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!!

Peach Drop

Underground Atlanta. Monday, Entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m.  Free.

Head to Underground Atlanta for the largest New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Southeast – the Peach Drop!  Fun for the whole family, there will be live entertainment, fireworks and of course, the dropping of the 800 pound peach at midnight to ring in 2013.

More info and directions

Atlanta Downtown Countdown: New Year’s Eve

The Hyatt Regency. Monday, 8:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. $139 for regular tickets; $200 for VIP tickets. 21+.

If you’d prefer to spend your New Year’s Eve inside with all the booze you want, the New Year’s Eve Atlanta Downtown Countdown is the place to be. The event is inside the Hyatt Regency and has 5 party areas, 5 bands, 3 DJs, 4 comedians, an open bar plus dinner and breakfast.

More info and directions

Passport to Celebrations

Atlanta History Center. Wednesday-Saturday , 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.  $16.50 for adults; $13 for seniors and students; $11 for youth 4-12.

This is the last weekend to see the Passport to Celebrations event at the Atlanta History Center.  Learn about holiday celebrations from all over the world including Diwali, Carnevale, Dias de Muertos, the Festival of Yams, Sukkot and more.

More info and directions

Lake Lanier Magical Nights of Lights

Lake Lanier Islands. Nightly until December 31st, 5:30 p.m.  $60 per car.

This is also the last weekend to see the Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier.  This 20th anniversary celebration features a snowflake bridge, the 12 days of Christmas, the illuminated diamond wonder light, the blanket-lit bridge, the dancing Holiday House, Santa’s Workshop, Christmas Carnival and more.  After seeing the lights, stop at the Holiday Village for amusement rides, marshmallow roasting and shopping.

More info and directions

photo credit: groundreporter

Radio Disney’s Noon Year’s Eve

Smyrna Community Center. Monday, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Free.  

Let the kids celebrate New Year’s Eve too, just a little bit earlier.  The city of Smyrna and Radio Disney is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve party.  It will be a dance party with lots of games, contests and prizes.  And instead of a balloon drop at midnight, there will be a one at noon.  Why should adults have all the fun?

More info and directions

NYE with Yacht Rock Revue

Park Tavern. Monday, 8:00 p.m. $150. 21+.

Ring in the new year with one of Atlanta’s most fun bands – Yacht Rock Revue.  This all-inclusive event has an open bar, gourmet food, a sushi display with sushi flown in from Hawaii, a smores bar, a midnight breakfast buffet, a photo booth, party favors and a champagne toast.  And of course, there will also be live music from Yacht Rock.

More info and directions