Thanksgiving Traditions in Atlanta are many and all all them will warm your heart. These traditions that come down from generations ago, give the people of the city a sense of belonging and continuity. We can also call them roots.

Lights of Life
 

Location: Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta

Dates: Nov. 20 - Dec. 31, 2006

Time:  6pm-11pm

Cost: FREE but donations will be appreciated.

The 17th annual Lights of Life opens today. In the past, the Lights of Life has attracted up to one million people. This year, the Lights of Life will be similar to previous shows with hundreds of displays and animations.

Bernard Washington is the lucky contestant from the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s online contest which ran from Nov. 1-8 who won the opportunity to “flip the switch” that will light up Barclay Circle for the next six weeks. The lighting festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Tree House on campus.

 

Life University students will sell hot dogs, chips, coffee, hot chocolate and hot cider. Children can participate in a variety of activities including creating candy cane reindeer and writing letters to Santa. Santa will make a special appearance during the event, affording children the opportunity to submit their wish lists early and have pictures taken with him.

 

Holiday in Lights

Location: Centennial Olympic Park

Dates: Nov. 18, 2006 - Jan. 7, 2007

Time:  7am-11pm

Cost: FREE, Train rides $2

Centennial Olympic Park’s annual Holiday in Lights is celebrating its 7th season and has become an Atlanta tradition. On Nov. 18, the Park will transform into a winter wonderland, glittering with thousands of dazzling lights, through Jan. 7. The festive display is different and unique every year. There is no admission to the Park and the Park is open 365 days of the year, including Dec. 25, Christmas Day.

Come celebrate the 2006 holiday season by taking a stroll through the glowing 21-acre Park, a spin around Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink or a ride on the brand new electric Penguin Train!

 

The family friendly ride on wheels is a new addition to the Park, complete with conductor and train whistle. Buy your tickets at the Polar Ice Depot for $2 per ride, and hop aboard for a magical tour of Holiday in Lights! The Penguin Train will run from Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Holiday in Lights spirit will be carried throughout the Georgia World Congress Center Authority campus, which includes the Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome, and Centennial Olympic Park.

 

Order a Letter From Santa. You can order to today and choose a future mailing date. Phone calls are available as well.

 

Magical Nights of Lights
 

Location: Lake Lanier Islands

Dates: Nov. 18 - Dec. 30, 2006

Time:  5pm-10pm

Cost: Cars $30 & $40, Vans $55, Buses $150

Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at the 14th annual Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands Resort®, which features a driving tour through more than six miles of giant, illuminated characters that comprise millions of twinkling lights. Stop by the 2nd annual live nativity scene presented by Blackshear Place Baptist church. After the tour, the new Holiday Village is a must-see for everyone, complete with:
 

• The Santa Shop holiday gifts and a chance to visit with Santa Claus
• Pony and amusement rides
• Bonfire for roasting marshmallows
• Delicious holiday fare
• NEW 4,250 square foot Ice Skating Rink

Activities, including ice skating, photos with Santa, amusement and pony rides at The Holiday Village require additional cost.

 

The Pink Pig

 

Location: Macy's in Lenox Square Mall

Dates: Nov. 4 - Jan. 1, 2007

Time:  5pm-10pm

Cost: FREE

 

A longtime holiday tradition for Atlanta children, the Pink Pig returns to entertain children and families for another holiday season. Rich's-Macy's brought back the Pink Pig, the much beloved department store ride, years ago, after the ride celebrated its 50th birthday.

 

The original Pink Pig was housed at the Rich's in Downtown Atlanta, which has since closed. So the Pink Pig has moved uptown, to Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead Atlanta, and now it is Macy's department store that hosts the Pink Pig. It is sure to be a hit with kids, and their parents, many who have fond memories of riding the original Pink Pig.

Pink Pig fans, you will still receive your "I rode the Pink Pig" sticker just like in the old days. For those interested in more Pink Pig memorabilia, check out the store inside the Pink Pig tent that will include a variety of Pink Pig merchandise, as well as a photographic history of the Pink Pig ride.

 

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