Tag Archive for: christmas 2024

NEW! FLIGHT TO THE NORTH POLE AND STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS OFFER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/18/24

Stone Mountain Christmas activities begin November 9


With the installation of over 2 million LED lights, an all-new holiday experience to the North Pole, the world’s largest Christmas Drone & Light Show, and plenty of Christmas spirit, Georgia’s most visited attraction will transform into the ultimate holiday adventure.

On select dates, November 9 to January 5, 2025, Stone Mountain Christmas traditions include visits with Santa, the magical Christmas Parade, The Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony with Aurora, The World’s Largest Christmas Drone & Light Show, screenings of the film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® 4-D, sing-a-long train rides, and more.

Embark on the inaugural Magical Flight to the North Pole, a first-of-its-kind journey that combines emotion and adventure, whisking guests away to the heart of Santa’s enchanting world. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to earn a place on Santa’s List, creating lifelong memories along the way.

A family-favorite tradition, Stone Mountain Christmas is Atlanta’s most heartwarming celebration filled with festive music, millions of dazzling lights, immersive walk-thru experiences, and visits with popular holiday characters. Experience the magic of the season like never before with enchanting experiences like:

The Magical Christmas Drone & Light Show. Prepare to be amazed as 250 drones light up the sky and create holiday-themed aerial formations and mesmerizing displays, adding a futuristic touch to this time-honored tradition. Then celebrate the spirit of the season as the unique light show experience features favorite holiday songs, amazing special effects, and fireworks. With video projected onto the largest screen in the world, Stone Mountain, this heartwarming and unforgettable experience will engage the senses with immersive lighting, lasers, snow effects, and nightly fireworks!

Join Aurora, Princess of Light, as she lights the way for Santa’s sleigh. Santa Claus himself will make a grand entrance with a thrilling fly-over, marking his arrival at Stone Mountain Park. Gather with family and friends as you watch Santa soar through the sky, spreading joy and good cheer. Get into the festive spirit with our lively Christmas Parade featuring colorful floats, beloved holiday characters, and joyful music. The parade is a family tradition that will leave you with smiles and memories to treasure.

Take in live shows and enjoy special meet and greet opportunities with some favorite North Pole friends including Santa, Santa’s Reindeer, and more.  Hear the true meaning of Christmas aboard the Sing-A-Long Christmas Train, and sing along to your favorite classic Christmas tunes with the Crossroads Carolers.

Discover Stone Mountain Christmas and Flight to the North Pole, November 9 through Jan. 5, 2025, every weekend plus school holidays. Don’t miss your chance to create unforgettable memories with family and friends during this festive season.

Early-season tickets for both attractions are available now via stonemountainpark.com.
Stone Mountain Christmas tickets are $34.99 for children age 3-11 and $39.99 for those 12 and older.
Flight to the North Pole tickets start at $29.99 per person. Families can save on both winter events with the Combo Ticket starting at $54.99. Space is limited and advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

For tickets and information about Stone Mountain Christmas and Flight to the North Pole, please visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is 3,200 acres of natural wonderland located 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta.
To visit, take I-285 to Exit 39B, Hwy. 78 East. Stone Mountain Park is at Exit No. 8 on Hwy. 78.
For ticketing and attractions details or hours of operation visit www.stonemountainpark.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

THE GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES BRINGS BACK THE PINK PIG FOR THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/5/24

Classic Atlanta Tradition Returns To Ring In Holidays

Nearly 70 years since Macy’s Pink Pig™* made its grand debut in Atlanta, a new generation will now be able to enjoy the beloved tradition. The Pink Pig will return to Atlanta for this year’s Georgia Festival of Trees, offering Georgians a new twist on the holiday tradition.

Georgia Festival of Trees, the state’s largest holiday event focused on spreading holiday magic with a heart to end human trafficking, will take place at Gas South Convention Center from Saturday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Dec. 1. The new Pink Pig will debut at the Opening Night Gala on Friday, Nov. 22.

“We are thrilled for the Gas South Convention Center to be the new home of the Georgia Festival of Trees!” said Stan Hall, CEO at Gas South District. “The festival is the premier event to kick off the holiday season, and with this year’s grand debut of the Pink Pig, it’s the perfect time for our Gwinnett community to embrace this beloved tradition. It is a privilege to welcome the Georgia Festival of Trees to the Gas South District as they continue bringing holiday magic to Georgians while supporting those who are working to end human trafficking in our state.” 

Georgia Festival of Trees is an eight-day festival featuring a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction. The festival also offers live music and entertainment on the main stage, Santa with his reindeer and life-size sleigh and Reindeer Games for the kids, which include the Elf Training Academy, the Lil’ Elves Driving Academy, LEGOs, Elf Phone Booth, North Pole Post Office and more. Guests can enjoy sugar cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas Gingerbread House Competition and boutique shopping. Proceeds from the event will benefit two local nonprofit organizations on the front lines in the fight to end human trafficking: Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink.

The Pink Pig is a pig-themed train for children and adults first created in 1953 by Rich’s. The new version will transport guests on a magical ride through the Georgia Festival of Trees and will be open each day from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1, except Nov. 27-28 when the festival will be closed for Thanksgiving. The Pink Pig will cost $5 per rider. 

“It’s an honor to bring back the Pink Pig to a new generation of Georgians,” said Georgia Festival of Trees Executive Director, Angie Ulibarri. “Macy’s Pink Pig™ has been an iconic symbol of the holidays in Atlanta, and it’s exciting to officially ring in the holiday season with this timeless tradition.”

Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations around the Southeast, providing a dazzling array of decorative options to enhance your holiday decor. Trees and other decor are auctioned off both in-person and online during the festival. 

Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $13.95 for seniors ages 62 and up, 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. Gas South Convention Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth, Ga. 30097.

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or a volunteer, donate an auction item, or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees and its charity partners in the fight against human trafficking, visit gafestivaloftrees.org. 

*The Pink Pig is a trademark of Macy’s.