By Gregory Wallace
If you’re looking for holiday fun and merriment this month, we’ve got you covered with this guide to some of the big events happening in December.
MJCCA Vodka & Latkes Chanukah Party
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and Jewcy.com will celebrate the season with a Chanukah party at Shout, 1197 Peachtree St. in Midtown, on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 11 p.m. The party will be held on Shout’s rooftop and include food, drinks and dancing. Advanced tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members or available at the door for $5 more. Drink ticket included in price. www.atlantajcc.org.
Children’s Christmas Parade
Join Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Santa Claus and more than 300,000 spectators along the streets of Downtown for the largest Christmas parade, pictured above, in the Southeast. Now in its 30th year, the Children’s Christmas Parade will kick off the holiday season Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Proceeds from the parade will help fund programs and equipment to serve the patients and families at Children’s. The Parade begins at Peachtree Street near Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. The route follows Peachtree Street, turns right onto Marietta Street and finishes along Centennial Olympic Park Drive. The event is free and open to the public. For those seeking front-row access, reserved bleacher seats are available for $12. The Children’s Christmas Parade will also air live on WSB-TV Channel 2 (ABC), beginning with a 10 a.m. pre-show. www.choa.org/parade.
Holiday Ice Spectacular
Join the cast of The Holiday Ice Spectacular as they create a glittering world of holiday cheer Dec. 16-24 as theytake to the ice-covered stage at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Henry, a charming, yet mischievous elf has decided (against orders) to let the audience experience the wonder of the North Pole. Tickets range in price from $25 to $89. For more information, visit www.holidayicespectacular.com.
Pink Pig
A holiday tradition in Atlanta since 1953, the Pink Pig ride is back at the Macy’s at Lenox Square to delight children of all ages. Hop aboard the miniature train and take a ride through a pink wonderland through Jan. 2. The cost is $3 per person. www.macys.com or www.lenoxsquare.com.
Centennial Park Ice Rink
Celebrating its thirteenth anniversary season in the fall, Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink at Centennial Olympic Park is an annual holiday tradition. Visitors enjoy covered observation seating, theatrical lighting on the real ice and holiday music. The ice rink is open daily through Jan. 30, including the holidays. Admission is $7 per person for 90 minutes of skate time and skate rental is an additional $2. College student and group discounts are available. The 21-acre park will also be fully decorated throughout the season. www.centennialpark.com.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Starting on Dec. 2, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will ring in the holidays with its 2010 Coca Cola Holiday Concert Series. Performances will include Handel’s Messiah and a series of concerts featuring gospel, kids’ music, pop music. The month culminates with the Christmas with the ASO show – featuring holiday classics – and an ASO New Year’s Eve. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (404) 733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org.
Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade
Once again, the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade will serve as the official kickoff for game day. The parade steps off at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard and ends at the Georgia World Congress Center leading all fans into the halls of the Chick-fil-A Bowl FanFest Made Possible by Coca-Cola Zero. Come join in the fun of this bowl tradition featuring colorful themed floats, classic cars, cheerleaders, mascots, award-winning marching bands, dynamic dance groups and much, much more! The parade takes place on Friday, Dec. 31, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public. www.chick-fil-abowl.com.
Peach Drop
Underground Atlanta is the place to be on New Year’s Eve, as thousands gather in the Fountain Plaza for the famous Peach Drop. The event will begin at noon with a variety of entertainment for children and will continue into the evening with live musical performances and a fireworks show at midnight. Those attending are encouraged to take MARTA to the Five Points station. www.peachdrop.com .
Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve
Looking for an exciting way to welcome the New Year? The annual Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve returns to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta this year, bringing with it a premium open bar, dinner buffet and late-night breakfast menu and multiple rooms of entertainment. There will be performances by Soul Asylum and Coolio, plus disc jockeys, comedians, karaoke and much more. Tickets are currently on sale for $109 for the regular party and $175 for VIP access to private areas and an upscale dinner and bar menu. Ticketholders will be offered discounted hotel rooms at the Hyatt Regency while supplies last. www.DowntownCountdown.net.
FirstNight Atlanta New Year’s Eve Festival
This block party along Peachtree in Midtown features local artists, musicians, and a midnight fireworks spectacular. Tickets are available at local Midtown merchants. www.midtownatlanta.org.