Posts Tagged ‘Holidays Atlanta’

Atlanta is an incredible city to live in and around, and there is no season on the whole calendar that accentuates just how fun the ATL can get quite like winter time. While the world bundles up and hunkers down, we’re out here partying right up until 1:00 AM on New Year’s Day. Luckily, you are just in time to start making plans to see all the very best that Atlanta has to offer this holiday season! To make it even easier, we’ve picked our top 5 of the season’s most festive and exciting events. Discover family-friendly activities, unforgettable date night events, and our #1 for a Christmas feast unlike anything you’ve ever seen!

#5: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is the shining jewel set into the city’s beloved Piedmont Park. To start off our Winter Bucket List, you must go see the gorgeous lights that grace the branches, paths, and garden plots throughout the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Nightly events include entertainment for the kids, s’mores, drinks, and DJ booths, as well as hundreds of thousands of unbelievably gorgeous lights. Tickets are available until January 14th. It’s a yearly event you won’t want to miss!

#4: A Christmas Carol at The Alliance

The Alliance Theatre in Midtown is where Atlanta goes to see the very heights of on-stage entertainment. Right across from The High Museum of Art, you can watch a live production of the timeless Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol. Recommended for all audiences, this is the perfect way to start a unique Christmas tradition with your family. Tickets are available now for showings through December 24th.

#3: Atlanta Christkindl Market in Buckhead

Buckhead is known as one of ATL’s ritziest districts for high-end shopping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find meaningful gifts for loved ones. At the Atlanta Christkindl Market in the Buckhead Village District, you can explore an authentic German Christmas market, complete with delicious food, rustic ornaments, and handmade goods from toys, to clothes, and much more. Explore and find some truly special gifts here right up until December 24th.

#2: Skate The Sky at Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is an exceptional, exciting destination for entertainment, food, and shopping just south of Piedmont Park. In addition to finding your new favorite outfit, restaurant, or standing desk (yes, there’s a furniture store!), you can also enjoy a winter wonderland and some of the best views of the Atlanta Skyline. Rooftop Terrace on The Roof at Ponce City Market has been converted into a winter wonderland – complete with a “Skate the Sky” ice rink! Cozy igloos can even be reserved for your skate day, complete with hot chocolate (or complimentary bubbly for the adults). Learn all about admission and reservations here on The Roof’s web page.

#1: Santa Brunch Buffet at Local Three

Considering Atlanta is a foodie’s paradise, could any top 5 bucket list be complete without a trip to a local restaurant? Local Three in The Forum at West Paces has you covered for the holiday season, because Saturday Santa Brunches are on the way! On December 3rd and December 10th, you have the opportunity to take brunch with old Saint Nick himself, including complementary photos. This event is both kid and adult-friendly, and you can look forward to all-you-can-eat eggnog french toast, winter vegetable hash, and even maple candy pork belly burnt ends. That’s not even the start of it! Take a look at the full menu (brisket, smoked salmon, eggs benedict… it just keeps going) and get your reservations in before they’re full!

Moving into a new home is an exciting time. Moving into a new home right before the holidays take it to an entirely new level. Whether celebrating your first Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, Christmas or Hanukkah in your new home, it’s always fun to welcome friends, neighbors and family to join in a seasonally themed inauguration of your house. Needless to say, food and music will likely play major roles – possibly even a favorite holiday film or two, but if you really want to fill the rooms and hallways of your home with laughter, you might want to incorporate a few fun holiday games. Best of all, Paran Homes has trolled the internet in search of the best holiday party games so you don’t have to!

Gratitude Game

This great Thanksgiving Day suggestion comes from Country Living Magazine. It involves multi-colored pick up sticks and a color-coded instruction sheet to match. With five suggested Gratitude themes, you can place a corresponding color next to each command. For instance, Brown for “Name a Person You are Thankful For”, Orange for “Name a Place You are Thankful For”, Green for “Name a Food You are Thankful For”, Blue for “Name a Thing You are Thankful For” and Purple for “Name Anything of Your Choice.”

To play, hold all the colored sticks in your hand and drop them so they fall randomly. Everyone gathers around the sticks and takes turns trying to pull sticks from the pile without making the other sticks move. As they successfully pull a stick, they must follow the command on the instruction sheet you created. The person next to them repeats the cycle. If one of the other sticks moves, they lose their turn. At the end of the game, the person with the most sticks wins!

Please Pass the Corn

For this Thanksgiving-themed game from PlayPartyPlan.com, you’ll need candy corn, popsicle sticks, several pie tins/shallow bowls and a table or kitchen island. Played in pairs, this game requires both players to place popsicle sticks in their mouths. On one end of the table is one contestant and a bowl full of candy corn, on the other is another contestant and an empty bowl. The goal is to empty one bowl into the other using only the popsicle sticks.

