Since the kids are out of school all week (mine don’t go back until Jan. 6!), I’m sure everyone is looking for something to do. Well here’s a few ideas for this week.

What: Bowling
Where: Brunswick Zone
When: Through Jan. 5
Cost: With the coupon $30 for 6

I signed up for coupons through Brunswick Zone’s website and received a coupon good for 2 hrs. of bowling, shoe rental, and pitcher of Coke for up to six people. That’s better than the GroupOn deal from this afternoon! I’m not sure you can sign up and get the coupon immediately, but you might want to call your local bowling center and ask. They also have holiday cards with a kids bowl free coupon on them. The holiday card coupon is good until Dec. 31.

What: Ride the Pink Pig
Where: Lenox Mall
When: Through Jan. 1
Cost: $3 for children of all ages, 2 for 1 coupon

The Pink Pig is a holiday tradition in my family. We made my brother, who moved from New Jersey last winter. come with us this year. If you haven’t made it to Macy’s yet, grab a 2 for 1 coupon online. Using the coupon turns 1 ride into 2, 2 rides into 4 or 3 rides into 6. You can’t split up the rides, each coupon is good for one person. Your Pink Pig ticket is also good for 25 percent off Georgia Aquarium tickets. So you can go from pigs to fish.

What: Radio Disney Noon Year’s Eve Party
Where: City of Smyrna Community Center
When: Dec. 31, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: Free

My kids love New Year’s Eve. If we were in town, I’d definately take them to the Radio Disney Noon Year’s Eve party. They’ll have a big dance party, games, contests and prizes. At noon there is a balloon drop and cider toast.

What: Live Nativity
Where: Several Churches throughout Atlanta
Cost: Free, but donations are accepted

A few years ago I decided we needed to do something that represented the real reason for Christmas, not just visiting Santa and riding the Pink Pig. So I set out to find a live nativity. It wasn’t as easy as you might think. Now I’ve heard of several this weekend. If you know of other places to see a live nativity, please post a comment. Thanks to Lynne Clark for the heads up on Peachtree Luthern and Snellville United Methodist’s productions. Don’t forget to wear warm clothes. All of these activities are held outside.

Sardis United Methodist Church
Date: Sat., Dec. 12 and Sun., Dec. 13, 6 – 8 pm
Info: This is a great, laid back production complete with camels, goats, and a furry bunny. There are straw seats in front of the stable and after the production, you can pet the animals then go into the beautiful church for homemade cookies and hot cider.

Peachtree Lutheran Church
Date: Dec. 11 – 13, 7 – 9 pm
Info: In addition to the normal cast, see live goats, sheep, donkeys and doves. I couldn’t find anything about this on their website, so call before you go.

Journey to Bethlehem, Snellville United Methodist Church
Date: Dec. 12 – 14, 6 – 9 pm
Info: I have not been to this program, but Lynn Clarke sent me this description: While you wait to make your journey to Bethlehem, take part in an ancient marketplace where merchants peddle their wears (including live chickens), and storytellers pass down traditions. Try your hand at dipping candles, making dolls, or a number of other activities. Witness Mary and Joseph traveling by donkey, the no-vacancy signs on all the inns, the beggars linking the route, the Wisemen with camels, shepherds, angels and even a tax collector.

What: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Atlanta
When: Sat., Dec. 5 from 10:30 t0 12 noon
Cost: Free

I DO love a parade, especially the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade. It’s the largest Christmas parade in the Southeast and a great way to kick-start the holiday season. This is a popular parade, so get there a little early to get a good spot along the parade route. If you’d prefer to have a seat waiting, purchase a bleacher seat for $12. Any unclaimed bleacher seats are released to the public at 10:15 am, so if you don’t get around to purchasing them beforehand, you can try the day of the event.

We’ve been going to the parade for years with the same family. It’s become a tradition. No matter the temperature, we pack blankets, gloves, hats, hot chocolate and the most important item…hand warmers and head out. It’s been a wonderful, inexpensive way to stay connected even when our lives are going in different directions.

What: Weihnachtsmarkt – A Traditional German Christmas Market
Where: Atlanta International School, 2890 North Fulton Dr., Atlanta, 30305
When: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. (rain or shine)
Cost: Free, but of course you’ll want to buy a few things in the market

One of the great things about the holidays is celebrating our heritage. For a German twist and a chance to buy some unique gifts, mark your calendar for Weihnachtsmarkt, a traditional German Christmas Market, at Atlanta International School. The outdoor street market will feature seasonal items, German lace, handmade bags, jewelry, and European home goods. Enjoy traditional German food and drink, including sausages, Brezel, German cookies, Stollen, and waffles while listening to the live music performances, including a German holiday choir. There will be arts and crafts for the children as well as a unique photo opportunity with a real Kristkindl (aka Angel). Admission is free and childcare is available for children ages 4 and over.

