6 spirited things to do this holiday season

Rooftop sights to ‘ Nutcracker’ drive- in head the highlights.

As we head toward a holiday season with widespread event cancellations, still grappling with the challenges of togetherness during the pandemic, it’s clear that 2020 will require creativity in our celebrations.

The holiday spirit is alive and well this year, even if our events are fewer, and our lives a bit more socially distanced. Here are six things to do this holiday season in metro Atlanta:

1 Skate the Sky, private igloos on The Roof

The Roof a t Ponce Ci t y Market transforms into a winter wonderland beginning on Friday. The Roof will feature private igloos, an ice skating rink, and Griswold family- worthy holiday décor — the perfect backdrop for those Instagrammable moments. The i gloo experiences also will be available at 9 Mile Station, The Roof ’s luxurious indoor- outdoor restaurant. The restaurant igloos are 21 and up, and offer a more relaxed, cozy outdoor environment

that pairs nicely with the delicious food, hot drinks and one of Atlanta’s best skyline views.

Reservations an dID required for skating. Children must be accompanied by an adult. On Friday and Saturday after 5 p.m ., The Roof is 21 and up. The Roof at Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE., Atlanta, 770- 999- 1530, www. poncecityroof. com

2

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The spectacular display of lights, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, returns with new safety protocols for 2020. The Botanical Gardens annual holiday festival now includes reduced nightly capacit y, mask requirements for all guests over 10 years of age ( and at all times indoors), and other social- distancing prevention measures. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Nightly through Jan. 16, 2021 including today, Christmas and New Year’s, from 5 to 11 p. m. Adult general admission tickets range from $ 24.95 to $ 44.95, children’s general admission tickets range

from $ 21.95 to $ 41.95. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, 404- 8765859, www. atlantabg. org

3

Enjoy a Stone Mountain Christmas

Sadly, there i s no Snow Mountain this year, but there are tons of other ways to get into the holiday spirit at Stone Mountain. From Christmas characters brought to life to a ride on the scenic railroad, evenings full of fes

tive music and millions of sparkling lights, you can’t miss when you choose Stone Mountain as a holiday destination.

Select dates through Jan. 3. Adult Christmas one- day attractions pass, $ 31.95, children’s Christmas one- day attractions pass, $ 29.95. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, 800- 401- 2407, www. stonemountain park. com

4

‘ The Nutcracker Drive- In Movie Experience’

Despite al l we’ve been through this year, we can still take our families to see the Sugar Plum Fairy and the evil Mouse King battle it out this holiday season. The Atlanta Ballet is back with the holiday classic for 2020, this year featuring a new way to experience the magic of “The Nutcracker.”

Fans will have a chance to attend a drive- in viewing event taking place over five days at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are selling out fast, so act quickly. Once they’re gone, worry not. The Ballet also offers on- demand access to a previously recorded version of the production.

Dec. 2- 6. General admission tickets start at $ 100 per car, with premium front- row parking starting at $ 150. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, 770- 916- 2800, www. atlantaballet. com. The Nut cracker On-Demand: Through Dec. 27.

5

Home for The Holidays Showhouse

Tucked away in Buckhead’s Ivy Ridge and open for events this holiday season is the beautifully appointed Holiday Showhouse, from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. The stunning6,500-squarefoot Nantucket cottage is open most days for tours. The Holiday Showhouse will also play host in November and December to a series of events including Candlelight Tours ( the next one is Dec. 3), a “Naughty or Nice Holiday Brunch” on Sunday, and instructional courses on artistic gift- wrapping ( Dec. 5). Proceeds from the Holiday Showhouse benefit Children’s Hospital of Atlanta.

Tours through Dec .6. Thursday-Saturday ,10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday ,1 to 4 p.m. Closed every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and today. General admission tickets $ 35. 2020 Home for the Holidays Showhouse, 810 Kenry Court, A tl ant a,www. atlantaholiday home. com

6

License to Chill Snow Island

Take a drive to Buford this winter and escape to Margaritaville’s License to Chill Snow Island. It’s a wonderful place to be outdoors and active; from snow tubing on an eight- story snow slide, gliding around an ice rink, and fun carnival rides.

Gone, sadly, is the Magical Nights of Lights drivethrough tour, replaced for the first time by the Lakeside Lights Spectacular, an all- new walk- through Christmas lighting experience. The walk is three- quarters of a mile through a mix of the traditional driving experience displays and many new ones, all backdropped by holiday music and other surprises along the way.

Select dates and various prices available through Feb. 21. Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, 470- 3233440, www. margarita ville resorts. com

COURTESY OF THE ROOF AT PONCE CITY MARKET The Roof at Ponce City Market will feature private igloos and an ice skating rink.

COURTESY OF GENE SCHIAVONE The Atlanta Ballet is back with the holiday classic for 2020, this year featuring a new way — a drive- in — to experience the magic of “The Nutcracker” at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

COURTESY OF JOEY IVANSCO The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” includes reduced nightly capacity, mask requirements and other social- distancing measures.