Hello, local readers! Hot off the press is this week’s edition of our weekend guide, filled with the best things to do in and around Atlanta this Thursday through Sunday. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Enjoy your weekend!!
Atlanta Santa Speedo Run 2011
Midtown (begins at Hudson Grille). Saturday, Sign-in starts at 1:00 p.m., run begins at 2:00 p.m. $10 registration fee.
The 3rd annual Atlanta Santa Speedo Run is based on a highly successful fundraising event held in Boston each year. The 1.5 mile fun run and social event is donating 100% of its proceeds this year to Bert’s Big Adventure and aims to exceed its $75,000 goal. Prizes for top male, female, and team costumes, as well as top fundraisers, will be awarded, in addition to raffle prizes. Please note: registration is now closed, but you can sponsor a runner from the event’s website or cheer on the scantily-clad participants free of charge as they race through the streets of Midtown for a great cause.
More info and directions
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church. Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Requested donation of $5.00.
This annual event benefits the Non-Profit Stone Mountain Cooperative Ecumenical Ministry that helps the less fortunate in the Stone Mountain area with food and assistance. Activities include a “Bountiful Country Breakfast,” photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus, silent auction, and access to a kids’ room with crafts and prizes.
More info and directions
Reindog Parade
Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $18 (two dogs max per person).
Get in the holiday spirit and join the dogs in the park this Saturday! Host, Victoria Stilwell from It’s Me or the Dog, will keep you entertained in this pooch parade! Dress up your favorite canine in holiday gear and compete for prizes! Sign up for your dog to compete in various categories or just pose for their picture with Saint Nick. Mingle with fellow dog-lovers and explore local pet-friendly businesses in the Doggie Expo. The first 100 dogs attendance receive a special Wag-Bag! Contact reindog@atlantabotanicalgarden.org for more info and dog competition details.
More info and directions
Elf on the Shelf Cupcake Tea and Book Reading
Mansion on Peachtree. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Children: $40; Adults: $52 (Reservations required).
Meet Chanda Bell, author of “Elf on the Shelf” and enjoy some festive holiday treats with your little ones. Santa’s favorite cookies, ants on a log and reindeer nuggets will be on the special menu, prepared by the Mansion on Peachtree’s kitchen elves! Bell will be signing copies of her famous book and reading to the attendees.
More info and directions
Jingle Bell Jubilee
The Solarium in Decatur. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free.
Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of arts and crafts, live entertainment, food, drinks and a visit from Santa. Try your hand at ornament painting ($12) or try your luck at a raffle drawing. All proceeds go to support the TARA Project.
More info and directions
Gingerbread Jam
Mansour Center in Marietta. Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $5.
Nothing says the holidays are here like some freshly baked Gingerbread cookies! Enjoy children’s sing alongs, raffle drawings a performance by the Brass Quintet of the Atlanta Wind Symphony and a Gingerbread house competition, at this year’s Gingerbread Jam. Proceeds of this event will benefit the Dare to Hope Foundation.
More info and directions