Lights, Cabarets & Winter Prep Tips

_{Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.}

Real talk: my wife and I just realized we have exactly four days left before we're supposed to be "doing Christmas stuff" with family, and we've done approximately none of the festive things we said we'd do this month.

So this weekend is our last shot. We're catching A Christmas Tradition at The Strand on Saturday.

We’ve been meaning to see it for three years running and keep letting it slip by. But not this year!

The plan is to grab an early dinner at Suburban Tap beforehand, keep it low-key, and actually enjoy ourselves instead of rushing around like maniacs.

Before any of that happens though, I'm making myself do the winter car prep I've been ignoring. Tire pressure, washer fluid, making sure we actually have jumper cables somewhere in the trunk.

I put together a quick checklist in this edition because I know I'm not the only one who puts this off until something breaks. Ten minutes on a random Tuesday night beats being stranded on I-75 Christmas Eve.

Split this weekend's planner into Family Fun and Adult events so you can actually find the grown-up stuff without scrolling past fifteen kid activities. Date night options are in there. You're welcome.

Enjoy the last quiet weekend before the chaos.

— Andrew

Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
Thu, Dec 18: 7:30 PM
Fri, Dec 19: 8:00 PM
Sat, Dec 20: 3:00 PM (Matinee)
Sat, Dec 20: 8:00 PM
Sun, Dec 21: 3:00 PM (Matinee)
Tickets from $37
Details: Event info

This hometown-favorite holiday revue fills the historic Strand Theatre with singers, dancers, and big Christmas songs your kids already know by heart.

Expect a high-energy mix of traditional carols and funkier arrangements that keep older kids, teens, and adults engaged.

The show runs about two hours, including intermission, so it fits nicely between afternoon errands and an early dinner on the Marietta Square.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to navigate Square parking, pick up tickets, and maybe grab hot chocolate or a treat before the curtain rises.

Nearby parking decks and street parking make it manageable, but it can be busy on December weekends.

The production is designed to be family-friendly, though the volume and pace are best for school-age kids and up.

If your crew includes little ones with early bedtimes, the afternoon performance is the sweet spot for enjoying all the festive magic without a late night.

Suburban Tap has been an East Cobb watering hole for more than 20 years, offering a laid-back neighborhood vibe that works just as well for family dinners as it does for a parents' night out.

Expect a big menu of pub favorites: think wings, craft burgers, salads, and plenty of shareable appetizers, plus a deep craft beer list for the grown-ups.

Weeknights often come with built-in entertainment like trivia, bingo, and live music, which makes it an easy "one stop" evening when you don't want to plan much beyond showing up.

It's casual, kid-friendly, and noisy enough that no one will notice if your toddler drops a few fries under the table.

For the smoothest experience with kids, aim for an earlier dinner before the bar crowd and game nights really get going.

Details & menu: Suburban Tap

Signatures is the kind of East Cobb spot that saves you when the calendar suddenly screams, “Teacher gift. Neighbor drop-off. Hostess present. White elephant.” It’s a locally owned gift-and-home shop in Merchants Walk where you can walk in with no plan and still walk out with something that looks like you planned ahead.

What makes it especially clutch in December: they can personalize (almost) anything and gift wrap it, so your gift instantly feels more thoughtful than “I grabbed this on my way.” If you’ve got a short deadline, call ahead and ask what personalization turnaround looks like right now—some items can be done quickly, others may need a little lead time.

Shopping strategy for the last weekend before break:

If you’re truly out of bandwidth, their gift certificates are a legit “still thoughtful” option—especially for teachers, sitters, or that friend who already owns everything and actually enjoys browsing for themselves.

Browse/learn more: Signatures Gifts & Interiors

The Cobb County School Board has approved a new policy that will ban cell phones and most personal electronic devices for K-8 students during the school day, in order to comply with Georgia's new Distraction Free Education Act.

The rules, which also apply to smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets, are set to take effect by July 1, 2026, giving schools and families time to adjust.

