Photograph courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden
Photograph courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden
Reindog Parade
When: Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Cost: $18 per dog
Details: Grab your dog for a walk—or strut—through the gardens in an adorable costume contest. Dogs (and owners!) can compete in categories like having the best botanical costume, being the best owner-dress-alike, or being the best dog pack. With a packed pooch parade, prizes, and visit from Saint Nick, you’ll be sure to get a great Christmas card photo opp.
Love Never Dies: The Phantom Returns
When: Through December 3
Where: Fox Theatre
Cost: $66-$164
Details: The love story continues with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to Phantom of the Opera. Love Never Dies follows the Phantom and Christine from Paris to New York where the Phantom brings her and their son Gustave to Coney Island to perform in a show. Directed by a new Australian creative team including 2011 Astaire Award winner Graeme Murphy, the play’s score is something to behold.
Children’s Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 2 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Peachtree and 16th Street
Cost: Free
Details: A family favorite, the Children’s Healthcare Hospital of Atlanta’s Christmas parade transforms Midtown into the north pole. You can have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus before the parade and enjoy presentations from the lovable characters of the Center for Puppetry Arts. The parade includes all the classics with marching bands, inflatable balloon characters, and live TV broadcast.
SEC Championship UGA vs. Auburn
When: Saturday, December 2 at 4 p.m.
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Cost: Sold out
Details: Get in the fighting spirit as Auburn and Georgia face off and compete for the title of SEC champion. In their 26th year, this is the first time it will be hosted in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The game is certified sold out, but Atlantans should hit up their local sports bar (or one of several downtown) to cheer on the Dawgs—you can’t miss this border bash.
Tree lighting at the Battery
When: Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Battery
Cost: Free
Details: Swing by the Battery for its first annual Christmas tree lighting, followed by a screening of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Also be sure to bundle up for the ice-skating rink, sip on hot coco, and pay a visit to Old Saint Nick. A few special guests (read: Braves players) might make an appearance, too.
