Coming Up: Free + Fun Events in the Metro

ATLANTA

Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers free entry for kids

Families are invited to attend the Children’s Museum of Atlanta free of charge on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1 to 6 p.m., 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW. Free admission is made possible through the support of Target. Ignite your child’s imagination and inspire discovery during a day of play-based exploration.

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers educational programs and exhibits designed for young children ages 8 and under. The museum features bright, creative, hands-on exhibits designed to promote inventive problem solving, creative thinking and artistic expression.

For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Winter Wonderland showcases international Christmas exhibit

Prepare to ooh and aah over two floors of twinkling, beautifully decorated trees showcasing celebrations from around the world in this enchanting exhibit open daily through Jan. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta.

Twinkling with lights, glimmering with color and shining with a variety of cultural objects, more than 25 trees and displays recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events from around the world.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 404-929-6300 or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

DEKALB

International chess master to host free chess workshop

Be Someone, Inc. founder Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is offering an interactive chess workshop for children on Thursday, Dec. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stone Ridge Event Center, 1750A Stone Ridge Drive, Stone Mountain.

The evening chess camp will teach newcomers, as well as advanced players, various tips, tricks and techniques to conquer their opponents. To RSVP for the free event, email info@besomeone.org.

For more information, call 770-465-6445 or visit www.besomeone.org.

Scott Candler Library to host tastiest cookie and dessert competition

Sample holiday treats prepared from recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. The Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur, is hosting a dessert recipe completion on Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Share your family’s traditional cookie or dessert, along with the recipe, and sample the desserts of other participants. A prize will be awarded for the tastiest family tradition. Registration is required. This event is limited to 20 participants. For more information, call 404-286-6986.

GWINNETT

Centerville Community Center celebrates holiday craft week

Drop in anytime on Monday, Dec. 12–Dec. 15, for Holiday Craft Week, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.,at the Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville.

Bring your cameras, enjoy the center’s winter decorations, and drop off canned goods to benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry. Crafts include a 3-D Christmas tree and Santa toyshop on Monday; gingerbread place mat and magnet on Tuesday; candy cane necklace and ornament on Wednesday; and a holiday necklace and snowman magnet on Thursday. Each craft takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. A holiday snack will be provided while supplies last.

Parents are required to remain with their child or children during the activities. Cost: $1 nonrefundable fee per child (in exact note, no coins, please). Pre-registration with payment required. Limited to 22 children. For more information, call 770-985-4713.

Swim with Santa this holiday season

 Kids are invited to join Santa for a fun holiday swim on Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m., at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.

Have your picture taken with Santa in the pool, enjoy holiday crafts and games, make a wish list for Santa and enjoy light refreshments.

Children ages 7-10 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older and the adult must be in the water with children ages 6 and under. All pool rules apply. The cost is $12 per child (includes one free adult admission.) Call 678-277-0880 to pre register.

ROCKDALE

Community Christmas celebration helps families in need

The Conyers Resource Center for Community Action is inviting the public to attend its fifth annual community Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 17, noon to 4 p.m., in the gym at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 2533 Stanton Road SE, 30094.

Families are invited to attend a fun day packed with photos with Santa, food, music, free raffles and more. Free Christmas gifts will be given to children who attend the celebration.

To RSVP free tickets for your family or for more information, call 770-760-1346 or visit rccaction.org.

Black Box Theater hosts Christmas concert featuring Benson and Leinweber

Benson and Leinweber will be giving a special Christmas Concert at the Black Box Theatre in Olde Towne Conyers on Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., 910 Center Street, Conyers.

The duo will be playing holiday songs while local writer and teacher, Darrell Huckaby, will be on hand to share wit and wisdom about the Christmas season. Artist Scott Fuss will work his magic carving out the nativity while Darrell narrates to Christmas carols performed by acoustic duo Benson and Leinweber. Admission is $10 and may be purchased online at the Blackbox or through the CRCA at the attached link