By Collin Kelley and Amanda Rowell
From the nostalgia of riding the Pink Pig to partying at Underground Atlanta to ring in 2010, here’s some suggestions on how to spend your holidays.
Children’s Christmas Parade
Head downtown Saturday, Dec. 5 for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s annual Children’s Christmas Parade, which steps off from the corner of Peachtree and Baker streets at 10:30 a.m. making its way to Centennial Park. Bleacher seats can be purchased for $12 or line the parade route to watch marching bands, animated floats, and a finale featuring Santa Claus. If you don’t care to fight the crowds, the parade will be aired on WSB-TV Channel 2. www.choa.org.
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. 3. The cost is $3 per person. www.macys.com/pinkpig.
Centennial Park Ice Rink
Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink is back at Centennial Olympic Park for the holidays. Visitors can enjoy covered observation seating, theatrical lighting on the real ice and holiday music. The ice rink is open daily through Jan. 31, 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. 4, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will ring in the holidays with its 2009 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 & Game
Though it’s not as famous as the Rose Bowl, Atlanta’s Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade on New Year’s Eve features bands, classic cars, floats and more. The parade makes its way down Peachtree to Centennial Park ending at the World Congress Center between 11 a.m. and noon. The parade is a pre-cursor to the big college football match-up that evening at the Georgia Dome.
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 Sister Hazel and Tone Loc, 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.
