HolidayHolidayFAMILY FUN In Middle

Fun things to do in Middle Georgia this holiday season, from festive events to Christmas cookies! his year, let’s resolve to truly enjoy this holiday season! T Let’s take a long breath of crisp, apple-cinnamon air and explore holiday markets and local festivities. Let’s bake Christmas cookies, see a play, or simply take time for a holiday craft over a cup of steaming hot cocoa. Sure, this is the season for hustle and bustle, but it’s also the season for chocolate and cheer.

The writer elves here at Georgia Family Magazine have worked hard to compile this handy sleigh-full of holiday fun for all you good moms and dads in Middle Georgia. Just consider us your little workshop of personal helpers, dedicated to helping you make the most of this beautiful time of year.

Inside is your guide to finding a holiday-inspired adventure—from Santa appearances, to arts and entertainment musts, to recipes and craft ideas. So what are you waiting for? Find loads of holiday goodies for 2016 inside this guide! It’s our gift to you.

Page 3: Arts & Entertainment

Theatrical productions and holiday shows

Page 8: Excursions

Holiday markets, light festivals, exhibits, and more

Page 10: Parades

Your local Christmas parade information

Page 11: Santa Appearances

Best places to find the big guy this year

Page 12: The Trimmings

Jolly crafts, yuletide recipes, and handy holiday tips Arts & Entertainment

Rudolph the Red- Nosed Reindeer Who Killed Elvis The Center for Puppetry Arts Warner Robins Little Theatre in Atlanta presents their an- presents this farce about new nual, holiday puppet show innkeepers who are banking based on the classic television on success by naming their special. Rudolph’s tale speaks new venture “Elvis Ate Here.” to the misfit in all of us! Shows This attracts Elvis fans and run now through Dec. 31. No kooks alike—making for hi- shows on 11/24 or 12/25. larious mayhem. Nov. 11–19.

Annual Fall Recital Students in the music school and possible stars of tomorrow will perform in recital in Porter Auditorium at Wesleyan College on November 14, at 7 p.m. FREE

Cabaret–Melodies and Mayhem faculty member and soprano, Martha Malone, will share the stage with pianist and guest artist Rudolph the Red-Nosed Byron Grant for an evening Reindeer, at The Center of cabaret music. Townsend for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta School of Music at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 15. FREE

She Kills Straight No Run for Your Monsters Chaser Wife Mercer University Theatre This acappella group is not The predicament of cab driver, presents this story of a woman your typical band of brothers John Smith, juggling two wives who loses her sister, only to from the halls of Ivy League and two lives, is a recipe for discover after her death that schools. Their refreshing sense hilarity when he lands in the she had an alter ego who of humor has established them hospital and is suddenly under escaped from the netherworld. as unforgettable entertainment. scrutiny. Nov. 18 and 19 at Nov. 17–20 at the Tattnall Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the the Perry Players Community Square Center for the Arts. Grand Opera House. Theatre.

3 An Evening with Jonny Lang The singer/songwriter/guitar virtuoso kicks off a weekend celebration of Duane Allman’s life and will be playing the late singer’s 1957 Les Paul Gold Top guitar on Friday, No- vember 18, at 8:00 p.m. at the Grand Opera House.

Barbara Lister- Sink, Pianist The Joan Stockstill Godsey series presents Ms. Lister-Sink, world-renowned pianist who now serves as Distinguished Professor of Piano and Artist- in-Residence at Salem College. The Grand Townsend School of Music on Opera House, Macon Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. FREE

Thanksgiving A Christmas Song Annie Carol The Mercer Women’s Chamber As part of the Broadway series Alliance Theatre presents this Choir and the Mercer Singers at the Grand, Annie, who cap- Atlanta holiday tradition. will entertain holiday guests tured our hearts on the funny Celebrate the holidays with the on November 20, at 3 p.m., in pages of our local newspapers, beloved Dickens classic in this McCorkle Hall of Townsend is now considered the best loved Broadway-scale production School of Music at Mercer musical of all time. Monday, with beautiful live music and University. Admission is free. November 21, and Tuesday, an all-star Atlanta cast. Nov. Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m. 25–Dec. 31.

Weather Report (Jazz combo) Festive Flutes Lessons & Carols Under the direction of Dr. Mercer’s nationally recog- The Mercer Brass Choir and Monty Cole, the Mercer Uni- nized flute choir, directed by Jack Mitchener, organist, will versity Jazz Ensemble explores Kelly Via, plays in concert and celebrate the 21st anniversary the genres of jazz on Tuesday, presents a world premiere by of this Mercer tradition at St. November 29, in McCorkle one of their own, Christopher Joseph Catholic Church on Hall at 7:30 p.m. FREE Schmitz. December 1, at the Friday, December 2, and on Townsend School of Music at Saturday, December 3, at 7:30 7:30 p.m. FREE p.m. Admission is free.

