Weekend Planner: Best Bets For Holiday Fun

This is a really big weekend for holiday activities in Decatur and Avondale Estates. Here are five of the top events, but for a full listing check out the Patch Calendar of Holiday Happenings.

1. Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting. The folks at the Little Shop of Stories did Decatur a big favor when it started this tradition a few years ago. The tree sits on top of the store and a good-sized crowd gathers to see the lights turned on at 7 p.m. Thursday.

2. Decatur Holiday Marketplace & Cafe. All the parents at Clariemont Elementary pitch in to put on this event, which features more than 95 local and national artists/artisans selling their goods. You can buy treats, soup and snacks and enjoy entertainment from carolers. It happens 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday at the school. 

3. Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes. This tour, in its 30th year, features seven beautiful houses and three points of interest. Catch the shuttle at the Courtyard Marriott. Starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

4. Little Tree Studios in Avondale Estates is a haven for outstanding artists, who will be selling their work all day Saturday and Sunday. There will be music both days and an after-party Saturday night in the Little Tree Rehearsal Studio space at 2840 Franklin St. Heather Luttrell and The Rainmen (former members of The Georgia Satellites & The Producers) will perform. The event is open to the public with donations at the door.

5. A whole bunch of nativity scenes. The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany presents an exhibit of over 250 nativity scenes from around the world. You can see the exhibit this Saturday and Sunday, and then from Wednesday to Sunday, Dec. 9. $5 for adults, $4 for kids and seniors.