Community Events in East Cobb Deliver a Hometown Feel (4/4)

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If you ask residents what they love about living in East Cobb, aside from its award-winning schools, bucolic setting and easy access to downtown Atlanta, you will undoubtedly hear about its close-knit, small-town neighborly feel. Recognized by Money Magazine as one of the top places to live in America, East Cobb’s “dixie hospitality” is anchored in its strong community spirit. Centered around events for all ages, supporting local schools and socializing with neighbors, East Cobb is devoted to creating a place that is both friendly and inviting for residents and visitors alike. And there is no better time to sample the many options available than during the holiday season!

So whether you are just passing through, spending the weekend or putting down roots, East Cobb has a variety of events and activities planned during the month of December and throughout the year that will keep you entertained and make you feel right at home. From shows, concerts and exhibits to annual festivals where the entire community comes together, such as the popular Taste of East Cobb festival and the East Cobber Parade and Festival, to smaller neighborhood events, fundraisers and bazaars, no matter your interests, East Cobb and its surrounding areas are always bursting with fun things to do, including these upcoming seasonal favorites.

• Lights of LIFE: Lights of LIFE is back beginning on Thanksgiving evening, Thursday, November 24. This holiday light display will run every night, rain or shine, through New Year’s Eve. Life University introduced Lights of LIFE to the local community in 1989, and it has since grown to be one of the most popular holiday light shows in the Southeast. Featuring more than a million lights spectacularly displayed along the 1.5-mile drive through campus, it attracts nearly half-a-million spectators from the surrounding region. And as in years past, pony rides, train rides and the petting zoo will return, as well as the concession stand offering seasonal drinks and snacks for purchase.

• Reindeer Road: Grab your sled and join World of Illumination on a trek down Reindeer Road. Whiz through mountainous terrain, traverse glacial peaks, explore the northern ice caves and make your way through the northern forests to the heart of it all – Santa’s Workshop – the world’s largest animated toy shop. With two million animated lights and synchronized musical experiences, this mile-long journey is open seven days a week, rain or shine, at Six Flags White Water in Marietta, Georgia, from November 16 through January 1. Named the best in the U.S. by Forbes Magazine, this light show is something everyone will love.

• Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta: Come out for the 6th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 26. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the A-Town A-List on the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage to entertain the crowd. Mark Owens & Blooper will welcome Santa to light the tree at 7 p.m. Bring your warm blankets and chairs as immediately following the tree lighting The Grinch will be shown on the Georgia Power Pavilion screen.

• The Nutcracker: There are a couple of options to see this holiday classic in the East Cobb area this season. The Atlanta Ballet’s newest version of The Nutcracker will be performed at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center from December 9 – 26. This production premiered in 2018 and features state-of-the-art technology combined with lavish sets and costumes, creating an immersive fantasy world befitting the most popular ballet of all time. In addition, the Georgia Ballet will perform this timeless classic at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre from December 1– 4. They even have a sensory-friendly performance on December 1 that is tailored to children and adults with visual and auditory sensitivities.

• Marietta’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa on the Square: The City of Marietta’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting returns for another year on December 1. Kick off this holiday season with Santa’s arrival to the square, performances by local schools and churches, an ugly holiday sweater walking parade and so much more. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with fantastic performances and Santa letter-writing stations throughout the night. The ugly sweater walking parade will begin at 4:45 p.m., followed by Santa’s arrival at 5:15 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with a special Festival of Trees announcement right after.

• Pet Nights with Santa at Cumberland Mall: Have a paws-itively good time with your pets and Santa on Mondays from November 28 through December 5, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Get your furry friends together to strike a pose with St. Nick, capturing paw-fect holiday moments to share.

• Georgia Symphony Orchestra Presents: Holiday Pops: A Marietta and Cobb tradition, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s (GSO’s) Holiday Pops is sure to put you in the mood for the holiday season. On December 3, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., enjoy performances by the GSO Chorus, Kaycee Grogan-Wallace and even a special appearance by Santa.

• Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park: Mark your calendars for a holiday lights event with live music, outdoor fun, tree lighting and a visit from Santa at East Cobb Park, scheduled for December 4 from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. This special evening features carols by local school choirs, live music on the stage and special guest appearances by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, ending with the lighting of the live 40-foot East Cobb Park tree.

• Menorah Lighting at Avenue East Cobb: Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with a traditional menorah lighting ceremony and celebration on December 18 with Chabad of Cobb at the Avenue East Cobb. Meet at the front parking lot beginning at 5:30 p.m. for fun activities, delicious Chanukah treats and more. Plus, don’t miss out on the gelt drop featuring friends at Cobb County Fire Department. Collect all the chocolate gelt you can as they rain down from the fire truck’s lift.

• Holidays at Avenue East Cobb: From caroling to storytime with Santa to taking a ride on the Holiday Avenue Express and much more, there are a variety of events scheduled throughout the holiday season. Enjoy shopping, dining and holiday festivities all in one convenient location. Be sure to put some time on your calendar to explore all that Avenue East Cobb has to offer in the month of December.

• A Christmas Tradition: December 9 – 22, The Strand Theater will return with its most well-loved show of the year, A Christmas Tradition. This song and dance revue features sparkling musical numbers, fun costumes and a live band performing holiday classics and funky favorites. A Christmas Tradition is guaranteed to bring the spirit of the holidays to you and your family. Be sure to check out all the shows planned at The Strand this holiday season.   

These holiday events and activities are just a sampling of what’s happening in and around the East Cobb area this season and throughout the year. They provide wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors to come together, creating that tight-knit community that East Cobb is famous for. 

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