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Don’t miss these favorite ATL holiday traditions
Atlanta may not be a typical winter wonderland, but the season is still filled with events and attractions to get you in the holiday spirit. While not as LGBT-specific as Toy Party or gay chorus concerts, you’ll also find plenty of “family” at these beloved traditions. Nov. 17-Jan. 5 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
“Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is among the newest traditions on our list, debuting last year. By turns whimsical and ethereal, this lovely lighted walk through the 30-acre garden uses more than 1.5 million low-energy lights to create a vision that is nothing short of delightful. Among the new features this year are the Vincent Van Gogh-inspired “Starry Night Walk and “Liquid Lights,” a lighted fountain display in the Cascades Garden described as “an icy cool vibe.” Favorites from last year also return, including the “Orchestral Orbs” display set to holiday music on the Great Lawn. Nov. 22-Jan. 1 in Piedmont Park www.piedmontpark.org
LGBT Atlanta’s unofficial backyard gets into the spirit with the second-annual Season of Magic. Enjoy holiday lights throughout the park, along with a carousel and horse-drawn carriage rides. While you’re there, don’t miss the ice-skating rink now in its third year at Park Tavern. Opening Nov. 23, the rink is in a heated tent complete with music and rink-side dining. Enjoy dinner from MetroFresh and cocktails in the Glow Bar. Nov. 21-Jan. 27 in Centennial Park www.centennialpark.com
Billed as the only outdoor skating rink in Atlanta, Centennial Park’s rink has been a favorite for more than a decade. As you skate, and after, enjoy the Holiday in Lights display, with 20 miles of lights and a nearly 60-foot Christmas tree. Dec. 13, 7-8 p.m. in Decatur Square www.decaturdba.com
A favorite with families, including many with two moms or two dads, the Decatur Bonfire warms you up with marshmallow roasting around a huge bonfire and visits with Santa in the community bandstand. Nov. 30, 8 p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre www.cobbenergycentre.com
Saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz, who just happens to be gay, brings his Christmas Tour to the Atlanta area for the 15th year. “Friends” joining Koz this year to offer fresh takes on holiday favorites include percussionist and singer Sheila E., known for her work with Prince and Cyndi Lauper, among others; “The Voice” winner Javier Colon; pianist David Benoit and singer/songwriter Margo Rey. Christmas with the ASO: Dec. 6-8 ASO Kid’s Christmas: Dec. 9 & 16 Handel’s Messiah: Dec. 13 & 15 ASO Gospel Christmas: Dec. 14-15 A Very Merry Holiday Pops: Dec. 19, 21-22 www.atlantasymphony.org
The always-lovely Atlanta Symphony Orchestra offers holiday concerts in multiple musical styles. Christmas with the ASO features 400 singers and musicians, including the symphony, the Morehouse College Glee Club, and more. Handel’s Messiah is a traditional spiritual favorite, while the Gospel Christmas offers both modern and traditional pieces. The annual Holiday Pops concert promises a variety show with everything from “the season’s merriest songs” to Santa dancing the jitterbug. Nov. 22-Feb. 18 Stone Mountain www.stonemountainpark.com
It’s the least-gay tradition on the list, and it’s packed with families and kids virtually nonstop. But c’mon, it’s snow, in Atlanta! Bring your kids, your nieces and nephews, or heck, just round up a group of friends for a day of tubing, roasting marshmallows and more. Look up at the Confederate carving on the mountain, then look around at the diverse crowd around you, and see how far the South has come. That’s something to be happy about, at the holidays and year ‘round.