District leaders say the goal is to cut down on distractions, cyberbullying, and social media use in class while improving focus and face-to-face interaction.

Source: CBS Atlanta

Cobb County says all public library branches will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Thursday, Dec. 25 for Christmas.

That includes curbside hold pickup during the closure window, with normal hours resuming Friday, Dec. 26.

Digital resources (ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, streaming, databases) remain available while branches are closed.

Source: Cobb County Government

Cobb County School District is recognizing the first cohort of doctoral graduates from Georgia’s BEST, a partnership with the University of West Georgia.

District leaders frame the program as a way to grow educator leadership while keeping advanced study tied to practical school-improvement work.

It’s a big “invest in teachers, students benefit” moment, and a local milestone CCSD clearly plans to build on.

Source: Cobb County School District

Cobb Horizon High School held its December graduation ceremony, celebrating students finishing the semester with diplomas in hand.

The district highlighted the many paths that brought students to the finish line, and the range of “what’s next,” from college enrollment to career training.

It’s one of those quiet, meaningful wins that reflects real momentum for students and families heading into 2026.

Source: Cobb County School District

If you’re looking for a big, steady buddy who’s past the chaotic puppy phase, Waffle is worth a look. He’s a 5-year-old, 90-pound shepherd mix currently listed with Cobb County Animal Services, and he looks like the kind of dog who’d be thrilled with a daily walk, a comfy spot in the house, and a family that likes a little “giant best friend” energy.

Adopt / inquire (direct listing):
Waffle on Adopt-a-Pet

Where to meet him: Cobb County Animal Services — 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, GA 30008
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 AM–4:30 PM
Phone: (770) 499-4136
Adoption fee (dogs): $115

🎅 Jingle Jangle Jubilee - Cobb County Safety Village | 10am-12pm | Free | More: Event info
Sensory-friendly holiday fun for little ones (roughly ages 0-5) with Santa, crafts, songs, storytime, and giveaways, hosted by Cobb & Douglas Public Health partners at the Safety Village.

🕯️ Menorah Lighting on the Marietta Square - Marietta Square | 5:45–7:30pm | Free | More: Event info
A warm, community-style kickoff to Hanukkah with music, candle lighting, and a very “town square in December” vibe.

🎬 Lights, Camera, Avenue: The Santa Clause - Avenue East Cobb (The Plaza) | 6:00pm | Free | More: Event info
Bring blankets + chairs and treat this like a low-effort holiday win: dinner from an Avenue spot, then a movie on the jumbo screen.

🐾 Santa PAWS - The Battery Atlanta | 4:00–8:00pm | Free | More: Event info
Holiday photos + Santa, but make it pet-friendly. Great if your kids’ “favorite sibling” is the dog.

🌟 A Christmas Tradition - Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | 7:30pm | Tickets from $37 | More: Event info
High-energy holiday revue with big musical numbers, sparkly costumes, and plenty of sing-along moments: plan on grabbing cocoa and a walk around the Marietta Square lights before or after.

🎅 Santa Photo Experience - Avenue East Cobb (Family Lounge) | 3:00–8:00pm | Packages from $35 | More: Event info
If your “Santa window” is closing fast, this is a clean, appointment-based option (with walk-ups if time allows).

✉️ Santa’s Post Office - The Battery Atlanta | 12:00–8:00pm | Free | More: Event info
Kids can drop off letters (no postage needed) and you can take your own photos—easy add-on if you’re already in Cumberland.

🌟 A Christmas Tradition - Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | 8pm | Tickets from $37 | More: Event info
Friday night showing of the holiday revue. Great way to kickstart the weekend with some holiday cheer.

🚗 Lights of Life Holiday Display - Life University Campus | 5:30-10pm | $10 per car | More: Event info
Load kids into pajamas and cruise a mile-long route of more than a million lights, giant displays, and optional rides and petting zoo: easy to pair with drive-thru dinner on the way.

