Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park returns in-person for 2021

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Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

After going virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Friends for the East Cobb Park has announced that its annual Holiday Lights event will be open to the public this year.

The free festivities take place on Sunday, Dec. 5, starting at 5 p.m.

In addition to seasonal music, outdoor activities and the tree lighting, there will be a visit from Santa Claus, aka “Santa Steve.”

There also will a tribute to the late Johnny Johnson, a longtime East Cobb business owner and civic and community leader who served as the official Santa Claus of Holiday Lights.

More details will be updated on the Friends for the East Cobb Park Facebook page.

Many of the events that were also cancelled in 2020 are returning this year, sometimes in a modified format.

The Mountain View Arts Alliance is having its Empty Bowl Brunch on Dec. 12 after having an Empty Bowl Gift Bag sale last year. That’s a Sunday, and it’s taking place at The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road) from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with proceeds benefitting MUST Ministries.

We’ll be posting more holiday event information as we get it, and as the event dates approach.

If you have news to share with the public about your holiday event, please follow the instructions below and East Cobb News will be glad to post it.

Send Us Your Holiday News!

Let East Cobb News know what events and activities your organization is having for the public in the community for the holidays.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

 

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East Cobb Holiday Events: Apple Annie; Holiday Lights; more

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Holiday Lights East Cobb Park
Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park returns Sunday, Dec. 8. (ECN file photos)

The first full week in December is the busiest of the holiday season in East Cobb, with many public events, services and shows on tap.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up between now and next Sunday:

Thursday, Dec. 5

WellStar East Cobb Health Park Holiday Event, 5:45pm – 7:45pm, WellStar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road), free with refreshments and includes Santa & Mrs. Claus, tree lighting and more! Entertainment will be provided by Dickerson Middle School Chorus & Dance Stop.

Georgia Festival Chorus: The Glory of Christmas, 7 p.m, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road). The public is invited to an evening of music to celebrate Jesus Christ. Free admission. No tickets required. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7

Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show, 9-6 Friday, 9-2 Saturday, Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road). Artisans will be showcasing handmade items in a variety of categories, from holiday décor, woodworking, painting, jewelry, stained glass, fabric crafts, and more! Admission is $3 per person 13 & up, with proceeds going to local charities. Baked goods, soup, sandwiches and beverages will be available. Parking is at the church and overflow lots are at the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road), with shuttle bus service provided. For information, click here.

Friday, Dec. 6

Crafting With Heidi, 3-4 p.m. East Cobb Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road), enjoy some holiday crafting, led by a 4th grade Girl Scout troop. Free, but registration is required by calling 770-509-4900.

Carols for Christmas, the Glorious Mystery, 7:30– 9:30 p.m., Mt. Bethel UMC (4385 Lower Roswell Road); the church’s Chancel Choir and Orchestra are featured during an evening of joy and reflection.

Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show
The Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show takes place at the Catholic Church of St. Ann.

Saturday-Monday, Dec. 7-9

Bethlehem Walk, 7-9 p.m. each day, Mountain View UMC (2300 Jamerson Road). An East Cobb tradition since 1992, this interactive event allows visitors to walk through the streets of Bethlehem and haggle with shopkeepers, sign the census and pay taxes to Caesar Augustus’s collector. Dried fruits, apple ciders and fresh bread from the bakery also are available. The event is free but donations are accepted. For information, click here.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Art Place Gets Frozen, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Art Place, (3330 Sandy Plains Road). Frozen fun for the whole family, featuring a 20-minute version of Frozen: The Musical presented by From the Top Theatrics. After the show, take a picture with a princess, make crafts, shop at a holiday market and enjoy hot coco. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $15. Sessions are 11-1 (click for tickets) and 2-4 (click for tickets).

Wheeler Fine Arts Holiday Showcase, 2-5:30 p.m., Wheeler HS Performing Arts Theatre (375 Holt Road). Prelude Concert: 2 p.m. by the Symphonic & Concert Bands, Full Orchestra, Philharmonia & Sinfonia Orchestras, and Chorale Choir. Finale Concert: 4:30 pm by the Bel Voce Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble This is a combined fundraiser for the school’s fine arts programs. One ticket is good for both concerts! For information and tickets, click here.

Vivaldi Christmas Concert, 7-8:30 p.m., Eastminster Presbyterian Church (3125 Sewell Mill Road), featuring the church’s Chancel & Road Choirs.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park, 5-7 p.m., East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road). Tree lighting, holiday music and the arrival of Santa Claus. Proceeds from refreshment sales will be used for future park improvements.

Carols for Christmas, the Glorious Mystery, 6-8 p.m., Mt. Bethel UMC (4385 Lower Roswell Road); the church’s Chancel Choir and Orchestra are featured during an evening of joy and reflection.

More events can be found at the East Cobb News Holiday Guide and in our regular calendar listings.

To submit calendar items for holiday events that are open to the public, please send an e-mail to calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

 

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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Weekend Events: East Cobb Park Holiday Lights; Apple Annie; St. Nick’s Cafe; Pancake Breakfast; Christmas Services; and more

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Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park

There’s so much in this edition of East Cobb Weekend Events that we’ll start with the last event first: East Cobb Park Holiday Lights (3322 Roswell Road) will be taking place at dusk on Sunday, a fitting culmination to so many festivities.

From 5-7, you’re invited to stop by for musical performances and await the arrival of Santa, which follows the tree lighting. Proceeds from refreshment sales benefit the work of Friends for the East Cobb Park.

Friday morning marks the start of 38th annual Apple Annie Arts and Crafts Show at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road, see photo below). More than 120 vendors will showcase handmade items, and there will be a bake sale, heirloom quilt raffle and Artisan gift raffle. Admission is $3 for adults. Hours are 9-7 Friday and 9-2 Saturday. Overflow parking is at the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road), with shuttle service provided from 9-4:45 Friday and all day Saturday.