The first player can use their hands to place a candy corn on the stick in their mouth, they must then meet the other team member in the middle to transfer the corn from their stick to the others, without dropping it. The other team member must then drop the corn in the empty bowl, and this continues until the bowl full of candy corn is empty. As you become more skilled at the transfer, you can add more than one candy corn to your stick. The team that finishes first – with the fullest bowl – WINS (in other words, you don’t get rewarded for DROPPING your candy corn on the floor).

Santa Limbo

This Christmas party game suggestion comes from Shutterfly and involves a group of three or more guests, a limbo stick and a collection of throw pillows. Have participants put a “Santa belly” under their shirt using one of the pillows. Have two guests hold the limbo stick at a starting height, and then everyone can try to limbo underneath with their Santa bellies in place. Once everyone has tried, lower the stick slightly and have those who made it through go again. Continually lower the stick until one winner remains! For added fun, have everyone don Santa hats, play Christmas music and take lots of photos!

Stocking Guessing Game

Another great Christmas-themed suggestion from Shutterfly, this game comes complete with PRIZES! Stuff a stocking with fun little gifts you pick up that would have broad appeal for kids to grown-ups and boys to girls. Put a notepad in front of four or more participants, tie of the top of the stocking so no one can see inside and then pass it around so everyone can have a chance to feel the objects inside. They can then write down their ideas (but don’t let anyone peek) and pass it on to the next person. Once everyone has filled out their guesses, open the stocking to reveal what’s inside. The person with the most correct guesses wins the contents of the stocking.

Ornament on a Spoon

A fun Christmas game for larger gatherings, it’s the same concept as Egg on a Spoon – with a seasonal twist. According to Shutterfly, you break your group of 8 or more players up into teams for a relay course – with or without obstacles. With an ornament on their spoon, the first person will go through the course and return to pass it on. Players can only use their spoons and NOT their hands when passing the ornament. If someone drops their ornament, that person needs to return to the beginning and repeat the course again. Once the ornament is successfully passed off, it’s the next person’s turn and so on until everyone has completed the course. The first team to complete the course WINS!

Dreidel Scattergories

This Hanukkah-themed take on the popular Milton Bradley game of Scattergories comes from SignupGenius. You’ll need a timer and a list of categories – like food, animals, movie stars, colors, careers, clothing, TV shows, flowers, countries, etc. – written onto pieces of paper or index cards that are facedown. All the players will need a pad of paper and a writing utensil. And – of course – you’ll need a dreidel.

Flip a card to reveal the category and then spin the dreidel and whatever letter it lands on – N,G, H or S – your players will have two minutes (set your timer) to write down as many things that come to mind that start with the letter facing up. For example, if the category is food and the letter is N, they might write down nachos, nuts, noodles, etc. When the two minutes are up, each person counts the number of fitting answers and tallies their score. Repeat all the above until all the categories have been fulfilled. The person with the largest score wins.

Two Truths and a Fib

This game can be used for both Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations, but for Festival of Light-specific parties, test your party guests’ knowledge of the historical story of Hanukkah. Have everyone write down two true facts and one fib about Hanukkah – the real fun comes from telling the fib with such detail that it seems like the truth. Go around the circle and have each person tell their two truths and a fib. The other contestants should score which one they think is the fib on a piece of paper, then move on to the next person in the circle. Anyone who gets away with their fib without anyone catching on wins! To customize this game for Christmas, simply make it about the Christmas story. This idea also came from SignupGenius.

At Paran Homes, no matter the time of year, we hope you find many years of happiness in your new home. Best wishes to you and yours for a Happy Holiday Season!

In search of a new home in which you can host holiday gatherings for years to come? Check out our communities throughout Metro Atlanta and the Greater Nashville area! Many of our floor plans come with flexible living spaces or dedicated game rooms that are ideal for families who love to have FUN!

Image link: https://unsplash.com/photos/SUTfFCAHV_A

As the holiday season ramps up and 2019 winds down to a close, Paran Homes has a few special year-end “gifts” up its proverbial sleeves. In an effort to welcome new homebuyers “Home for the Holidays” at its communities throughout the Metro Atlanta area, Paran has unwrapped a series of extraordinary incentives at many of its communities. Some of those incentives represent money off desirable design options while others signify “Any Way You Want It” savings that the buyer can apply towards blinds, appliances, closing costs or even a price reduction! Those savings could equate up to $50,000 for the right pairing of home buyer and home. If you’re in the market for a new home, value quality craftsmanship, love that new home smell and hope to start the New Year at a new address, Paran Homes invites you to visit the following communities to find the home of your dreams at unbelievable savings!

