Winter Wonderland and New Year’s Eve on The Historic Marietta Square

The Historic Marietta Square has transformed into a nostalgic Winter Wonderland this Holiday Season. Features include an open ­air ice skating rink, Santa’s Workshop, multi­-story Christmas Tree and the inaugural New Year’s Eve Celebration.

There are a few more enhancements in the works (i.e. Ice Sculpting), but be sure mark your calendar for the following key dates:

Skate Rink Hours:
Monday ­ Thursday 4:30pm to 10pm
Friday 4:30­ 11pm
Saturday 10am to 11pm
Sundays Noon to 10pm.

(There will be extended hours during school breaks and open Thanksgiving and Christmas.)
$12 includes entrance and skate rental.
Thursday, December 3rd­ Santa Claus is coming to town.
5:00pm Party begins, performances by local school choruses.
5:20pm Santa Arrives (until 8pm)
6:00pm The Lighting of Christmas Tree

*Santa will visit every Saturday and Sunday December 6 ­ December 20// Monday, December 21 ­ Christmas Eve

Santa’s Workshop:
Thursdays (Times TBA) Home Depot sponsored workshop where children may make their own toy!
New Year’s Eve:
2:00pm ­ 7:00pm Family Friendly Activities
7:00pm Children’s Ball Drop
8:30pm ­11:30pm Whiskey Gentry performs on the Bandstand in Glover Park
11:30pm ­1:00am Late Night Party
Midnight Ball Drop

About Marietta Square:
The Historic Marietta Square is an easily accessible, unique urban destination located just 5 minutes from I­75 with an abundance of FREE parking. For Metro ­Atlanta residents or tourists who want a place to gather and enjoy Intown Culture with Small Town Charm, the Marietta Square is the place to be. Nineteenth century buildings serve as the backdrop to an intriguing blend of contemporary dining, arts, culture, and entertainment. The heart of the Square, Glover Park, hosts a never ­ending calendar of events and markets. An eclectic mix of cultures has given rise to an array of chef­ owned restaurants as well as a thriving art and theater community.

For more information about Marietta Square Winter Wonderland & New Year’s Eve Celebration, visit: www.WinterWonderlandMariettaSquare.com.

Ditch Tradition and Dive In to New Experiences at Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium’s annual Festival of the SEAson transforms North America’s most popular aquarium into a veritable winter wonderland through daily special events, thousands of twinkling lights, music, extravagant holiday trees and appearances from Santa and SCUBA Claus. 

This year’s Festival of the SEAson is set to be more thrilling than ever before thanks to the debut of a 3D-mapped, 60-foot-high atrium nature show. This extraordinary show, titled “The Sea Around Us,” explores the natural wonders of the sea and its connection with the natural world on land.

“It is with the full family experience in mind that Georgia Aquarium’s Festival of the SEAson shakes up holiday traditions year after year,” said Georgia Aquarium’s VP of Marketing and Communications, Debbie Campbell. "Whether the visit is a gift or a family outing, we promise to give visitors a truly unique holiday experience that will create special and lasting memories.”

Bring the entire family to the aquarium this holiday season. Additional Festival of the SEAson highlights include:

• SCUBA Claus – For the tenth year in a row, guests can catch sight of SCUBA Claus diving into Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot and swimming among the whale sharks, manta rays and thousands of fish during the dive shows at 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday until December 25.
• Holiday Tree Lightings – At 10:30 a.m. daily, Georgia Aquarium will host a festive Tree Lighting in the Atrium, complete with carols sung by the attraction’s own Holiday Singers. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to sing along!
• Holidazzle – The choreographed Holidazzle light and music show shines and sparkles to the rhythms of classic holiday tunes in the Georgia Aquarium’s Atrium at the top of every hour.
• Underwater Menorah – See the amazing underwater menorah in the world’s largest aquatic habitat, Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot. In celebration of Hanukkah and in accordance with tradition, another candle will be magically lit under water each evening of the holiday, beginning December 6 and running through December 14. 
• Symphony of Snow – Back for its second year, Symphony of Snow is Georgia Aquarium’s popular Broadway-style live musical, which includes holiday classics and culminates with the entrance of Santa Claus. Symphony of Snow takes place every weekend beginning November 21.
• Breakfast with Santa – Have breakfast with Santa while also taking in majestic aquatic animals. This special A.M. meal will be prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Guests will have quality time with Old Saint Nick and enjoy activities such as letter writing and creating a festive holiday craft. Breakfast with Santa is on December 12 at 9 a.m. Tickets are $19.95 per person for non-members and $14.95 per person for members. 

Festival of the SEAson runs from November 21 through December 25. General aquarium admission is required for all Festival of the SEAson activities. Admission tickets are $32.95 for children, $38.95 for adults and $34.95 for seniors. Some Festival of the SEAson activities require a separate activity ticket purchase. For details, to purchase tickets or learn more about Festival of the SEAson, call (404) 581-4000 or visit georgiaaquarium.org. 

SLIDESHOW: Atlanta 40 Under 40 Awards! #‎ATL40Under40

Proud and honored to be selected by my peers for Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40 Awards. Humbled to be recognized for my service in the community, and to be a part of such an influential and inspiring group of Atlantans. About 400 people turned out for the annual awards event Thursday night at the Fox Theatre.

Meet the other honorees and view images here: http://bizj.us/1k24wi