ATLANTA – Looking for fun and festive ways to spend your time in and around metro Atlanta this weekend? Whether you’re in the mood for dazzling holiday lights, live music, engaging art events, or a little holiday shopping, this list has something for everyone.

Holidays

WildWoods AGLOW

When: Now–Feb. 23 (select nights)
Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta
What: A multi-sensory experience blending real environments with glowing displays and original music. Discover large dandelions, dragonflies, bat displays, glowing garden towers, and more.
How Much: Starting at $23.95
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Holidays at Georgia Aquarium

When: Now–Jan. 2
Where: Georgia Aquarium, 222 Baker Street NW, Atlanta
What: Festive holiday music, winter-inspired projections, a 40-foot live tree, photos with Santa, a holiday-themed dolphin presentation, and more.
How Much: Starting at $39.99
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IllumiNights at the Zoo

When: Now–Jan. 19
Where: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta
What: A nighttime wonderland with lanterns, hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, and more.
How Much: Starting at $20.99
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Georgia Festival of Trees

When: Nov. 23–Dec. 1
Where: Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
What: A festival with fully decorated Christmas trees, live entertainment, Santa visits, a boutique gift shop, and more. Proceeds benefit local charities.
How Much: Starting at $15
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Merry Grinchmas Market

When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Nov. 23–24
Where: Catoosa Colonnade Event Center, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold
What: Over 100 vendors offering unique gifts, food trucks, free pictures with Santa, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who.
How Much: $5 general admission for adults
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12th Annual Christmas Parade, Jingle Market & Tree Lighting

When: 2–8 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Dawsonville City Hall, 415 GA-53, Dawsonville
What: A festive market, parade, food trucks, and a tree lighting at dusk.
How Much: Free admission
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Mable House Lights The Night

When: 4 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road SW, Mableton
What: Kicking off a 12-day celebration with a makers market, live entertainment, refreshments, and a tree lighting.
How Much: Free admission
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Light Up Trilith

When: 4–8 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Town at Trilith, 305 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville
What: Live music, festive activities, Santa visits, food trucks, and a tree lighting at 8 p.m.
How Much: Free admission
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Light the Station

When: 6–9 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta
What: A parade with floats, bands, stilt walkers, ice skating, a DJ, and the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree.
How Much: Free admission
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Atlanta Christkindl Market

When: Nov. 23–Jan. 5
Where: Buckhead Village District and Galleria on the Park
What: German-inspired food, handcrafted goods, and Santa appearances.
How Much: Free admission
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Misfits Toys Market

When: 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: Harmony Park, 380 Mead Road, Decatur
What: Handmade goods, oddities, crafts, and a DJ.
How Much: Free admission
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Holiday in the Park

When: Nov. 23–Jan. 5 (select nights)
Where: Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell
What: Over 1 million LED lights, festive shows, holiday treats, rides, and Santa visits.
How Much: $40+
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Dunwoody Village Holiday Celebration

When: 4–6:30 p.m., Nov. 24
Where: Dunwoody Village, Downtown Dunwoody
What: Performances, family-friendly activities, free Santa photos, a tree lighting, and a lantern parade.
How Much: Free admission
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Music

The Reflex

When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street, Woodstock
What: An Atlanta-based Duran Duran tribute band.
How Much: Starting at $29.50
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The Lone Bellow

When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Eddie’s Attic, 515 N. McDonough Street, Decatur
What: Folk rock band with a fan-curated setlist as part of their “By Request Only” tour.
How Much: $40 general admission
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The Fab Four

When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
What: An ultimate tribute to The Beatles.
How Much: Starting at $35
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Stephen Wilson Jr.

When: 8 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta
What: Americana artist on his “Son of Dad” tour.
How Much: Starting at $29
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Jabroni Fest 9

When: Nov. 22–23
Where: Boggs Social & Supply, 1310 White Street SW, Atlanta
What: Performances by multiple bands, including The Carolyn, Seafulls, Chimes, and others.
How Much: $20 for a one-day pass, $30 for a two-day pass
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Manchester Orchestra

When: 7 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: The Eastern, 800 Old Flat Shoals Road SE, Atlanta
What: Celebrating the 15th anniversary of their album Mean Everything to Nothing during their “Stuffing XIV” tour.
How Much: Starting at $49.50
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Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time

When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta
What: Mariah Carey celebrates the 30th anniversary of her Merry Christmas album.
How Much: Starting at $79.95
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Musiq Soulchild

When: 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta
What: One of the most influential R&B singers of this generation.
How Much: Starting at $75
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Cowboy – Tribute to Kid Rock