The annual Christmas presentation of Eastside Baptist Church (2450 Lower Roswell Road) will feature “The Invitation,” a story focused on the Nativity Scene and featuring the Eastside choir, orchestra, drama and dance. Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday and admission is free.

On Saturday, bring the kids to The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road) for another St. Nick’s Cafe, a family holiday show. This years show is “North Pole’s Got Talent!” and the $15 charge includes a catered breakfast or lunch from Chick-fil-A and a visit from Santa. Shows are at 9, 11, 1, and 3.

Saturday morning has another local tradition in store: The East Cobb Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. Stop by Powers Ferry United Methodist Church (245 Powers Ferry Road) between 7:30-11 a.m. and enjoy a hearty holiday meal and fellowship. The cost is $7 a person, and the proceeds benefit Lions Club activities that include vision screenings for needy students in Cobb schools.

On Saturday afternoon, the Wheeler Orchestra Fine Arts Showcase returns to the school’s performing arts theater (375 Holt Road) with two holiday-themed concerts. One ticket is good for performances at 2 and 4:30 that include the symphonic and concert bands, full orchestra, philharmonia, Bel Voce choir, chamber orchestra, and wind ensemble.

From 5-7, kids can enjoy an Underwater Tree Lighting and assorted festivities at Atlanta Swim Academy (732 Johnson Ferry Road). Bring a camera to snap selfies with Santa, swim and decorate the underwater tree and enjoy free holiday refreshments. Admission is the donation of canned food for MUST Ministries.

On Sunday, Johnson Ferry Christmas Packages will be renewed from 4-7:30 p.m. It’s the church’s annual holiday festival with live music, horse carriage rides, food trucks and a tree lighting.

There’s a lot more you can find listed in our Holiday Guide, which has events details through the New Year.

Check our full calendar listings for more things to do in East Cobb this weekend, and beyond.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a calendar item you’d like to share with the community? Send it to us, and we’ll spread the word! E-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com, and you can include a photo or flyer if you like.

Whatever you’re doing this weekend, make it a great one! Enjoy!

 

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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

PHOTOS: Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park

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Holiday Lights East Cobb Park
(East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

Several hundred East Cobbers—many of them young children happily dancing with glowsticks and awaiting the arrival of Santa—gathered around the pavilion at East Cobb Park Sunday for the annual Holiday Lights celebration.

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

Sponsored by the Friends for the East Cobb Park, the event also has the support of WellStar East Cobb Health Park, the East Cobb Rotary and other community organizations and businesses.

Related Coverage

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park
The crowd was warmed up right before dusk by the Dodgen Middle School Pops Band.

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park
The East Cobb Rotary Club provided refreshments while the crowd waited for the tree lighting and Santa.
Holiday Lights East Cobb Park
Santa Claus arrived, and parked his sleigh right in front of the newly lighted tree.
Holiday Lights East Cobb Park
Lines of children waited their chance for a visit and photo with St. Nick.

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park
The walking paths around East Cobb Park also were adorned with lights for the rest of the holiday season.

To see more East Cobb holiday events, please consult our Holiday Guide. Send your holiday news (including photos) to: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

EAST COBB WEEKEND: Holiday Lights; Apple Annie; Bethlehem Walk; Santa visits; concerts and more

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Bethlehem Walk, Mountain View UMC, East Cobb weekend
Bethlehem Walk at Mountain View UMC is marking its 25th anniversary.

The first full week of the holidays in East Cobb culminates with a weekend schedule bursting with seasonal activities. Our continuously updated Holiday Guide has plenty more, but here are a few highlights of what’s going on through Sunday:

  • Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show: Fri 9-7, Sat 9-2, admission $3; Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road), now in its 37th year, with more than 100 artisan vendors, bake sale, raffle, overflow parking at and shuttle service from Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul. We’ll have extended coverage on Friday;
  • Carriage Rides & Santa Visits: Back again at The Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road) from 3-7 on Friday, as well as Dec. 8 and 15;
  •  “The Story” Christmas at Eastside Baptist Church: A theatrical production with a full orchestra, choir and ballerinas; shows Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. are free; 2450 Lower Roswell Road;
  • Breakfast With Santa & East Cobb Lions Club: From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Powers Ferry UMC (245 Powers Ferry Road); cost is $7 a person;
  • St. Nick’s Cafe: The Art Place-Mountain View’s annual holiday program, with this year’s show entitled “What Could Go Wrong the Night Before Christmas?” Saturday 9 & 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; tickets are $15 and include Chick-fil-A meals to follow; 3330 Sandy Plains Road;
  • Holiday Fine Arts Showcase: Two shows with the combined bands, chorus and orchestra of Wheeler High School start at 2 and 4:30 Saturday (375 Holt Road); Tickets are $5 students/$10 adults and are good for both shows;
  • Bethlehem Walk: In 1992, Mountain View UMC (2300 Jamerson Road) began these self-guided tours of the scene of Jesus’ birth, featuring local citizen/actors, and followed by cider and baked goods. Saturday, Sunday and Dec. 8 & 9 from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted;
  • Christmas Packages: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church’s annual holiday celebration, with games, music, carriage rides, crafts, and more; Sunday 4-7:30 p.m., 955 Johnson Ferry Road;
  • Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park: The community-wide tree lighting festival, with music from the Dodgen Middle School band and a grand entrance from Santa Claus. Hot chocolate and snack sales to benefit the Friends for the East Cobb Park; Sunday 5-7 p.m., 3322 Roswell Road. Overflow parking at Fullers Park.

Did we miss anything? Have a holiday calendar item to share? E-mail it to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post it.

Have a great weekend!

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!