Community Corner
Things to Do With the Kids During the Winter Break
There's an Iron Chef competition, winter solstice event, Kwanzaa celebration and more coming up.
Winter break lasts from Dec. 24 through Jan. 8 for DeKalb County public schools. Here are some activities and events happening locally that will help keep them occupied:
Winter Solstice Celebration
When: Friday, Dec. 21, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Rd. Lithonia
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Who's this for: Anyone who can take the hike; probably not best for small children and babies.
Why go: "Welcome back the sun" and get your body moving with a night hike up to Mt. Arabia, relax with "fireside downtime" with friends and family. Bring your own mug to enjoy hot drinks. Headlamps and flashlights are recommended.
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How much: free
Celebration of Community and Culture
When: Saturday, Dec. 29, 11 am.- 1 p.m.
Where: Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Rd., Lithonia
Who's this for: Families.
Why go: Enjoy this Kwanzaa celebration, hear keynote speaker keynote speaker Michael Simanga, executive director of National Black Arts Festival as well as author Ihsan A. Rajab and view local artists' work on display.
How much: free
Holiday Iron Chef Competition
When: Monday, Dec. 31, 3-4:30 p.m.
Where: Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Rd., Lithonia
Who's this for: Ages 10-17
Why go: Teens get to collaborate with each other and be creative in making a meal. Note: Registration for chefs, judges and chairman starts December 21 and ends December 29. Visit the branch or call the branch to register: (770.482.3828).
How much: free
Please note: All DeKalb County Public Library branches will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25; all branches will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31 and remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.
Stone Mountain Park Christmas
When: Through January 1 (select dates)
Where: Stone Mountain Park
Who's this for: Everyone
Why go: If you're looking to usher in the holiday season, this is a dazzling way.
How much: You must buy a Christmas Adventure Pass, Snow Mountain & Christmas Combo Pass, or Mountain Membership for the Stone Mountain Park Christmas activities (Learn about Stone Mountain Park pass pricing here).
Snow Mountain & Christmas Combo Family Value Pass is $199 for a family of four, plus tax, and includes meal tickets, hot chocolate and more.
Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park
When: Through Feb. 18
Where: Stone Mountain Park
Who's this for: Everyone
Why go: Dash through the snow!
How much: A Snow Mountain Pass is $27 (plus tax) for adults and children.
See above for Snow Mountain & Christmas Combo Family pass pricing.
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