donate winter clothing or Adopt-a-Family for the holidays. Visit ourcac.org/adoptafamily and read all about families that you can adopt for Christmas through Dec. 12. Donations of gently used winter clothing and food for the pantry can be delivered to the CAC Dec.1-22. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit ourcac.org.

Clark’s 24th Annual Christmas Kids: WSB’s consumer talk show host Clark Howard will be collecting toys for children in need at Walmart stores throughout the Atlanta area. For locations and more information, visit wsbradio.com.

Salvation Army Angel Tree: Help make the holidays special for children by volunteering at local malls and helping shoppers adopt and find gifts for angels in need. For more information, visit salvationarmyatlanta.org.

Toys for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: Cheer up a sick child with a toy donation to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Gifts are accepted Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m. until Dec. 19 at the information desk in the main lobbies of Egleston, Hughes Spalding and Scottish Rite hospitals. If you complete a donation card, the child will send a thank you note for the gift. Find a list of suggested gifts and more information at choa.org.

– Hayley Markowitz


Have a Haiku HolidayKeep it Simple for a Holiday You’ll Remember

by Heidi Smith Luedtke

Holidays give us permission to overdo everything, from food to gifts to social commitments. But all that extra stuff can drain your energy and your bank account.

In The Power of Less, author Leo Babauta, known for his popular Zen Habits blog, encourages us to find abundance by setting limits. Japanese poems called haiku – which are written in a strict form with three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables each – teach an important lesson. A haiku poet must choose to express the essential and eliminate everything else. In these poetic gems, there are no distracting diversions or wasted words. Simplicity shines.

Use the lessons of haiku to streamline your holiday celebration this year. Start by choosing three essential values you want to honor. Mine are togetherness, gratitude and whimsy. Once your focus is clear, set limits to ensure you fulfill those values. Then eliminate everything extra. Use these haiku-inspired ideas to get started.

l Give fewer gifts. Buying a bunch of small gifts for each recipient gives you an instant sense of abundance, until you start wrapping. Buy one special gift for each person then stop shopping. You’ll wrap things up faster and spend less money because you can easily price-shop for single items. Add-on gifts are often just impulse buys. l Choose green decorations. Prune holly, pine or magnolia branches from overgrown trees in your yard or pick up pinecones on a wintery walk in the woods. Display them in large glass vases or wire them together to make a garland. At the end of the season, put green décor in the yard-waste recycling bin. l Cook less. Make one stunning main dish and invite guests to bring sides, instead of preparing the whole meal yourself. No one will notice the menu isn’t carefully coordinated and every family in attendance is guaranteed to have one favorite food on the buffet. l Spend money on time. Rather than buying tech gadgets that allow your kids to avoid eye contact with humans for hours at a time, invest your holiday funds in tickets to a play, sporting event or vacation destination. You’ll enjoy hanging out together and treasure the happy memories you take home at the end. l Re-Gift. Instead of hosting another $20 secret-Santa exchange, ask guests to bring a household item they no longer want. You may not get a gift card to Starbucks this way, but you’ll all laugh like mad when Aunt Virginia opens a pair of boxer shorts with kissy lips all over them.


Say It with HaikuInstead of sending the same old family newsletter, send a holiday haiku edition. Even young children have fun choosing which words fit into the 5-7-5 syllable structure. Creative energies expand when we delight in the power of simplicity. Snowflake on my noseHot cocoa with marshmallowsChoose the biggest tree Presents wrapped with bowsCandles sparkle all aglowStill and silent night Laughing togetherTickle monster chases meOur hearts are happy Too many sweet treatsAsk Santa for bigger pantsOr new running shoes

l Donate your discards. Clear out your closets before they’re stuffed with holiday gifts. Thrift shops and shelters can pass on old clothes and unwanted housewares to needy families in your area. Many organizations offer curbside pickup. Doing good doesn’t get any easier. l Color your world. Repaint old decorations in a single hue. Updated color brings new life to old ornaments and a monochromatic scheme is both soothing and sophisticated. Make sure to use water-based paint if kids or pets might eat ornaments off the tree. Krylon H2O Latex is family friendly and not too smelly.

l Use the good china. Paper plates and napkins make cleanup easier, but they waste money and fill up your trash bin fast. You’ll feel more civilized – and more environmentally conscious – when you ditch the disposables. Relive fond memories by setting your table with heirloom china and Grandma’s silver. l Save stamps. Send a newsy New Year’s greeting instead of pushing yourself to write holiday letters before the big day. Enclose thank you cards and pictures of the kids with their new toys in the same envelope so your stamps score twice the bang for the buck. l Stay home. Holiday parties should make you feel festive. An overcrowded calendar fills you with dread instead. Politely decline invitations to events you won’t enjoy and make plans to reconnect with friends when you’re less stressed. Staying close to home saves time, money and maybe even your sanity. c

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l Set Morning Expectations Decide ahead of time if your children can

look under the Christmas tree alone whenever they get up, if they must stay in their room until a certain time or if they can wake you up when they wake up. If your children will be waiting before opening presents, Dr. Jacqui Lewis-Lyons, a clinical psychologist who specializes in children and women’s issues, suggests hanging your child’s filled stocking on their door for them to open while they wait.

Talk to your children about what to expect when it is time to open presents. Is your family going to take turns opening presents or will everyone open presents at once? Is someone going to pass out presents or will everyone get their own presents from under the tree? Can they play with their presents right away or are there certain presents that must be assembled and will need to wait until later. Make sure that you and your spouse are on the same page regarding Christmas morning and address any issues ahead of time.

Jennifer Pariseu, licensed mental health counselor and president of The Nurtured Parent, encourages parents not get attached to a specific outcome on Christmas morning. “We often have wonderful dreams of what Christmas should look like and when it doesn’t we become disappointed or stress ourselves out trying to make it better,” Pariseu says.

l Consider Spreading Out Gifts

If your children are going to receive a lot of gifts or are very young, consider having them open only a portion of the gifts on Christmas morning. When kids open too many presents, they may become overwhelmed or uninterested in any more gifts. One strategy is to open gifts from your immediate family on Christmas Eve and open presents from other family members (and Santa) on Christmas morning. If you will be visiting grandparents later in the day or after the holiday, you could also have your children open presents from them at that time.

l Gather Supplies and Organize

Make sure that you have all supplies that you will need on Christmas morning within easy reach. Since not having the right batteries for a special toy can cause disappointment, make sure that you have common battery sizes (AA, AAA and C) on hand. Find a Phillips and

by Jennifer Gregory

As parents, we want Christmas morning to be a time full of smiles and excitement. We hope that our kids will remember our

holidays together fondly when they are adults. However, Christmas can easily become overwhelming to children and not live up to our expectations as parents. With a little planning, you can reduce stress

on Christmas morning and enjoy your holiday together.

5 Steps to a MorningJoyful Christmas


flathead screwdriver in case you need to remove any battery covers. You should also have a pair of scissors to remove any packaging. Put the batteries and tools in a small basket so that you can find them when needed.

To help keep the opened presents from getting lost, give each person a basket or laundry basket to put their present in after they open them. This is especially helpful if you are opening presents at someone else’s house and will need to bring them home. If your children will be writing thank you notes, you should also come up with a system to keep track of who gave them each present, such as keeping the tag with the present or keeping a list.

l Create Non-Present Traditions

By creating family traditions that do not involve gift giving, you can help keep the focus of the day on your religious beliefs and on spending time together. Have a special food that your family eats every Christmas morning,

such as a coffee cake from a local bakery or a homemade casserole that you make together on Christmas Eve. Some families buy matching pajamas and wear them to open presents on Christmas morning.

Pariseu encourages families to also have a family activity after the presents are

opened, such as a snack, singing songs or going outside together. “Expect a “let down” after present opening. The anticipation is gone and there is a transition to going back and playing with the new toys,” Pariseu says.

l Encourage GratitudeBy teaching and modeling gratitude on

Christmas morning, you can help reduce the stress and keep the spirit of the holiday in your day. Lewis-Lyons suggests having each child open one gift at a time. “Taking turns and really looking at the gift and who it is from will help them appreciate the gift,” Lewis-Lyons says.

Make sure your child thanks the giver even if they do not like the gift or received a duplicate. Be sure to also have your children write thank you cards for each gift. Model this behavior yourself by thanking your child for the present that they gave you and any other gifts that you received from other people.

If your child (or you) get overwhelmed or cranky on Christmas morning, take a break. Go outside, have a snack or take a nap. The presents will still be there when you are ready to open them, even the next day. c

5 Steps to a MorningJoyful Christmas

❅ Festive Tree Displays

❅ Global Experiences

❅ Holly Jolly Family Activities

❅ Free Holiday Cartoon Classics

❅ And Back by Popular Demand— Jerusalem in IMAX®

Enjoy a season of celebrations including:

For a complete schedule of holiday activities, visit FernbankMuseum.org/Winter

Winter Wonderland is made possible in part by The Nissan Foundation to support Cultural Learning.


Baby and Toddler

Reviewed by Amanda Allen, Diane Radloff, Felicia Barman, Jordan Lisvosky, Camille Moore and Laura Powell. Shop early and check with stores on availabilty. Prices listed are MSRP.

2014 Holiday TOY Guide

Atlanta Parent tested many new toys to help Santa find just the right ones. Here are our favorites.

n Plan Toys Chicken Nesting helps a baby learn shapes, sequencing and stacking with colorful chicks. Ages 1 and older. At plantoys.com. $15

n Manhattan Toy’s Stack & Pull Train teaches fine motor skills and shape and color recognition while baby just thinks he’s having fun with this three-piece pull-cord train. Ages 1 and older. At Picayune Toys and Salon Red Kids. $30

n Looking for a perfect first doll for your little one? The Mon Premier Calin Charming Pastel Doll from Corolle fits the bill with a soft beanbag body and vanilla-scented supple vinyl skin. At 12 inches she fits just right into toddler’s arms. The doll style is also available in multi-ethnic choices. Corlle also has a small stroller perfect for pushing baby around in. Ages 18 months and older. At select Learning Express and Amazon.com. Doll, $42. Stroller, $39


Cont’d on page 18

n Night Light Owl by Lamaze plays a gentle melody for five minutes as baby hugs this soft owl and falls asleep in the glow of its night light. Ages infant and older. At Toys ‘R’ Us. $24.99

n Drop the colorful balls to feed Playskool’s Tumble n Glow Froggie and his cheeks will glow, he’ll ribbit with delight and play music. Ages 1 year and older. At major retailers. $19.99

n Big Dog Truck from Little Tikes is a walker, rider and dump truck that emits sounds as a toddler pushes it from behind, rides it or uses the dump truck to develop motor skills as he picks up or dumps “boulders.” Our tester delighted in dumping the rocks by pulling the lever and having them shoot out the back over and over. Ages 1-3. At major retailers. $49.99

n Explore and More Roll Around Rattles from Skip Hop – a bee, hedgehog or owl – are whimsical see-through creatures with rubberized flexible bodies. Ages infant and older. At Babies ‘R’ Us. $8

n Sprouts Grill It! from Learning Resources allows pretend chefs to “cook” meat or veggies on a soft kettle-style grill, indoors or out. All of the pieces, cheese, meat, veggies and tongs, store in the grill. Ages 2 and older. At learningresources.com. $29.99

n Smart Snacks Number Pops from Learning Resources build fine-motor skills while teaching numbers 1 to 10 and colors. Our kid testers loved their soft texture and removing the pop cover to count the dots that correspond to the number on the pop. Ages 2 and older. At The School Box in Marietta. $19.99


Preschool2014 Holiday Toy Guide

n Little Tikes’ Splish Splash Sink and Stove lets kids “cook” and clean dishes in the sink, which has a working faucet. Our tester liked pumping the water into the sink, but his mom found it worked best on the floor since it required some force to push down. Accessories such as a frying pan, plates and cutlery are stored under the cooktop/sink. Ages 3 and older. At major retailers. $19.99

n Elmo reinvents himself again for the holiday season, with Let’s Imagine Elmo from Playskool. He’s a prince, sea captain or cowboy as he tries on different hats and invites children to play games or sing. Ages 2-4. At major retailers. $39.99

n Playmobil’s City Action Heavy Duty Flatbed Trailer is compatible with other City Action construction site components and the included crane piece can be used to extend Playmobil’s Large Crane with IR Remote Control. Young construction site managers can detach the trailer and cab or remove the cab’s roof. At major retailers. Ages 4-10. $59.99

n Creatology Kinetic Sand Box and Molds Activity Set will have kids shaping and molding their own creations. The sand sticks to itself, but not to kids, and never dries out. Parents will love that it’s easy to clean up. This sand kept our toddler tester busy for a good half hour of play. Ages 3-11. At major retailers. $30.99

n Return to the age of castles and kings and create a story using Plan Toys Fantasy Blocks to set the stage. The 60-piece set even has a functioning catapult. Ages 3 and older. At plantoys.com. $50

n Fat Brain Toys’ Peek-a-Doodle Do is a concentration game kids will love. Can you remember which chickens are sitting on an egg and get all the eggs back in the box? Ages 3 and older. At Leanring Express, Momo Special Toys and Shenanigans. $21.99


Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all elements from the 1964 television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer © and ™

under license to Character Arts, LLC. Season supported in part by: Fulton County Board of Commissioners; the City of Atlanta

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs; and Georgia Council for the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photos by Clay Walker and gettheumbrella.com..

Adapted and Directed by Jon LudwigBased on the classic television special

Rudolph soars back into town for this faithful adaptation of the wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us!

NOW-DEC 28

sponsoredin part by:

1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

the stinky cheese man

By Paul Mesner Puppets of Kansas City, MOBased on the book by Jon Scieszka

(used by permission)

DEC 30 - JAN 11Jack (of Beanstalk fame) guides us

through this hilarious collection of fairy tale parodies, including a man made of stinky cheese instead of gingerbread!

COMING SOON!

