Gobble Jog, Lights of Life & more 🦃

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I’m guessing your house looks a little like ours this week: extra chairs squeezed around the table, kids asking how many sleeps until cousins arrive, and at least one pie cooling where tiny hands can’t reach it.

Between the cooking and the visiting, it can be hard to figure out what to actually do with the long weekend, so this issue leans into easy wins. 

Lights of Life at Life University is back on our list this year. It’s such a low-stress way to show off something festive to out-of-town guests, especially if everyone stays in pajamas in the car.

For cabin-fever days, Marlow’s Tavern at Merchant’s Walk is a solid “no one has to cook” option, and The Playroom East Cobb is great for little ones who need to climb somewhere that’s not your furniture. 

My main tip: if you’re heading to anything on the Square or to a big light display, pad your travel time for parking and lines. It’s always better to have ten extra minutes than to drag hungry, cranky kids in late.

Once you’ve got your Thanksgiving meal penciled in, scroll down to the Weekend Planner and pick one family outing and one grown-up treat for yourself.

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Lights of Life Holiday Display
Life University Campus, Marietta
1269 Barclay Cir, Marietta, GA 30060
Thursday, Nov 27, 2025
5:30–10:00 PM (lights on at sunset; closing time may vary)
$10 per car (buses $20, pay at the gate)
Details: Event info

Lights of Life turns the Life University campus into a mile-plus drive-through wonderland with lights, tunnels, and giant holiday scenes. Easy to reach from East Cobb without heading into the city.

Families can stay cozy in the car while slowly looping through the displays, and on select nights there are extras like rides, treats, and visits with holiday characters.

The display runs nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, so this is an easy pick for out-of-town guests or grandparents.

Expect heavier traffic the closer you get to Christmas; going early in the season or right at opening time usually means shorter lines.

Because you stay in your vehicle, it’s especially great for little kids who don’t love long walks or crowds.

Load everyone into PJs, pack a thermos of cocoa, and turn Thanksgiving night into a low-stress, high-sparkle family tradition.

Marlow’s Tavern in East Cobb has the “easy family dinner” vibe down, with made-from-scratch tavern favorites and a relaxed neighborhood feel right in the Merchant’s Walk shopping center on Johnson Ferry Road.

Crowd-pleasers include the grilled Atlantic salmon, classic Southern shrimp and grits, and shareable starters like kettle chips and wings that work well for kids and teens to graze on.

Inside, there’s classic tavern seating and a few TVs for catching the game without it feeling like a sports bar, plus a patio that’s great on mild fall nights when everyone needs a little fresh air after a long holiday day.

Weeknights are usually easier for families—aim for an earlier dinner hour if you’re bringing younger kids or a bigger group of cousins.

Details & menu: Marlow’s Tavern East Cobb

The Playroom East Cobb is a calm, sensory-friendly indoor play space designed for kids who love to move and explore without the chaos of a typical playground.

It’s best for children ages 9 months to 7 years (with siblings welcome up to age 10), with climbing structures, slides, a giant pillow pit, and hands-on activity zones that encourage purposeful play.

Families reserve a 30-minute arrival window and then get up to 90 minutes of play time, which makes it easy to plan around naps, meals, and holiday guests.

Locals love it as a go-to option for rainy days, no-school breaks, and low-key birthday parties where younger kids aren’t overwhelmed by loud music and flashing lights.

Browse/learn more: The Playroom East Cobb

📚 East Cobb schools honored for literacy and math

Several public schools across East Cobb have been named “literacy” and “math” leaders by the Georgia Department of Education for standout reading and math achievement or growth in the 2024–2025 school year. The designations span elementary, middle, and high schools, with 21 East Cobb schools recognized and Dickerson Middle School earning honors in both categories. For local families, it’s a nice reminder that the long homework nights and carpool lines are adding up to real gains.

Source: East Cobb News

🚧 Columns Drive safety and beautification project kicks off

Cobb DOT is starting a safety and streetscape project along Columns Drive, a busy East Cobb corridor popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists headed to the Chattahoochee. The work aims to improve both safety and the overall appearance of the corridor after feedback from neighbors and meetings with District 3 officials. Families who use Columns for weekend walks or bike rides may see some temporary construction, but the goal is a safer, more attractive route in the long run.

Source: Cobb County Government

Noah is a tiny house panther with big golden eyes and a curious, gentle personality. At just about 4 pounds, he’s still very much a kitten. Playful with toys and ready to pounce, but also happy to curl up once he’s tired out. He’s currently sharing space with other kittens at the shelter and does well with the bustle, so he should adjust nicely to a home with other friendly pets or kids who understand how to be gentle. With a little patience and plenty of wand toys, Noah will grow from shy shelter baby into a confident sidekick who follows you from room to room.

Available at Cobb County Animal Services — 1060 Al Bishop Dr, Marietta, GA 30008

Hours: Thu 10:30 AM–4:30 PM (check for other daily hours)

Phone: (770) 499-4136

Profile: Adoption link

🦃 23rd Annual MUST Gobble Jog — Marietta Square | 7:30 AM start | From about $33 (varies by race) | More: Event info
Lace up for a Thanksgiving-morning tradition that burns off pie and helps MUST Ministries feed local families.