4 Sesame Street Live The Wiz “Elmo Makes Music” Sesame Street Live, at The The modern take on Dorothy’s When the new music teacher’s adventures with the Wizard instruments go missing, Elmo, of Oz is a fast-paced musical Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and comedy full of rock, gospel, more come to the rescue and and soul. This play will appeal discover instruments they to all members of the family never knew existed. Dec. 3–4 with its rollicking energy. Dec. at the Macon Coliseum. 2–16 at Theatre Macon.

Morning Music Club Nutcracker of Christmas Concert Middle Georgia The music club celebrates 103 Nutcracker of Middle Georgia years of entertaining audiences has been anointed the event with the most proficient and that heralds the beginning renowned musicians in their of the Christmas season in fields. The Christmas concert Middle Georgia. Clara’s is Thursday, December 8, at magical dreams come alive 10 a.m. at Wesleyan College. on stage at the Grand Admission is free. December 8–11.

Christmas Concert Celtic Christmas The Wesleyannes and the Con- This lively concert will fea- cert Choir will sing some of ture folk music instruments our favorite Christmas carols to accompany the lively lyrics in a free, open performance on from some of the oldest holi- Sunday, December 4, at 4 p.m. day folk music, with audience in Porter Auditorium at Wes- participation. Pierce Chapel leyan College. at Wesleyan College. Saturday, December 10, at 7 p.m. FREE

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka L’Amour de Lion Macon Little Theatre presents From the Metropolitan Opera Billy Bucket’s magical journey in HD, a story of the roman- The Nutcracker of Middle to Willy Wonka’s chocolate tic affair between a knight Georgia, at The Grand factory. Fantasy comes to the on a quest for love and his Opera House, Macon stage to delight the audience lover across the sea. Saturday, with songs made popular by December 10, at 12:55 p.m. at Gene Wilder. December 9–18. .

5 Irish Christmas, at Second Baptist, Warner Robins

Irish Christmas Join Ireland’s own Keith and Kristyn Getty for their fifth annual tour of Irish Christmas- A Celebration of Carols! Celtic and Bluegrass music fuse with dance and choral holiday sounds. Dec. 11 at Second Bap- tist Church, Warner Robins.

Christmas The Cortona Trio with You The popular trio of Julie Al- This spectacular Christmas bers on cello, Amy Schwartz concert will fill Perry Players Moretti on violin and Elizabeth Community Theatre with the Pridgen on piano, knows how traditional songs of Christ- to bring some holiday magic to mas—a break from the holi- Fickling Hall at the Townsend day rush. Performances from School of Music. December 13, December 15–17, at 7:30 p.m., at 7:30 p.m. and December 18, at 2:30 p.m.

John Berry’s Comedian Christmas Concert No Man’s Land Kathleen Madigan Country music chart topper Live, from the National The- As a winner of NBC’s Last John Berry is fast becoming a atre, witness a sinister war Comic Standing and Best Fe- Christmas tradition in Middle of words between two aging male Comedian in The Ameri- Georgia. Now in its 21st year, writers who, as they become can Comedy Awards and The his national tour will be at The increasingly inebriated, ver- Phyllis Diller Awards, Madigan Grand on Friday, December bally joust over their literary brings her stand-up comedy 16, at 7:30 p.m. territory. Sunday, December to the Grand Opera House on 18, at 3 p.m. Douglass Theatre. January 6, at 7:30 p.m.

6 Beauty and the Beast JR. Nabucco Lightning Thief The Youth Actors Company Live from the Metropolitan The Grand Opera House presents the musical stage Opera in HD, an opera based presents a play geared towards adaptation of the beloved ani- on the biblical account of the kids as boarding school stu- mated Disney film. The story Jews’ exile from their home- dent, Percy Jackson, battles of Beauty and the Beast has land by the Babylonian king, with mythological creatures enchanted audiences since its Nebuchadnezzar II. Saturday, and wrestles with conflict on Broadway debut in 1994. Janu- January 7, at 12:55 p.m. Olympus. Monday, January 9, ary 6–15 at Theatre Macon. at 9:30 a.m. and at 11:30 a.m.