Cont’d on page 20

Preschool2014 Holiday Toy Guide

n Record & Learn KidiStudio from VTech will keep young entertainers engaged as they explore musical instruments and sing along with 20 melodies. Kids can record their songs and even learn to pick out melodies by following the light-up keyboard. Our testers favorite part was hearing their own voice play back. Ages 3-6. At major retailers. $39.99

n Glitzi Globes’s Glitzi Disney Princess Castle is a fun gift that allows your child to build, play and create all at once. Growing princesses will love the mini characters and princesses that come with this castle and turning them into snow globes. Plus the main snow globe base doubles as a hidden compartment. Ages 3 and older. At major retailers. $39.99

n Plan Toys Hand Sign Alphabet, A-Z teaches kids the alphabet letter on one side of the card, and the American hand sign language for the alphabet letter on the other side. Ages 2 and older. At plantoys.com. $30

n Stack up the pancakes in the right order before other players do and you’ll be top chef in the Pancake Pile-up Game from Educational Insights. Players must move the pancakes with a spatula from across the room, then stack them according to their menu card. Ages 3 and older. At Amazon.com. $17.99


2014 Holiday Toy Guide

Ages 5-8

n Playmobil Country’s My Secret Horse Stable Play Box is a compact stable with horse and blanket and grooming tools, plus a female figure and things you might find in a stable, including a cat and mouse and hay. Everything stores in the set, and it locks when not in use. Ages 4 and older. At major retailers. $27.99

n Educational Insights has a great new game that helps work on children’s strategy and matching skills while having a dog gone good time. With Diggity Dogs, the goal is to adopt all the dogs by matching the three items it needs. This is a great take on the “go-fish” style game that all ages will enjoy. Ages 5 and older. At Amazon.com $14.99

n Test your memory and fine motor skills with Doodle Quest by Blue Orange Games, an original game that challenges you to follow directions while recreating sketches of underwater scenes. It comes with drawing boards, dry erase markers, erasers, a scorecard and more. This game has beginner and advanced levels, making it ideal for elementary-aged kids and adults. Ages 6 and older. At blueorangegames.com. $24.99

n Strato-Slam Rocket Battle Blast is double the fun as two players see who can launch their rocket the highest. Even toddlers can join in the fun as they use both feet to propel the foam-tipped rockets. Parents should keep this outdoor toy away from trees and rooftops where rockets can get stuck. Ages 5 and older. At Walmart and Amazon.com. $36.99

n You can’t go wrong with an old-school, low-tech toy like bubbles. However, Juggle Bubbles are no ordinary bubbles as children and parents use special gloves to balance these magical bubbles on one finger, pass them to and fro, and bounce them around for longer than a minute! Ages 5 and older. At Target and Walgreens. $10n Budding engineers will

love this build-it-your-way Chateau kit from Roominate. After you’re done building, get ready to decorate and play. The best part is when you’re done you can break it down and rebuild differently. Though this toy is designed to steer girls into the STEM world, boys will love playing with this too. Ages 6 and older. At Toys ‘R’ Us. $49.99


Cont’d on page 22


n Time is of the essence with Shark Mania. Players get to use counting skills to collect coins while helping their pirates swiftly escape a quickly approaching shark. The shrieks of excitement and suspense of making it to Shipwreck Island will keep the family occupied for many rounds. Ages 6 and older. At Toys ‘R’ Us. $19.99

n The Kidizoom Smartwatch by Vtech makes a great substitution for mom or dad’s smartphone when children need a high-tech gadget to keep them occupied. Kids can explore an easy touch screen to navigate a host of entertaining features. The interactive watch helps kids tell time, while the camera, video recorder, voice recorder, and fun photo effects capture great memories. Ages 4 and older. At major retailers. $49.99

n Moustache Smash by SpinMaster was a smash hit with our testers. This fast-paced, fun, mustache wearing game had the group laughing from ages 8 to 62. Players pick out a mustache to wear and slap it down if the card matches your stashe in color and/or shape. Mustache smash and pass cards are also wild cards that can change the game by a turn of a card. Ages 7 and older. At major retailers $15.99

n Geospace’s Sparkler LED Jump Rope will keep kids hopping – and its kinetic power means it never needs batteries. The rope lights up as kids jump. Ages 5 and older. At geospaceplay.com and Amazon.com. $19.99

n Lego Juniors Fire Emergency Set will get young construction enthusiasts started with an easy-to-build fire truck and station, plus two firefighter miniature figures. Ages 4-7. At major retailers. $19.99

n Crayola’s Virtual Design Pro Fashion Collection lets kids create their own fashions and even put together a virtual fashion show, using fashion templates, markers, stencils and more that store in a carrying case. Apps for Apple and Android phones and tablets bring the creations to life on a virtual model. Ages 6 and older. At major retailers. $29.99

n Sophina pedals the Moxie Girlz Ice Cream Bike as you push her along with musical accompaniment. Moxie money will purchase a cone, and it can be stacked as high as you like. Ages 3 and older. At major retailers. $28.99

n Zoomer Dino from Spin Master roars in for the holidays with dinosaur movements and sounds as he balances on two wheels and charges around your home. Control him with a remote or use your hands, but be careful, he resents having his tail pulled. Ages 5 and older. At major retailers. $99.99


Tweens2014 Holiday Toy Guide

n Get ready to jam with Jambanz which was created right here in Atlanta. Jambanz are slap bracelets with a speaker that connects to your Bluetooth device. This is great for kids and adults to be hands and headphone free while playing or exercising. Slap it on your arm, stroller or bike. At Learning Express. Ages 8 and older. $29.99

n Gravity Maze is a single player game from Thinkfun that is stimulating for both kids and adults. This gravity powered logic maze puts visual perception and reasoning skills to the test. Players must think carefully to build a path that will successfully carry the marble to its target. 60 challenges, ranging in difficulty, gives players plenty of creative building time. Ages 8 and older. At major and specialty toy retailors. $29.99

n Deluxe Hair Chalk Salon by Alex Toys turns a parental nightmare into a dream – kids can add glitter or color to their hair for a fun look that washes out with shampoo. Ages 8 and older. At Target and Walmart. $25.99

n You have to see it to believe it when you watch the Air Hogs RC Zero Gravity Laser Racer defy gravity. The super cool racer drives on the wall, upside down, or on the ground as it follows a hand-held infrared light guided by the user. Turn out the lights and it glows in the dark. Ages 8 and older. At major retailers. $39.99

n Young model kit lovers will love Bandai’s Sprukits Poseable Batman model kit. Build and create your favorite action figure characters and play with them afterward. All parts easily snap together for a no mess build, just be careful not to lose any pieces. Larger, more challenging sizes and different characters are available. Ages 8 and older. At Target and Amazon.com $19.99

n You Call That Art? is a book that explores influential artists who shaped modern sculpture, then invites readers to make their own sculpture using die-cut pieces that can be assembled in a variety of ways. Ages 8 and older. At Barnes & Noble. $24.95

n Hasbro’s Simon Swipe is a modern twist on the popular Simon game, the classic fast-action game where you need to remember and repeat the patterns. Swipe solo or make it a party and play with friends. Our tester had fun mastering this update on an old classic. Ages 8 and older. At major retailers. $19.99

n Hanz Innovations is all about simple kits with no instructions, just pictures to give your little genius ideas. Future inventors will be building and creating all day. The possibilities are endless with this GeniusBlocks set, complete with 100 pieces in bright fun colors. Our tester got busy right away piecing blocks together. Their unique shape was actually inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Ages 8 and up. At hanztoys.com. $25.99

n Sugar Lulu’s Charm Bracelet Jewelry Kit is a special gift on two levels – girls get to use their imaginations to create one-of-a-kind charms, then they get to show off their wearable art. It’s packaged in a collectible tin. Ages 8 and older. At Kazoo Toys, Learning Express and Towne Lake Toys. $25


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1300 Upper Hembree Rd., [email protected]

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n Squeeze the belly of a Hog Wild Popper Key Chain character and out pops a ball attached by a string to startle your friends. Great stocking-stuffer. Ages 8 and older. At specialty toy retailers. $6.99

n Nalgene’s winter-themed Hipster Snowperson water bottle features a snowman dancing to music, but any of the company’s BPA-free reusable bottles are great stocking stuffers. All ages. At nalgene.com. $10.99 for Hipster Snowperson

n Manhattan Toy’s Skwinkle will keep baby amused with it’s wooden beads that can be moved or rattled. The soft plastic loop is easy to grasp for teething. Ages infant and older. At Baby Braithwaite and Richard’s Variety Store. $15

Cont’d on page 24

Stocking Stuffers


n Mighty Red Action Locomotive by Brio will keep young engineers entertained. The battery operated locomotive has two front lights and manual buttons and makes “choo-choo” sounds. Ages 3 and older. At Kazoo Toys and Symphony of Toys. $24.99

n Post It’s Cat Pop-Up Note Dispenser is a desktop eye-catcher. It’s refillable and weighted for easy one-handed dispensing. Ages 10 and older. At major retailers. $9.99


Stocking Stuffers2014 Holiday Toy Guide

n How could such a simple idea be so much fun? Inroad Toys Play Tape lets kids create a roadway or railroad track by simply laying down tape (it removes just as easily, with no residue). Ages 3 and older. At inroadtoys.com. $7.99 and up.

n Have your noodle meet its match with Kanoodle Genius by Educational Insights, a one-player game to put those puzzle skills to work. Solve 2-D and 3-D puzzles from the book by setting up the challenge and placing the remaining game pieces to solve the puzzle. Ages 8 and older. At Learning Express Alpharetta. $12.99

n Blow a balloon as large or as small as you like with Super Elastic Bubble Plastic from Wham-O. The “balloons” come in a tube, and you squeeze the plastic on a straw then gently blow. Seal the balloon by pinching it. Ages 6 and older. At Learning Express. $3.99

n Holiday Smencils from Scentco Inc. keep smells alive well into the new year. A five-pack of scented pencils made from recycled newspapers smell like cinnamon, sugar cookie, sugar plum, gingerbread and “holiday cheer.” Or choose a Candy Cane Smens Pen, candy-cane scented, of course. Ages 5 and older. At Kazoo Toys, Learning Express and Picayune Toys. $6.99 for Smencils, $2.99 for pen.

n Every ‘tween girl can tell you what a Logo Loop is – and she either has one (or several) or wants one of the ready-made or customized headbands. The loops are absorbant, washable and non-slip. Ages 9 and older. At Learning Express, Momo Toys, Picayune Toys and logo-loops.com. $13.99

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Camp Guide Coming

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Summer

n Little PassportsAges 3-12 (Early Explorers, World Edition and USA Edition); littlepassports.com

Even the smallest kids can now travel the world with Little Passports new Early Explorers edition. Preschoolers can learn about a new world theme each month with fun and educational activities, souvenirs and stickers. The starter kit comes with a suitcase, full size map and activity book. Each month older kids visit one country with the world edition or visit two states with the USA edition. Early Explorers is $14.95/month plus $3 shipping. World and USA editions are $11.95/month plus $3 shipping.


Gifts that Give Year Round: Subscription BoxesThese “in the box” gifts are great for grandparents or parents looking to give gifts that come in the mail to your child and offer something new to explore each month.All discount codes expire December 31, 2014.

n KidstirAges 4-10; kidstir.com

Kids love cooking and Kidstir offers a cooking adventure. The first month you receive a cookbook to place the recipes you will receive with your subscription. Each box has a different theme with three recipes, two kid-sized utensils, a premium ingredient, a fresh food shopping list that is emailed ahead of time, game and activity pages and more. December’s theme is the Winter Wonderland Cookie Kit. Subscriptions are $19.95/month.

n Koala Crate, Doodle Crate and Tinker Crate kiwicrate.comReceive 25% off the first month of a new subscription on any of our lines with the promo code ATLPARENT.

The makers of Kiwi Crate have three new subscription boxes. The Koala Crate for ages 3-4 delivers enriching hands-on projects with monthly themes like colors and transportation. Receive fun activities, a parent guide and Imagine Magazine, created in partnership by Highlights. The Doodle Crate has monthly art and design projects for kids 9-16+. The Tinker Crate delivers STEM projects and activities for kids 9-14. All kits $19.95/month.

n Sparkbox ToysBaby up to age 4sparkboxtoys.comUse the code “atlantaparent” for one free month

Save money on new toys this year by renting expert-recommended educational toys. Receive four toys for as long as you wish, then send them back for more new toys every few weeks. Most toys are from specialty retailers and are tailored to your child. Toys are rigorously examined, cleaned and sanitized. Batteries are also included. $19.99/month for eight-weeks; $34.99/month for four-weeks.

n Let’s Grow by Highlights for ChildrenBabies up to age 2highlights.com/magicalOrder online to receive 25% off a 3-month term.

Never miss a teachable moment with your baby – with Let’s Grow, a monthly shipment of books and a themed “surprise.” Themes like “Let’s Take a Bath” celebrate the fun of bath time and include two oversized board books and a Little Frog washcloth puppet. It also comes with an eight-page parent guide. Each shipment is $24.95/month plus $3.95 shipping.


There’s a

Hero inside all of us!

With the MARVEL Universe LIVE! show coming to Atlanta, we give a shout out to the good guys and gals who protect the world from evil.

SUPERYour Kid Will Soar Capes are where superheroes conceal their weapons and are a shield from villains. Have your child feeling like Thor or Storm with a DIY cape. You can use felt or a large T-shirt to create the cape and it can be made in many colors: blue, green, pink or purple so that everyone can feel like a hero. Source: the-southerninstitute.com/2011/03/diy-superhero-cape-tutorial.html/

Superheroes Eat, TooBetween flying and saving the world, super-heroes need some time to eat and restore their strength! Though their diets may not be the best; Spiderman enjoys cherry pie, Thor often has a sweet tooth, Iron Man likes to chow down on burgers and Captain America loves some apple pie. The Super Berries Green Smoothie is a healthy snack that will give your little hero the strength to conquer the day. Source: thefrugalfoodiemama.com.

by Camille Moore


How They Became SuperheroesSpider-Man: Peter Parker gained speed, strength and powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. With the use of his web, he does acrobatic leaps and travels fast. He has learned that with great powers comes great responsibilities and Spidey vows to use his powers to help others.

Black Widow: After the government slowed her aging and enhanced her physical durability, Natasha Romanova is an expert spy, athlete and assassin. She was once an enemy of the Avengers being trained by the KGB, but is now an ally.

Thor: Thor Odison, Norse God of thunder and lighting, uses his enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, to help him fight in hand-to-hand combat. While others refer to him as over-muscled and graceless, he is compassionate and smart, and would never stop fighting for a worthwhile cause.

Captain America: Steven Rogers is America’s one-man army who has vowed to serve his country. Fighting for more than 60 years, he is the symbol of freedom and liberty in physical perfection.

Storm: Ororo Monroe is a descendant from an ancient line of African priestesses who have the potential to wield magic. She is a powerful mutant with the ability to control the weather.

Iron Man: Billionaire Tony Stark created an advanced suit of armor to save his life and escape captivity. He uses his money and intelligence to make the world a better and safer place.

You create superheroes

to take care of problems that

can’t really be solved

another way.Robert Rodriguez

Marvel Fans, Assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is flying into Atlanta Dec. 20-22 at Philips Arena and Dec. 26-28 at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Heroes and villains come to life in an action-packed live entertainment show that is sure to throw a few punches. More than 25 Marvel icons will come together on a quest to rescue the shattered fragments of the cosmic cube before Loki captures the pieces and destroys the Earth. Tickets start at $20. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta, 404-878-3000; and 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth, 770-813-7500. marveluniverselive.com

Cuff the Good GuySuperheroes need to be dressed and ready to fight for justice. Using toilet paper rolls, your child can create his own superhero cuffs, so he’ll be ready for action. Source:readingconfetti.com

Hot on the TrackMarvel and Mattel have teamed with a new line of Hot Wheels cars. Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Venom and Wolverine are transformed into character cars to fight justice in a new form.

Quiz Answers: 1. B; 2. C; 3. D; 4. B; 5. C

Test Your Superhero Knowledge 1. Who was one of the first Avengers?A. Captain AmericaB. ThorC. WolverineD. Elektra

2. Who is Thor’s brother?A. HawkeyeB. RonanC. LokiD. Green Goblin

3. Wolverine is part of which titanic team?A. Fantastic FourB. InhumansC. Guardians of the GalaxyD. X-Men

4. Which female superhero is part of the Avengers team?A. ElektraB. Black WidowC. Captain Marvel D. Invisible Woman

5. Which superhero was bitten by a radioactive animal?A. HulkB. DaredevilC. SpidermanD. Emma Frost


n Set a basket beside your child’s bed, or designate a special shelf or drawer for books and quiet toys. Emphasize that these are special items, only to be used in the morning when others are sleeping. You know how your child plays with his toys. If small cars can only be rolled around the bed with loud sound effects, they may not be the best choice. Rotate the stock of toys periodically to retain your child’s interest.

n Provide mess-free drawing tools. An unsupervised preschooler may put graffiti on the walls, floor, furniture and himself. Two options are the Magna Doodle and the combination of Crayola Color Wonder markers and paper.

Little Larks

by Heather Lee Leap

Many families struggle to rouse sleepy children in the morning, but what if you have the opposite problem?

