Community Events
The following Calendar of Events listings have been provided by event venues, individual organizers and readers of Georgia Magazine.
Event details and costs are subject to change; please check the individual event websites for any cancellations and postponements.
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Regions are determined by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. See its online calendar at exploregeorgia.org for additional events.
Event List
- Historic HeartlandArt Exhibit
The Madison Artists Guild & Gallery's 6th Annual Holiday Market is filled with one of a kind gifts ready to purchase for the holidays – wreaths, ornaments, pottery, jewelry, glass art, paintings and more.
The market will be open Oct. 18-Dec. 31, during regular MAGallery hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Shop Sip ‘N Stroll Saturdays in November, during Madison’s Fifth Fridays (open until 7 p.m.), Holiday Tour of Homes and Candlelight Shopping (open until 7 p.m.).
With more than 30 artists providing a variety of handmade items, shoppers will find something for everyone this holiday season.
Come early to find the best selections.
- Atlanta MetroCommunity, Kids & Family, Other, Outdoors
IllumiNights: A Lantern Festival presented by Georgia Power
Luminary Sponsor Kaiser Permanente and Spark Sponsor SouthState Bank
Event Dates: Nov. 14-Jan. 19
5:30-9:30 p.m.Experience the magic of Atlanta holiday lights!
Atlanta’s cherished holiday tradition is back, showcasing vistas of brilliantly illuminated wildlife and captivating sights that celebrate the wonders of nature. This year, we’re introducing new lanterns and experiences, transforming the Zoo into a nighttime wonderland.
Looking for things to do in Atlanta this holiday season? This holiday lights event is your answer. Whether you’re making memories with family, looking to impress on a date night or enjoying a night out with friends, your holidays glow in the splendors of nature. Enjoy a mile-long stroll of stunning contemplation of the wildlife of our planet, with lanterns around every corner of the Zoo this holiday season.
Warm up with hot cocoa (signature holiday spirits available for ages 21 and up!). Make merry with a marshmallow roast by the fire. And around every corner, find photo ops sure to sparkle on your social.
The lanterns are the wildlife at IllumiNights! Most of the real animals go indoors before dark. To enjoy our living wildlife, visit us during the day for a different experience. - Classic SouthKids & Family
Public Ice Skating
Experience the joy of gliding across the ice under twinkling lights at our fully-covered ice rink. Perfect for family outings, date nights or just a fun day with friends. No cold weather needed!
Open Nov. 14 till Jan. 18, 2025.
Weekends $13 Weekends/ Prime Days $17 Seasonal Pass $140
Check the website for dates and times.
- Northwest GeorgiaArt Exhibit
Come take a stroll through the world where differences are cherished and kindness flourishes, a world we’d all like to live in, a world envisioned and created by artists and friends Maxine Hess and Jeanne Hewell-Chambers--on exhibit at the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum in Carrollton Sept. 26-Dec. 5.
Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
- Atlanta MetroEducation, Kids & Family, Other, Outdoors
Age Range: 5-11
When school is out, Camp is in!
We are here to engage and excite your young learners ages 5-11 during Fall Break and Thanksgiving Break.
Safari Camp is a great opportunity to engage young explorers in learning about the wild world around them and beginning their journey of conservation stewardship. Through Zoo explorations, up-close animal encounters, STEAM-based projects, hands-on science activities, environmental games and more, campers learn about attainable strategies and goals to combat environmental issues and are charged with finding simple ways that they can make a difference.
Fall Camp Dates:
October 14-18
November 25-27Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Extended care available for $15/day from 8-8:30 a.m. and 4:30-5 p.m. Must be purchased for whole camp session; cannot be purchased for individual days.
THEMES: Each week campers embark on a different Zoo expedition, exploring wildlife and wild places. Young explorers will be immersed in hands-on, minds-on learning while having fun!
Oct. 14-18 - Diversity Design: Celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth through this week-long investigation of Zoo Atlanta’s animal ambassadors and the conservation issues that their wild counterparts face. Specifically, participants will take on the role of designers and engineers as they learn about animal habitats, adaptations and conservation issues; then use their creative minds to design a game or interactive experience that represents them. This program culminates in a Zoo Atlanta Animal Conservation Festival, where student-designed and built games and interactive experiences will be presented in a fun, festival-like environment.
Nov. 25-27 - Conservation Connections: As human populations rise and native habitats decline, instances of confrontation between humans and animals have increased. Join us as we explore the complexities of balancing animal welfare with human well-being on the African savanna. Campers will learn about the animals of the African savanna, getting to know the species and the individuals in our care. Throughout the week, campers will place themselves in the shoes of various characters and stakeholders as they investigate the difficulties, advantages, and possibilities in promoting conservation initiatives for all.