• Chestnut Farms – Nestled in the City of Kennesaw, this enclave of just 36 luxury homes priced from the Low $400s is conveniently located near I-75. This West Cobb find is featuring discounts of up to $30,000 or $10,000 Any Way You Want It + $10,000 in Design Options on select homes for a limited time. *Contracts must be written by 12/15/19 to qualify. Some restrictions apply, see onsite sales consultant for further details. Specifications and features are approximate and subject to change without notice.

• Gladstone Landing – Representative of one of Paran Homes’ newest 55 or better communities, Gladstone Landing features luxury townhomes priced right in the Mid $200’s along with great incentives of up to $3,000 in Design Options + $5,000 in Closing Costs! *Up to $3,000 to be used on blinds and refrigerator. Up to $5,000 in closing costs with preferred lender only. Offer valid on homes that can close by 12/15/19. Certain restrictions apply. See onsite sales agent for further details. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Prices and offer subject to change without notice.
• Magnolia Court – Located in Marietta’s desirable East Cobb School District and featuring homes priced from the High $400’s, this stunning Cobb County community is showcasing $15,000 Any Way You Want It + 50% off Design Options Incentives for a limited time *Offer valid on ratified contracts written by 12/15/19. Design options up to $25,000. Up to $15,000 to be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. Some restrictions apply, see onsite sales consultant for further details. Specifications and features are approximate and subject to change without notice.
• Seaboard Junction – This lifestyle-centric 55 or better community in Loganville is offering $7,500 Any Way You Want It on select home sites OR $5000 in Design Options for presales for a limited time on its homes priced from the High $200s *Up to $7,500 to be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. Up to $5,000 in Design Options on Presales only. Offer valid on contracts for lots 61 and 62 only and must close by 12/15/19.
• Heritage Pointe – This Gwinnett County community in the heart of Lawrenceville boasts terrific single-family homes priced from the High $200s and access to excellent schools. It is currently offering THREE great incentives that include $3000 Any Way You Want It + Buy Now and Receive up to $5,000 IN CLOSING COSTS + $1500 Brokers Incentive for a limited time *Design options up to $3,000 and closing cost up to $5,000. Broker bonus valid at closing only. Offer valid only on homes that close by 12/15/19.
• Millwood Farms – Representative of one of our newest communities in Marietta featuring gorgeous single-family homes priced from  the Low $400s, Cobb’s Millwood Farms is offering Buy Now and Receive $7500 in Design Options *Up to $7,500 to be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. Offer valid on contracts written by 12/15/19.
• Oakleigh Pointe – This stellar Paulding County community is offering seven NEW Ranch and Two-Story plans + Up To $25,000 Any Way You Want It Buyer incentive + $1,000 Broker Bonus for a limited time on its single-family homes priced from the Mid $200s *Up to $25,000 on inventory homes. Other home incentives vary and can be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. Broker bonus and Any Way You Want It incentive valid on contracts closed by 12/15/19.
• The Lakes of Franklin Goldmine – Situated in the heart of Cumming, this beautiful community of homes priced from the Mid $300s and truly terrific amenities is nearing close-out. On select inventory homes, buyers can enjoy Up to $15,000 in savings for a limited time. *Offer valid on select inventory homes only. Contract written by 12/15/19. Closing costs available through approved lender only.
• Kingsland – An incredible community of homes priced from the Mid $200’s this South Fulton treasure offers accessibility to Hartsfield-Jackson International Atlanta Airport along with Up to $7000 Any Way You Want It + 4% commission to buyer’s agents for a limited time. *Up to $7,000 to be used on blinds, refrigerator, additional closing cost or price reduction. 4% co-op commission only on homes to close on or before 12/15/19 with full price offers and approved lender. If contract does not meet these three criteria, co-op commission is 3%. If buyer chooses a price reduction with incentive offer, home cannot be lower than base price to ensure valid appraisal.  Some restrictions apply, see onsite sales consultant for further details. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Prices and offers subject to change without notice.
• Traditions of Braselton – Showcasing homes priced from the Low $200s to $700s+, this exciting amenity rich master-planned community may just be your “Home for the Holidays” with Up to $50,000 in Savings + $5000 in Closing Costs on select homes. *Offer valid on select inventory homes only. Contract written by 12/15/19. Closing costs available through approved lender only. Some restrictions apply, see onsite sales consultant for further details. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Prices and offers subject to change without notice.

“A new home represents a place where new memories can be made – and not just the big ones during the holidays,” said Michael Rosenberg, President of Paran Homes. “Memories could include all the simple things like stories shared around the dinner table in your new kitchen, family movie night on the sectional in your new family room, countless meals prepared in your new kitchen, carrying the kids up the stairs to their new bedrooms and so much more. We couldn’t think of a better gift to give our homebuyers. Many of the savings and incentives we’re offering may prove the difference between a new home and the home of their dreams for a number of buyers. We’re excited to welcome some new neighbors ‘Home for the Holidays’ at our Atlanta-area communities.”