If your preschooler is wide awake and chirpy with the dawn, you need rest and solutions to keep your early riser from waking the household. Adjusting your child’s bedtime is a first step, but if that does not have the desired results, you still have hope.

With creativity and a little preparation, you can sleep in and keep your little lark quietly entertained.

Start by discussing the need to play quietly and be respectful of other people’s desire to sleep. Then, provide your child the tools to be successful.

Entertaining Your Early-Bird Child


Consider joining a research study at Emory University / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to improve asthma treatments for African Americans/Blacks.

To participate in this study, you must:

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Have at least one grandparent of African descent

Qualifi ed participants will receive:

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Compensation for time and travel

Take part in a Clinical Research Study!

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Does your childhave ASTHMA?Does your childhave ASTHMA?

The Magna Doodle is a self-contained drawing board that uses a magnetic stylus. The stylus is attached to the board by a sturdy cord. Kids can draw, write and erase over and over again, as well as use other magnets to make shapes on the board. Crayola Color Wonder markers work only on the special Color Wonder paper, so there is no risk of damage to your home.

n Teach the basics of time. Once children have a basic grasp of time, they are less likely to creep into your room to ask, in their best stage whisper, whether or not they may get up. If your child has access to a digital clock, explain which numbers represent the hour and minutes. Then make a chart or poster showing an acceptable rising time and post this beside the clock.

If there is an analog clock in your child’s room, draw a picture of a clock with the hands in the position for the correct time for getting up, then shade the time before it. For example if 6 a.m. is acceptable to you, shade the right half of the clock. Point out the difference between the short and long hands and explain that if the short hand is in the shaded area, it is too early to be up.

n Brainstorm areas of your home where your child can play without disturbing anyone. If your early riser shares a room with a sibling who is a light sleeper, any amount of quiet playing may be too disruptive. Does your child have a walk-in closet? Keep quiet-time toys there. It can become a special hideaway where your child can curl up with a blanket, close the door and turn on the light without waking a sibling. A hallway or a cozy chair in another room are other possibilities.

The switch to this new routine can take some getting used to. Be sure your child understands that you are still available. Some children may fear they will lose a privilege if they get up to use the restroom or wake you when they are sick or scared. Be sure they know you will still be there for them when they need you.

Before you know it your little larks will be teenagers and you will need floodlights and a crane to roust them from bed. For now, best of luck getting a few more minutes of sleep in the morning. c

30 Atlanta Parent December 2014 atlantaparent.comatlanta baby

Savings AccountWhenever you get money gifts from

relatives, put half of the money in your child’s savings account. Why? Because even though you think you need every kiddy gadget known to mankind when your child is young, you can often find items discounted or gently used for a lot less. Heck, you might even be next in line for a bunch of hand-me-downs from friends and family. So stash some of your child’s gift money now. You will be so glad you did later. And a few of the suggestions that follow, require money. So if you don’t have extra money of your own, you will be able to draw on money from your child’s saving account.

Name As URL

We are living in the digital age and life is only going to become increasingly online and virtual by the time our little ones become big ones. So it’s nice to know that your future celebrity or entrepreneur has digital security in the form of their name reserved online. How will they use it? This is a lot less important right now than making sure that the possibility exists. Besides, you already saved some of that gift money, so you can use it for this and they won’t even owe you anything when they become rich and famous. But don’t worry about hosting. All you need to pay for is the URL itself and the privacy to keep your personal information offline.

Safety Deposit Box

Savings accounts are a fairly vague concept for kids to understand. This is how they think: so, you want to take my money away from me and go put it in a boring-looking building where I can’t even visit it? This makes no sense to developing brains. But all kids innately understand the concept of treasure. And this is why you should have one (aka, a safety deposit box). Take them to visit your family treasures once a year. Show them how you keep a little cash, some jewels, and copies of important documents there and watch their eyes grow wide with excitement every time you say it’s time to go to the bank. And then, while you have their rapt attention, teach them all the ways you use the bank to secure and manage your money.

College Fund

If you can put aside even just $50 per month, it will really add up over the years and make a significant dent in your future college costs. Better yet if you can start with $50 a month and inch that up as your child grows. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged

by Christina Katz

Here’s what I remember about my daughter’s first birthday. We made a big fuss She had no idea what was going on. She was not even interested in the carrot cake I had made especially for her.

What I wish I had realized instead is that her birthday was a big deal for us, but just another day in babydom, for her.

Now that I’m older and wiser and my daughter is also older and more wise-cracking, these are the gifts I wish I had lined up for her on her first birthday instead of trying to impress upon her that her birthday was a super big deal.

Then, if I had served a cake and she had barely noticed, it could have been to celebrate her parents for being so smart and planning ahead. So, implement as many of these suggestions as you can by the time your child turns one. And if you have not implemented them by that first birthday bash, be sure to give them some serious birthday cake for thought.

7THINGS NEW PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER

December 2014 Atlanta Parent 31 atlantaparent.com atlanta baby

savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. 529 plans, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. All fifty states and the District of Columbia sponsor at least one type of 529 plan. For more information visit collegesavings.org/index.aspx.

Family Library Card

Your child may be too young for a library card in your town or county, but make sure you have at least one library card for your family. Having one card actually makes it easier to keep track of what has been checked out than multiple cards do. Take your baby to the library regularly for story time and puppet shows and other entertaining, educational events. As your child grows, introduce him to the various age-appropriate sections of the library. And don’t forget about the multi-media options both at the library and online. A family that makes the most of library resources and offerings is a rich family indeed.

Money CoachYour child is probably too young to

understand personal economics. How about you? If you are one of the many Americans who feel overwhelmed, inexperienced or uninformed when it comes to money management, let your baby be your wake-up call. You can either get yourself involved in money management coaching formally by searching for a certified coach online. Or you could swing by your local bank once in a while and ask your local banker for a little money-management advice based on how much you are earning and saving each month. Sometimes just having a neutral mentor to discuss savings strategies with can make a wealth of difference. Then, later, as

your child grows, either coach your child on money management yourself or call on your trusted mentor to help you do the job.

Tax Expert

As parents, you can give thousands of dollars to your children each year without any tax consequences. Are you making sure that you are taking advantage of every tax-saving option available to your family? Furthermore, if you are overspending on taxes, that money could be going into your child’s savings or college accounts. Make sure you are working with the most reputable and vigorous tax professional you can reasonably afford to help your family legally save as much as possible on taxes. c

If you can put aside even just $50 per month, it will really add up over the years and make a significant dent in your future college costs.

32 Atlanta Parent December 2014 atlantaparent.comatlanta baby

Spotlight onSpotlight on Baby Resources

Special Advertising Section December 2014 Atlanta Parent 33 atlantaparent.com

Having a baby is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in life. Pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy evaluations can determine risk factors that may need to

be considered along the way and will help guide you and your obstetrician through this all-important journey.

Northside Hospital Center for Perinatal Medicine physician specialists and staff offer the most comprehensive, personalized high-risk perinatal care and diagnostic services in Georgia. A multidisciplinary approach, directed by the physicians of Atlanta Perinatal Consultants, greatly enhances quality of care and promotes the best possible pregnancy outcomes.

The Center’s physicians were among the first in the country to pioneer prenatal diagnostic ultrasound and non-invasive cell-free DNA screening. They are national leaders with board-certifications in maternal fetal medicine, obstetrics, diagnostic radiology and medical genetics. In fact, Northside’s Center for Perinatal Medicine is one of only a few in the country and the only one in the Southeast that combines these disciplines as a team to benefit both you and your pregnancy and assist your obstetrician in your care.

The Center’s interdisciplinary fetal treatment team combines insights from numerous nationally recognized specialists, including subspecialists in pediatric and fetal surgery, cardiology, pediatric neurosurgery, neonatology, pediatric ENT and anesthesiology.

Comprehensive services include:• Pre-pregnancy consultation and evaluation• Genetic counseling• Diagnostic ultrasonography• Early pregnancy assessment and diagnosis• High-risk-pregnancy management• Fetal treatment and therapyMany physicians at the Center for Perinatal Medicine are

recognized by US News and World Report as Top Doctors and in the Castle Connolly listing of the top 5% of practitioners in their specialty in the nation. Atlanta Perinatal Consultants is

fully accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Located within the Women’s Centers of Northside Hospital-Atlanta and Northside Hospital-Forsyth, the Center for Perinatal Medicine has access to the superior resources of the nation’s leader in maternity and infant care. Additional locations are in Alpharetta and Holly Springs.

Call (404) 851-8980 to schedule an appointment, or visit northside.com/cpm for more information.

Northside Hospital Center for Perinatal Medicine

As parents, we all want happy, healthy babies. It doesn’t take long to develop the confidence and calm of an experienced parent. Your baby will give you the

most important information—how he or she likes to be treated, talked to, held, and comforted.

As your baby grows, there are common problems and questions which arise that can be upsetting and puzzling to new parents. There are many approaches to various problems and these vary from child to child. Loving your child, common sense, and the ability to adapt to particular situations are the keystones to successful child rearing.

Choosing the right pediatric practice is one of the most important decisions you can make for you and your baby. During your baby’s first year, you will visit your pediatrician’s office many times for check-ups, shots, and other unanticipated baby events. You should rely on your pediatric practice for answers to your questions, including those about infant feeding and nutrition; development; immunization schedule and conditions common in newborns.

Northside PediatricsBeing comfortable with the practice and how they treat

you and your baby is important to your well-being. Many new parents don’t realize that your baby’s pediatrician

is also your “go-to” when there are middle of the night fevers, terrible two tantrums or emotional outbursts at age 15. Take time to interview, understand and select a pediatric practice that best fits you and your family’s needs.

At Northside Pediatrics, we focus on total wellness of children from birth through age 21. We call our comprehensive care philosophy 360Care™. That means we spend more time with each child because some things that can impact your child’s long-term health can’t be

determined quickly. When it comes to your children, we will not compromise on quality. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. It’s a higher standard, and many families in Atlanta are looking for that.

Call 404-256-2688 (Sandy Springs) or 770-928-0016 (Woodstock) to schedule an appointment at Northside Pediatrics. For more information, visit www.northsidepediatrics.com.


by Sara Marchessault

Do your kids like to write? Most likely the answer to is “no. What if we could find

a fun way to get our kids to write more at home?

When kids keep a personal journal, they have an opportunity to practice writing on their own terms. They can write about what they want to write about. They will develop over time the skills needed to succeed on standardized tests and effectively communicate through writing with others. Not to mention keeping a journal just may give a budding author an opportunity to learn a craft.

Follow these five steps to get started:

Finding Their Way

with WordsPersonal Journals Let Kids Develop Skills as They Explore Writing and Feelings

Take a trip to the bookstore. Go shopping specifically for journaling tools. Let your child choose a journal that he or she really loves and as an added bonus, let him choose something to write with that gets him excited. Purple pens, skinny markers, colored pencils, whatever your child finds that he wants to use. This is all about making writing a fun experience.

Set a time for journaling. Just like practicing an instrument or doing math homework, choose a time that can be used for journaling. Look for daily practice time. Why not right before dinner or maybe first thing in the morning? Or plan around other already-planned activities. If you have piano lessons on Monday and Wednesday, maybe you can plan journaling time for Tuesday and Thursday. Find a system that works for you and your family. Once you select your time, write it on your family calendar or set a reminder on your phone to establish the habit of consistent journaling.

You keep a journal, too. This is a golden opportunity to practice what we preach. We may not enjoy dusting off our old algebra skills, but journal writing is something we can do with our kids fairly easily. It can be private for both of you, but something that happens side-by-side. Choose to share what you write about or keep it to yourself. The point is to set up the habit of writing. Make a couple of cups of cocoa or tea, get cozy, and get to writing.

Rule-free writing. Keeping a journal is a kind of writing that for centuries hasn’t been defined by rules. It’s a safe bet that by keeping the journaling process rule-free, your kids will enjoy it more than if it becomes another excuse to follow a lot of rules. The only “rules” for journaling are: Write whatever you want. Journals are completely private unless there is an


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agreement to share. Don’t worry about the way it looks or sounds. No one will check your grammar/spelling/punctuation. Your journal is a safe place.

Use journals as a place to noodle life’s big questions. Children who are starting to process big questions can use their journals as a safe place to explore their thoughts. Big questions may be related to finding purpose, defining identity in relationships to others, or even thoughts on life and death. The book Soul Pancake by Rainn Wilson, inspired by the website of the same name, is a great resource to pick up thought-provoking prompts. Use a shared prompt to start off your shared journaling sessions. For younger kids, you can use prompts too, but maybe explore questions more like “what would you do if…” and then fill in the blank. If you found a full wallet. If you accidently knocked over an elderly person. If you wrote the most popular book of your time. Then what?

With regular and consistent practice, your child’s writing skills will naturally improve. And something else might happen too – they just might start to love writing. That’s the power of shared journaling. c

Ways to Get Started: Do your kids need some inspiration? Maybe one of these ideas can help:

n Family trips. Invite your kids to document family vacations using their journal. After the trip they can use photos and information from their journal to create photo or scrap books.n Holidays. Allow your kids to be the family holiday scribe and record special memories of holiday celebrations in a designated holiday journal.n First days. Record the special moments of first times, with significant milestones. This is a good one for parents to start when kids are little – baby’s first steps, his first words – and invite your kids to take over as they grow.n Conflict resolution. Kids experience conflict with parents, siblings, other kids at school, etc. Encourage the use of a journal to write about conflicts and how they were resolved. This gets them thinking about their role in relationships with others and exploring how two or more people overcome a difference.n Historian. Kids can interview family members to capture their memories into a special journal or book. Older kids will get interested in asking grandparents, or great-grandparents, about what life was like when they were children.n Mastery log. A mastery log can be created to track progress toward mastery. For kids playing a sport or learning an instrument, they can keep a written log of their progress. What skills were practiced and for how long? What new moves or pieces of music did they start to learn?n Challenges and solutions. We all have challenges and solutions that happen throughout the day. Some are big and some small. When in need of a topic, start the practice of recording at least one challenge a day and what the solution was. Over time, this can get kids reflecting on how they solve problems and maybe even taking responsibility for their choices.n Family journaling. This is a shared writing experience where family members contribute to a single journal to capture the perspective of each family member. This can be brought on vacation, set out during the holidays, or used to resolve family conflicts by taking turns writing to each other.n Use prepared prompts. Come up with a list of prompts and make them available. Print up a list of prompts, cut the paper into strips with one prompt on each strip, and put them in a jar, basket or box. Invite your budding writer to select a prompt and write about it in his journal.


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WORDS, GLORIOUS

WORDS! Resources For Raising

Word-savvy Kids

by Christina Katz

Words are everywhere, so of course we take them for granted. But words are powerful tools that help

kids grow up to become capable students, communicators and conversationalists.

Because words are so omnipresent in our world, it might be easy to let them happen to us, instead of consciously flexing our word powers daily. But you don’t need a master’s degree to be a good parent these days. In fact, when it comes to raising word-lovers, don’t push kids too much. Instead keep these word resources handy and encourage the entire family to play around with them. Next thing you know, you will have a family full of word wizards. Here’s a roundup of diverse yet helpful resources for raising word-savvy kids.

For The Home Book Shelf:n a Children’s Visual Dictionary

n a Dictionary

n a Thesaurus

n The Elements Of Style, 4th Edition by William Strunk Jr. & E. B. White

n a Book of Quotations Bookmark These Sites:n Dictionary.com. Definitions and origin of words, plus much more.

n Visualthesaurus.com. Interactive word maps for visual thinkers.

n Rhymezone.com. Find rhymes for any word.

n Wordsmith.org/anagram/. Scramble letters in words to make new words.