When: 9:45 p.m., Nov. 23
Where: 37 Main, 37 East Main Street, Buford
What: Kid Rock tribute band performing across major venues and biker events.
How Much: $10+
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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

When: 3 p.m., Nov. 24
Where: Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
What: Enjoy timeless Christmas classics performed by Mannheim Steamroller.
How Much: Starting at $49.50
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Comedy

Lucas Zelnick

When: Nov. 21–24 (multiple shows)
Where: The Punchline, 3652 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta
What: New York native Lucas Zelnick rose to fame on social media and now tours as a comedian.
How Much: Starting at $28
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Art

The Art of Competition Tour

When: Nov. 23
Where: ABV Gallery, 1206 Metropolitan Ave. SE, Atlanta
What: A live art battle featuring DJs, drinks, and more.
How Much: Starting at $18
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Theater

Beauty and the Beast Jr.

When: 7 p.m., Nov. 22
Where: Roswell Cultural Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell
What: Roswell Youth Theatre presents the junior version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
How Much: $16.50+
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Other

Laughs, Llamas, and Pajamas

When: 6–8 p.m., Nov. 21
Where: Uptown Atlanta, 575 Morosgo Drive NE, Atlanta
What: Llamas in pajamas, a comedy show, children’s activities, crafts, and more.
How Much: Free admission
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Upper Deck Golf at Truist Park

When: Nov. 21–23
Where: Truist Park
What: Play golf from the upper level of Truist Park while enjoying music, food, and drinks. Tee times are available throughout the day.
How Much: Starting at $89.99
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Cobb County Gem & Mineral Society Annual Show

When: Nov. 22–24
Where: Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta
What: Rocks, gemstones, fossils, beads, jewelry, and supplies from over 30 professional dealers.
How Much: Free admission
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Acworth Turkey Chase

When: Nov. 23
Where: Downtown Acworth
What: Includes the Little Pilgrim Trot, a 2K walk, and a 5K run. A qualifier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.
How Much: Starting at $10 for Little Pilgrim Trot, $20 for untimed fun run, $30 for timed run
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ATLANTA – January 20, 2025, may be college football’s biggest night with millions of eyes on Atlanta, but its reach extends far beyond just a game on the field.

“We want this to be an event for the whole community,” said Rich Clark, executive director of the College Football Playoff.

For Atlanta’s national championship organizing committee, that means planning events designed to bring the whole family together.

On Thursday afternoon, the committee announced its lineup of recording artists who will perform on Jan. 18 and 19 at State Farm Arena.

“The weekend’s initial needle-drop will take place on the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! stage on Saturday, Jan. 18, with performances by five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning rap icon Lil Wayne and GRAMMY®-nominated and award-winning hip-hop musician GloRilla. The second night, Sunday, Jan. 19, will feature diamond-certified GRAMMY®-nominated pop powerhouse Camila Cabello, British singer-songwriter and Apple Music’s Up Next Artist Myles Smith, and Nashville-based singer-songwriter and social media sensation Knox.”

PREVIOUS STORY: Lil Wayne, GloRilla and Camila Cabello to headline college football concert series in Atlanta

The artists span multiple genres, aiming to provide something for everyone. Beyond the music, there will be a food event, an interactive fan experience called “Playoff Fan Central,” and a tailgate with even more music.

“There is something for everyone to be involved in, even if you’re not a football fan,” Clark said. “If you like food, there’s something for you. If you like to run, there’s something to do. If you like music, it’s there for you.”

Organizers emphasize that while much of the event is about football and fun, they are also using the platform to give back to teachers and schools throughout Georgia.

“To come in and have a football game and then leave without having done something meaningful of a legacy nature would just not feel right,” said Britton Banowsky, executive director of the College Football Playoff Foundation.

Atlanta will be the first city to host the College Football Playoff National Championship for a second time. This year also marks the first expansion of the playoff from four teams to 12.

The ultimate goal in January is to surpass the success of the last championship event held in Atlanta.

“These events are a great way to show off all the great amenities we have here,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “Visitors get to experience it for the first time, while we get to enjoy what we already know is special about Atlanta.”

Tickets for the two AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! concerts will go on sale on Monday, Nov. 25, at 10 a.m. ET through Ticketmaster and CollegeFootballPlayoff.com/ppl.

Additionally, the CFP announced the lineup for the Allstate Championship Tailgate, which will kick off game day festivities for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The event will take place outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET in Georgia International Plaza and The Home Depot Backyard.

