Brenau University – the Gainesville Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker” with performances: (Dec. 5) at 7:30 pm, Saturday Dec. 6 at 2pm & 7:30pm and Sunday Dec. 7 at 2pm, in the Pearce Auditorium on Brenau’s campus.

Atlanta
– Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 400 musicians bring to life the story of Christmas, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” on Dec. 11 at 8pm, and Dec. 13 at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets range form $27 – $76 and can be found at atlantasymphony.org.
– Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker, starting Dec. 11 and running until Dec. 28. Tickets start at $20 and are available at atlantaballet.com.
– Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Christmas Parade, turning Midtown Atlanta into Santa Claus Lane with floats, giant balloons and a parade of characters. It is on Dec. 6 from 10:30am to noon. If you would like to purchase bleacher tickets, visit choa.org/parade. The parade will also be broadcast on WSB Channel 2.
– The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s fourth annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event is open until Jan. 5. See giant butterflies, a glittering galaxy and a radiant rainforest. Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for children. Visit atlantabotanicalgarden.org for more information.

Callaway Gardens
– Named by the National Geographic as one of the top 10 places to see holiday lights in the world, the Fantasy In Lights features 15 scenes of magical light displays. Ride the Jolly Trolley or use your own vehicle. Open until Dec. 30. Times and prices vary, information available at callawaygardens.com.
– Starting at 1pm Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21, join Mrs. Claus for storytelling and cupcake decorating. Children can also make a bag of reindeer food to take home for Rudolph’s Christmas Eve visit. Tickets are $11 per person. Information available at callawaygardens.com.
– Explore the Christmas Village – take a Christmas Train Ride, watch live performances of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and check out the holiday floral and topiary displays and the magical forest. Open from 4pm to 9pm Monday – Friday and 2pm to 9pm Sat. and Sun.

Lake Lanier Islands
– Drive across the Lake Lanier Islands bridge and enjoy the Magical Nights of Lights through Dec. 31. Not only are there signature light displays, but also free skating after 5pm, Live Nativity, shopping at Bucky’s and a Christmas Carnival. The Holiday Village has a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, amusement rides and Santa photos. Entrance to the Holiday Village. Tickets into the Holiday Village are $20 and add-ons are available at lakelanierislands.com.

Gainesville
– Mingle with Kringle Saturdays in December from 10am – 3pm inside the Main Street Market.
– Shop Home for the Holidays on the Square Thursdays in December from 5pm – 8pm. Grab a bite to eat, ride the kiddie train, enjoy the beautiful lights and the lighted Chicken as well as live music.