Fun on the Fly!
By David Graves
Welcome to Hartsfield-Jackson’s Fun on the Fly calendar! Whether
you’re in town visiting, on business or a permanent resident, metro Atlanta is second
to none for exciting activities and events. To better help you get up, get out and
do something, here are a few recommendations for worthwhile leisure activities.
Remember, event schedules change, so contact the venue before you head out, and
check back here often for continuous updates. Enjoy!
December
The Pink Pig. From its 1953 debut as a children's ride at the downtown Rich's - to its brief stint at the Egleston Childrens Hospital Festival of Trees, four generations of Atlantans have ridden the Pink Pig into the holiday season.
Nov. 1 - Jan. 4 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) $3 for one ride. (404) 231-2800, www.macys.com/pinkpig.
Stone Mountain Park Christmas. There is nothing like the Christmas season that magically transforms Stone Mountain Park. From more than 2 million lights, live entertainment and the arrival of Santa Claus at the nightly parade, your family is sure to leave with warm memories. Nov. 8 - Dec. 30. Parking $8. (770) 498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com/.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens. Since 1992, this outdoor light and sound show has glittered with holiday magic for millions of people. Families from across the Southeast have added Fantasy in Lights to their list of memorable holiday traditions. Nov. 14 - Dec. 30 $16 plus tax for adults and $8 plus tax for children (ages 6-12) (800) 225-5292, www.callawaygardens.com/callaway/info/fantasy-lights.aspx.
Ice Skating in Centennial Park. Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink. Visitors enjoy covered observation seating, theatrical lighting and holiday music. Admission is $7 per person for a 90 minute session; skate rental is an additional $2. Nov. 15 - Jan. 4, (404) 223-4412, www.centennialpark.com/events/ice.html.
Atlanta Ballet's "The Nutcracker." This holiday classic comes to life at the Fox Theatre. Tickets go quickly for this annual Atlanta event. Dec. 5-28 (404) 881-2000, The Fox Theatre, www.foxtheatre.org/.
A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre. This Charles Dicken's story is celebrating it's 19th year at the Alliance Theatre. Take the whole family for this memorable holiday favorite. Dec. 5 - Jan. 14 (404) 733-5000, www.alliancetheatre.org.
Neil Diamond. He is one of pop music's most enduring and successful singer-songwriters. Hear favorites like "Sweet Caroline" and "Song Sung Blue" as the singer performs in Atlanta. Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. The Arena At Gwinnett Center, www.ticketmaster.com/.
AC/DC. Classic rockers AC/DC stop in Atlanta during their first world tour since 2001. They will showcase songs from their lastest album "Black Ice" as well as fan favorites. Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Philips Arena, www.ticketmaster.com/.
Harry Connick, Jr. Over the past two decades, Harry Connick, Jr. has proven to be among the world's most successful and multi-talented artists. He visits Atlanta to celebrate the release of his new holiday album, "What A Night!" Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, www.ticketmaster.com/.
New Year's Eve Celebration at Underground Atlanta. This 16-hour event begins at noon with children's activities and entertainment. Festivities will continue well into the morning with live performances, including a performance by country recording artist and "Dancing With the Stars" cast member Julianne Hough followed by the descent of the 800-pound Peach and a spectacular firework display. Dec. 31 Underground Atlanta, www.peachdrop.com/index.html.
Ongoing
Center for Puppetry Arts.“Jim Henson: A Man and His Frog.” Ongoing exhibit
looks at photographs of Henson and his most enduring Muppet, Kermit, from the early
years. Also, be sure to view the photo of the Green One and Miss Piggy as Rhett
Butler and Scarlett O’Hara. Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, Ga. Sept. 16, 2008 - September 13, 2009 $6-$8. (404) 873-3089,
www.puppet.org.
High Museum. “The Louvre and the Masterpiece” explores drawings, sculptures
and paintings from Mussee du Louvre’s collection spanning 4,000 years. Oct. 12,
2008 - Sept. 6, 2009. $11-$18. High Museum of Art, midtown Atlanta. (404) 733-4400,www.high.org.
Jim Henson's Fantastic World. Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, created by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and The Jim Henson Legacy, offers a rare peek into the imagination and creative genius of this multi-talented innovator and creator of Kermit the Frog, Big Bird, and other beloved characters. Oct. 25,
2008 - Jan. 18, 2009. $10-$15 Atlanta History Center. (404) 814-4000, www.atlhist.org/template.cfm?cid=907.
Atlanta Civic Center. “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs.”
Spectacular exhibit by National Geographic is dedicated to the artifacts and legacy
of the Egyptian king. Nov. 15, 2008 - May 25, 2009. Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta,
Ga. Prices range from free to $29.50. (404) 658-7159, www.carlos.emory.edu.
The World of Coca-Cola. Learn more about the soft drink that originated in Atlanta. Taste soft drinks from around the world. Open 362 days a year (closed Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day) $9-$15 (404) 676-5151, www.worldofcoca-cola.com/.
The Georgia Aquarium. Visit the world's largest aquarium. Open 365 days a year (call or check website for hours) $19.50-$69.00 (404) 581-4000, www.georgiaaquarium.org.
David Graves is Creative Services manager for Hartsfield-Jackson. To submit an item
for the Fun on the Fly calendar, e-mail
or mail event notices to 6000 N. Terminal Parkway, Atrium Suite 4000, Atlanta, Ga.
30320. For more ideas on places to see and things to do, visit the Atlanta Convention
& Visitors Bureau at www.atlanta.net/visitors/seedo.html.