Non-Member Cost:
- Oct. 14-18 (5-day pricing): $400/week
- Nov. 25-27 (3-day pricing): $240/week
Member Cost:
- Oct. 14-18 (5-day pricing): $320/week
- Nov. 25-27 (3-day pricing): $192/week
- Historic HeartlandCommunity
The Festival of Trees is a holiday highlight! Take a walk through a collection of beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout the Museum of Aviation Rotunda and on the second and third floors. The view from above is amazing!
The Festival of Trees is open to the public and admission is free. This community-wide affair will put you in the holiday spirit.
Plus, this is a chance to wear your ugly Christmas sweater and take photos by your favorite tree. Don’t forget to post those pics on Facebook!
- Atlanta MetroCommunity
Kick off the holiday season with Georgia's largest holiday event, the Georgia Festival of Trees! A family tradition perfect for all ages, the festival features a forest of fully-decorated Christmas trees available for auction, live music and entertainment, visits with Santa, boutique gift shops, sugar cookie decorating, a Christmas Gingerbread Competition and more. Plus, Penny the Pink Pig will make her debut this year during the festival!
All proceeds from the event will benefit Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink, local nonprofit organizations working to support survivors of human trafficking and end human trafficking.
Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees (excluding fees) start at $13.95 for seniors ages 62+, and adult tickets are $18.95. Children’s tickets for ages 3-12 are $18.95 and include access to the Reindeer Games area. The Pink Pig, cookie decorating, Santa’s Workshop (a shopping experience for children) and photos with Santa are an additional cost.
Nov. 23-Dec. 1 (The festival will be closed Nov. 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving)
- Magnolia MidlandsCommunity, Kids & Family, Leisure & Recreation
Starting in November through Christmas Eve, grab a Santa Shuffle card from a participating business! Once you spend $100 downtown you are entered to win unbelievable prizes. Ask participating businesses for a card!
- Historic HeartlandArt Exhibit
In recognition of the vital importance of increased visibility and diverse representation of LGBTQ+ communities and issues, particularly in our rural areas, the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is honored to present Queer Perspectives, a juried exhibition in Fall 2024.
- Presidential PathwaysKids & Family
A beloved Christmas tradition shines even brighter!
This holiday season, discover the brand-new Tree of Traditions, a 40-foot Pixel Pine Tree, lighting up festive winter nights in Callaway Christmas Village. Step out of your car and into a real-life Winter Wonderland of twinkling lights, oversized ornaments and a forest of perfectly decorated trees. Then climb aboard the Jolly Trolley for a dazzling journey along the classic seven-mile Fantasy In Lights drive-through experience, illuminated with 10 million twinkling lights and 17 dazzling Christmas scenes! Discover 2,500 acres of Christmas cheer with your family only during Fantasy in Lights presented by Georgia Power.
- Atlanta MetroCommunity
It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark (Chevy Chase), his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and their two kids (Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki). Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.
Organ Pre-Show: Come early for a free organ pre-show on the Mighty Allen Theatre Organ starting a half-hour before showtime.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Movie Rating: PG-13
Movie Length: 1 h 37m - Historic HeartlandArt Exhibit
The Madison Artists Guild & Gallery's 6th Annual Holiday Market is filled with one of a kind gifts ready to purchase for the holidays – wreaths, ornaments, pottery, jewelry, glass art, paintings and more.
The market will be open Oct. 18-Dec. 31, during regular MAGallery hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Shop Sip ‘N Stroll Saturdays in November, during Madison’s Fifth Fridays (open until 7 p.m.), Holiday Tour of Homes and Candlelight Shopping (open until 7 p.m.).
With more than 30 artists providing a variety of handmade items, shoppers will find something for everyone this holiday season.
Come early to find the best selections.
- Atlanta MetroCommunity, Kids & Family, Other, Outdoors
IllumiNights: A Lantern Festival presented by Georgia Power
Luminary Sponsor Kaiser Permanente and Spark Sponsor SouthState Bank
Event Dates: Nov. 14-Jan. 19
5:30-9:30 p.m.Experience the magic of Atlanta holiday lights!
Atlanta’s cherished holiday tradition is back, showcasing vistas of brilliantly illuminated wildlife and captivating sights that celebrate the wonders of nature. This year, we’re introducing new lanterns and experiences, transforming the Zoo into a nighttime wonderland.
Looking for things to do in Atlanta this holiday season? This holiday lights event is your answer. Whether you’re making memories with family, looking to impress on a date night or enjoying a night out with friends, your holidays glow in the splendors of nature. Enjoy a mile-long stroll of stunning contemplation of the wildlife of our planet, with lanterns around every corner of the Zoo this holiday season.
Warm up with hot cocoa (signature holiday spirits available for ages 21 and up!). Make merry with a marshmallow roast by the fire. And around every corner, find photo ops sure to sparkle on your social.