🧺 Marietta Square Farmers Market - Historic Marietta Square | 9:00am–1:00pm | Free | More: Event info
Holiday-market energy without the chaos—good for local gifts, baked goods, and a quick “we did something festive” lap.

📺 Home Team Hangout (Jumbo Screen watch party) - Avenue East Cobb (The Plaza) | Times vary | Free | More: Event info
A “meet friends, let kids roam a bit” setup—bring chairs/blankets and make it a casual afternoon.

🏃 Dashing Through the Square 5K Run/Walk - Historic Marietta Square | 7:30-10:30am | Registration required | More: Event info
Kick off Saturday with a Peachtree-qualifying 5K through historic streets; strollers and walkers are welcome, and you can reward everyone with breakfast on the Square after.

🎟️ A Christmas Tradition (Matinee) - Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | 3pm | Tickets from $37 | More: Event info
The earlier showtime is perfect for younger kids: expect two hours of big Christmas songs and dancing with plenty of time left for an early dinner and bedtime.

🌟 A Christmas Tradition - Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | 8pm | Tickets from $37 | More: Event info
Can’t make the matinee? Get some dinner early and enjoy the evening show of the holiday musical.

🛍️ Kids Holiday Market - The Battery Atlanta | 1:00–4:00pm | Free | More: Event info
Kid-run booths + stocking-stuffer shopping, with live music in the mix. Surprisingly wholesome and genuinely fun to browse.

🎟️ A Christmas Tradition (Matinee) - Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | 3pm | Tickets from $37 | More: Event info
Didn’t have a chance to see the musical revue earlier? Catch the last weekend show before Christmas day! Your holiday spirit will thank you.

🎶 Big Chicken Chorus Christmas Show - Lassiter High School Concert Hall | 3-5pm | Free-$25 | More: Event info
A long-running East Cobb tradition featuring four-part barbershop harmony, guest quartets, and a fun North Pole skit in Lassiter's great-sounding concert hall.

🧠 Best of 2025 Trivia! - Schoolhouse Brewing (Marietta) | 7:00–9:00pm | Free | More: Event info
Easy night-out formula: show up early, grab a table, and see who actually remembers the “weird internet moments” of the year.

😂 Comedy on the Square - The Alley Stage (Marietta Square) | 8:00–9:30pm | Tickets | More: Event info
A solid “date night without a 2am bedtime” option—walkable to drinks/dessert afterward.

🎸 HEARTBREAKER: Rock/Pop Party Band - Dixie Tavern | 9:30pm-late | Cover TBD | More: Event info
High-energy rock/pop cover band at a late-night bar venue: think loud music, dancing, and a true night-out vibe that's best for grown-ups only.

😂 Comedy on the Square - The Alley Stage | 8:00–9:30pm | Tickets | More: Event info
Same format, fresh lineup—good if Friday’s booked but you still want a real grown-up night out.

🛥️ Yacht Rock Revue: Yacht Rock Holiday Special - Coca-Cola Roxy (The Battery) | 8:00pm | Tickets | More: Event info
If you want “festive but not a kids event,” this is pure sing-along energy with a polished concert vibe.

🕵️ Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Hudson Grille, Kennesaw | 7:30pm | Tickets | More: Event info
Dinner + a built-in activity, which is clutch when your brain’s too fried to plan anything complicated.

🎭 A Very Marietta Christmas Cabaret (Final Night, 18+) - The Alley Stage | 4-6pm | $35 | More: Event info
Wrap the weekend with the cabaret's closing performance, then stroll the Square for drinks or dessert while the lights are still up.

✨ Lights of Life Holiday Display - Through Wed, Dec 31 | Life University Campus | Info: Details

🤠 Strand Ole Opry: A Country Christmas Holiday - Mon, Dec 22 | Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | Info: Details

🎬 It's a Wonderful Life (1946) Screenings - Tue, Dec 23 | Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | Info: Details

2055 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068

Start at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center next door for a 15-minute “warm-up” (bathroom break, pick a couple books, let little kids decompress), then head straight behind it to Sewell Park. If you’ve got mixed ages, split your time between the two playgrounds—one tends to feel more open, and the other is a little more tucked-away (great when you want fewer distractions and a calmer pace).