Choose a

for Your Child

Montessori Montessori Education

Find a school near you from the largest Montessori community in the U.S.

Education for children infant through middle school. Visit www.montessori-mag.org for more information.

BibbMontessori of Macon ................................478-757-8927 .........montessoriofmacon.org

CobbCovered Bridge Montessori School.........770-434-3181 .........coveredbridgemontessori.com Riverstone Montessori Academy .............770-422-9194 .........riverstonemontessori.comNoble World Montessori ...........................770-509-1775 .........nobleworldmontessori.com

DeKalbArbor Montessori School .........................404-321-9304 .........arbormontessori.orgAtlanta Montessori International School ..404-325-6777 .........amischool.comMontessori School at Emory ....................404-634-5777 .........montessorischoolatemory.comMontessori School of Dunwoody ............770-804-1444 .........montessorischoolofdunwoody.comNorthwoods Montessori School ..............770-457-7261 .........northwoodsmontessori.org

FayetteFayette Montessori School.......................770-460-6790 .........fayettemontessori.com

ForsythIvy League Montessori School .................770-781-5586 .........ilmsnet.comMontessori Academy at Sharon Springs .770-205-6277 .........montessoriacademygeorgia.comMontessori Academy at Vickery ..............770-777-9131 .........montessorivickery.com Montessori School of Cumming ..............770-205-6773 .........montessorischoolofcumming.comStepping Stone Montessori School .........770-614-4310 .........steppingstonemontessori.com

FultonCarlisle Montessori School of Buckhead 404-949-0053 .........carlislemontessori.comThe Children’s House at Serenbe ............770-463-0081 .........thechildrenshouseatserenbe.com Counterpane Montessori School .............770-461-2304 .........counterpane.orgCrabapple Montessori School .................770-569-5200 .........crabapplemontessori.comCross of Life Christian Montessori School......770-475-3812 ..........colmontessori.comDiscovery Montessori Academy ..............404-767-5005 .........discoverymontessoriacademy.comSpringmont ...............................................404 252 3910 ..........springmont.comVillage Montessori School ........................770-552-0834 ......... vmschool.com

Gwinnett Country Brook Montessori School ..........770-446-2397 .........countrybrookmontessori.com The Duluth Montessori School ................770-476-9307 .........duluthmontessori.com Four Seasons Montessori School ............404-444-1995 .........4seasonsmontessori.comMeadowbrook Montessori School ...........770-982-3950 .........meadowbrookmontessorischool.comOak Meadow Montessori School.............770-963-8303 .........oakmeadowmontessori.comStepping Stone Montessori School .........770-614-4310 .........steppingstonemontessori.com

n Degraeve.com/invent-a-word/. Have fun making up your own words.

n Wordle.com. Make word collages.

n Tagxedo.com. Make word collages in shapes. Download These Apps:n Word of the Day. Learn a new word every single day.

n Words With Friends. A multi-player word-building game.

n What’s The Phrase? Spin the wheel, guess the phrase, solve the puzzle.

n A Year of Riddles. Guess the riddle and then unscramble the answer. Play On Paper:n Word Search. Find words by circling groups of letters.

n Crossword Puzzle. Answer clues and guess the words.

n Jumble. Unscramble letters to make words and more words.

Board Games:n Scrabble. Two to four players make words out of letter tiles.

n Apples To Apples. Four to ten players competitively match a noun card to an adjective card.

n Boggle. Players compete to find words in a grid of 16 letter cubes. Travel Games:n Spelling Bee. Use a dictionary or an app.

n Hangman. Play on paper or with an app.

n New York Times Crossword Puzzle. Do it on paper or with an app. Ask Kids To Teach You To Speak:n Pig Latin

n Bubble Language

n Other language games they have learned Word Fun To Have On Hand:n For the fridge. Magnetic Poetry

n For a trip. Bananagrams

n On display. A jar of vintage word tiles

Cont’d on page 38


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Word Play Ideas:n Make a practice of naming things – name your home, your cars, make up nicknames for each other.

n Make up new words to describe what you just saw or experienced or to describe the day when it is done.

n Encourage kids to write in books – circle words they don’t know, scribble in the margins, or jot down their own story ideas on the spot.

n Let each family member choose a word for the year, then print out the word and definition to post where they will see it.

n Have a family quote board – hang a pad of paper on a clipboard and capture funny things family members say on an ongoing basis.

n Keep a jar in each child’s room for capturing favorite words jotted down on pieces of paper. Share these with each other each New Year’s Eve as a new family tradition. Decorate Your Home With Words:n Label rooms by name.

n Put names on bedroom doors.

n Label storage sorters or bins.

n Hang Wordle or Tagxedo posters containing collections of favorite words.

n Let kids draw pictures or make collages to accompany favorite quotes.

n Find a favorite phrase from a book and handwrite it in fun lettering.

n Go to Etsy.com and search for clever décor ideas associated with “words.”

Still not sure about the power of words? Consider this quote by businessman Frank Outlaw:

Watch your thoughts,

for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

WORDS, GLORIOUS

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December 2014 Atlanta Parent 41 atlantaparent.com Family Fun Guide

Children’s Christmas ParadeMidtown Atlanta / Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.

The annual Christmas Parade benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is the largest holiday parade in the Southeast. The procession down Peachtree Street includes decorated floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons and festive music. The parade route starts at 16th Street and ends at 5th Street. Free; bleacher seats ($18 each) can be reserved at choa.org/paradebleachers.

2

Family Fun GuideNot-to-miss events for December*

Eating Out n Holiday n Exhibits n Calendar

Serenbe Playhouse

1

Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate & Princess AdventureCobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Dec. 13-14. Sat. 7 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates take the stage for a musical adventure that flies from Sofia’s castle to Never Land with new songs, special effects and audience interaction. A Doc McStuffins preshow takes place 10 minutes before curtain. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $20-$80. disneyjuniorlive.com.

The Snow QueenSerenbe Playhouse

Dec.4- 21. Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m.

Before there was Frozen there was Snow Queen. Bundle up for this outdoor production. This winter tale explores it all as you join the brave Gerda on her epic quest to save her brother from the icy allure of the mysterious Snow Queen and the chill creeping into his own heart. 9065 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. Adults, $20; ages 12 and younger, $15; Lap sitters, free. serenbeplayhouse.com

3

Play in the Snow Page 44

42 Atlanta Parent December 2014 atlantaparent.comFamily Fun Guide

Family Fun GuideShake Shack

3035 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. A146, Atlanta470-809-9201; shakeshack.com

Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

MARKYOUR

CALENDAR

Packed with personality, Shake Shack is Atlanta’s newest spot for burgers, hot dogs and frozen custards. Its fun energy and high-quality ingredients separate it from your typical burger and shake joint.

n What’s on the menu: Shake Shack, originally a hot dog stand, features unique all-natural beef flat-top hot dogs in the $3-$4 price range and savory fresh-to-order burgers that are made of all-natural Angus beef and arrive carefully wrapped in a paper sleeve. The ShackBurger is Shake Shack’s signature cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce for $4.99. You can choose a single or a double patty, and you can also build your own burger to suit your fancy. Vegetarians can enjoy the ‘Shroom Burger for $6.99. Don’t forget to order a basket of crisp-to-perfection crinkle cut fries for $2.90 or cheese fries for $3.90. Here’s a little known fact: Shake Shack also has a “secret menu” that offers a grilled cheese sandwich, a BLT, and a Garden Dog, which is their vegetarian hot dog. All you have to do is ask!

n Why kids will like it: After ordering at the counter, my boys didn’t mind the 7-8 minute wait for their food since they knew

it was being cooked to their liking. Two of my boys polished off their hot dogs, while my pickiest eater was thrilled with his lightly toasted “secret” grilled cheese sandwich. They washed down their meals with organic apple juice for $1.80, and they couldn’t wait to try their frozen custard milkshake for dessert. They also liked that Shake Shack is dog-friendly by including dog biscuits on the menu for dogs joining their owners on the heated covered rooftop patio.

n Why parents will like it: Despite the lunchtime rush, we had no trouble finding a table in the cozy yet bustling dining room. My husband was very satisfied with his ShackBurger, while I kept it simple and built my own tasty hamburger topped with all-natural Applewood smoked bacon. We were intrigued when we heard there were Atlanta-specific desserts. My boys shared the “Peachtree” hand-spun caramel peach frozen custard milkshake for $5.50. We also enjoyed the locally inspired “Pecan Pie Oh My” and “Campfire S’mores” Concretes starting at $3.50. Concretes are cups of vanilla frozen custard blended with mix-ins like cookie dough, toffee, graham crackers and more. We felt good knowing

Wild Kratts Live!Join the Kratt brothers right off of PBS Kids as they activate a Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. The Wild Kratts team rescue a helpless animal friend and returns her home “Living Free and in the Wild!” Jan. 31. 2 and 7 p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2800. Tickets, $15 and up. cobbenergycentre.com

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NEWSIES This Disney musical straight from Broadway tells the story of a group of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. Jan. 20-25. Tues.-Thur. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Fox Theatre. 660 Peachtree St. NE. Atlanta. 404-881-2100. Tickets, $28 and up. foxtheatre.org/newsies

EATING OUT

that part of the proceeds for the s’mores flavor is donated to Camp Twin Lakes, a local charity. There’s no question that we’ll become regulars at Shake Shack, and we feel lucky to have a new go-to eatery with a great vibe that hits the spot in a sweet and savory way.

– Felicia Barman


Roll, Drop, Bounce: The Science of MotionThrough Jan. 4Tellus Museum

The national touring exhibit features activities to demonstrate physics principles such as momentum, velocity, potential energy, kinetic energy, elasticity, friction and acceleration. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. tellusmuseum.org

Get there before they’re gone!Don’t miss these family-friendly exhibits

Goose Bumps! The Science of FearThrough Jan. 4Fernbank Museum of Natural History

This interactive exhibit examines the physiological, neurological and sociological aspects of the often misunderstood emotion of fear. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. fernbankmuseum.org

Tech CityThrough Jan. 5Gwinnet Environmental & Heritage Center

Budding engineers and kids just curious about how things work will enjoy this interactive exhibit with eight stations. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. gwinnettehc.org/tech-city-2

LAST CHANCE

Outside the Box Through Jan. 25The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Through engaging props, activities and interactive fun, children can discover the building blocks of math, engineering and technology. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437.childrensmuseumatlanta.org


by Hayley Markowitz

Let it snow. This year you don’t even have to depend on Mother Nature. Bundle up and play in the snow with everything from cool snow falls to tubing. Here is where you can find plenty of the white stuff!

It’s a WINTER Wonderland

Stone Mountain Christmas

Open through Jan. 4. Visit stonemountainpark.com for times.Gather the family for the magical Snow Angel Snowfall and Fireworks Finale as the Snow Angel flies overhead. With the help of her junior angels below chanting “Let It Snow,” the Snow Angel makes it really snow in Crossroads. The town is decked out with more than 2 million lights. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. Free. Parking, $10.

Snow MountainOpen through Feb. 22. Visit stonemountainpark.com for times. Stone Mountain.Bundle up and enjoy more than 20 snow tubing slides out on the site commonly known as “Laser Lawn.” The snow park features tubing runs – including the Avalanche Alley family tube ride and the Snow Zone area where younger kids may tube. Also take aim in a snowball shooting gallery. After playing in the snow, warm up at the crackling bonfires, roast marshmallows and enjoy s’mores. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. Snow pass, $28. Parking, $10.


More places to play in the snow.

It’s a WINTER Wonderland

❄ Christmas in the Park. Milton Daniel Park. Kids can enjoy a snow play area. Dec. 6. 2-6 p.m. 1500 Morrow Rd., Morrow. 770-968-1623. Free.

❄ A Day with Santa. Downtown Kennesaw. Snow tubing and snow play area for the family. Dec. 6. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2828 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free.

❄ Snow on the Square. Downtown Alpharetta. Snow play area. Dec. 6. 1-3 p.m. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6000. Free.

❄ Christmas at Piedmont Church. Snow tubing. Dec. 12. 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 13 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 570 Piedmont Rd., Marietta. 770-423-1330. Free.

❄ New Year’s Eve Celebration. Duluth Festival Center. Snow tubing. Dec. 31. 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. Free.

Atlantic Station Snow ShowsOpen through Dec. 31. Mon.-Thur., 7 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., top of every hour starting at 6 p.m. through 9 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.Take the family for a snowy walk through Central Park during Snow Shows. New this year, favorite holiday songs will help bring the Snow Shows to life. 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW., Atlanta. Free. 404-410-4010

SnowWorldOpen through March 1. Visit snowworldga.com for times. Lake Lanier Island Resort.LanierWorld becomes SnowWorld for the winter. With five speed slides featuring slick “icy” surfaces instead of water, a snowy 13-lane tube slide and four snow play zones for the entire family. In addition to themed light displays, the Lanier Islands Christmas will include the SnowWorld Village with holiday shopping, carnival rides and games and visits with Santa. Adults and children over 42", 34.99; children under 42", $24.99; ages 2 and younger, free with paid adult. 770-945-8787.


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If You GoTech City Gwinnet Environmental & Heritage Center 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford; 770-904-3500. gwinnettehc.org/tech-city-2/

n Cost: Adults $10.50; ages 3-12, $6.50; age 2 and younger, free.

n Hours: Mon-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 11-4 p.m. Exhibit runs through Jan. 5; recommended ages are grades 3-8.

n Before you go: Plan to spend one to one and a half hours at the exhibit; if you plan on hiking on trails and visiting the H2O exhibit, add more time. Families can bring a lunch to eat on outside benches; the gift shop sells bottled drinks.

Does your child want to be an engineer? Do your children enjoy solving problems? Then they will

enjoy the hands-on, real-world challenges of Tech City, just like my son Matthew, 12, and his friend Jared, 11, did.

Kids can take part in eight interactive stations. We started out learning how to “clean” the water with the hydraulic system at the “Separation Station.” Next, learning about cost and architecture allowed them to design a plaza with materials at various prices. We kept changing our tile pattern to see which would be most economical. At the earthquake exhibit, we used blocks and sticks to make buildings that would withstand an earthquake – we didn’t do so well on that one, but it was fun. Using computers to help traffic flow and timing of traffic lights was engaging and a real life issue we deal with every day.

On weekends and holidays, an educator conducts little projects on various topics.

and his friend used rolled up paper. Matthew and Jared’s favorite station

within the exhibit was “Dam the Creek!” The goal is to prevent the creek from flooding by building a dam with metal blocks. They had to start over several times to seal all the various leaks (and had fun getting their arms wet) but solved the problem as best they could.

Watching the kids have fun while using their brains and challenging themselves, made for a great day!

– Michele Gergans

‘Dam the Creek!’ and Learn About Technology

On the day we visited, the kids were responsible for building a bridge that could hold a weighted pot without it dropping. My son used uncooked spaghetti noodles


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We listened, danced and learned a thing or two – including salsa moves – on a recent visit to

American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music, the newest exhibit at the Atlanta History Center.

My son and I prepared for our visit by reading about Latin musicians and their influence on the different genres of American music, including hip hop, jazz and rock ’n roll. As a parent, I enjoyed reading about my own favorite Latin musicians like Selena and Desi Arnaz – I’m also a huge Lucy fan.

We heard salsa music at listening stations throughout the exhibit, then we explored the jukebox area where my son could dance to popular Latin songs on the adjacent dance floor that had colored strobe lights and rotating music symbols. This is a great area for children to dance and enjoy the true essence of the exhibit.

