Get Out: Your Weekend Planner

1. Holidays in Atlantic Station

When/Where: Month of December, times vary, Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta

Why Go: Atlantic Station -- the hot shopping spot in Midtown -- is spruced up for the holidays. Come join the festivities, which include: snow shows, photos with Santa, train rides, and caroling throughout the park area. This Saturday (Dec. 10), 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., Santa's workshop will also be open next to Dillard's, where parents can drop off their children for a special painting activity. And, keeping with the festive mood, Midtown Bridge Church will offer free gift wrapping to anyone shopping at Atlantic Station on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Pricing: Mostly free. ($3, for train rides; $10 donation, Santa photos

2. Cardio Kids Club

When/Where: December 10, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Green Market, Piedmont Park, 12th Street entrance, Atlanta

Why Go: This is the perfect thing for the kiddos. While you enjoy the market (it's the last weekend by the way), your children can get into a healthy groove doing exercises with others their own age. In addition, you could also just go to the community center there yourself or join their other heart healthy activities, such as yoga, walking and spinning. For more information on these adult health programs and costs, click here. To learn more about the kids cardio event, click here.

Pricing: Kids cardio is free. Adult fitness prices vary.

3. Atlanta Ballet Presents Nutcracker

When/Where: Now through Dec. 24, times vary, Fox Theater, 660 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta

Why Go: There really is no excuse for not seeing the Nutcracker this season. Lots of places are presenting it, including It's also downtown at the Fox, so if you've never been to the Fox, this is a perfect chance to go. You could make an entire evening out of it. Go to an early dinner nearby and then hop over to the theatre for your evening showing. (There are also earlier times on Sundays.) It's choreographed by John McFall, with music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and live music with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Vocals provided by Georgia Youth Choir. The performance is approximately two hours with a 25-minute intermission. 

Pricing: Prices vary from $25 to more than $100. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

4. A Christmas Carol, Improv

When/Where: Now through Dec. 23 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., Dad's Garage, 280 Elizabeth Street, Suite C-101, Atlanta

Why Go: During the holidays, things can actually be tough for a lot of people. What better way to bring a smile to someone's face (even your own) by going off to an improv show. They're always funny. And, for the third year, Dad's Garage will be presenting its version of A Christmas Carol. The audience will also get involved in this performance by creating a new character to invade the world of Scrooge. The show last for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a short intermission.

Pricing: Prices $14-$16. (On Thursdays, tickets are half off for students with ID. For more information, click here to be taken to the Dad's Garage website.

5. High Museum Holiday Extravaganza

When/Where: Dec. 11, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., High Museum, 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta

Why Go: Every second Sunday of the month, the High invites families to enjoy special artist demonstrations, art-making workshops and live performances. No registration required. In addition, you can visit the Picasso to Warhol galleries and hear artist Grainger McKoy answer questions about his artwork. It could be a fun, educational time for the whole family, or a perfect spot for a date.

Pricing: Free with museum admission ($11-$18) Free for members. For more information, check the High's website.