Jolly Roger and The Gondoliers the Pirate Queen Pops Concert Mercer Opera presents this When Roger discovers that his The Macon Symphony Orches- Gilbert and Sullivan opera set wife finds him boring, he tries tra’s presents Pops Concert. in the canals of Venice. A ro- to win her over by becoming The Jeans & Classics band and mantic comedy full of dancing the swashbuckling Captain singers bring the music of Mo- and music, this a perfect way Blood! This farcical comedy town and disco from the 70’s to start the New Year! January will knock you overboard. to the Macon City Auditorium 13–15 at the Townsend School January 20–22 and 27–29 at for this annual blowout con- of Music. FREE the Rose Theater. cert. January 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Romeo and Edward Eikner & Altschuler and Juliette Carol Goff, Pianists Pandolf Streamed live in HD from The two pianists will play solo Emil Altschuler, violinist, and the Metropolitan Opera, this and together for this evening Thomas Pandolf, pianist, are Charles Gounod production of selections from the Roman- part of the Macon Concert is based on William Shake- tic and Classical periods. Enjoy Association’s season series speare’s beloved play about pieces from Brahms, Rach- with an appealing program of star-crossed lovers. Saturday, maninoff, and others. Jan. 24 compositions from Schubert, January 21, at 12:55 p.m. at at 7:30 p.m. at the Townsend Gershwin, Sarasate, and more! Douglass Theatre. School of Music. FREE Jan. 30 at Wesleyan College.

Macon Pops Concert, at The Macon City Auditorium

7 Excursions

Stone Mountain Atlanta Botanical Christmas Garden Lights Live shows, Frosted Fables in This annual electrical extrava- the Candy Cane Kitchen, holi- ganza features spectacular light day stories with Mrs. Clause, a displays throughout the At- parade, Rudolph 4-D, a Sing- lanta Botanical Garden. Ex- along Christmas Train, Lights plore the new Walk of Flames, Extravaganza, fireworks, and the newly expanded Tunnel much more! Now through Jan. of Light, Model Trains and so 1 at Stone Mountain Park. much more! Now–Jan. 7.

Festival of Trees Atlanta Botanical Each year during the holiday Garden Lights, at The season, The Museum of Arts Atlanta Botanical Garden and Sciences displays a spec- tacular Christmas tree exhibit designed by local businesses, designers, and individuals in our community. Come get inspired! Now–Jan. 15.

Mistletoe Market This is a holiday shopping extravaganza with over 100 vendors and loads of special guest to entertain while you do your Christmas shopping! Nov. 18–20 in the Miller-Murphy- Howard Building at the Geor- gia National Fairgrounds.

Callaway Gardens Family Films at GA Fantasy in Lights Ho Ho Homicide Sports Hall of Fame Named one of the world’s Wear your ugliest Christmas The Georgia Sports Hall of “Top 10 Places to See Holiday sweater to this murder mystery Fame in Macon is kicking off Lights,” by National Geograph- dinner theater and come find a Family Film Series with free ic Traveler, Callaway Gardens’ out just who gets “sleighed.” showings of Finding Dory on Fantasy In Lights, hosts the Nov. 18–19 at the Museum of Nov. 22 and Polar Express on South’s most spectacular holi- Aviation in Warner Robins. Dec. 2. Museum admission is day light and sound show. free on movie day, and pop- Nov. 18–Jan. 7. corn and drinks will be sold. 8 Turkey Waddle Festival of the Hike SEAson Walk of your Thanksgiving The Georgia Aquarium is indulgences on a beautiful transforming into a winter hike through the falls. Park wonderland! Enjoy a light and volunteers will guide your music show, appearances by family through nature and help Santa and SCUBA Claus, a connect you to the park’s rich live entertainment experience, history. Nov. 27 at High Falls tree-lighting ceremonies, and State Park. more! Dec. 1–25.

Midnight Mass, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Holly Jolly Gingerbread Church, Macon Market House Workshop Located at the Historic Ter- Kids of all ages and their par- minal Station in beautiful ents are invited to attend this downtown Macon, this one- free workshop where children night-only experience offers will decorate a gingerbread the finest boutiques, a salon of- house. RSVP with child’s first fering complimentary services, name and age to 478-471-4854. food, and drinks. Come enjoy Dec. 3 at the Hire Grounds a Holly Jolly night out. Dec. 1. Cafe in Macon.