The History Center plans events around the exhibit, including movies and lectures. Movies screening this month are Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, 2 p.m. Dec. 6; Selena, 2 p.m. Dec. 13; LaBamba, 2 p.m. Dec. 10, and Mad About Mambo, 2 p.m. Dec. 27. Three Kings Day, or Dia de Los Reyes, will be celebrated in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate and Instituto de Mexico from 1-5 p.m. Jan. 4 with crafts and hands-on activities – and it’s a free admission day at the History Center.

If You GoAmerican Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000; atlantahistorycenter.com/saborAdmission: $16.50 adults; $11, ages 4-12; 3 and under, free; free parking. The Ford Motor Company Fund presents free admission weekends Dec. 13-14 and Jan. 17-18.Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p. m.; Sun., noon- 5:30 p.m. Exhibit runs through Feb. 8.

The Latin music and the salsa dancing of the American Sabor traveling exhibit made our first visit to the Atlanta History Center really enjoyable. The History Center also offers additional galleries and outdoor areas to explore. It is a great place to visit with children of all ages and we look forward to going again!

– Ayanna Hawkins

Dance to the Music at

American Sabor


Taking time to enjoy the history and beauty of downtown Atlanta, my family and I decided to veer off the

beaten path of “traditional” kid-friendly activities and check out the Fabulous Fox Theatre with a behind-the-scenes tour.

The Fox Theatre sits right on the heart of Peachtree Street and in the hearts of Atlantans, who saved it from the wrecking ball in 1974 when BellSouth proposed tearing it down to expand parking. The “Save The Fox” campaign raised $3 million and even got schools kids involved with “penny drives.”

This classic gem in Atlanta’s history offers an enchanting tour that takes you back in time to the glitz and glam of the 1920s. From the classic entrance to the “Egyptomania” themed décor, including some original furniture pieces and flooring that have been impeccably maintained, the theatre makes quite an impression from start to finish.

Its “atmospheric” ceiling reminds you of an outdoor Middle Eastern castle. The ceiling sparkles with 96 stars that light up the beautiful ultramarine sky and clouds that actually move! The tour also includes the orchestra pit and Mighty Mo, the largest working Moller theatre organ in the world.

If You GoThe Fox Theatre660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta404-881-2100; foxtheatre.orgn Tours: For a 60-minute guided tour, prices start at $5 for kids age 10 and younger, and $18 for adults. Parking costs about $10 at lots around the theater. Accessible restrooms available.n Holiday Tours: 60-minute holiday-themed tours are at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Dec. 1-31. Tours will cover 10 locations decorated for the holidays and will include a hot beverage. $25 for adults, $7 for ages 10 and younger.n Coming Up: Mighty Mo & More, the Fox’s free holiday event, will be 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. It includes a Christmal Carol Sing-a-Long with the Mighty Mo organ and performances by Stephenson High School and Stars of Tomorrow, followed by a screening of the movie Home Alone. Donations for Toys for Tots will be accepted. Reserve tickets in advance.

Touring Atlanta’s Iconic Theater,

THE FABULOUS

FOX

Throughout the tour, I was pleasantly surprised to see how intrigued and involved, Micah, my 6-year-old daughter was. In addition to searching for secret passageways, she had a great time envisioning herself performing on the “The Big Stage.” In fact, during the intimate tour you could hear the oohs and aahs from many participants as we walked through the many twist and turns of this mysterious theatre.

This tour offered different levels of enjoyment for each of us. Micah loved the mystery and the fact that everything was so “fancy.” My husband, Chris, admired the Egyptian art that covered the building and I loved watching Micah and her dad try out the dance floor in one of the “fancy” ballrooms!

Tours are offered throughout the year; specialty tours have ghost, holiday and movie themes.

– Caren Davis Lightfoot

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Saturday, December 13, 2014

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.Perimeter Mall4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd.

Atlanta, GA 30346Center Court

near Von Maur

FREE!

Hosted by Jocelyn Connell & Annalee Penny of CBS46

Story Time with

Santa & Friends!

Tis’ the season to share the joy of reading!

Come out for stories and songs to celebrate the holidays!

Berry’s Tree FarmOpens Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.Enjoy train rides, hay rides, snow flocking, concession stands and much more. The kids can take pictures with Santa. View website for dates. 70 Mt. Tabor Rd., Covington. 770-786-5833. berrystreefarm.com

Berry Patch FarmsOpen Nov.28-Dec.14, Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Sit on the porch and enjoy a warm funnel cake and sip hot apple cider as Santa’s helpers load up your car with a perfect tree. 786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-926-0561. berrypatchfarms.net

Kinsey Family Christmas Tree FarmOpens Nov. 22. Mon.-Fri., noon-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.Take a wagon ride out to choose your tree. Warm up after with some marshmallow roasting and hot cocoa and listen to holiday music in the barn. 7170 Jot-em Down Rd., Gainesville. 770-887-6028. kinseyfamilyfarm.com/christmas

The timeless tradition of choosing a Christmas tree is more than just a trek through a tree farm. Your family can take a wagon ride, sip hot cider, roast marshmallows and more at these farms. Trees cost as little as $30,

depending on the type and height your family picks out or cuts down.

Yule ForestOpens Nov. 27, Mon.- Sun., 9 a.m. to dark.Stay warm with homemade apple cider. Free hayrides and a petting zoo on the weekends. A fun zone is also open on the weekend for $3. 3565 Hwy 155 N., Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. aboutYule.com

Bottoms Tree FarmOpen Nov. 22-Dec. 20, Mon.-Fri., 3 p.m. to dark; Sat., 9 a.m. to dark, closed Sun.Roast marshmallows over the fire, enjoy hot cider and see farm animals. Take a hay ride around the farm or stroll by the lake after picking out your tree. 5880 John Burruss Rd., Cumming. 706-429-3173. bottomstreefarm.com

Thompson’s Tree FarmOpen Nov. 22-Dec. 21, Mon.-Fri., noon-6 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.Hay rides, s’more roasting, hot chocolate and cider. The kids can feed pet goats and cows around the farm. Don’t miss Santa’s visit on Dec. 6. 1829 Prospect Rd., Lawrenceville. 770-513-2552. thompsonstreefarm.gacta.com

– Hayley Markowitz

Find a Tree, Make a Memory

For more tree farm locations, visit pickyourownchristmastree.orgCheck websites for Thanksgiving holiday hours.


Calendarn Visit our Calendar at atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

n Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline. n Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

n Submit your Family-Friendly Calendar Event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

December S M T W TH F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

DR. SEUSS EXHIBITION

Ann Jackson GalleryDEC. 5-7

FRI. & SAT, NOON-9 P.M. SUN., NOON-5 P.M.

Explore classic works from Dr. Seuss’s best known children’s books and see other pieces from the Secret Art of Dr. Seuss collection. Live appearances throughout the day by the Cat in the Hat and the Grinch. 932 Canton St., Roswell. 770-993-4783. Free.

classesMommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern

Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Different activities each week. Dec. 11 and 18. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Recommended for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop. All locations. Come learn how to build festive holiday yard stakes. Dec. 6. 9 a.m.-noon. ages 5-12, free.

INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Christmas ornament crafts, Dec.1-5, Christmas card crafts, Dec. 8-14; Reindeer, Dec. 15-21; Santa crafts, Dec. 22-26. $1 with museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gaines-ville. 770-536-1900. Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6.

Magic Monday. Atlanta History Center. Help the Atlanta History Center get ready for the holi-days. Make ornaments, decorate Christmas trees, and hear holiday stories to get into the Christmas spirit. Dec. 8. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4110. Adults, $6.50; ages 5 and younger, $5.50.

Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, storytime and crafts geared towards ages 3-5. Dec. 10. 10:30 a.m. 1 Depot St., Marietta. 770-794-5710. Reservations required. $5.

Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 1-4. Dec. 11. 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-495-0253. $7 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $8.

Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle introduce history through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts. Dec. 13. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Recommended for ages 2-5. Donations encouraged.

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Dec. 6, 13 and 20. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Yoga for Kids. Johns Creek Yoga. Preschool and children’s yoga classes each Sat. Ages 3-5, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; ages 6-9, 11 a.m.-noon. 11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 770-619-1283. $12.

Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Take a drawing, painting or pottery class. Supplies included. Ages 2-13. Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278. Pre-register. $15, siblings $12.

Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for times and locations. 800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free.

Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning. Make a different craft each week. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. Free.

Drop-In and Draw. Gas-Art Gifts at North DeKalb Mall. Make a different project each week. Every Sat. in Dec. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Every Sun. in Dec. 1-5 p.m. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy. 404-801-4926. $5.

exhibitsAll About Trains. Tellus Museum. Exhibit featuring

model trains on 100 feet of track running past scenes of an imaginary village, displays about the basics of model railroading, how to build railroad scenes and popular model scales. Through Mar. 2015. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music. Atlanta History Center. Celebrate and savor the impact of Latinos in American popular music in a bilingual exhibition. Move to the rhythm of American Sabor and discover the diversity, creativity and innovations of Latin musicians. Through Feb. 8, 2015. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family in Amsterdam. Includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-206-1558, holocaust.georgia.gov. Ages 10 and older, free.

Bodies: The Exhibition. Atlantic Station. An intimate and informative view into the human body. Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.- Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing. 265 18th St., Atlanta. 404-496-4274. Adults, $24; ages 3-11, $16.

Centennial Olympic Games Exhibit. Atlanta History Center. Learn about the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free.

Cinderella’s Tightrope: Adapted Childhood Tales Special Exhibit Gallery. Center for Puppetry Arts. See how characters from classic childhood tales like Cinderella and the Little Mermaid can be adapted for the puppet stage. Through April 2015. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.;10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Museum admission, $8.25. Free admission Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

Dolphin Tales. Georgia Aquarium. The live show incorporates dolphins, actors and special effects. Multiple shows per day, times vary. Reservations recommended. Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit. Adults, $38.95; ages 3-12, $32.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This highly in-teractive exhibit examines the physiological, neurological and sociological aspects of the often misunderstood emotion of fear. Hands-on activities encourage visitors to experience fear in a safe and enjoyable environment. Through Jan. 2015. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.


AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Family

Thursday, December 4, 2014 & Thursday, December 18, 2014 6:00 – 10:00 pm

Beautiful candlelit paths illuminate the gardens, wooded trails, and decorated historic houses. Enjoy traditional holiday activities, characters, performers, treats, and libations.

FAMILY PROGRAM

Major funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.

Candlelightn i g h t s

Jenny Pruitt and David Boehmig, Founders

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade and FanFest. Downtown Atlanta. Catch the football frenzy as the parade starts at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Baker Street and concludes at the entrance of FanFest in the Georgia World Congress Center. Floats, classic cars, cheerleaders, mascots, marching bands, dance groups and more. Dec. 31. Parade, 8-9:30 a.m. FanFest 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 285 Andrew Young Blvd., Atlanta. 404-586-8500. Parade, free. FanFest, $15

Lawrenceville Rings. Historic Courthouse Lawn. Ring in the annual celebration, live concert, dancing and fireworks at midnight. Dec. 31. Festivities start at 7 p.m. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-407-6598. Free.

Noon Year’s Eve. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Let the kids celebrate early. There will be a balloon drop at noon and music and dancing for the kids. Dec. 31. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Ring in the New Year!

Peach Drop

Noon Year’s Eve Ball. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Count down to the “noon year” for 2015. Join the museum’s very own Princess and Prince, as they dance in the “noon year” followed by a dance party for all ages! Dec. 31. 11:30 a.m. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Included with museum admission. $12.75; 11 months and younger, free.

2014 Peach Drop. Underground Atlanta. The Southeast’s largest annual New Year’s Eve event. Inflatables, face painting, carnival rides and music during the day. Dec. 31. 11 a.m. 50 Upper Alabama St., Atlanta. 404-523-2311. Free. Arcades and rides extra.

New Year’s Eve Celebration. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Welcome the New Year with fun activities and crafts. Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Parade, 12-4 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. Free with museum admission. $8.

770-954-9356www.aboutYule.com

FREE Hot Apple Cider & Candy Canes!Hayrides & Petting Zoo Open on Weekends!

▲ Fraser Firs ▲ Virginia Pines▲ Leyland Cypress ▲ Cryptomerias

▲ Balled Trees for transplanting▲ Snow Flocked Trees

▲ Fresh Wreaths

Ask about our Fabulous Field Trip Farm Tours

Yule ForestHwy. 155

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

It’s Officially Christmas timeOpen daily until dark starting Thanksgiving Day.

3565 N. Hwy 155 · Stockbridge

$5 OFFAny Field Grown Tree

From $30 And Up(Choose & cut your own)

With Coupon only. Not valid w/any other offer.

NOV 14_Yule Forest_6th VERT_4C.indd 1 10/22/2014 10:38:04 AM


We’ve booked kids for $2,000 per day and more, othersat $50 - $60per hour.

Could your baby,toddler or

kid be one?

www.williamreynoldsagency.com404-636-1974

Child Models

Atlanta, New York, LA

Visit atlantaparent.com/event/submit

or email [email protected]

Have a Family-Friendly Calendar Event?

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information & photos

eight weeks prior to

your event.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ULTIMATE TAILGATE TOUR

Mall of GeorgiaDEC. 6, 10 A.M.-7 P.M. DEC. 7, 11 A.M.-6 P.M.

Fans of all ages can meet NFL players and legends, test their skills in combine drills, play Madden NFL 15 and even have a chance to win some Monday Night Football tickets. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788. Free.

Tech City. Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Cen-ter. Solve real-world problems that engineers face. Meet various challenges by using engi-neering approaches for designing, building, testing and modifying. Through Jan. 5, 2015. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Adults, $10.50; ages 13-22, $8.50; ages 3-12, $6.50; ages 2 and younger, free.

The Civil War in Sandy Springs. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Exhibit detailing the Civil War in Sandy Springs featuring letters, diaries, family artifacts and cannon shells. Through April 2015. Wed. and Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Adults, $3; ages 6-12, $1; ages 5 and younger, free.

Outside the Box. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Families can look forward to a variety of interactive, hands-on learning opportunities featuring holidays around the world and more. From decking the halls with festive crafts for December’s “Boxes and Bows” theme. Through Jan. 25.2015. Museum closed Weds. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Admission, $12.75; ages 1 and younger, free.

Sea Monsters Revealed: Aquatic Bodies. Georgia Aquarium. An exhibit of sea creatures includes an 18-foot-long, 3,000 pound whale shark. Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit. Adults, $38.95; ages 3-12, $32.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Quarry Exhibit. Stone Mountain Park. This out-door display was developed to tell the story of an industry that played a significant part in the history of Stone Mountain. Mon.-Sun., dawn to dusk. U.S. Hwy 78 E., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Free. Parking, $10.

ice skatingAstor Holiday Rink at St. Regis Atlanta. Twin-

kling lights, holiday melodies, hot cocoa and s’mores. Open until Jan. 4. Mon.-Fri., noon -9 p.m.; Sat. and Sun.10 a.m.-9 p.m. 88 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-563-7797. Reser-vations recommended. Adults, $30/hr.; ages 15 and younger, $18/hr.

Atlantic Station. A 10,000-square-foot, open-air ice skating rink. Open through Feb. 15. Opens daily at 3 p.m. 17th St., Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Admission, $13; ages 5 and younger, $10.

Avalon. A rink surrounded by twinkling lights, a gingerbread house and other holiday deco-rations. Open until Feb. 2200 Avalon Blvd. Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. Admission, $16.

Centennial Olympic Park. Skating in down-town. Sessions run 90 minutes. Open until Jan. 19. Visit centennialpark.com for hours. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-222-7275. $10/person including skate rental.

