The holidays look a lot different this year. Despite the challenges our society is facing, there are still many ways you can celebrate and have fun safely! I am excited for my Christmas break to be coming up in a week. For the first time in many years, I have zero travel plans. This means I will be doing a lot of exploring locally and taking advantage of alternative ways to keep entertained. I thought everyone could benefit from some of the things I am doing. Whatever you choose to do during this holiday season, please make sure you have a mask on and keep some distance when able!.

#1: Painting Class at Home

My mom’s birthday is in December and we always love to do an activity together to celebrate. For the last few years, we have been going to live painting classes at Sips n Strokes. This year being unique, we still want to celebrate and have pivoted by doing it virtually! Sips n Strokes has to-go painting kits you can order. These kits come with everything you need inside including step-by-step instructions. We mailed the kits to our family and friends who couldn’t be with us and are creating our own live class on Zoom! You can pick any painting you want and ask Sandra to help you as well, which are welcome additions. Cost: $28

#2: PRISM Winter Lights at Woodruff Park

I love exploring the Atlanta art scene and I just recently heard about this exhibit. The PRISM exhibit looks absolutely beautiful from the pictures I have seen. It is completely free to visit and it lasts until the end of January in case you can’t go this month. If you are coming into the city, finding parking might be an issue. I personally don’t enjoy paying for parking if there are free options, even if it requires some extra walking. Use the website Spot Angels to find a spot that is free or pay a maximum of around $5 for the quick walk around to the exhibit. Cost: Free

#3: Local Hikes

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I love going hiking! It is a great way to explore close to home and get in a great workout. Some recent trails I have done and loved include the West Palasides Trail, Red Top Mountain State Park, Cochran Shoals Trail, and Lullwater Park. Additionally, I know during my break I am going to try and explore High Falls State Park, Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, and Morningside Nature Trail. Always have the AllTrails app on your device to know all the pertinent details about the trail. Cost: $5 for a parking pass.

#4: Beautiful Houses Sightseeing

Every now and again, I love driving through beautiful neighborhoods and admiring the architecture. Seeing beautiful homes specially decorated for the holidays is a perfect way to safely get out of the house. I know there are tons of beautiful neighborhoods around Atlanta, but some of my favorite streets to explore are Lullwater Road NE, Columns Drive SE, West Paces Ferry Road, and W Wesley Road NW. If you live locally and have any other beautiful streets you like to explore, please share! Cost: Price of Gas

#5: Mural Hunting

I read an article back in October promoting Biketober in Atlanta. This article encouraged Atlantans to get out and explore the city by bike. They have created two perfect bike tours that take you to over 20 + murals around the city of Atlanta. I’m hoping to find a nice sunny day during my break to complete the North Loop. I personally don’t own a bike, but I am planning on going to Atlanta Bike Barn to rent one for the day as an economical alternative. Cost: $20 (cost for 4 hour rental)

#6: GingerBread House Competition

This may seem like a simple holiday tradition, but let me give you a unique challenge as a new spin! First, buy a kit for 4 people if you are seeing friends, or buy an individual kit and build together via Zoom or Google Hangout. Next, make a time limit of 30 minutes to complete the house using only what is in the kit. In the end, everyone must submit a picture. Post the pictures on social media and ask your friends and family to vote which is the best house and which house best represents 2020! Cost: $10-$15

#7: Neighborhood Holiday Light Shows

I always love seeing light displays during the holidays, but many times the cost is prohibitive at around $30-$45 per car. What I didn’t realize is that many Atlanta neighborhoods come together and create their own shows for free! The Atlanta Parent website is a great resource to see which neighborhoods have shows and at what times they are available. Most of the neighborhoods that have light shows are out in the suburbs, but this makes it more of an adventure! I’ll probably go to the Marietta or Woodstock options since we’ll be in this area for the holidays. There are also additional shows to choose from in Dunwoody, Decatur, Smyrna, and Doraville.

#8: Local Christmas Markets

Growing up, my church had a fantastic Christmas market. It was called Apple Annie and I was usually able to find Christmas gifts for all the important people in my life. I’m sad that it was postponed this year, but many local artists are still having shows that you can take advantage of while shopping local for the holidays. These are some examples of the Christmas markets happening this weekend:

• Ponce City Market
• Holiday Market at Avalon
• Alpharetta Christmas Market
• Holiday Artists Market (Dunwoody and Online!)
• Peachtree Corners Christmas Market

Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas of how to still celebrate safely for the holidays! I am personally ready to tackle this list and I hope you are also able to.