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Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend: Tree Lighting, Chinese Cultural Fest, Art and Design

Santa’s Fantastical is a holiday destination full of art, technology, and nostalgia. Photo courtesy of Santa's Fantastical
Santa’s Fantastical is a holiday destination full of art, technology, and nostalgia. Photo courtesy of Santa's Fantastical
12/4/19 - By James Smith

As the calendar inches toward Christmas, Atlanta is just brimming with seasonal celebrations. This weekend, check out one of our favorite holiday lights shows at the botanical garden, a continuing celebration of Chinese culture at Olympic Park, the annual Christmas tree lighting at Zoo Atlanta, and more.

Families can enjoy presentations of The Nutcracker, a time-honored Christmas tradition, at Decatur High School Performing Arts Center and Fox Theatre.

The official start of wnter is right around the corner, and that means ice skating at Atlantic Station or Ponce City Market. As always, see our holiday guide for the best seasonal entertainment in Atlanta. And remember, our events calendar is loaded with fun, family events right through New Year's Day.

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Be dazzled at Garden Light, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of the botanical garden
Be dazzled at Garden Light, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of the botanical garden

Things to Do With Kids in Atlanta All Weekend

Atlanta Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Fox Theatre
The Atlanta Ballet performs The Nutcracker, based upon the story of E.T.A. Hoffmann, with accompaniment by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra at the Fox Theater.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker: Clara's Winter Dream Presented by the Dance Foundry

Decatur High School Performing Arts Center.
Dance Foundry presents The Nutcracker: Clara's Winter Dream at the Decatur High School Performing Arts Center. READ MORE

Skate The Sky

Ponce City Market
Skate the Sky is back for ice skating, rides, and games on The Roof at Ponce City Market. READ MORE

Stone Mountain Christmas

Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park celebrates the magic of Christmas with music, lights, live shows, and visits from familiar holiday-season friends.  READ MORE

Atlanta Chinese Lantern Festival

Centennial Olympic Park
As part of the International Winter Wonderland, the 2019 Chinese Lantern Festival features more than 25 lanterns in Centennial Olympic Park. READ MORE

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden
One of Atlanta’s favorite holiday light displays returns to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Expect new music and choreography with more vertical lights than ever.  READ MORE

Lights of LIFE at Life University

Life University Campus (236157)
A drive-through holiday light showcase awaits at Life University. In addition to the magical display, a petting zoo, train rides, and pony rides are available for children. READ MORE

Santa’s Fantastical

Santas Fantastical, Sandy Springs
Santa's Fantastical welcomes guests to explore the magic of the holidays through its interactive pop-up experience. READ MORE

Holiday Ride-On Train

Atlanta Botanical Garden
All aboard the Botanical Express. The popular children’s ride-on train is set to depart for a trip around the Great Lawn every Saturday and Sunday from November 16 to January 5. READ MORE

Things to Do With Kids in Atlanta, Saturday, December 7

Jungle Bells Tree Lighting at Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta’s Christmas tree lighting, Jungle Bells, occurs at 6pm. READ MORE

Sensory Mornings at Fernbank Musuem

Fernbank Museum
Fernbank Museum host a sensory morning for guests who prefer a quieter environment. READ MORE

Free Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning

Lakeshore Learning Store, East Cobb Crossing
Lakeshore Learning teacher supply store offers free kids craft time for your little one. READ MORE
Enjoy an hour of code at MODA's monthly Design Club Day. Photo courtesy of the museum
Enjoy an hour of code at MODA's monthly Design Club Day. Photo courtesy of the museum

Things to Do With Kids in Atlanta, Sunday, December 8

Design Club Day at MODA

Museum of Design Atlanta
Museum of Design Atlanta hosts its monthly Design Club Day on the second Sunday of each month. MODA explores how coding impacts all areas of daily life. Enjoy several challenges on site and create a basic code. READ MORE

Painting with a Twist: Twinkly Tree

Atlanta
Join in a family paint event where the goal is a colorful Christmas tree. All family members are welcome to paint with their children, ages 7 and older. READ MORE

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About the Author

James Smith
James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.
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Read more articles by James Smith.