The Polar Rink at Lake Lanier Island Resort. Enjoy skating at this Coca-Cola themed rink. Open until Dec. 31. Mon.-Fri., noon-9 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m. -9 p.m. 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 770-945-8787. Adults, 34.99/day; children, $19.99/day; ages 2 and younger, free with paid adult.

The Pavilion in Olde Town. Indoor/outdoor rink in a botanical setting. Open through Feb. 8. Visit icedays.com for hours. 949 S. Main St., Conyers. 678-231-3235. Skate fee, $8; Skate rental, $2.

The Rink at Park Tavern. Heated tent, state of the art sound system and rink-side dining. Open through Feb. 18. 4:30 p.m.-midnight. Mon.-Fri. Sat. and Sun., 10:30 a.m.-midnight (Adult skate nightly 8:30 p.m.-midnight.) 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-249-0001. $15/all day skate.

moviesGalapagos: Nature’s Wonderland. Fernbank

Museum of Natural History. Travel deep into the heart of the Pacific Ocean to a volcanic setting filled with stunning biological marvels. Through Mar. 2015. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free.

Jerusalem. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Explore Jerusalem and the Holy Land in this cinematic journey. Through Feb. 2015. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free.

Enter to win prizes! Visit atlantaparent.com by Dec. 12 to enter.


www.SoutheasternRailwayMuseum.org3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth | 770-476-2013

MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE

Philips ArenaDEC. 20-22

404-878-3000

The Arena at Gwinnett CenterDEC. 26-28

770-813-7500

Your favorite comic book characters come to life as more than 25 Marvel superheroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers and Hulk join in an action-packed performance with special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts and more. Tickets, $20 and up.

Calendar

natureAdventure Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Learn about

China’s national treasures during an adventure centered on the Zoo’s pandas. Dec. 6. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-5822. Recommended for ages 3-4. Reservations are requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

Moonlight Mountain Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Enjoy a moonlight hike down to a lakeside campfire and enjoy s’mores. Bring flashlights, hiking boots and a water bottle. Dec. 6. 5-7 p.m. 2600 Hwy. 155 SW, Stock-bridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. Ages 10 and older, $7. Parking, $5.

Trail Hike. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Journey through the CNC trails using biofacts and activi-ties to spark your curiosity. Sat. and Sun. 1 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb. Panola Mountain State Park. Explore the tree canopy using ropes and harnesses. Dec. 20. 1 p.m. 2600 Hwy 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Registration require. Ages 8 and older, $15; Parking, $5.

Weekends in the Naturalist Center. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Activities include animal encounters, science explorations and more. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Activities included with price of admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Feeding Time. Chattahoochee Nature Cen-ter. Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of the resident animals as the Wildlife Dept. feeds them. Tues. and Sat., 4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Ages 5 and older, $10 plus admission. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

Stroller Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Programs for babies-2 years and parents/caregivers to discover more about pandas. Dec. 3 and 13. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-5822. Reservations are requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

special eventsYo Gabba Gabba! Fox Theatre. Sing and dance

along with your favorite characters from Yo Gabba Gabba at their Music is Awesome tour. Dec. 3. 6:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855-285-8499. Tickets $24-46.

Fulton County Free Saturday. High Museum of Art. Admission is free for Fulton County residents with I.D. on the first Saturday of each month until 1 p.m. Dec. 6. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000.

Enter to win prizes !Visit atlantaparent.com by Dec. 12 to enter.


Tiny Towne2055 Beaver Ruin Road

Norcross • 470-545-7227www.tinytowne.com

♦ 36,000 Square Foot Indoor Park

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FAMILY FUN DAY

MJCCA at Zaban ParkDEC. 25, 11 A.M.-3 P.M.

A day of family fun and entertainment includes a sing-along, family-friendly movie screenings in the theatre, inflatables, laser tag, ride-on toys, hands-on activities, and indoor games of basketball, table tennis and more. Food is available for purchase. 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-3727. Free.

Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates take the stage for a musi-cal adventure that flies from Sofia’s castle to Never Land with new songs, special effects and audience interaction. Dec. 13-14. Sat, 7 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $20-$80.

storytellingChildren’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe.

Storytimes are followed by dance and songs. Mon. and Sat. 11 a.m. 105 E. Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free.

Next Chapter JV Book Club. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Book club for ages 6-12. Includes a snack, discussion and an activity. Dec. 12. 4:30 p.m. 105 E. Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free.

Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Storytelling three times a week. Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs. Milk and cookies pro-vided. Tues. 11 a.m., Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest. Ramblers host storytelling each Sat. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-753-7735. Adults, $8; ages 4-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free. (Price includes storytelling).

theaterThe Snow Queen. Serenbe Playhouse. Before there

was Frozen there was Snow Queen. Bundle up and enjoy this outside production. Dec.4- 21. Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m. 9065 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. Adults, $20; ages 12 and younger, $15; Lap sitters, free.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank The-atre. Laugh and sing along with Alexander’s mis-adventures in this hilarious musical, featuring book and lyrics by Judith Viorst. Dec. 4. 10:30 a.m., Dec. 7. 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 11. 10:30 a.m. 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-4002. $10-$20.

Lyle the Crocodile. Synchronicity Theatre. This song and dance with the Primms after they find Lyle the Crocodile in their bathtub! Through Dec. 16. 1545 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-484-8636. Adults, $20; ages 2-12, $15; ages 2 and younger lap sitters, free.

Peter Pan Jr. OnStage Atlanta Mainstage. Fly away to Neverland with Peter and the Darling children in Disney’s adaptation of their beloved animated film. Dec 6, 13 and 20. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 2969 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-897-1802. $7.

The Aristocats Kids. MJCCA Zaban Park. Madame’s jealous butler cat-naps Duchess and her Aristo-kittens and abandons them in the countryside. Dec.15-16. 8 p.m. 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-4002. $7-10.

beyond atlantaAugusta Market at the River. Augusta Riverwalk.

Browse local produce, baked goods, art and more on the banks of the Savannah River. Saturdays through Dec. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 8th St. Plaza, Augusta. 706-627-0128. Free.

Historic Trolley Tour. Downtown Augusta. Take the Lady Liberty Trolley for a kid-friendly ride to see some of Augusta’s most famous homes and the Augusta Canal. Hear a historical story and head to the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta History Museum. Saturdays. 1 p.m. 560 Reynolds St., Au-gusta. 706-724-4067. Pre-register. $12 per person, includes admission to the museum.

River Giants Exhibit. Tennessee Aquarium. A collection of freshwater fish at legendary sizes, the “goliaths” of freshwater. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. One Broad St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $26.95; ages 3-12, $16.95; 2 and younger, free.cYo Gabba Gabba! at the Fox Theatre


Holiday EventsHoliday Bricktacular. LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Santa takeover of MINILAND, with big tree build Dec. 13-14 and more activities Dec. 1-31. 3500 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Included with admission. Purchase tickets online. Adults, $19; ages 3-12, $17; 2 and younger, free.

WinterFest. Tanglewood Farm. Carols, decorated trees, miniature farm animals, hot cider and hot chocolate. Dec. 1- 31. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Christmas Day. 171 Tanglewood Dr., Canton. 770-667-6464. $10; 11 months and younger, free.

Coming Home for the Holidays. Smyrna Village Green. Activities for children, parade, concerts and visit with Santa. Tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Dec. 2. 5-9 p.m. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna. 770-431-2842. Free.

Wonder of Holiday Memories. American Girl, North Point Mall. Create a snowflake craft and dine together at American Girl. Includes a meal and memory book. Ages 8 and older. Dec. 5, 12. 11 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 19. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Reservations required. $38/person.

Sl’Hay Ride. East Roswell Recreation Center. A family hayride around the park, with cookie decorating and hot chocolate. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dec. 12. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6134. Reservations required. $18. 11 months and younger, free.

Polar Express Party. Mansell Crossing, Barnes & Noble. Storytime, hot cocoa, treats and giveaways. Pajamas encouraged. Dec. 5. 7 p.m. 7660 North Point Pkwy., Ste. 200, Alpharetta. 770-993-8340. Free.

Dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Bogan Park Recreation Center. Learn ballet, ornament craft, snacks and more. Parents join the party for the last 10 minutes for a short performance. Dec. 6. Ages 3-5, 1-2:30 p.m. Ages 6-10, 2:30-4:30 p.m. 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford. 678-277-0850. Pre-register by Dec. 1. Ages 3-5, $11; Ages 6-10, $16.

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Story Time. Little Shop of Stories. Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic. Dec. 22. 7 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

Holiday Celebration on the Square. Roswell. Carolers from schools, lighting of the Historic Town Square, a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a visit from Santa Claus. Dec. 6. 5 p.m. Intersection of Hwy. 9 and Hwy. 120, Roswell. 770-641-3950. Free.

Reindog Parade. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Holiday dog parade and dress-up competition, plus Doggie Expo. Dec. 6. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pre-register before Dec. 2. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Dogs, $18; adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Meet the Holidays: Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Mexican holiday celebration with a reading of The Lady of Guadalupe and a special craft. Ages 8 and younger. Dec. 13. noon and 3 p.m.; Dec. 14. 3 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Included with museum admission. $12.75; 11 months and younger, free.

Teddy Bear Tea. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Bring a special teddy bear for a festive children’s tea and hot chocolate with live entertainment and Santa. Only 4 children per adult please. Ages 4 and older. Dec. 7 and 14. 3-4:30 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Pre-register. $25.

Cocoa and Caroling. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Celebrate the season with Christmas carols and hot cocoa on the Callanwolde front lawn. Dec. 2. 5:30-7 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Free.

Holiday Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast. Decatur Square. Visit Santa at the bandstand and roast marshmallows on the square. Dec. 18. 7-8 p.m. Downtown Decatur. 404-371-8386. Free.

Christmas concerts to ballet, tree lightings to cookie decorating, story times to fun with Santa - the possibilities are endless with so many things to do this December!

Enjoy iconic Atlanta Christmas events and discover what’s new this season.

HOLIDAY

CALENDAR

Cont’d on page 56

Winter WonderlandFernbank Museum of Natural History / Through Jan. 11.

This annual exhibit features two

floors of festive trees and other displays decorated for the winter holidays. It will shine with a variety of cultural ornaments and emblems that recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events around the world. The exhibition highlights cultural celebrations from North America, South America, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and more! Don’t miss the Holly Jolly Film Fest running through Dec. 24. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Enter to win prizes! Visit atlantaparent.com by Dec. 12 to enter.


�Over 1 Mile of Lights Display

• Live reindeer• Santa visits

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• Petting zoo • Live nativity • Hay rides • Trees for sale

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through December 30th

Academy of Ballet presents

For more information call

770-242-6379or visit

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...The Children’s NutcrackerThe Children’s Nutcracker

...St. Pius High SchoolDecember 20th

11 am, 2:30 pm & 6 pm

December 21st2:30 pm

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Tickets: $12-25

Hanukkah Funn Hanukkah Story Time. Little Shop of Stories. Listen to stories about the Festival of Lights, menorahs, latkes, dreidels and gelt, plus dreidel games. Dec. 14. 3 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

n Community Hanukkah Celebration. Temple Kol Emeth. Celebrate the last night of Hanukkah with lighting of the menorah, crafts, storytelling and more. Dec. 16. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 1415 Old Canton Rd., Marietta. 770-973-3533. Free.

n Menorah Madness. Marcus JCC Atlanta-Zaban Park. Menorah lighting, songs and performances. Dec. 16-18. 5:15-6 p.m. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 678-812-4161. Free.

n Menorah Lighting. Chabad Intown. Enjoy hot drinks, latkes and gourmet donuts. Photo opportunities with Mr. Dreidel plus raffles and prizes. Dec. 17. 6 p.m. Decatur Square. Church St., Decatur. (Chabad Intown, 404-898-0434). Donations appreciated.

n Chanukah Party. East Cobb Park. Atlanta’s tallest LEGO menorah is light, presented by Chabad of Cobb. Dec. 18. 5:30 p.m. 3322 Rosewell Rd., Marietta. 770-565-4412. Free.

n Meet the Holidays: Hanukkah. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Reading of The Runaway Dreidel and a Dreidel game craft. Dec. 20. 12 and 3 p.m.; Dec. 21. 3 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Included with museum admission. $12.75; ages 11 months and younger, free.

Debbie’s Dance Concert. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center. Holiday performances by Pinckneyville’s Ballet Dancers and local vocal artists. Light refreshments. Dec. 6. 6:30 p.m. 4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross. 678-277-0920. Pre-register by Dec.2. $5/person.

Holiday Lights. East Cobb Park. Children’s choir, live music, Santa and Rudolph, plus the lighting of the great tree. Dec. 7. 6 p.m. 3322 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-591-3160. Free.

Christmas Tree Lighting. Vinings Jubilee. Holiday music, treats, train and pony rides, face painting, balloon twisting and pictures with Santa Claus at the tree lighting. Dec. 4. 6-9 p.m. 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 770-438-8080. Free.

Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting. Annual lighting of the tree. Dec. 4. 7 p.m. East Court Square, Decatur. 678-615-0915. Free.

Christmas Tree Lighting. Historic Downtown Alpharetta. Annual lighting of 50 foot live spruce tree, photos in the giant snow globe, music and activities. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m. in the gazebo. Dec. 5. 5-8 p.m. Milton Square City Park, Alpharetta. Free.

Tree Lighting and Community Celebration. Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming. Tree lighting with live entertainment, kid’s activities and photos with Santa. Dec. 5. 6-8 p.m.1200 Northside Forsyth Dr., Cumming. 770-844-3200. Free.

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

Cont’d on page 58

Chanukah Party


HOLIDAY FUN THAT WON’T BREAK THE STOCKING

HERE ARE ATLANTA PARENT’S TOP PICKS FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT THAT ARE FREE OR UNDER $5!

Santa’s WonderlandBass Pro5900 Sugar Loaf Pkwy. Lawrenceville. 678-847-5500n Cost: Freen Dates: Through Dec. 24.n The Experience: Families have the chance to make special Christmas memories including pictures with Santa, crafts, games and activities. Check basspro.com/santa for locations.

Cont’d on page 58

Polar Express AdventureSouthern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117.n Cost: Adults, $5; ages 4-12, $3; ages 3 and younger, free.n Dates: Dec. 6. 5-9 p.m.n The Experience: Meet the train conductor, watch elves make toys, write a letter to Santa and meet the jolly fellow himself. southernmuseum.org

Candlelight Tour McDaniel Farm Tour3251 McDaniel Rd., Duluth. 770-904-3500. n Cost: $5.n Dates: Dec. 5, 7, 11-14, 19-22. 6 and 7 p.m.n The Experience: Tour the 1930s Farm with costumed guide, followed by hot chocolate or apple cider and a holiday craft. Registration required at gwinnettehc.org.

The Velveteen RabbitDancing Goat Theatre10700 State Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 770-772-0762.n Cost: $5n Dates: Dec. 6, 18-20. 11 a.m.n The Experience: A tender story of a child receiving a special stuffed animal for Christmas. performingartsnorth.org

Christmas in CummingCity of Cumming Fairgrounds235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-423-1330.n Cost: Adults, $1; 12 and younger, free.n Dates: Dec. 12. 4-10 p.m.; Dec. 13. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.n The Experience: Free photos with Santa, plus light show, hayride, live music, marshmallow roasting and arts and crafts show. cityofcumming.net

Lights of LifeLife University1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta; 678-331-4334.n Cost: $5/car n Dates: Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Thurs., 6-10 p.m.n The Experience: Drive-through 1.5 mile display of light attractions, including a 65-foot-tall Santa and his sleigh. life.edu


Elf on a Shelf Dinner. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Elves serve dinner in the Superior Court Ballroom, with the Elf himself available for photos. Includes photo, hot cocoa bar, crafts, story time and sing-a-long songs. Dec. 12. 6 p.m. 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Pre-registration required. $12; ages 12 months and younger, free with paid adult.

Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides. Vinings Jubilee. Horse-drawn sleigh rides. Dec. 13 and 20. 5-8 p.m. 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-438-8080. Free.

Candy Cane Hunt. East Roswell Recreation Center. Pizza dinner, followed by a candy cane hunt. Bring a flashlight and basket. Dec. 13. 5:30-7 p.m. 770-594-6134. 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. Registration required. $18.

Polar Express Story Time with Santa. Little Shop of Stories. Christmas classic with Santa. Dec. 20. 2 and 4 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. $5. Reservations required.

Polar Express Party. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center. Hot chocolate bar, story time, crafts, games, a movie and more plus Santa. For ages 3 and older. Sat. Dec. 6. 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890. Pre-registration required. $5/person. (Parents must attend with child.)

Santa’s Magical Playhouse. Bill Johnson Community Activity Building. Parents run holiday errands while children ages 5-10 enjoy a morning of games, cookie decorating, crafts and a special visitor. Dec. 13. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3760. $22.

Reindeer Day. The Chattahoochee Nature Center. Meet live reindeer, plus reindeer crafts and campfire treats. Dec. 14. 1-4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Gingerbread Party. Little Shop of Stories. Enjoy gingerbread stories and decorate gingerbread men to eat! Dec. 6. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. $5/child. Reservations required.

The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Story Time. Little Shop of Stories. Children follow along at this read-aloud story time. Dec. 23. 6 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

Polar Express Experience. Southeastern Railway Museum. Board a vintage railroad car for movie-viewing, with live conductor and porters, cookies, cocoa and Santa. Children can dress in pajamas for the movie. Saturdays in Dec. through Christmas. 3:30 and 6 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Reservations required. Polar Express, $20. 1 and younger, free.

Stone Mountain Christmas. Stone Mountain Park. Holiday light displays, holiday shows, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and, new this year, meet Rudolph and Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster. Through Jan. 4. Visit stonemountainpark.com for event dates and times. U.S. Hwy. 78 E, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Parking, $10.

Sustainable Gingerbread House Display. Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. Through Jan. 5. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 1-4 p.m. Closed Dec. 23-25 and Jan. 1. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Included with admission. Adults, $7.50-10.50; ages 3-12, $3.50-6.50; 2 and younger, free.

Holiday Model Train Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Six tracks of G-scale choo choos. Through Jan. 3. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and evenings during Garden Lights. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Included with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Royal Tea and Grand Yuletide Ball. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. High tea with Prince Good tidings and Princess Joy, followed by royal dance lesson. Includes goodie bag and autograph book. Children encouraged to dress for the special occasion. Dec.20-21. 1-2:30 p.m. 117 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 770-293-0080. Limited space available. $15.

It’s a Wonderful Life Movie Marathon. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. The 1946 holiday classic starring Jimmy Stewart, with holiday sing-along preshow. Dec. 22. noon, 3, 6 or 9 p.m. 117 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 770-293-0080. $8.

Christmas Parade. Coweta County Justice Center. Winter wonderland-themed holiday parade. Dec. 13. 6 p.m. 72 Greenville St., Newnan. 770-254-2682. Free.

Story Time with Santa and Friends. Perimeter Mall. Come out for stories and songs to celebrate the holidays with Page Turners Make Great Learners. Dec. 13. 2-4 p.m. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. Contact [email protected] for more information. Free.

HOLIDAY FUN Hometown HolidayCity Hall Plaza, 51 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2525.n Cost: Free.n Dates: Dec. 6. 5-9:30 p.m. Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m.n The Experience: Children’s Village tent with kids crafts and activities, concessions, music, Santa and lighting of the Christmas tree. visitpeachtreecity.com

Macy’s Pink PigLenox Square Mall3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-231-2800.n Cost: $3/ride.n Dates: Through Jan. 4.n The Experience: Atlanta’s famous pig train takes families through a life-sized storybook ride. View website for hours. macys.com/pinkpig.

Twisted TinselBarrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation. n Cost: Each house, $5/person; ages 12 and younger free.n Dates: Dec. 6. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 770-641-3978.n The Experience: Explore decorated antebellum mansions, enjoy holiday games and entertainment. Visit southerntrilogy.com.

Evening in BethlehemRoswell United Methodist Church 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-993-6218.n Cost: Freen Dates: Dec. 6. Tours at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.n The Experience: Indoor, dramatic re-enactment of the first Christmas with live characters and real stable animals. Registration required at rumc.com/Bethlehem.



Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Annual Winter Wonderland exhibit features trees and other displays decorated for the winter holidays. The exhibition will twinkle with lights, glimmer with color, and shine with a variety of cultural ornaments and emblems that recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events around the world. Through Jan. 11. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Santa’s Wonderland. Bass Pro. Families have the chance to make special Christmas memories including free pictures with Santa, crafts and activities run through Dec. 24. Check basspro.com for locations and schedule events.

Light DisplaysLights of Life. Life University. Drive-thru 1.5 mile

light show. Santa visits on weekends. Pony and train rides, concession stand, goat petting zoo and live music. Nightly through Dec. 31. Sun.-Thurs. 6-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 6-10:30 p.m. 1269 Barclay Cir., Marietta. 678-331-4334. $20/passenger van; $5/car weekdays; $10/car weekends, Dec. 1 and Dec. 20-25.

Fantasy in Lights. Callaway Gardens. Drive through more than eight million twinkling lights and a garden decorated for the season. Through Dec. 30. Opens at 6 p.m. 17800 US Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 800-225-5292. Adults, $17-28; ages 6-12, $8.50-14; 5 and younger, free.

Cont’d on page 60

Country Christmas in Lights. Rock Ranch. Drive through over a mile of Christmas Lights. On select evenings, Truett’s Barn is open serving soups, chili and featuring a children’s craft corner. Thurs. Nov. 27. Thanksgiving night through Dec. 31. 6-10 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock. 706-647-6374. Lights, free, donations are accepted at the end of your drive. Dinner and crafts costs vary.

Lanier Islands Christmas. Lake Lanier Islands. Drive through holiday lights, plus a Holiday Village with carnival rides, skating, roasting marshmallows and the chance to visit with Santa. Through Dec. 31. 5-10 p.m., including holidays. 7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands. 770-932-7200. $30/car.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Nearly one million bulbs light up the garden with giant butterflies, a unicorn and frogs. Through Jan.3. 5-10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Thurs.-Sun. Adults, $20; ages 3-12, $14; Mon.-Wed. Adults, $17; ages 3-12, $11.

Gift of Lights. Atlanta Motor Speedway. Millions of twinkling lights, including glowing versions of Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. Through Jan. 3. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6-10 p.m. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 770-946-4211. Weekdays, $15/car; weekends, $20/car.

Holiday in Lights. Centennial Olympic Park. Thousands of lights adorn Centennial Park. Through Jan. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free.

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

Holiday in the ParkSix Flags / Through Jan. 4. Visit sixflags.com for schedule.

More than one million LED lights, Christmas trees and Santa Claus in all his glory will create the magical atmosphere this holiday season

at the Hurricane Harbor water park. Admission, $61.99; children under 48", $41.99; ages 2 and younger, free.



NativityNativity Tour. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.

More than 250 Nativity scenes from around the world. Dec. 3-7. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 2-4 p.m. 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-373-8338. Adults, $5; ages 11 and younger, free.

Evening in Bethlehem. Roswell United Methodist Church. Indoor, dramatic re-enactment of the first Christmas with live characters and real stable animals. Dec. 6. Tours at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-993-6218. Pre-register at rumc.com/Bethlehem. Free. Donations appreciated.

Bethlehem: A Christmas Story. St. John United Methodist Church. Live nativity tour guided by shepherds, with light refreshments served. Dec. 6-7. 6-8 p.m. 550 Mount Paran Rd., Atlanta. 404-255-1384. Free.

Walk Through Bethlehem. Simpsonwood United Methodist Church. Walk through the candlelight outdoor nativity scene, complete with Roman guards, shopkeepers and live animals. Hot chocolate and cookies served. Dec. 12-14. Fri.-Sat., 7-9 p.m.; Sun., 6-8 p.m. 4500 Jones Bridge Cir., Peachtree Corners. 770-441-2181. Free. Please bring a canned good to donate.

Drive-thru Living Nativity. Clairmont Hills Baptist Church. 25th anniversary of drive-thru scenes from the nativity. Dec. 12-14. Fri.-Sat., 7-9 p.m.; Sun., 6-9 p.m. 1995 Clairmont Rd., Decatur. 404-634-6231. Free.

Live Nativity. Sardis United Methodist Church. Performances run every hour on the front lawn and feature live animals. After the performance, Christmas carols and refreshments. Dec. 13-14. 6-8 p.m. 3725 Powers Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. 404-237-6060. Free. Donations appreciated.

Live Nativity. Chamblee First United Methodist Church Gym. Enjoy the live nativity scene. Dec. 14. 7-8 p.m. Rain Date: Dec. 21. 7-8 p.m. 4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Chamblee. 770-457-2525. Free.

Bethlehem Walk. Mountain View United Methodist Church. Walk through the town of Bethlehem, depicted as it was at the first Christmas, complete with shopkeepers. Dec. 6-7 and 12-13. 7-9 p.m. 2300 Jamerson Rd., Marietta. 770-928-0050. Free.

Holiday HousesChristmas for Kids. Historic Bulloch Hall. Hunt

the yule log, make a seasonal craft, participate in the Candy Cane hunt and Christmas sing-along, enjoy a light snack, and listen to stories! Ages 5-11. Dec. 13. 10:30 a.m.-noon or 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731. Registration required. $10 per person.

Christmas at Callanwolde. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Historic mansion dressed for the holidays by Atlanta interior and floral designers. Dec. 1-16. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Adults, $20; ages 3 and younger, free.

HOLIDAY CALENDARMarietta Pilgrimage. Marietta. Tour six private

Marietta historic district homes and several public buildings decorated for the season. Ages 8 and older only. Dec. 6-7. See times at mariettapilgrimage.com. Historic Marietta. 770-429-1115. $20-$25.

Barrington Hall Home Tour. Barrington Hall. Tour the decorated historic home featuring fully-decorated wreaths for purchase. Through Dec. 30. Tours on the top of the hour Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Adults, $8; ages 7-18, $6; ages 5 and younger free.

Christmas Tours. Bulloch Hall. The antique house is decorated for self-guided tours. Nov. 13.- Dec. 30. Tours on the top of the hour. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731. Adults, $8; ages 6-18, $6; ages 6 and younger, free.

Images of Christmas. Archibald Smith Plantation Home. The plantation home is dressed for the season. Through Jan. 4. Tours on the top of the hour. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun.1-3 p.m. 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. 770-641-3978. Included with admission. Adults, $8; ages 7-18, $6; 6 and younger, free.

Twisted Tinsel. Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation. Yule-lupics, ornament races, train ride with President Teddy Roosevelt, ugliest holiday sweater contest and more. Trolley rides between the three antebellum mansions. Dec. 6. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 770-641-3978. Admission to each home is $5 per person. Children 12 and younger free. Visit southerntrilogy.com for event schedule.

Holiday Crafts

Gingerbread House. American Girl, North Point Mall. Design and decorate a gingerbread house, with all supplies included. Ages 8 and older. Dec. 12 and 19. 4:30 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Reservations required. $33/person.

Christmas at Callanwolde


Winter Holiday Drop-in Craft. Buckhead Branch, Atlanta Public Library. Ages 5-12 can make a winter holiday craft with parents and caregivers. Dec. 13. 1-4 p.m. 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-814-3500. Free.

Cookies with Santa. George Pierce Park. Decorate cookies for Santa, plus hot chocolate and story time. Ages 4 and older. Dec. 20. 2 p.m. 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 678-277-0910. $5/child. Pre-register. Parents, free.

Cookies with Mrs. Claus. Barrington Hall. Write letters to Santa and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and her helpers. A special postman picks up children’s letters to Santa. For ages 4 and older. Dec. 20. 10 a.m.- noon and 1-2 p.m. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Reservations required. $10 per child.

Holiday MusicSounds of the Season. Mall of Georgia Food

Court. Local school choral and orchestra groups put on holiday performances. Dec. 4-5, 11-12 and 19. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. Free.

Holiday Concert. Rialto Center for the Arts. Annual Georgia State University School of Music gala concert, featuring over 200 student and faculty musicians. Dec. 6, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 3 p.m. 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. 404-413-5900. Tickets start at $26.

Holiday Community Day. Saks Fifth Avenue, Phipps Plaza. Carols and good cheer, with performances by local organizations. Dec. 13. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-231-8119. Free.

A John Rutter Christmas. Roswell United Methodist Church. The 140-voice chorus of The Michael O’Neal Singers and the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet present a program of Christmas tunes. Dec. 7. 3 p.m. 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-594-7974. $15 and 20, advance. Tickets can be purchased online; mosingers.com

An Evening of Instrumental Music. First Baptist Church of Roswell. Christmas music presented by the music ministry of Roswell First Baptist. Dec. 7. 6:45 p.m. 10 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-587-6980. Free.

Room for Christmas. Roswell Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Children’s Choirs celebrate the season. Dec. 7. 5 p.m. 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-993-6316. Free.

Glory of Christmas Concert. Roswell Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Evening of music presented by RPC’s choir and orchestra. Dec. 11-12. 7 p.m. 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-993-6316. Free.

Christmas with The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Atlanta Symphony Hall. Over 400 musicians perform favorite Christmas music. Dec. 11. 8 p.m.; Dec. 13. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4900. $27-76.

Very Merry Holiday Pops Orchestra Holiday Concert. The Grand Theatre. Tenth anniversary concert by The Atlanta Pops Orchestra, also featuring The Cartersville Elementary School Children’s Choir and local composer Rick McKee. Dec. 13. 7 p.m. 7 N. Wall St., Cartersville. 770-386-7343. $20-25.

Spivey Hall Children’s Choir. Clayton State University. A fusion of classic favorites and new selections showcase the talents of the 170-member Children’s Choir Program singers. Dec. 12. 7 p.m.; Dec. 13-14. 3 p.m., 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow. 678-466-4200. Adults, $25; ages 18 and younger, $12.50.

Home for the Holidays. Jennie T. Anderson Theater, Cobb County Civic Center. Holiday show presented by the Big Chicken Chorus. Dec. 19-20. 8 p.m. and Dec. 21. 3 p.m. 548 S. Marietta Pkwy. SE, Marietta. 770- 528-8490. $15.

Atlanta Boy Choir Christmas Concert. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. World-renowned Atlanta Boy Choir and their Alumni Choir perform holiday arrangements. Dec. 5. 7 p.m. 435 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-378-0064 to purchase tickets. $20.

Irish Christmas in America. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. A tribute to Irish culture and history on Christmas. Dec. 20. 8 p.m. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-641-3727. $35.

Meet Rudolph’s friends who help pull Santa’s sleigh!… do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerCenter for Puppetry Arts Through Dec. 28; visit puppet.org 1for show dates and times.

The heartwarming tale of Rudolph is back for another season. Kids will love seeing the beloved Christmas story come to life in this puppet production. The show is based on the television clay animation feature, Rudolph saves Christmas, with his bright and shiny nose and his friends including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster! 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391; puppet.org. Tickets, $16.50; ages 2 and younger, free.