The lanterns are the wildlife at IllumiNights! Most of the real animals go indoors before dark. To enjoy our living wildlife, visit us during the day for a different experience. - Classic SouthKids & Family
Public Ice Skating
Experience the joy of gliding across the ice under twinkling lights at our fully-covered ice rink. Perfect for family outings, date nights or just a fun day with friends. No cold weather needed!
Open Nov. 14 till Jan. 18, 2025.
Weekends $13 Weekends/ Prime Days $17 Seasonal Pass $140
Check the website for dates and times.
- Northwest GeorgiaArt Exhibit
Come take a stroll through the world where differences are cherished and kindness flourishes, a world we’d all like to live in, a world envisioned and created by artists and friends Maxine Hess and Jeanne Hewell-Chambers--on exhibit at the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum in Carrollton Sept. 26-Dec. 5.
Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
- Atlanta MetroEducation, Kids & Family, Other, Outdoors
Age Range: 5-11
When school is out, Camp is in!
We are here to engage and excite your young learners ages 5-11 during Fall Break and Thanksgiving Break.
Safari Camp is a great opportunity to engage young explorers in learning about the wild world around them and beginning their journey of conservation stewardship. Through Zoo explorations, up-close animal encounters, STEAM-based projects, hands-on science activities, environmental games and more, campers learn about attainable strategies and goals to combat environmental issues and are charged with finding simple ways that they can make a difference.
Fall Camp Dates:
October 14-18
November 25-27Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Extended care available for $15/day from 8-8:30 a.m. and 4:30-5 p.m. Must be purchased for whole camp session; cannot be purchased for individual days.
THEMES: Each week campers embark on a different Zoo expedition, exploring wildlife and wild places. Young explorers will be immersed in hands-on, minds-on learning while having fun!
Oct. 14-18 - Diversity Design: Celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth through this week-long investigation of Zoo Atlanta’s animal ambassadors and the conservation issues that their wild counterparts face. Specifically, participants will take on the role of designers and engineers as they learn about animal habitats, adaptations and conservation issues; then use their creative minds to design a game or interactive experience that represents them. This program culminates in a Zoo Atlanta Animal Conservation Festival, where student-designed and built games and interactive experiences will be presented in a fun, festival-like environment.
Nov. 25-27 - Conservation Connections: As human populations rise and native habitats decline, instances of confrontation between humans and animals have increased. Join us as we explore the complexities of balancing animal welfare with human well-being on the African savanna. Campers will learn about the animals of the African savanna, getting to know the species and the individuals in our care. Throughout the week, campers will place themselves in the shoes of various characters and stakeholders as they investigate the difficulties, advantages, and possibilities in promoting conservation initiatives for all.
Non-Member Cost:
- Oct. 14-18 (5-day pricing): $400/week
- Nov. 25-27 (3-day pricing): $240/week
Member Cost:
- Oct. 14-18 (5-day pricing): $320/week
- Nov. 25-27 (3-day pricing): $192/week
- Historic HeartlandCommunity
The Festival of Trees is a holiday highlight! Take a walk through a collection of beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout the Museum of Aviation Rotunda and on the second and third floors. The view from above is amazing!
The Festival of Trees is open to the public and admission is free. This community-wide affair will put you in the holiday spirit.
Plus, this is a chance to wear your ugly Christmas sweater and take photos by your favorite tree. Don’t forget to post those pics on Facebook!
- Atlanta MetroTheater
Join the Grand Kyiv Ballet on an unforgettable journey into a world of dreams, magic, and triumph over evil.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet, including the most prestigious ballet dancers from Ukraine, invites you to Nutcracker on Nov. 27, 7 p.m., at Atlanta Symphony Hall.
In this enchanting tale, a young girl befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey to a magical kingdom filled with dancing sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers, and other whimsical characters. Through their adventures, she learns that love, imagination, and kindness can overcome adversity and create wonder in our lives.
The Nutcracker was adapted into a ballet in 1892 by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, with a libretto by Marius Petipa, and was based on the story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E. T. A. Hoffmann.
Part of the proceeds of this tour will go to restoring the Main Ballet Academy of Ukraine and repairing the children's dormitory.
Show Time: 2 hours with Intermission. Recommended for ages 5 years and older.
- Magnolia MidlandsCommunity, Kids & Family, Leisure & Recreation
Starting in November through Christmas Eve, grab a Santa Shuffle card from a participating business! Once you spend $100 downtown you are entered to win unbelievable prizes. Ask participating businesses for a card!
- Historic HeartlandArt Exhibit
In recognition of the vital importance of increased visibility and diverse representation of LGBTQ+ communities and issues, particularly in our rural areas, the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is honored to present Queer Perspectives, a juried exhibition in Fall 2024.