Tag Archive for: christmas 2023

WORLD OF ILLUMINATION ATLANTA 2023: ENCHANTED SAFARI

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/6/23

Gear Up for One Wild Holiday Adventure with Enchanted Safari, the World’s Largest Drive-Through Holiday Light and Sound Experience

Tickets on Sale Now for Family Trek Beginning November at Six Flags White Water

Enchanted Safari illuminates the Atlanta holiday season with a fun family trek over land, air, and sea where the brightest light shines from within. Produced by World of Illumination, Enchanted Safari is a premier drive-through audio-visual immersive experience using state-of-the-art technology and whimsical, joy-filled designs. 

With more than one million colorful lights and hundreds of animated displays, Enchanted Safari is the world’s largest drive-through holiday light experience, sure to outfit the winter season with family memories. Tickets are on sale now for the event opening November 15 and running through December 31 at Six Flags White Water in Marietta, Ga. 

Hosted by Toukie Toucan, Enchanted Safari immerses families in the spirit of the holidays on this adventure where guests soar among the clouds while flying with reindeer, outrun a T-Rex as they whiz past a land lost in time, and reach Santa’s Bazaar where a host of exotic animals will be decking the halls. Families will feel the jingle of the jungle through animated light displays choreographed to contemporary and timeless holiday music that will have everyone tapping their toes to the beat of the lights.  

For more information and tickets, please visit www.worldofillumination.com. Enchanted Safari allows you to pick a specific date and an arrival time window that best suits your schedule. Tickets are sold per vehicle. The holiday experience will operate Tuesday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It is also open on Monday, December 18 and Monday, December 25, Christmas Day. 

VIRTUE ROOFTOP HOLIDAY BAR RETURNS WITH LOADS OF MERRIMENT AND FUN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/23

Midtown Hotspot Gets in the Holiday Spirit with Festive Cocktails, Décor and Music

November 17 – December 29

Those looking for holiday cheer can head to Virtue, the bar and lounge atop 5Church Midtown, for the return of its festive Rooftop Holiday Bar. Starting Nov. 17 and continuing through Dec. 29, the popular rooftop destination is transforming its space into a holly jolly wonderland.

In addition to festive décor, twinkly lights, and unobstructed views of Midtown, guests will enjoy a menu of holiday-inspired foods such as the s’mores board—a shareable and interactive dessert spread that includes house-made graham crackers, house-made marshmallows, pumpkin cheesecake bites, caramel popcorn, hot chocolate bomb cookie, and a rich hot fudge for your dipping pleasure.

A few standout selections from then holiday-inspired cocktail menu are:

  • Candy Cane Lane: Ketel One vodka, Baileys, créme de menthe, and Rich demerara
  • Gingerbread Old Fashion: Bulleit bourbon, gingerbread spice, and Angostura bitters
  • Christmas Mule: Tito’s vodka, lime juice, cranberry, rosemary, and ginger beer
  • Christmas Mimosa: Pama Pomegranate liqueur, cranberry, and Champagne
  • Santa’s Espresso Martini: Kettle One vodka, Bailey’s strawberry, Kahlúa Mocha, mint, and espresso

The Rooftop Holiday Bar will be open seven days a week starting at 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis for those 21 years old and over with no cover charge. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, the bar will be open for drinks only.

Feature photo by Brandon Amato

UNWRAP THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT AMORE E AMORE 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/23

Experience a Winter Wonderland Featuring Festive Decor, Themed Cocktails, a Special Menu, and Visits With Santa and Mrs. Claus

Reservations Now Available for Dinner With Santa & Mrs. Claus

November 28, 29 and 30; December 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, and 23, 2023.  4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 


Unwrap the magic of the holiday season at Amore e Amore in the heart of Inman Park beginning Tuesday, November 28 through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, 2023. Mama Gale and Professor Giovanni will once again transform their Italian ristorante into a whimsical winter wonderland, adorning every corner with festive decorations and seasonal delights, making every visit merry and bright. Along with a special prix fixe menu, themed cocktails, and the full a la carte dinner menu, guests will have the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they spread holiday cheer to guests of all ages on November 28, 29, and 30; and December 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, and 23, 2023, between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Young revelers are invited to write and mail a letter to Santa while enjoying Amore e Amore’s kid-friendly menu of pizza bites, meatballs, and child-sized portions of fan favorite entrees including fettuccine alfredo, cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs for $20. Amore e Amore is open Tuesday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. Kids ages 12 and under are welcome to dine from open until 7:30 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, visit  www.amoreeamore.com  or call 404-600-2176. 

TINSEL TAVERN IS BACK AT LIVE! AT THE BATTERY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/23

LIVE! AT THE BATTERY’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY POP-UP, TINSEL TAVERN, RETURNS ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Festive, Whimsical Bar will Feature an Explosion of Tinsel & Twinkling Lights, Holiday Cocktails & Small Bites, Photo Moments & Themed Nights

Plus, Entertainment Destination to Host a New Year’s Eve Hollywood Nights-themed Celebration

Live! at The Battery – the entertainment destination located in the heart of The Battery Atlanta – announces the return of its second annual holiday pop-up bar Tinsel Tavern! Guests are invited to step into the magical fun throughout the merriest time of year and experience an explosion of tinsel and twinkling lights, holiday-inspired cocktails and small bites, and photo moments. The whimsical experience will be open daily Thursday, November 30 through Saturday, December 23. Hours will be 4pm-midnight Sunday through Thursday and 4pm until close on Friday and Saturday (excluding select days for private events).

