Y’all. Can you feel it? It’s the middle of October and fall is finally here! The air is finally starting to get that crisp chill. The leaves are starting to change colors (mostly to brown, because let’s be honest, this is Georgia and we don’t get to see too many pretty fall leaves), and I can finally wear my UGA hoodie (Hopefully I didn’t lose too many readers because of that last comment)!
Fall is my favorite season, and not just because I hate the Georgia heat… I love all the fun things that occur around this time of year! We have Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all smooshed together into this fantastic time of year (You may be asking yourself “Did she really just use the word “smooshed” in a blog?” and the answer is yes. Yes I did).
I have three kids, and if you’re like me, I’m always trying to do fun things with them. However, if you’re also like me, you may not have the time, or the energy to really research anything fun. Because as fun as the various pumpkin patches are, pumpkins are only fun during October, because after that it’s time for turkey, followed by Jesus and Santa. So I’ve done the research for you. Read on to find “Elizabeth’s No-Research-Required Family Fun Guide to the Holidays.” Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?!
ACWORTH
Halloween JamBOOree- October 27, 3-7pm
This event is held at Logan Farm Park and will feature carnival games (tickets can be purchased at the event), a free hayride, and a costume contest. Various food and drinks will be for sale. Visit http://www.acworth.com/halloween-carnival/ for more information.
Classic Car Cruise- October 27, 4-9pm
This event is in historic downtown Acworth and is free for the family to attend. If you know of anyone who wants to enter their car, it’s only $2, with all proceeds going to Horizon Field. The car show will feature over 200 vehicles, and shops will stay open for the attendees to wander through and shop during the show.
Safe-O-Ween- October 31, 3-5pm
Trick or treating can be accomplished in a safe way at the Acworth City PD for kids 12 and under. This event isn’t on the main website, but it has been listed on their Facebook page, and is a pinned post, so head on over and check that out.
Turkey Chase 5K Fun Run- November 17
This event is fun for the whole family and includes a 5K and a 2K for the littles. Registration is required, and a donation of a non-perishable food item is required in order to get your shirt and race number. All donations benefit the Tackle Hunger Program. Kids 5 and under are free, but check out http://www.acworthturkeychase.com/ for pricing information, location, and the race schedule and route.
Santa’s Arrival- December 7, 5:30-8:30pm
This event is always a blast, and our beloved NorthStar partners with the City of Acworth to put on this event every year. The event starts at 5:30, and Santa makes his entrance around 6:30. The NorthStar Kidz Praise Team performs, as well as many other music and dance groups. There are also fun activities for the kids to do, with lots of fun and familiar characters that roam the streets for photo ops. You can check out http://acworthtourism.org/event/santas-arrival/ for more information.
KENNESAW
Scarecrow Daze- October 16-31 This event is at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. It’s a Tuesday through Saturday event, and is open from 9am-4pm. For pricing and other information visit http://smithgilbertgardens.com/event/scarecrow-showcase-contest/?instance_id=203.
Garden Gallop 5K- October 27, 7-10am
This event is another awesome family affair, and the course takes you through one of Kennesaw’s most popular parks: Swift-Cantrell! There is a one mile fun run, the 5K, and a tot-trot, so check out https://www.active.com/kennesaw-ga/running/distance-running-races/garden-gallop-5k-2018 or http://smithgilbertgardens.com/event/garden-gallop-5k/?instance_id=340 for all the additional information.
Taste of Kennesaw- November 3, 11am-7pm
Much like Acworth’s event, the city of Kennesaw hosts it’s own “Taste Of” event. The event is located in Downtown Kennesaw, and food samples can be purchased for anywhere between $1-$4, and is a rain or shine event. There are also two stages with rotating performances, and a concert at 6pm. But the food isn’t the only big deal… there are plenty of activities for the kids to do as well! Inflatables, a trackless train, rock wall, and more. Visit http://www.kennesaw.com/taste-of-kennesaw/ for more info, and to see what charities benefit from the event.
Tree Lighting at Depot Park- November 27, 6-7pm
For more information, check out the “City of Kennesaw- City Hall” Facebook page.
Santa Parade and Day with Santa- December 1, 12-6pm
The event website says this is a free event with lots of fun for the family. It allows the kiddos to see a parade AND Santa, as well as have fun with snow tubing, inflatables, crafts, and various other activities. Check out https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/event/santa-parade/ or http://www.adaywithsanta.com/.
Polar Express Adventure- December 8, 3-7pm
This event is at the Southern Museum off Cherokee Street, and includes a completely redecorated train for the holiday season. Kids will get to enjoy a re-created Santa’s workshop, a performance by the British Academy of Performing Arts, and a visit from Santa. The Polar Express will be read between the BAPA performances, and the movie will show also. Visit https://www.southernmuseum.org for the contact information for the museum to verify the dates/times/prices.
WOODSTOCK
Kids Fest- October 31, 3-8pm
The Park at City Center off Arnold Mill Road will host lots of kid friendly activities as a safe alternative to trick or treating on Halloween night. Activities will include inflatables, a live DJ, a costume contest and more. Check out https://cherokeechamber.com/event/woodstock-halloween-kidfest/? for more information.
Christmas Jubilee Parade and Festivities- December 1 TBA
The Parade of Lights down Main Street is first, followed by the lighting of the tree at The Park at City Center with the Mayor and Santa. There should be a free moonwalk, cupcake decorating, and kids activities. You can check out https://www.woodstockga.gov/FormCenter/Parks-and-Recreation-3/2018-Christmas-Parade-of-Lights-Applicat-70
Holiday Lights of Hope- December 7-23
This event runs nightly from December 7 to December 23, and starts at 6pm. It’s at Hobgood Park and has a large walk through light display. You can check out http://holidaylightsofhope.com/ for more information or to purchase tickets.
So now that you have a great list of goodies and fun things to do with your family this season, get out of your house and make some memories! Maybe you’ll run into me and my group of crazies (Hopefully you won’t wonder if we’ve all escaped from an asylum. I promise, we haven’t). Go forth and have fun! And I hope that you’re blessed with a ton of wonderful memories.
