The Sunday Paper Staff Blog

Sing your holiday favorites as loudly as you like during LARRY, CAROLS AND MO at the Fox Theatre. The concert and sing-a-long features Larry Douglas Embury, the theater’s organist, and a screening of “Miracle on 34 th Street.” The singing starts at 7 p.m., with the movie to begin a 7:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 18. An organ concert and music from the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus follows the screening. Admission is free, but tickets are required. They can be picked up at the Fox Theatre box office or through Ticketmaster’s Web site. Donations of nonperishable food for the Atlanta Food Bank and new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots are requested. 404-881-2100. http://foxtheatre.org.

http://ticketmaster.com.

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You probably don’t have time for an actual train ride to the North Pole, but we’re betting you can work in time for a 20-minute trip on the Polar Express, via a 4-D movie theater. It’s part of STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS, which also includes two million lights, Santa Claus, musical entertainment, a Christmas Laser Show and the Jingle Bell Bonfire. Through Dec. 23, the event starts at 3 and continues through 10 p.m. at Stone Mountain Park. Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 26-30. The park is closed on Dec. 24 and 25. Admission is $17 for adults and $14 for ages 3 to 11. A parking pass ($8 daily, $35 annual) is required for each car entering the park. 404-498-5690. http://stonemountainpark.com.

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I love a bargain ... and I love it even more when I can do it in the name of all that is good and holy. (Full article and comments)

Just because your neighbors didn’t come through with the awesome decorations doesn’t mean you have to miss out on holiday displays altogether. Head up to MAGICAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Through Dec. 30, you can see more than 6 miles of animated displays. Admission is $30 per vehicle (up to nine people) Monday through Thursday and $40 per vehicle on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 800-840-5253. www.lakelanierislands.com.

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If you love seasonal songs, but you’re just not up to leading a sing-a-long, consider attending JIM BRICKMAN’S HOLIDAY HOMECOMING CONCERT. The evening includes a mix of standards and new songs, including “Coming Home for Christmas,” which features Richie McDonald (the former lead singer of Lonestar). The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets range from $38 to $58. 404-817-8700. www.ticketmaster.com.

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Sparkle and glow this holiday season with a little polishing. For lunch today, I skipped the usual SP staff retreat out to take a tour of the Entebello spa in Buckhead. Rachelle, the owner, had fabulous lashes

 

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Even if you have more in common with Scrooge than Tiny Tim, you’re still likely to find this production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL entertaining. The Alliance Theatre has been performing it for the last 18 seasons. Shows start at 8 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21; at 2:30 and 8 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22; at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 23; at 7 p.m. Dec. 18, 19 and 20 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 24. Ticket prices range from $120 to $50. 404-733-5000. www.alliancetheatre.org. (Full article and comments)

Remember, giving is better than receiving... (Full article and comments)

Seasonal decorations have sprung up throughout the city. Don’t miss this year’s FESTIVAL OF TREES at the Atlanta History Center. It includes more than 60 designer trees and wreaths and a holiday gift shop. Proceeds from gift shop sales benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Festival of Trees continues through Dec. 19. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and students ages 13 and up and $10 for ages 4 to 12. Children 3 and under are admitted free. 404-814-4000. www.atlantahistorycenter.com.

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U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson this morning sentenced former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick to 23 months in prison and three years' probation for his role in a dogfighting operation. That puts him out of commission, football-wise, until late 2009, meaning the earliest he could return to the NFL would be the 2010 season.

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