Throughout the season, Tinsel Tavern will host festive, themed nights including a Holiday Karaoke Party on December 2 from 8pm–midnight (free), an Ugly Sweater Party on December 16 from 9pm–1am ($5 per person) and a Dancing Elves Silent Disco on December 23 from 9pm–1am ($5 per headset). Thursday through Saturday at 8pm, the staff will lead a flash sing-along to a favorite holiday song, and every Thursday, guests can join holiday line dancing at PBR Atlanta. People will be able to make reservations here beginning November 9 or can walk in for drinks and socializing. Those interested in hosting a private event at Tinsel Tavern can email events@liveatthebatteryatlanta.com.

Sweet and savory holiday bites from Executive Chef Brian Cosio include:

  • Pigs in a Blanket with honey mustard
  • Cocktail Meatballs with beef, Italian sausage & creamy herb cream sauce
  • Roasted Turkey Poutine with fries, sage gravy & mozzarella
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip with tortilla chips, crudité & blue cheese
  • Braised Pork Sliders with brussels sprout slaw, dinner roll & apple butter
  • Snickerdoodle Sandwich with cream cheese, salted caramel & Grand Marnier 
  • Maple Bacon Churros

In the spirit of the season, Tinsel Tavern is also partnering with the National Fighting Championship (NFC) to host a Toys 4 Tots toy drive on December 8. Donations can be dropped off at Sports and Social starting at 6pm.

To ring in 2023, the entertainment hub is rolling out the red carpet and flashing lights with a Hollywood Nights-themed New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests can be the star of the party with exclusive access to all the venues. Ticket packages include entertainment with live music, unforgettable photo-op moments and a midnight champagne toast featuring the Times Square Ball Drop on Sport & Social’s 32-foot LED screen! Tickets are now available here. 

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES TO KICK OFF CHRISTMAS IN ATLANTA WITH ANNUAL HOLIDAY EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/23

Atlanta Nonprofit Set To Host Annual, Eight-Day Festival At Georgia World Congress Center With Forest Of Holiday Trees For Auction, Live Entertainment And More

Georgia Festival of Trees will kick off the holiday season with an eight-day festival Saturday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 26 at the Georgia World Congress Center, featuring a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction, live music and entertainment, Christmas Brick Challenge, kids’ activities and games, boutique gift shops, food carts and more.

The festival boasts the title of Georgia’s largest holiday event but its impact reaches far beyond that. All proceeds from the event and holiday tree sales will benefit two local nonprofit organizations working to support survivors of human trafficking and end human trafficking: Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink. The festival remains true to its mission: spreading holiday magic with a heart to end human trafficking.

“As a child, I remember eagerly waiting for the Festival of Trees, and it’s incredible to now look around and see families in my own community creating their own memories at the Georgia Festival of Trees,” said Georgia Festival of Trees Executive Director Angie Ulibarri. “While we’re bringing back many parts that our community loves, including the auction, children’s activities, pictures with Santa, the Christmas Lego Challenge and of course the beautiful trees, we’re excited to partner with two new nonprofits as we further our mission to end human trafficking.”

Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations around the southeast, providing a variety of options for those looking to take home holiday decor. Trees and other decor are auctioned off both in-person and online during the festival.

The auction is the main driver to support this year’s beneficiaries: Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink. Street Grace is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to eradicate the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC).

“We’re honored to be partnering with Georgia Festival of Trees,” Street Grace Director of Engagement Brooke Ruffin. “The issue of sex trafficking will not be eradicated unless we shine a light on it, and what better way to do that than a festival filled with Christmas lights! We’re humbled to be a beneficiary and are excited to join in on the festivities.”

The second beneficiary is local survivor-led nonprofit, Atlanta Redemption Ink (ARI), which focuses on transforming painful reminders of the past into symbols of hope. They offer tattoo removals, scar revision, and cover-ups to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation along with training from a lived experience lens and on tattoo iconography.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of Georgia Festival of Trees’ mission to create holiday magic with a bigger purpose: to end human trafficking,” said Jessica Lamb, founder of Atlanta Redemption Ink. “Our heart is to bring hope into difficult situations, and we couldn’t think of a better event to partner with this Christmas.”

Georgia Festival of Trees is sponsored by Elavon, Amerimed, Well Care, Ambetter Health, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, doTERRA and more. Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $13.95 for children ages 3-12 and seniors ages 62 and up, and $18.95 for adults. Additionally, a wristband for the children’s activities can be purchased prior to arriving or for $9.95 on site. The Georgia World Congress Center is located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. Northwest, Atlanta, Ga. 30313.

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees visit gafestivaloftrees.org. For more about Street Grace, visit streetgrace.org. To learn more about Atlanta Redemption Ink, visit arionline.org.