The annual tree lighting kicked off the start to several Christmas events at Atlanta Station on Saturday. A parade ushering in Santa preceded the tree lighting and 250,000 Christmas lights lit up the shopping plaza.
"We look forward to welcoming guests for a season full of holiday cheer," said Daniel Easton, director of marketing at Atlantic Station. "Whether it's a date night, a shopping trip with friends or a family vacation to the city, Atlantic Station is your one-stop spot to celebrate the winter holidays."
This year's holiday events:
SKATE Atlantic Station – SKATE Atlantic Station invites visitors to lace up and take the first lap around the 10,000-square-foot ice rink decked out in twinkling lights on Nov. 18. The rink will be open daily through mid-February. General admission is $15; children under 12, seniors and college students will be offered a special discounted rate of $12; military personnel will be offered a discounted rate of $10; and season passes are available for $45. Skate rental is included with price of admission. Hours are below:
• Monday through Thursday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: Noon – 11 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon – 9 p.m.
• Holidays: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
New this year is SKATE Atlantic Station's Pavilion. Host your work colleagues, friends or family right at the skate rink in this new event venue. Contact Alex Ginsberg for rental information and for more details: 404-733-1221.
Christkindl Market – Enjoy the delicious sweet smell of mulled wine and hot chocolate as the aroma fills the air at Atlanta's only authentic German Christkindl Market in Central Park. Presented by the GAC-Foundation the festival runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 23, and features a Christmas village of authentic German booths selling imported German food and beverages, as well as handmade Christmas ornaments and one-of-a-kind gift items. Nuremberg, Germany, is the oldest site for a Christkindl Market dating back to 1697 and is the inspiration for the ambiance created at one of the Southeast's most unique holiday attractions. Vendors from Germany will also showcase the finest food and beverages such as chocolate confectionaries, pastries, marzipan, gingerbread and more.
Santa's Cottage – Bring the family to Atlantic Station for special photos with Saint Nick beginning Nov. 18 from noon – 5 p.m. For hours and reservations throughout the holiday season, please visit Concierge or atlanticstation.com. Enjoy the following fun activities with Santa and his helpers:
• Dec. 9 – Breakfast with Santa (9:00 – 11:00 a.m.): Enjoy a hearty breakfast and time with Kris Kringle at California Pizza Kitchen. Call California Pizza Kitchen to make reservations: (404) 249-7034
• Dec. 20 – Rudolph's Paint Workshop (10:00 – 11:30 a.m.): Get creative and paint a one-of-a-kind illustration with Santa's favorite helper at California Pizza Kitchen. Make reservations at paintnite.com
Hanukkah – From Dec. 12 through Dec. 20 enjoy the marvelous lighting of the great Menorah in Central Park with Chabad Intown. There will also be a special celebration the evening of December 13 in Central Park. Visit chabadintown.org for more details. All are welcome!
Snow Shows – Beginning Nov. 18, guests can stroll through a true winter wonderland in Central Park during snow shows while everyone's favorite holiday music brings the snowfall to life. Hours are below:
• Sunday through Thursday at 6 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the hour
Snowball Express – Children of all ages will enjoy this special holiday train ride throughout the streets of Atlantic Station beginning Nov. 23. Please see conductor for pricing. Hours are below:
• Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
