Tree Lighting, Santa's Workshop, Tea with Santa and Cinderella

1. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for the kick-off to the holiday season with the Christmas Tree Lighting, Thursday, Dec. 1. Festivities start at 5 p.m. in Glover Park in Square. Local school choruses will perform Christmas carols as children visit with Santa in the gazebo until 8 p.m. Santa will light the giant Christmas tree, donated by Big John’s Christmas Trees, at 6 p.m.

Festivities:

• Begin at 5 p.m.
• Performances by local children's choruses
• Santa arrives: 5:20 p.m.
• Santa will light giant Christmas tree, donated by Big John's Christmas Trees, at 6 p.m. and visit with children in gazebo until 8 p.m.

2. The Safe Path's Annual Community Holiday Open House takes place on Dec. 2 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at 736 Whitlock Ave. The event will include an awards ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to preventing child abuse and neglect in our community. Call 770-801-3465 for more information.

3. On Friday, Dec. 2 the will present Ringing in our Silver Anniversary Gala, a glamorous black tie party and preview of the award-winning tour of homes. It will be a magical evening of dining, music and dancing.

The takes place Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. The tour features six private historic homes in the Whitlock Avenue Historic District filled with antique collections and decorated for the season. Homeowners invite you inside for a unique opportunity to discover how they incorporate these historic treasures into their everyday lives.

Tickets will be available for purchase the day of the tour at the Marietta Welcome Center or any of the tour homes. Tickets can be purchased for day tours, candlelight tours or a combination ticket including both.

Day Tour: $20
Candlelight Tour: $15
Combination: $25

4. The presents The Nutcracker on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the .

This enchanting production features toy soldiers, mischievous mice, Chinese dragons and even a Christmas tree that grows.

The Georgia Ballet will present a special Celebrity Benefit Performance on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

Appearing on stage for this one performance only:

• David Connell, President & CEO of Cobb Chamber of Commerce
• Earl Reece, Executive Director of Earl Smith Strand Theatre
• Holly Comer, Executive Director of YWCA of Northwest Georgia
• Kim Gresh, Chief Executive Office of S.A. White Oil Company

5. Bring the kids to Marietta Square to visit Santa’s Workshop on Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and 22 through 24. The workshop will be open Saturdays and weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed for lunch from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Santa must leave at the designated hour each day to attend to holiday business, so be aware that the line will close one hour before closing. Photos with Santa are available.

For more information, call the at 770-794-5601.

6. The Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents its third annual Christmas Tea with Santa Claus and Cinderella, offering a whimsical celebration at the historic near the Marietta Square. Enjoy a traditional tea menu with child-friendly sandwiches, holiday sweets, lemonade and more. The event lasts approximately one hour, and includes story time and photos with Santa, a personal visit from Cinderella and a special gift for each child. In this beautifully-decorated, intimate setting, you’ll have many opportunities for photos of your child with Santa and Cinderella. Maximum seating is 60 per event.

7. A 12 Year Tradition, Carols By Candlelight at of Marietta takes place Sunday and Monday, Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Be a part of this delightful night of music presented by the Adult Choir and First Orchestra.