Hello, local readers! Hot off the press is this week’s edition of our weekend guide, filled with the best things to do in and around Atlanta this Thursday through Sunday. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Enjoy your weekend!!

A Swedish Christmas Market

Trolley Barn. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $5 for adults; $2 for youth 12-18; free for 11 and under.

Gather up the family and head to the Trolley Barn for a fun glimpse of Swedish culture. Come hungry to feast on traditional food and drinks. Peruse the market to find unique handmade crafts, holiday flower arrangements and Christmas ornaments.

More info and directions

photo credit: lamantin

Top It Cupcake Bar’s “Cupcake Sampling Showcase”

2859 Piedmont Road; Buckhead. Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. $5.  21+

Are you ready to sample some delicious cupcakes?  Top It Cupcake Bar is having a sampling showcase on Friday night.  The price of admission includes a raffle ticket where you could win some great prizes including a dozen cupcakes with free delivery in Atlanta, a pack of 4 cupcake bars in a jar, 50% off a cupcake bar event for up to 20 people and more.

More info and directions

Marietta Square Christmas Tree Lighting

Marietta Square. Thursday, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Free.

The holiday season begins at Marietta Square as Santa and Mrs. Claus gather to light the Christmas Tree.  Local school choral groups will provide holiday music, while Santa arrives to light the giant tree at 6:00 p.m.

More info and directions

photo credit: drakelelane

Chanukah Pajamakah Party

Barnes & Noble Buckhead. Saturday, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m..

Dress your kids up in their favorite pajamas and head over to Barnes and Noble in Buckhead for the Chanukah Pajamakah Party.  Enjoy stories, music, arts and crafts and general Chanukah fun.  There will be a prize for the most creative pajamas.

More info and directions

photo credit: foilman

Georgia State’s 15th Annual Holiday Concert

Rialto Center for the Arts. Saturday, 8:00 p.m.; Sunday 3:00 p.m. Prices range from $34.56 – $51.84 for adults at $11.88 – $51.84 for students and children.

Get into the holiday spirit with Georgia State’s Gala Holiday Concert. The concert is in it’s 15th year and will include more than 200 student and faculty musicians all performing holiday favorites. There are two scheduled performances – one on Saturday night and one on Sunday afternoon.

More info and directions

Fire in My Belly Book Signing with Chef Kevin Gillespie

Star Provisions. Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Free.

Are you a Top Chef fan? Head down to Star Provisions to meet chef Kevin Gillespie and get a signed copy of his new cookbook, Fire In My Belly.

More info and directions