The festive decorations, the time-honored traditions, gift-giving, and the holiday foods we crave like clockwork each year—these are the highlights of the holiday season, and the city of Sandy Springs, Georgia, revels in them all. Here, the streets glow with pop-up light displays, the concert halls and parks ring with the sounds of holiday songs, and an immersive holiday-themed world provides Instagrammable opportunities around every corner. When you need a quick break from the holiday hustle and bustle, the trails along the Chattahoochee River will put you at ease.

Because the holidays get hectic, it’s a good idea to do some advanced planning and figure out which events and outings you, your family, and friends will enjoy the most. In Sandy Springs there’s a lot going on, so we’ve highlighted four of our favorite events to help you get the most cheer and joy out of this special time of the year.

1. Explore Santa’s Fantastical

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Santa’s Fantastical is a family-friendly holiday destination full of art, technology, and nostalgia. Celebrate the season through interactive experiences, live performances, state-of-the-art technology, and photo moments. Kids can help design toys in Santa’s workshop, have a virtual snowball fight at Yondo the Yeti’s Snowpalooza, and slide down Puff’s Polar Plunge. Adults can enjoy seasonally-themed cocktails in Santa’s Secret ‘Stache, a fantastical speakeasy. Everyone will love the immersive photo opportunities as they create their own journey through the Fantastical Forest on their way to the North Pole Town Square. Running until Dec. 29, the Santa’s Fantastical exhibit takes place at the Perimeter Pointe shopping center, near the Sandy Springs Marta Station.

2. Enjoy a Holiday-Themed Theater Production

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s presenting partner, City Springs Theater Company, is performing a stage adaptation of the musical film, Holiday Inn. This holiday classic features original songs by composer Irving Berlin, including the much beloved “White Christmas.” The original 1942 film starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire was adapted into a Broadway show in 2016. It’s now making its way to Sandy Springs just in time for the holiday season. Holiday Inn will run in the Byers Theater from December 13-22.

3. Stroll Among Sparkling Lights

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Visit the Sparkle Village at City Springs to see festive miniature wooden houses adorned with twinkling lights. The holiday-themed houses were decorated by Sandy Springs based organizations, nonprofits and schools. With this new local tradition, the Green at City Springs glows with brilliant lights, while people stroll through City Springs to get some fresh air, see a show or grab dinner. This idyllic gathering spot is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. The lights and houses will remain on display through December 31st!
 

4. Catch a Christmas Classic on the Big Screen

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Springs Cinema & Taphouse is not only showing a slate of big holiday season releases like Frozen 2 and Cats, they have also added in classic Christmas movies to their programing. You can catch White Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen while reclining in their comfy heated seats. Don’t forget the snacks! They serve traditional concessions along with a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas and other entrees. Guests 21+ can also enjoy their full bar, including local craft beers and signature cocktails.

Written by Jhoni Jackson for RootsRated Media in partnership with Visit Sandy Springs.