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Community Corner

Frugal Family: Deals and Discounts on Holiday Events

Many Atlanta traditions can be experienced either free or at discounted rates, if you know where to look.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it seems that the city of Atlanta is plowing full-steam ahead into Christmas and all of the season's events and traditions.  Here are a few discounts and ideas for free outings this year.

The Macy’s Pink Pig: Riding Priscilla the Pig has been a holiday tradition in Atlanta for over 50 years. The ride, which takes place in the white tent in the Macy’s parking deck at Lenox Square, runs through Jan. 1 (closed Christmas Day).  A portion of the proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Cost: $3 a ride, with combo tickets available (two rides for $5.50 and three rides for $7.50).

Another beloved holiday tradition in Atlanta is the Nutcracker ballet at the Fox Theatre. Six shows are being offered at a 25% discount when you enter the promo code “SAVVY” on the Ticketmaster web site at checkout. Discounted performances are the 7:30 p.m shows on Dec. 16, 17, and 18, the 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances on Dec. 26, and the 2 p.m. performance on December 27.

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Stone Mountain Christmas is offering several discounts this season. The Christmas Family Value Pass offers admission to Stone Mountain Christmas, unlimited hot chocolate, and a meal (several choices available) for $31.84 per person, but a minimum of four tickets must be purchased. This represents a 30% discount and is only available online. To compound the savings, consider the Christmas and Snow Mountain Combo Family Value Pass. For $49.75 per person, get everything included in the Christmas Family Value Pass, along with admission to Snow Mountain.

A great free event (or $12 if you’d like a reserved seat on the bleachers) is the annual Atlanta Christmas Parade, taking place this Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Click on the link for more information on the parade route and parking. If you can’t make it downtown, the parade will be televised live on WSBTV.

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Is a smaller town parade more your speed? Give the Lilburn Christmas Parade a chance. My own family’s tradition for the last five years, this parade winds through downtown Lilburn and includes plenty of school groups, marching bands, scout troops, and servicemen, along with police and fire vehicles and city officials.  Bonus? Everyone throws candy, so take a bag to collect your goodies. The parade in Lilburn takes place this Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m.

Lastly, don't forget Tucker's own holiday tradition, back from last year's hiatus.  The Main Street Tree Lighting is set to occur next Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m.

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