Make it an easy, free “burn energy” loop: playground → walk the park paths past the fields → snack at a picnic table → back to the playground. Bring a soccer ball, bubbles, or a foam glider and you’ve basically created your own mini field day without paying for anything. (Bonus: if it’s chilly or drizzly, you can pivot back inside the library for a reset.)

This spot is sneaky-good for “do everything in one stop” weekends: park time for the kids, and a built-in library visit for you—so it feels like you did something wholesome and got everyone tired out.

Multiple lots make parking pretty painless. Bathrooms are available on-site (and the library’s right there too). The pool is a summer thing, but the park/playgrounds work year-round.

Map: Google Maps

North Atlanta in late December is a weird combo of mild afternoons, surprise freezes, and a whole lot of extra miles on extra miles on roads to deal with all the holiday craziness. Between school performances, Target runs, airport drop-offs, and light displays, you’re probably doing more “quick” drives in the dark than you realize.

Before your next commute or when you find a moment, take ten minutes for a quick winter check:

A tiny bit of prep now can save you an hour on the shoulder of 285—or in a flooded basement—on a night when everyone just wants to be home and in pajamas.

Cobb Moms Helping Cobb: Family support volunteers
Help local families in need with flexible options, from remote support (managing resource lists or FB group requests) to in-person help sorting donations or assisting with drives and events. Great for adults or teens who want to make a direct, local impact.
Learn more & sign up: Volunteer with Cobb Moms Helping Cobb

Cobb Christmas: Holiday distribution & toy sorting
Each December, Cobb Christmas needs hundreds of volunteers to sort toys, help set up the distribution site, and assist families during pick-up days. It's a good option for adults, older teens, or family groups who want a one-time, hands-on holiday service project.
Details and volunteer info: Get involved with Cobb Christmas

Family Promise of Cobb County: Support for families experiencing homelessness
Volunteer on-site or behind the scenes to support families working toward stable housing: meal prep, evening hosting, kids' activities, and more. Schedules vary, making it doable for busy East Cobb households that want to help but can't commit weekly.
Learn more: Family Promise Cobb Volunteers

Cobb County Volunteer Programs: County-wide opportunities
From animal services and watershed stewardship to youth programs and special events, Cobb County's volunteer portal is a good starting point if you're not sure where you fit yet. Browse by interest and availability to find a match that works for your family's schedule.
Explore options: Cobb County Volunteer Programs

Winter break camps still enrolling - Options include School of Rock East Cobb winter music camps for rock-obsessed kids, YMCA Camp High Harbour Overnight Christmas Camp (Dec 20-23), and Marietta Community School Holiday Camp day programs while school is out. Check dates, ages, and availability before spots fill.

Sports camp at St. Ann (Dec 22-23) - Rising Star Hoops is running a December Break Camp at St. Ann Gym in East Cobb for boys and girls ages 5-14, 9 AM-3 PM with early drop-off available. One- or two-day options make it easy to plug into your holiday schedule.

New Year's Eve dinner reservations - If you're thinking adults-only plans, Mac's Chophouse on Marietta Square and Hamp & Harry's are both promoting special holiday and New Year's menus; many seatings book out early. Reserve soon if you want a set time before or after the Square's festivities.

Early NYE "East Cobb style" - Early New Year's Eve at Round Trip, East Cobb features a German-style countdown on "Berlin time," so you can celebrate with a balloon drop and still be home at a reasonable hour.

Last call for holiday giving - Organizations like Cobb Christmas and Family Promise of Cobb County still need donations and volunteers as they wrap up December distributions and services for local families. If your kids are off school and looking for a way to help, it's a timely moment to plug in.