Free things to do:Tree lighting, holiday shopping, parades, more

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an open-air German holiday market at Atlantic Station. Take advantage of featured handmade gifts, German food, drinks, entertainment and more.

Are you naughty or nice? It’s time to choose a team! His heart now three sizes larger (track it on Instagram), the Grinch is on a mission to SLAY-ride along the Atlanta BeltLine. If you're feeling naughty, the public is invited you to meet him at 10:30 a.m. with raucous brass/hip-hop band John Boy + Surround Sound and his merry band of misfits in tow, and follow the Green Grand Marshall as he leads community participants with LED balloons from Krog Street all the way down the Beltline to Ponce City Market. Feeling kinder? March with Santa instead on Team Nice! The parade will culminate with a grand finale arrival at The Shed at Ponce City Market for the official holiday kickoff at noon.

The holiday season has started and what better way to embrace the season than heading out to the Annual Lighting of the Village. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by horse-drawn carriage at the downtown band shell as the village is lighted to begin the holiday season. Musical performances by local groups will precede their arrival. Children are invited to meet with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m., and everyone is invited to this annual kickoff to Christmas.

If you enjoy high-quality art in different forms, then the Marietta Square Artisan Market is something you do not want to miss. Enjoy paintings, drawings, and photography of fine artists settled alongside skilled craftspeople who feature an eclectic roster of distinctive goods including fire pits, cutting boards, terraria, pens and fine jewelry. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the City of College Park to “Light up The City” for the 23rd annual tree and Christmas decoration lighting and at City Hall on Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. Take advantage of Christmas festivities, music and holiday-themed refreshments to kick off the holiday season. Bring your family and get into the holiday spirit.

Cox Media Group