Headlining the Allstate Championship Tailgate on the Capital One Music Stage will be award-winning global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. Fans can also enjoy interactive games, sponsor activations, concessions, live ESPN broadcasts, and performances by each team’s marching band throughout the day.

In the Denver Broncos 38-6 demolition of the Atlanta Falcons, there were 10 accepted penalties and two reviews. These numbers show average official involvement, but the result from the field was more impressive. Here were some notable calls from the officials.

Personal Foul on Garett Bolles

Garett Bolles had a rare personal foul called on him for unnecessary roughness. In this case, I am fairly confident that the judgment of umpire Tab Slaughter was that Bolles threw his body into a player on the ground. This was a pretty borderline call if so, however, it both fit the letter of the rule and was a deescalating call. I was a bit surprised to see it in this matchup, but there were several parts of the game where tensions between the two teams got abnormally high. Calling something like this foul to the absolute letter of the rule is a good way to help both teams calm down.

Intentional Grounding

There were questions last week about a very questionable Patrick Mahomes call that easily could have been called intentional grounding. I wanted to explain intentional grounding a bit more this week because Bo Nix had a pass that very easily could have been called intentional grounding but was not. The standard for intentional grounding penalty is that the passer threw a ball, under imminent threat from the defense, with no realistic chance of completion. Intentional grounding is ignored when a quarterback outside the pocket throws a pass that reaches the line of scrimmage. This standard sucks to officiate, because there is enormous ambiguity in a realistic chance of completion. This term is defined “a pass thrown in the direction of and lands in the vicinity of an originally eligible receiver”, but the definition still does not provide us much help. Players in the NFL are so fast, and routes cross the field in such a way, that it is really impossible for officials to know what is realistic. Plus option route mistakes are relatively common, and we do not want to call the receiver making the wrong break a penalty. So officials call intentional grounding very generously. This is the type of standard that can change rapidly, because its not really a rule but rather a choice by the NFL officiating department on how the rule will be interpreted.

Replay Review

Early in the third quarter, there were two different replay reviews. The first was of a Lil’Jordan Humphrey incomplete pass that was reversed into a catch and fumble. Mike Periera expressed his astonishment that the call was overturned, believing it did not meet the elements of a catch. While I was thrilled for Denver that the call was overturned, I agreed with Periera. A catch requires two feet and something else, and I was comfortable with the notion that Humphrey had one foot and something else, or possibly two feet and nothing else, but he seemed significantly short of making a catch to me.

On the next drive, Denver challenged a spot that would have set up third and one on an Estime catch, and had the call overturned to a first down. This is an interesting situation. First, the replay was unambiguous, Estime had the first down. However, its not clear that he should have been awarded the first down. The spot that had him short was very consistent with the spotting of the ball during the game (the officials were consistently very strict and a bit stingy perhaps). That challenge made the ruling less consistent with how other similar plays were being spotted, so there is a strong argument that he should not have been awarded the first down.

These two reviews highlight one thing I continue to believe, which is that teams should be less afraid of challenging in impactful situations. Even if you think you are not going to succeed, a timeout is a relatively small price to pay and you can get surprising results that significantly break the normal expectation of the game.

Official Evaluation

This was a well-officiated game of football. There was one bad a call and a few questionable calls, but mostly it was very by the book. Line judge Derek Anderson and down judge Derick Bowers were very strict on spotting the ball, frequently making their own jobs harder than necessary to avoid the possibility of ever giving an extra foot of distance to either team. This was not my favorite kind of spotting, but it was profoundly consistent throughout the game. They were also very patient on offensive formations.

Probably the most indicative part of the game was a non-call. Referee Alan Eck described it this way “The man in motion went beyond the center, therefore there is no foul for crackback block.” This was a very confusing explanation. What happened on the play is Denver had a man in motion from left to right (Nate Adkins) who blocked downfield. At the snap, TE Adam Trautman also went from where he had bee on the left side and blocked the defensive end to the right of the formation (barely past the center). As he had gone past the center, his block was not towards the center, and therefore was legal. After seeing the replay many times, I could squint and understand what Eck meant, but live it was rather confusing. The good news is that while there was a long delay (surely replay was checking that Trautman had gone past the center), the result was a correct call. I called this non-call indicative, because like most of the work from Alan Eck and crew, it was not perfection, but it was a good day. They spotted a lot of tricky but correct penalties, and had the good judgment to leave some unnecessary things alone.

Feel free to ask questions in the comments or to send me an email. While I rarely make unsolicited comments on non-Broncos games, if you have any rules questions from other games I am happy to either reply in the comments or if the matter is of enough concern in next weeks column.