KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Peace can come in many textures during the holidays. For some, it’s the energizing bustle of concerts and community events, or the warmth of a crowded house full of voices and motion. For others, it’s the stillness of a walk through snow-covered woods, a soft blanket at home, or the quiet company of someone who understands them. It shifts from person to person, and sometimes even
from one day to the next. Peace can be internal, external, or, at its best, a bit of both: a sense that life makes sense, within and around us. It’s easier to feel when we’re free from hardship, but even in the midst of challenge, it’s sometimes possible to find a quiet kind of peace when we know we’ve done our best with the time and energy we’ve been given. Peace can be elusive for parents; after all, we're the ones in charge of figuring out how to make the
family rhythm and flow work for everyone, and what brings peace to our kids may look nothing like what brings it to us. Maybe your son needs to be out with friends while you crave stillness. Maybe your daughter is hoping to hide in a corner with a book while you're in full-on glitter-and-cookie mode with all the cousins. Parenting is the art of balance, of helping everyone in the family thrive by seeing who they really are and doing our best to honor it. It's not easy, and it's never perfect,
but we try. When kids feel known—when they hear “I see that you love this, that you need this, and I’ll help you find your way to it”—they flourish. That sense of being understood can be its own kind of peace. So as the season winds to a close, I wish you whatever kind of holiday rhythm helps you feel most like you. And I hope you’ll find moments to offer that same gift to those around you. When we make space for each other’s version of peace, it’s more
likely to find its way into the room.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes
from Deb" section of our site. |
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The Magic is Back! Magical Nights of Lights Returns Experience one of the nation’s best Christmas light shows at Lanier Islands Resort! From November 15 to January 4, drive through six miles of animated, sparkling displays that bring the season to life. Twinkling lights, festive scenes, and magical moments await every carload—perfect for creating unforgettable memories. We are thankful to our Magical Nights of Lights sponsors, Coca-Cola and Georgia Power, for helping make this holiday traditio
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A Holiday Classic Returns to the Stage Based on the classic television special and adapted by Jon Ludwig. Rudolph soars back into town with this faithful adaptation of the 1964 stop-motion animated special. This celebrated holiday classic follows Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ and Hermey the Elf™, two misfits on the run. The unlikely friends set off on a merry and heartwarming adventure of acceptance and self-discovery, even with Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster™ on their trail. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday adventure that speaks to the misfit in all of us!
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On select nights from November 14, 2025, through February, 28, 2026, Fernbank comes alive with nighttime museum hours indoors and WildWoods: AGLOW outdoors. WildWoods: AGLOW is a multi-sensory afterhours experience for all generations that immerses visitors into a dramatic exploration of nature through glowing and dynamic adventures, uniquely curated to highlight the living flora and fauna within WildWoods.
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Do you have what it takes to live in space? We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on October 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest traveling exhibition, Journey to Space. Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.
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From the thrill of the flight to the joy of seeing Santa, “Magical Flight to the North Pole” promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave guests with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the magic of the holiday season. Join us on this enchanting journey and see if you have what it takes to make Santa’s Nice List.
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Bubble Planet is an immersive experience full of bubbles! Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology, themed rooms, fantastical landscapes, and even a hot air balloon simulator. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses!
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A DELICIOUS WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND! Sugar plum fairies. Gigantic gingerbread village. Sweets as far as the eye can see. Candy Rush produced by World of Illumination, is the world’s largest animated drive-through audio-visual experience, highlighting larger-than-life Christmas characters and confections. This mile-long journey, hosted by Chef Kuma, features millions of colorful lights and enchanting Christmas music that everyone in the family will enjoy — a must see treat for the entire family.
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Bigger than ever, the Southeastern Railway Museum presents our annual “Festival of Trees,” featuring Holiday Trees designed and installed by a wide variety of community-minded individuals and businesses. This year promises upwards of 70 trees decorating Building 1. Normal admission offers access to train rides as available, the entire museum and – The Festival of Trees.
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Join Us for the Annual Festival of Trees — Showcase Your Business & Spread Holiday Cheer! The Museum of Aviation Foundation invites your business or organization to shine this holiday season by becoming a Festival of Trees Partner! This beloved holiday tradition draws thousands of visitors, offering you a unique opportunity to boost your brand, connect with the community, and showcase your creativity – all while supporting the Museum of Aviation Foundation.
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All aboard the Botanical Express for a trip around the Great Lawn. $6 per passenger, $4 members. The Ride-on Train is unable to operate in inclement weather. All ages are required to have a ticket. Children under the age of 3 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Since 2017, Y’allmark has delighted Atlanta audiences with its clever, improvised spin on our favorite guilty pleasure, a made-for-TV holiday movie. This live stage show takes familiar seasonal tropes… think snow-covered small towns, surprise romances, and charming misunderstandings. Then hilariously reimagines them using audience suggestions. This show is equal parts homage and satire, performed by an all-star cast. Come see what all the cheer is about!
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Put on your thinking caps as the imaginative world of the Questioneers comes alive in this hands-on exhibit! In The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY! questions are posed, challenges are identified, and problem solving begins. Fly with Rosie in her cheese-copter, question how the world works while sitting in Ada's thinking chair, build a bridge to save the class with Iggy, lead a movement with Sofia while playing a game in Sofia's Citizen Park, and tell a story through drawings like Aaron!
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships. If the
information above changes or if there are venues that should be added, please email us, and we'll get those posted!
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Atlanta area - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 12/26/2025 to 12/28/2025, See link for times
- Holiday Tree Tour: Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Eastside Trail - Inman Park, Atlanta, GA, USA, Friday, 12/26/2025, 10:30 am - 12 pm
- Festival of Trees - Southeastern Railway Museum - Southeastern Railway Museum, 3595 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA 30096, 12/26/2025 to 12/28/2025, Thursday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm: Sunday: 12 - 5 pm
- Morningside Farmers Market - Morningside Farmers Market - 1393 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306, Saturday, 12/27/2025, 8:00 am to 11:30 am
- Grant Park Sunday Farmers Market - 1039 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, Sunday, 12/28/2025, 9 am to 1 pm
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Atlanta is somewhat shorter this year than our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun, but there are still ways to make the holidays special in our area for 2025. Christmas concerts, lights, trees,
nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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There are lots of places to have a birthday party in the Atlanta area! If there is an attraction that we have missed for our birthday party page, please email us to let us know, and we contact them
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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