🚗 Lights of Life Opening Night — Life University, Marietta | ~5:30–10:00 PM | $10 per car | More: Event info
Roll through more than a million lights on a 1.5-mile drive, then let kids run off energy at the small rides and snack stands.

🩰 GMDT’s The Nutcracker — Jennie T. Anderson Theatre (Cobb Civic Center) | Various showtimes | Price $25-$42.50 | More: Event info
Classic sugar-plum holiday vibes with a local cast, easy parking, and just-right length for kids who are new to ballet.

🍭 World of Illumination: Candy Rush — Six Flags White Water, Marietta | Evening, timed entry | Per-car pricing | More: Event info
Drive through a candy-themed light tunnel and synchronized displays; book an earlier slot if you’ve got younger riders. Running all winter long!

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market — Marietta Square | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free to attend | More: Event info
Grab coffee, local produce, and baked goods while kids sample jams and say hi to favorite vendors.

🩰 GMDT’s The Nutcracker — Jennie T. Anderson Theatre | Various showtimes | Price $25-$42.50 | More: Event info
A nice “dress-up” outing for elementary-age kids and grandparents, with plenty of nearby dinner options afterward.

🎄 Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta — The Battery Atlanta Plaza | ~5:30–8:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Expect music, Santa, and a big crowd—arrive early, park in the decks, and bring layers for post-sunset temps.

🩰 GMDT’s The Nutcracker (Closing Day) — Jennie T. Anderson Theatre | Afternoon & evening shows | Price $25-$42.50 | More: Event info
Sneak in one last performance before the production wraps, ideal for families who want a slower Sunday outing.

🌿 Naturally Artistic at CNC — Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Included with admission | More: Event info
Kids can use leaves, pinecones, and other nature finds to create art, then hit the trails and river boardwalk.

🙏 Mylon Hayes Family Gospel Music Performance  — East Cobb Baptist Church | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Free | More: Event info

End the weekend with some good soulful music in a welcoming atmosphere.

🍽️ Thanksgiving Buffet at McCray’s Tavern – East Cobb — McCray’s Tavern, East Cobb | 12:00–3:00 PM | Price TBD; reservations recommended | More: Event info
Let someone else handle the turkey and sides so you can actually sit, talk, and watch the game.

🎭 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage, Marietta | 8:00–9:30 PM | Price TBD | More: Event info
Date-night idea: grab dinner on the Square, then hit this stand-up show for 90 minutes of grown-up laughs.

🎸 Departure – Tribute to Journey — Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta | 8:00 PM | Tickets from about $71 | More: Event info
Sing along to every ’80s anthem from a comfy seat, then stroll the Square for a nightcap.

🍷 Divine Winemaking Experience — 141 Mangum St SW, Atlanta | Afternoon/evening sessions | Price TBD | More: Event info
Book a hands-on winemaking workshop in the city—very “grown-ups only” and a fun way to wrap the long weekend.

East Cobb Park — 3322 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068

Morning strategy (8–10 AM):
Head over early while it’s still cool and quiet. Start with the paved walking loop so grown-ups can get a few steps in while kids scooter or bike alongside. Then let them choose a playground. There are several, with equipment that works for toddlers up through elementary age. Bring coffee and breakfast snacks and claim a picnic table near the creek for an easy, no-cook morning.

Afternoon plan (2–5 PM):
Pack a light picnic or leftovers from Thanksgiving and spread out on the big open lawn for frisbee, soccer, or just blanket time. Older kids can explore the creek (water shoes are helpful if it’s warm enough) while younger ones rotate between swings and slides. If grandparents are in town, the flat paths and plenty of benches make it a low-key way for everyone to be outside together.

Hidden features:
Look for the small bridges and creek overlooks that are perfect for leaf races and “pooh sticks.” The park’s “passive” layout means no sports fields or loud PA systems—just trails, grassy areas, and shaded nooks that are ideal for reading, stroller naps, and nature scavenger hunts. Friends of East Cobb Park often decorate or host small events seasonally, so you might stumble onto a photo spot or display.

Parking & bathrooms:
There are multiple parking lots off Roswell Road with short, flat walks into the park. On busy weekend afternoons, the main lot can fill up, so having a backup plan to circle to another entrance helps. Restrooms are available in the main pavilion area; they’re basic but usually clean, and there are plenty of trash cans and water fountains nearby.

Map: Google Maps

Check those holiday lights before you climb the ladder

Before you start decking out the house for December, plug in every strand of lights at ground level and toss any that flicker, get hot, or have cracked cords. Use outdoor-rated extension cords and lights for anything outside, and avoid overloading a single outlet. Spread the display across multiple circuits if you can. If you’re climbing up to rooflines or tall trees, have another adult outside as a spotter and keep kids and pets well clear of the ladder zone. Snapping a few photos of your setup and any big-ticket decorations is also smart; if weather or mishaps strike later, you’ll have a record handy for insurance.

East Cobb Christmas Lights — Seasonal; call for availability — (404) 903-9355 — Website

Perry Electrical Contractors — Hours vary; call or text — (678) 247-5488 — Website