Christmas at Holiday Tour of High Falls Homes Santa’s sleigh has been spot- Get in the holiday spirit with ted at High Falls! Start a new InTown Macon Neighborhood Christmas tradition with the Association. Tour 10 beautiful family and celebrate Christmas historic homes decorated for at High Falls in a fun twilight the holidays. Stop into High hike for the whole family. Reg- Street Church for light refresh- ister in advance. Dec. 9–10 at ments. Dec. 10–11. High Falls State Park.

Candlelight Christmas on Midnight Mass Christmas First Street at St. Joseph’s Take a nightly stroll by Looking for a family-friendly Celebrate Christmas Eve mass candlelight and enjoy an old- holiday afternoon? Head to at historic St. Joseph’s Catholic fashioned Christmas. Visit Rosa Parks Square at First Church in downtown Macon. two historic homes and enjoy Street to enjoy a holiday mar- This candlelit vigil will take natural greenery and home- ket, carolers, snow, carriage place among the church’s Neo- made decorations along with rides, and more! Dec. 17. gothic architecture, 60 stained warm cider and cookies. Dec. glass windows, and an organ 10 at Jarrell Plantation. with 1,000 pipes. Dec. 24.

9 Parades

Forsyth Atlanta Christmas Parade Christmas Parade This wonderful nighttime The Children’s Healthcare of parade in Forsyth is the only Atlanta Christmas Parade is one of its kind in Central the largest holiday parade in Georgia! Held annually in the the southeast, featuring enor- downtown area, the lighted mous floats, stunning balloons floats and vehicles are topped (some more than two stories off with Santa and Mrs. Claus tall), marching bands, and at the end! Dec. 1, 7 p.m. holiday spirit. December 3.

Perry Christmas Warner Robins Byron Parade Christmas Parade Christmas Parade Bring the family out to enjoy The Robins Regional Cham- The Byron Christmas Parade the 2016 Perry Christmas Pa- ber’s Christmas Parade is one brings Santa and Mrs. Claus rade. This year’s theme will be of Middle Georgia’s largest through Byron in style. The “A Country Christmas.” holiday events. The many parade route begins on White Dec. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. creative floats, vehicles, and Road and ends at Byron El- marchers can be seen live or on ementary School. Dec. 3. 13WMAZ or 13WMAZ.com. Dec. 3 in Warner Robins.

Centerville Macon Christmas Gray Jaycees Christmas Parade Parade Christmas Parade

The City of Centerville will A beloved Macon tradition, the The Gray Jaycees 16th annual be hosting its 7th Annual Main Street Macon Christmas Christmas parade is going to Lighted Christmas Parade Parade will fill the streets of be decked out in “A Candy will be a wonderful display of downtown Macon with holi- Christmas” theme. The parade Christmas lights and cheer. day cheer. This year’s theme is will start at Ingles, go down Plus, Santa himself will end the “A Merry Macon Christmas”. Gray Highway, and end at the 4 parade! Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. way next to Gray Feed & Seed. Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. in Gray.

Forsyth Atlanta Nighttime Christmas Christmas Parade Parade

10 Santa Appearances

Winter Storytime with Wonderland Santa Each winter, Bass Pro Shop Santa Claus is coming to in Macon transforms a large Indian Springs State Park! portion of their store into a Children will enjoy stories with magical Winter Wonderland. Santa, reindeer games, crafts, Enjoy a free picture with Santa, cookies, and hot chocolate. games, activities, and crafts. Remember the evening with a Now–Dec. 24. (Hours vary.) free picture with Santa! Nov. 26 at the Stone Pavilion.

Christmas on the Story Time with Santa, at Square Indian Spring State Park Town Square in downtown Forsyth is hosting a commu- nity tree lighting event. There will be photos with Santa and a free Christmas movie at Rose Theater provided by The Mon- roe County Library. Nov. 28.

Santa’s Workshop at Macon Mall Come Visit Santa’s Workshop in the Macon Mall! Share your Christmas wish list and have your picture taken with Santa by the joyful Christmas elves. Photograph packages available. Nov. 25–Dec. 24. Time vary.

Santa Visits the Breakfast with The Santa Big House Santa Experience The Allman Brothers Band Enjoy a hot breakfast and a Enjoy a private session with Museum at The Big House is personal visit with Santa in Santa where he can tell stories, opening its gates to children Truett’s Barn at The Rock answer questions, and listen this Christmas! Santa will be Ranch. Santa will visit each to wishes. Appointment only. waiting inside to visit with table; each child will sit in Call 478-397-7348. Also, San- each little girl and boy! Dec. 17 Santa’s lap with a professional ta’s musical 10,000-bulb light from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. photo; plus activities, movies, show plays nightly on 103.1FM and more. Dec. 17. at 664 Arlington Place, Macon. 11 The Trimmings

A few ideas for slowing down and making memories this holiday season...