Reindeer Sightings Reindeer Day Chattahoochee Nature Center Dec. 14. 1-4 p.m.

Real reindeer visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center. The day also includes woodland crafts, a visit from Santa Turtle, Nature Exchange Exploration Table, and campfire treats. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 3 and younger, free.

Christmas Lights Display Pettit Creek Farms Through Dec. 30. Mon.-Thurs. 6-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 6-10 p.m.

Drive-thru or hay ride through Christmas lights display, plus live reindeer Comet and Cupid are there nightly. Visit with Santa every Thurs.-Sun and live nativity on weekends. Don’t forget the camera! 341 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688. $15/vehicle or $12/hayrides; ages 1 and younger, free.

Cont’d on page 62


Christmas with Amy Grant and Vince Gill. The Fox Theatre. Two hour holiday concert featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Dec. 15. 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855-285-8499. Tickets start at $39.

A Christmas Tradition. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. A high energy holiday production. Dec. 5-21. Check earlsmithstrand.org for themes. 117 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 770-293-0080. $25.

Christmas Carol. Cumming Playhouse. Holiday tunes, accompanied by The Forsyth Youth Orchestra. Through Dec. 21. Thurs-Sun. 101 School St., Cumming. 770-781-9178. Tickets $20-25.

A Very Merry Holiday Pops. Atlanta Symphony Hall. Holiday variety show, featuring The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a drum line, youth choruses and Santa. Dec. 19. 8 p.m.; Dec. 20. 2 and 8 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4900. $26-99.

Fun with SantaAmerican Girl North Point Mall. Brunch with

Santa, including framed 5x7 photo with Kris Kringle. Dec. 7 and 21. 9 a.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. For children 3 and older. Reservations required. $20/person.

Atlanta Botanical Garden. Bring a camera to meet Saint Nick in his dark green robe and botanical head wreath. Sat. until Dec. 20. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Included with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Bill Johnson Community Activity Building. Continental breakfast with Santa, music, games, dancing, face painting and crafts. Dec. 6. 9-11 a.m. 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3760. Registration required. $21.

Booth Western Art Museum. Pictures with Cowboy Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dec. 6. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Ornament decorating from 10:30 a.m.-noon. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. Adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, free.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Legoland Breakfast with Santa including live entertainment and more. Includes admission to the home and each child receives a special gift bag. Bring your camera for photos with Santa. Dec. 6-7, 13-14. 9-10:30 a.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Pre-register. $25/person.

Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort. Breakfast buffet with Santa, plus free park admission with an all-attractions pass for each person, toy for each child and pictures with Santa and his elves. Benefits Friends of Disabled Adults and Children. Dec. 13. 9:30 a.m. 4021 Lakeview Dr., Stone Mountain. 770-491-9014. Adults, $30; ages 5-11, $20; 4 and younger, free. Registration required.

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Visit with Santa and make holiday crafts in the Elf Workshop. Bring camera for additional photos. Dec. 6-7; Dec. 13-14; Dec. 20-21. Sat. 11 a.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Santa visit and photo, $5/child or family. Elf Workshop tickets, $1 for two crafts.

Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center. Breakfast and pictures with Santa with crafts. Breakfast served until 10:30 a.m. or while supplies last. Children 3 and older. Dec. 6. 9 a.m. 4651 Britt Rd., Norcross. 678-277-0860. Pre-register by Dec. 2. $8/person.

Mall of Georgia. Breakfast with Santa and holiday crafts. Dec. 6. 8:30-10 a.m. Reservation Recommended. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788. $5.

Town Center at Cobb. PJ Party with Santa, cookies and milk with Mrs. Claus, plus story time, prizes, coloring and crafts. Dec. 6. 1-3 p.m. 400 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw. 770-424-9486. $5.

Rhodes Hall. Visit with Santa includes entertainment and refreshments. Weekends, Dec. 6-22. Times vary. Call prior to arriving. 1516 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 404-885-7812. $38.

Southeastern Railway Museum. Polar Express Experience. Spend some time with Santa with a breakfast, lunch and Polar Express experience. Dec. 6, 13, 20. Breakfast, 9 a.m. Lunch, noon. Polar Express, 3:30 and 6 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Each event individually ticketed. Breakfast and Lunch, $16 each. Polar Express, $20. Ages 1 and younger, free.

The NutcrackerThe Nutcracker. Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

Over 250 cast members from the Roswell Dance Theatre and the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance present the holiday classic. Dec. 4-7. Visit tysod.com for show times. 950 Forest St., Roswell. 770-998-0259. $10-60.

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

The Nutcracker. Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, Cobb County Civic Center. Presented by The Georgia Ballet. At noon on Dec. 7, the Nutcracker Wonderland includes holiday crafts, photos with the Sugarplum Fairy and more with admission. Registration is required. Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 6. 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7. 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. 528 S. Marietta Pkwy. SE, Marietta. 770-528-0881. $15-38.

The Nutcracker. The Grand Theatre. The annual Christmas ballet is presented by Cartersville City Ballet. Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 6. 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7. 3 p.m. 7 N. Wall St., Cartersville. 770-386-7343. Adults, $18; ages 18 and younger, $14.

The Nutcracker. Fox Theatre. The Atlanta Ballet’s presentation of the holiday classic. Dec. 11-28. Check website for times at foxtheatre.org. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. Tickets start at $20.

The Nutcracker. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Gwinnett Ballet Theatre show filled with dancing, music and even Sugar Plum fairies offering the audience treats and sweets. Dec. 5-21. Visit gwinnettcenter.com/events for schedule. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-237-0046. $28-35.

The Children’s Nutcracker. St. Pius X Theatre. Presented by the Academy of Ballet of Norcross. Dec. 20-21. Sat., 11 a.m., 2:30 and 6 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. 2674 Johnson Rd., Atlanta. 770-242-6379. $12-$25.

The Nutcracker. Blessed Trinity High School. Join The Metropolitan Ballet Theatre for its annual performance of this family classic. Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 21, 2 and 6 p.m. 11320 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 678-297-2800. $20-35

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The Nutcracker. Blessed Trinity Performing Arts Theater. The Nutcracker. Join The Fleetwood Dance Theatre for its annual performance of this family classic. Dec. 12-14. Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. 11320 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 678-297-2800. $22.

TheaterCeltic Christmas. Rialto Center for the Arts.

Celebrate the solstice season with a host of fiddlers, harpers, pipers, singers, dancers and poets from the Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Appalachian traditions. Dec. 20, 8 p.m. and Dec. 21, 3 p.m. 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. 404-413-9849. $25-60.

Merry Little Holiday Shorts. OnStage Atlanta Mainstage. Jump through the holiday season with eight holiday-themed one-act plays. Rated PG. Dec. 4-14. Thurs. 8 p.m.; Sat. 4 p.m.; Sun. 7 p.m. 2969 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-897-1802. $12

A Christmas Carol. Bulloch Hall Osage Terrace Room. The seasonal classic story by Charles Dickens. Dec. 12-14 and 18-23. Visit bullochhall.org for time.180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731. Reservations required. $15/person.

Madeline’s Christmas. Horizon Theatre Company. A musical holiday adventure with Madeline and friends. Dec. 6-31. For show times, see horizontheatre.com. 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta. 404-584-7450. Adults, $15; ages 18 and younger, $12.

Santa’s Missing Mail. Mershon Hall, Atlanta Botanical Garden. All ages puppet show. Dec. 6 and 13. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Included with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; younger than 2, free.

Santa’s Missing Mail. Aurora Children’s Playhouse. Two bad guys are out to stop Christmas by stealing Santa Claus’ mail. Dec. 6, 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.

Babes in Toyland and Nutcracker-Land of Sweets. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Ballet duo with excerpts from Babes in Toyland and The Nutcracker, presented by the Atlanta Dance Theatre. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Dec.14, 2 p.m. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232. Tickets, $15.50-23.50.

A Christmas Carol. City Center Auditorium. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas journey. Dec. 12-13 and 19-20., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24. 2 p.m. 834 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. Adults, $15; ages 13-18, $14.

’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Aurora Children’s Playhouse. Presented by Piccadilly Puppets. Dec. 13. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.

The Nativity Ballet. The Grand Theatre. The Step of Faith Dance Company performs this annual presentation of the Christmas story through dance. Dec. 20. 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 21. 3 p.m. 7 N. Wall St., Cartersville. 770-386-7343. $10-18.

Trouble in Toyland. Aurora Children’s Playhouse. A fun tale presented by That Puppet Guy. Dec. 20. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.

Cont’d on page 64

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Dad’s Christmas Miracle. Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in this classic tale of a family coming together for the holidays. Through Dec. 21. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. 180 Academy St., Alpharetta. 770-663-8989. Adults, $15; children $12.

A Broadway Christmas Carol. OnStage Atlanta Mainstage. A classic story with a Broadway twist. Through Dec. 21. Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. 2969 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-897-1802. Adults, $23; younger than 13, $13.

Christmas Carol. Alliance Theatre. A musical performance of the classic story. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Through Dec. 24. Wed. 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. For additional weekly show times, see alliancetheatre.org. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Tickets start at $25.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Center for Puppetry Arts. Rudolph is back with this faithful adaptation of the holiday story. Through Dec. 28. puppet.org for show times. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Tickets, $16.50; ages 2 and younger, free.

Beyond AtlantaNorth Pole Limited. Tennessee Valley Railroad.

A round-trip journey to the “North Pole”, featuring storytelling, light refreshments and an appearance by Santa. Through Dec. 27. Departure times at tvrail.com. 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-894-8028. Ages 2 and older, $20; Ride in Santa’s private car, $40.

Festival of Trees. Unicoi Lodge. Beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi Lodge. Through Dec. 12. 1788 Hwy. 356, Helen. 706-878-2201. Free admission; Parking, $5.

Christmas at the Cabin. Red Top Mountain State Park. 1800s-style Christmas with music, cooking, toys and games. Bring a camera for free pictures with Santa. Dec.13. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Cartersville. 770-975-0055. Free, $5 parking.

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A Jarrell Plantation Christmas. Jarrell Plantation Historic Site. A 1900s country Christmas, featuring decorations, spiced apple cider, cookies and fireside stories. Dec. 6. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 711 Jarrell Plantation Rd., Juliette. 478-986-5172. $4-6.50.

Cherokee Christmas by Candlelight. Chief Vann House Historic Site. Christmas in a preserved Cherokee Indian home, decorated in Moravian style. Dec.12-13. 6-9 p.m. 82 Georgia Hwy. 225 N., Chatsworth. 706-695-2598. $4-6.

Christmas Tree Lighting. Vogel State Park. 10th annual lighting of a 35-foot live Blue Spruce, plus caroling, hayrides, Santa Claus visits, bonfires, hot chocolate and cider. Also bring an unwrapped present for a child 0-12 years of age. Dec. 13, 4-7 p.m. 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-2628. Free.

A Country Christmas. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The magic of the Christmas season comes to life at Gaylord Opryland. Through Jan. 3. 2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville, Tenn. Call for event schedule and ticket prices. 615-889-1000.

A Tree of Families. Robert Toombs House Historic Site. Living history performers “Robert Toombs Family and Friends” celebrate post-colonial holiday traditions through the early 1900s. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 216 E. Robert Toombs Ave., Washington. 706-678-2226. $3-5.

Victorian Christmas. Travelers Rest Historic Site. The Inn is decorated with Victorian-era items. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 4339 Riverdale Rd., Toccoa. 706-886-2256. $3-5; $5 parking.

The Polar Express. Great Smoky Mountains. A 75 minute round-trip train ride with Santa Claus visit. Includes warm cocoa, carols and a treat while reading along to the story. Through Jan.4. Departure times at gsmr.com. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681. Adults, $40-69; ages 2-12, $26-50; 23 months and younger, $10-15.

Lights of the South. Hayride through over four million lights, plus a lighted Christmas tree maze, roasted marshmallows, Mrs. Claus’s kitchen and pictures with Santa. Through Dec. 30. 6-10 p.m. 633 Louisville Road, Grovetown. 706-825-6441. Adults, $8.95; ages 4-17, $5.95; 3 and younger, free.

Holidays Under the Peaks. Tennessee Aquarium. Meet penguins, sharks and jellyfish. Scuba Santa makes appearances weekends through Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. Through Jan. 4. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas-. 201 Chesnut St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Included with admission. Adults, $26.95; ages 3-12, $16.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Enchanted Garden of Lights. Rock City. See holiday scenes illuminated by a million lights around the mountain and Enchanted Trail. Dinner with Santa also available on select dates. Though Jan. 3. 6-9 p.m., nightly. Closed Christmas Eve. 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain. 800-854-0675. Adults, $19.95-$22.95; ages 3-12, $11.95-$12.95; Santa dinner, $37.50.

Christmas at Biltmore. Biltmore Estate. Holiday décor of the main house, plus live music, visits with Santa, gingerbread house workshops and evening candlelight tours. Through Jan. 11. Asheville, NC. Exact dates and pricing vary. Visit biltmore.com for details. c


Create something together. Take a break from your usual movie night and tackle a more adventurous project. If your children are young, collaborate on a giant butcher paper mural or use wooden blocks to recreate your home and street. Older kids may be ready to take on a 500-piece puzzle or an elaborate LEGO construction project. Your family will end the night with a sense of accomplishment plus some great photos.

Reminisce about the old year. Given the current popularity of digital cameras, camera phones and online photo sharing, many parents have gotten out of the habit of regularly printing photos, let alone displaying them in neatly labeled albums. New Year’s Eve is a perfect time to cycle through the digital photos you’ve stored on your laptop over the past year. Talk about the memories associated with your pictures, then ask each family member to select their five favorites. You can spend New Year’s Day arranging the chosen pictures in a customized photo book to print and enjoy.

Create a family “bucket list” for the coming year. How can your family make 2015 your best year yet? Decide as a family which events and activities are most important for the months ahead and commit to them in writing. Then, immediately schedule upcoming activities on the family calendar to make sure they don’t get lost in the shuffle of daily life.

Dress for dinner. Regardless of whether you’ll be leaving the house, encourage family members to don their snazziest attire to say goodbye to 2014. Even take-out pizza eaten off of paper plates feels special when you’re dressed up! Pick up some New Year’s Eve party hats, leis and other accessories at a party store to complete the look.

Happy (Family) New Year!Six Ways to Welcome 2015

With young children, you may be anticipating a New Year’s Eve that

is less sequins and champagne and more

mini hot dogs and cartoons. Celebrating in a family-friendly way can be just as much fun for grown-ups as for kids.Ring in 2015 with one

of these ideas:

Stretch your celebration. It’s midnight somewhere! Check out timeanddate.com to see where. Per the site’s handy New Year Countdown, Christmas Island will celebrate the arrival of 2015 at 5 a.m., Japan at 10 a.m., and the U.K. at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard time. If one round of “Happy New Year!” isn’t enough for your family, enjoy a quick celebration every hour on the hour. Or, focus on celebrating with the countries you feel personally connected to due to your family history or past travel adventures.

Enjoy your own private “ball drop.” Whether or not you plan to stay up to watch the big Times Square Ball Drop or Georgia’s Peach Drop, kids will have a blast recreating this tradition in your home. A racquetball or tennis ball can be manually “dropped” down a length of string while family members count down from 60. Decorating the chosen ball with sequins, glitter, feathers, or paint will make a great art project for your kids during the days leading up to New Year’s Eve.

Choose one of these activities, add some snacks and festive music, and enjoy a fun and memorable night with your family.

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