Ring in the holidays in Sandy Springs with these festive events

Sandy Springs is packed full of wonderful happenings as the holiday season approaches. Whether you want to move around with your kiddos or sit down for a more serious celebration of the season, you’ll find something for everyone with these upcoming events!

The Nutcracker presented by Roswell Dance Theatre

A holiday tradition will once again make a local appearance, featuring fanciful royalty, sugar plum fairies, and a little magic. A world-class body of dancers who have performed across the globe will round out a cast that also includes Roswell Dance Theatre participants. A 10-show run will bring protagonist Clara’s dreams alive as she embarks on a fantastical adventure. The public may participate in character meet-and-greet events, and they can shop for souvenirs in a Nutcracker-themed boutique.

Location: Byers Theatre; Times: Showtimes vary by date; Dates: Nov. 24 through Dec. 3; Admission: $27 to $50, depending on seating level; Website: citysprings.com

Skate City Springs

Get out and glide on the ice with friends or family starting Nov. 24! An outdoor ice skating rink on the City Green at City Springs will bring a winter wonderland to life. And when you get tired, there’ll be hot cocoa available on the sidelines. Capacity is limited, and timed admission means there will be plenty of room on the ice. Check availability before setting out, and know that online reservations will get priority.

Location: City Green at City Springs; Dates: Nov. 24 through Jan. 21; Admission: Adults - $15 per hour; Children ages 2 to 10 - $13 per hour (includes skate rental); Website: citysprings.com/skate

Sparkle Village at City Springs

Sandy Springs’ Sparkle Village affords an enchanting tour through miniature, wooden homes decked out for the holidays in snow and lights from late November until Dec. 31. Participating organizations, from restaurants to schools to grocery stores, will put their best foot forward in presenting tiny creations that showcase their missions and put viewers in the holiday spirit!

Location: City Springs; Date: Nov. 24 through Dec. 31; Website: sandyspringsga.gov

Elf Movie Party at Springs Cinema and Taphouse

Get ready to witness the next-level snowball fighting, the epic Santa takedown and the spreading of Christmas cheer that make “Elf,” the movie, a timeless classic. The Springs Cinema & Taphouse will present Will Ferrel in one of his most iconic roles at its “Elf” Movie Party beginning Saturday, Nov. 25. Two big draws will be the themed contest before each showing and an in-theater snowball fight. Props like bubbles, candy corn and jingle bells will be available for the crowd.

Location: The Springs Cinema & Taphouse; Times: Showtimes vary by date; Dates: Nov. 25; Dec. 7, 9 and 17; Tickets: $18; Website: springscinema.com

Sparkle Sandy Springs

Usher in the holiday season with the ultimate celebration at Sparkle Sandy Springs! A 45-float parade, along with menorah and tree lightings, will be the highlights of the evening, and attendees can walk through a festive village full of decor, lights and miniature wooden houses. And there will be food trucks, a gift market and a walk-through Sparkle Wonderland attraction with snow machines and parade balloons.

Location: City Springs; Time: 4 - 7 p.m.; Date: Dec. 3; Admission: Free; Website: sandyspringsga.gov

New Year’s Eve with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Ring in the new year with the unmatched sounds of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing classics like “Swan Lake” (the waltz); “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Mendelssohn’s Nocturne); and Strauss waltzes. It’ll be a fitting and festive way to start 2024!

Location: Byers Theatre; Date: Dec. 31; Time: 8 p.m.; Tickets: $48.50 to $80.80; Website: citysprings.com

Ring in the New/Afterparty

If rocking your way into the new year is more your style, you can do just that at Studio Theatre with dance music from DJ Newk. Enjoy a light buffet, desserts, coffee and a little something bubbly at midnight!

Location: Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center; Date: Dec. 31; Tickets: $65; Website: citysprings.com

Indoor Ice Skating at Center Ice Arena

Spend some time gliding around with family or friends at this carefully maintained facility. And weather? No problem. Experience perfect ice – indoors! You won’t have to go far to enjoy ice that usually houses hockey games but is ready to go for the public to enjoy, too.

Location: Center Ice Arena; Dates and Times: Tuesdays - 11:30 to 1 p.m.; 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Fridays - 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays - 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays - 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Holiday hours vary. Check website); Tickets: Ages 3 and under - free; 5 and under - $7; 6 and up - $10. Skate rental - $5; Website: centericearena.org

So, no matter your crew’s preference, know there’s something going on somewhere in Sandy Springs that will help you ring in the holidays and start the year off right!