Beaded Candy Canes Thumbprint Reindeer These ornaments are one of the Looking for some meaningful holi- easiest holiday crafts you could day art or a one-of-kind Christmas make, and have the added bonus of card? Try this simple thumbprint improving your child’s fine motor craft. First, let each member of your skills! Curve white pipe cleaners family showcase their thumb using into candy cane shapes and tie a brown craft paint. Once dry, fill in knot at the bottom so the beads the eyes, ears, and antlers with a don’t fall off. String on large, color- fine-tipped permanent marker. A ful craft beads and tie off the top! dot of red paint finishes the noses. kindofviral.com ChristmasDay25.com

Cookie-Cutter Cuties Candy Ornaments Snow Globes How cute are these inexpensive, To eat or not to eat? That is the Reuse clean baby-food jars to make aluminum cookie-cutter orna- question! Grease metal cookie-cut- homemade snow globes! Parents, ments? Use pretty paper or card ters and place on a parchment-lined attach a figurine to the inside of the stock photos to trace and cut out baking sheet. Put candies inside jar lid with a glue gun. Once dry, shapes. Dab white craft glue along cutters (breaking if needed), leaving help your child fill the jar almost the cutter’s edge, press paper in space between candies. Bake at 350 to the top with cold water, and let place, and let dry. Poke a ribbon until melted, 5 to 6 minutes. Cool 1 them sprinkle some magic dust between paper and cutter, and wrap minute, then make a hole in candy (aka glitter) into the water. Line the ribbon around top of cutter. Slip a with a greased skewer. Remove inside of the lid with hot glue and bead over ribbon’s ends; knot. from mold when completely cooled. screw the lid on. MarthaStewart.com WomansDay.com WhatToExpect.com

12 A few ideas to help you “savor” this “sweet” season... Santa Strawberries Melted Snowmen Santa’s coming to town in these Use any store-bought or homemade almost-too-cute-to-eat fruit cre- chocolate cookies as a base for these ations! Slice the leafy end off each adorable melted snowman treats. strawberry so they sit evenly, then Once cookies are cooled, place slice the tip off to make a hat. Pipe a halved marshmallow on top of a large dollop of whipped cream on the cookie. Drizzle warm, vanilla- top of the strawberry base, and set flavored candy coating over the the little hat on top. Add another marshmallow. While still tacky, add small dollop of the cream to the tip a halved mini-peanut butter cup for of the hat to make a pom-pom. Two the hat, chocolate sprinkle balls for chocolate sprinkles make Santa’s the eyes, and an orange sprinkle for eyes, and a toothpick places two the nose. whipped-cream buttons nicely. BetterHomesAndGardens.com LeanneBakes.com

Christmas Tree Pitas Banana Penguins Who said holiday treats had to be Entertain and nourish your kids made of candy and frosting? These with these adorable winter-themed Christmas tree pitas will prove snacks! Just dip halved bananas them wrong! Cut each pita into 8 into melted dark chocolate on both wedges. Insert a pretzel stick half- ends. While still tacky, add orange way into the bottom center of each M&M’s for feet and beaks. Also wedge. In a small bowl, mix a 1/2 place candy eyes (or mini-marsh- cup each of sour cream and guaca- mallows with mini chocolate chips mole, 2 Tbsp. parsley, and 1/4 tsp. stuck into the middle) to complete of a garlic-pepper blend. Spread these goofy, little creations that will about 1 tsp. sour cream mixture on have your kids in giggles! each pita wedge. Use chopped bell VarageSale.com pepper or tomato to form a garland. BettyCrocker.com

13 Just a few more tips to help make your holiday a little easier...

Thoughtfully Outside-the-Box on Budget Gift Wrapping

Impulse buys can ruin your Take advantage of free gift holiday faster than the Grinch! wrapping—or even not-so-free Remember that a few thought- gift wrapping. Many stores ful gifts under the tree will be offer a free or small-cost gift- more fulfilling in the long run wrapping, or perhaps there is a than a large pile of “filler” pres- teenager or widow in your life ents. Keep impulse items in the who could benefit from being store and your budget intact! your paid helper-elf.

Beech Tree Supply Enjoy Your Tree Delivery Friends & Family Save you and your spouse’s Whatever your plans, make “peace on earth.” Beech Tree loving on your family and Supply will deliver and/or set- friends your greatest priority up your tree—lights and all! this holiday season!

Merry Christmas From Georgia Family!