Atlanta, GA
Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta | Nov. 22-24, 2024
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, GA
Charlotte hosts Atlanta following overtime win against Cleveland
Atlanta Hawks (15-12, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (8-18, 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Charlotte, North Carolina; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks after the Hornets took down the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 in overtime.
The Hornets have gone 7-12 against Eastern Conference teams. Charlotte is 7-11 against opponents over .500.
The Hawks have gone 9-8 against Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta ranks ninth in the league averaging 14.0 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 37.2% from deep. Nickeil Alexander-Walker leads the team averaging 2.9 makes while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range.
The Hornets average 114.8 points per game, 2.6 fewer points than the 117.4 the Hawks allow. The Hawks average 14.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.7 more makes per game than the Hornets give up.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Hawks won the last meeting 113-110 on Nov. 23. Jalen Johnson scored 28 points to help lead the Hawks to the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: LaMelo Ball is scoring 19.4 points per game and averaging 6.0 rebounds for the Hornets. Kon Knueppel is averaging 29.0 points and 4.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Onyeka Okongwu is averaging 16.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the Hawks. Dyson Daniels is averaging 27.0 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting 68.4% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hornets: 4-6, averaging 112.1 points, 42.8 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 6.9 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.5 points per game.
Hawks: 5-5, averaging 118.7 points, 43.3 rebounds, 31.6 assists, 9.3 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.2 points.
INJURIES: Hornets: Grant Williams: day to day (acl), Pat Connaughton: day to day (calf), Josh Green: out (shoulder), LaMelo Ball: day to day (ankle), Collin Sexton: day to day (thigh), Tre Mann: day to day (ankle).
Hawks: Kristaps Porzingis: out (reconditioning), N’Faly Dante: day to day (concussion), Jacob Toppin: day to day (shoulder), Trae Young: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Atlanta, GA
Former Atlanta Hawks finance executive pleads guilty in $3.8M fraud case
A longtime Atlanta Hawks executive has pleaded guilty in a federal fraud case, after prosecutors alleged that he stole more than $3.8 million from the NBA team over several years.
Lester T. Jones Jr., the Hawks’ former Senior Vice President of Finance, changed his plea to guilty in federal court. A sentencing date has been set for March 24, 2026, according to court records.
Federal prosecutors charged Jones with one count of wire fraud, alleging he carried out the scheme from at least May 2017 through June 2025 while working in the team’s accounting and finance department.
Jones joined the Hawks organization in 2016 and eventually became the most senior accounting executive under the team’s chief financial officer. Prosecutors say he used his position and access to the team’s bank accounts, expense reimbursement system, and corporate American Express cards to divert team funds for personal use.
According to court documents, Jones submitted — or directed others to submit — fraudulent expense reports, often using fake or altered invoices to seek reimbursement for expenses that never occurred. Prosecutors also allege he charged millions of dollars in personal expenses to company credit cards.
Those charges allegedly included luxury travel to destinations such as the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Switzerland, and Thailand, along with purchases from Louis Vuitton, Porsche-related expenses, jewelry, and sports and concert tickets.
Federal filings say Jones attempted to conceal the scheme by manipulating financial reports, altering emails, and falsely attributing large credit card balances to legitimate team operations.
Prosecutors also allege Jones exploited a weakness in the Hawks’ expense reimbursement system that, prior to July 2024, did not display actual corporate credit card transactions to employees responsible for processing reimbursements.
One example cited in court records involves a January 2025 incident in which Jones allegedly submitted a fake invoice totaling $229,968 for a team event at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. Prosecutors say no such event or charge ever occurred. They allege Jones forwarded an altered American Express email to colleagues, approved the reimbursement himself, and then used the funds to pay off personal credit card charges.
As part of the case, Jones will be required to forfeit any money or property connected to the fraud, according to prosecutors.
The case is being handled in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
CBS News Atlanta reached out to the Atlanta Hawks organization for comment. The team declined to comment.
Atlanta, GA
Bill Belichick takes in girlfriend Jordon Hudson’s Atlanta cheerleading competition
She’s cheer captain, and he’s in the bleachers.
Bill Belichick was in Atlanta over the weekend to cheer on his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, during a cheerleading competition, TMZ reported.
Hudson was competing for Code Black, which she cheered for in a Cheer Extreme All-Stars event in Raleigh, North Carolina, in November.
Belichick sported a button-down shirt, jeans and a Navy submarine cap, while Hudson donned the Code Black uniform, as did the rest of her teammates.
Photos published by the outlet showed the two all smiles as they stood next to one another.
Hudson had also posted a video of part of the routine Code Black performed during the first day of the competition.
Belichick has not been shy about supporting his younger paramour since their relationship became public over the summer of 2024.
The University of North Carolina football coach, and six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach, attended the cheer competition in November and was there to support Hudson at the Miss Maine USA pageant earlier this year.
Hudson has been there to support Belichick throughout his first season at the helm at UNC, which drew plenty of headlines off the field.

The relationship between the 73-year-old and Hudson has generated plenty of interest and drama, aside from Belichick going 4-8 in his first season at UNC and repeated questions about whether he would leave the football program. Belichick ended up making major staff changes after the season.
Hudson created waves earlier this year when she stepped in during a “CBS Sunday Morning” interview when Belichick was asked how the pair met, creating weeks of headlines.
More recently, she has been in a back-and-forth with investigative sports journalist Pablo Torre – at one point claiming she would sue him – and last month The Post reported that Jen Belichick, the daughter-in-law of Bill – went on a nearly hour-long rant in the coach’s office about Hudson and how she was “f–king twisting” Belichick’s brain.
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