To learn more about Paran Homes and its growing collection of beautiful communities throughout Metro Atlanta, visit www.paranhomes.com.

The holiday season is officially upon us! Whether you are fortunate enough to already live in a Paran Homes community or a new home is on your holiday wish list and you plan to visit a Paran Homes community, you might want to add one or more of the holiday happenings listed below to your agenda. We often recommend a memorable adventure out in the surrounding area to our home buyers so they can get a true taste of what it might be like to live in one of our communities. This time of year, why not make your house hunting trip festive and fun?

Living or House Hunting in Metro Atlanta? Be sure to check out one or more of these seasonal-centric events:

Winter Wonderland Marietta: If you live in or plan to visit Chestnut Farms in Kennesaw or Oakleigh Pointe in Dallas this holiday season, you may want to make the short trek over to the iconic Marietta Square for Winter Wonderland Marietta. Nearly an entire month has been dedicated to the celebration of the season with caroling, live performances from local talent, story time, candlelight shopping on the Square, pictures with Santa, the lighting of the menorah, nativity scene on the Square and more. Most of the festivities will take place in Glover Park.

Holiday Shows at the Aurora Theatre: If you live in or plan to visit Heritage Pointe in Lawrenceville, you may want to purchase tickets to see a performance of several holiday-themed stage plays at this award-winning theatre. The line up of plays include A Christmas Carol (on stage through 12/22), This Wonderful Life (a charming adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life – on stage through 12/23) and Reindeer Games (on stage through 12/30). While you’re there, you may want to pop by the Historic Lawrenceville Courthouse for visits and photos with Santa before or after the show.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia: If you live in or plan to visit Sweetwater Landing in Powder Springs, you may want to allow a little extra time to pop by Six Flags Over Georgia for what they have declared as the “most wonderful time of the year.” Happening now through January 6, 2019 on select days, Holiday in the Park showcases many of the popular rides that you know and love paired with sparkling lights, festive shows, special treats like s’mores and hot chocolate, and – of course – the occasional appearance from the Jolly Old Elf himself.

Christmas in Cumming at the Cumming Fairgrounds: If you live in or plan to visit The Lakes of Franklin Goldmine in Cumming, there are a number of dates with which you may wish your visit dates to coincide. On 12/7-8, The Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Festival takes over the Cumming Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. presenting a great way to purchase original and unique gifts for anyone on your list. On 12/15 at 5 p.m., the Cumming Christmas Parade begins. Following the same route as the city’s 4th of July parade, the Christmas installment will end at the Fairgrounds with a huge Christmas festival and visits with Santa. Lastly, there will be plenty of chances to show off your ice skating skills now through January 7, 2019 at the Winter Wonderland in Cumming Rink at the Fairgrounds.

Stone Mountain Christmas: If you live in or plan to visit The Woods of Midvale in Tucker, you should definitely include Stone Mountain Park in your evening! Once the sun goes down, millions of dazzling lights go up on a truly stunning Christmas celebration that includes festive music, spectacular shows, a nightly tree lighting and Christmas Parade with appearances by Santa Claus AND the Snow Angel. Be sure to pop by the 4D theater for an immersive screening of The Polar Express and climb aboard the Scenic Railroad for a musical and magical ride around the mountain. If you plan to visit during the day, take advantage of the rare occurrence of SNOW in Atlanta thanks to Snow Mountain – offering a 400-foot snow-covered tubing hill and enormous snowy play area for building snowmen and igloos to your heart’s content.

Christmas Feast at Chateau Elan: If you live in or plan to visit Traditions of Braselton in Jefferson, there are a number of festivities to include in your holiday season house hunting trip. You could make the trip over to Lanier Islands for the famed Magical Nights of Lights and License to Chill Snow Island, you could hit the brand-new skating Rink at Mall of Georgia ORRRRR you could plan to spend your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining on decadent fare at the renowned resort and winery – Chateau Elan.

Living or House Hunting in the Greater Nashville Area? Be sure to check out one or more of these seasonal-centric events:

A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort: If you live in or plan to visit South Haven, Stewart Creek Farms or Villages of Berkshire in Murfreesboro, you may want to make the drive over to Nashville to visit the beautifully bedecked Opryland Resort and Convention Center. This time of year, a beloved tradition for countless families throughout the South is to tour the interior of the opulent atrium, as well as the surrounding grounds to marvel at more than three million twinkling lights and festive décor, an indoor winter wonderland boasting more than 2 million pounds of ice and an indoor skating rink. Don’t miss your chance to catch a performance of Cirque Dreams Holidaze.

Happiest of Holiday Wishes to You and Yours from Paran Homes! 

We Look Forward to Seeing YOU Soon!