What: Celebrations with Santa
Where: Simon Malls as part of the Simon Kidgits Club
When: All events are on Dec. 5
Cost: Generally free for Kidgits Club members. In some cases a nominal fee.

If your kids need Proof of Santa’s Visit, purchase a photo to Catch Santa in YOUR house! If they’d rather meet a member of the Claus clan in person, below are several opportunities for you and your family to dine with various members of the Claus family at Simon Area Malls.

Town Center at Cobb
PJ Party with Mrs. Claus (1 – 3 pm, upper level JCPenny Wing): Santa’s stopping by to read stories during this festive pajama party, hosted by Radio Disney and Mrs. Claus. Milk and cookies are included. The is located on the upper level JCPenny Wing.

Mall of Georgia
Breakfast with Santa (8 – 10 am in the Food Court): Enjoy holiday crafts, breakfast, and personal time with Santa. Free breakfast for Simon Kidgits Club Members, while supplies last. Breakfast for non-members is $5, which includes an annual Simon Kidgits Club membership.

Gwinnett Place Mall
Milk & Cookies with Santa (2 – 4 pm, Belk Wing): Get some one-on-one time with St. Nick and enjoy holiday cookies and milk. Simon Kidgits members are $1 and non members $6. Reservations can be made by calling 770-476-5160 and following the prompts to Guest Services.

Discover Mills
Breakfast with Santa (8:30 – 10:30 am, Food Court): Enjoy holiday crafts, activities, breakfast, and personal time with Santa. Free for Kidgits members, $5 for nonmembers, which includes an annual Simon Kidgits Club membership.

What: Walk Through Bethlehem
When: December 4 – 6, 2009
Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 550 Mt. Paran Rd., Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free, but there are donation boxes

Each year my boys are bombarded by relatives (ok, I’m guilty too) with the question “What do you want for Christmas.” It’s no wonder as the month progresses, the gimmes rear their ugly head. The Walk Through Bethlehem at St. John’s Church in Sandy Springs is a great activity to remind our children and ourselves what the season is really about.

This program is the most elaborate live nativity I’ve seen. After parking the car, journey along a torch lighted path to the ancient city of Bethlehem. Be prepared to “make your mark” for the census in order to enter the city gates, guarded by Roman soldiers. Inside is a bustling street, lined with stalls full of bread, drinks, and herbs for sale. Watch as a blacksmith finishes refining a sword for a soldier, or listen as school children learn Hebrew and recite stories. A fortune teller picks stones and holds them to the light to tell the future. There is a place to hitch the camels before entering the palace of King Herod which is guarded by more soldiers. The sound of angels singing brings guests outside the city. Out of the hustle and bustle, there is a barn with Mary, Joesph and the baby Jesus. The couples donkey is hitched close by and the three kings wait patiently for their que to bring the gifts.

Last year my youngest was a little overwhelmed by the busy Bethlehem, but it gave all of us a great sense of being there. This is definitely a must see production.

What: The Georgia Ballet’s Nutcracker
When: Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm, Dec. 5 at 2 and 7:30 pm and Dec. 6 at 1:30 and a special benefit performance at 5:30pm (prices are higher for this performance)
Where: Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta
Cost: Tickets range from $15 to $35 but you can win a Family Four Pack here!

The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition. My boys love the story of Marie and her Nutcracker prince. The Georgia Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker is this weekend, Dec. 4 – 6 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center. The Cobb Civic Center is a great location right off I-75 with free parking. To view a video of the performance, click here.

If your children have never been to The Nutcracker or they don’t know the story, I found it helpful to read the book prior to going, as there are no words in the ballet and it can be confusing when you don’t know the story. Here’s the version of The Nutcracker that we own, but I’m sure any version will do. I think my boys like all the toy soldiers and the battles.

There are some special activities going on for the Sat., Dec. 5 Georgia Ballet show. Immediately following the matinee performance, reserve a spot to have your little ones dance like characters from the Nutcracker, a great extra for the aspiring ballerina. Arrive at 6:45 for the evening performance and sip hot cocoa while listening to Nutcracker storytime with Mrs. Claus.

How can you win tickets?
If you’d like to win a family four pack of tickets to see the Nutcracker for either the Friday or Saturday performance, subscribe to Field Trips with Sue via email (see the box in the top right corner) and make sure to verify your subscription (you’ll receive an email right after you subscribe and you’ll have to click on the link.) Then leave a comment below or on the facebook page letting me know you are a subscriber. If you’re already a subscriber, just leave a comment letting me know. I’ll choose a winner on Friday morning and the tickets will be left at Will Call for you.

What: Holiday Light Displays
Where: Around Metro Atlanta
When: Now through Dec. 31
Costs: Vary

One of the things I LOVE about the holidays are the lights. One day, I’m going to rent a bus, stock it with good cheer and invite family and friends to tour the lights of Atlanta. Until then, here’s an incomplete list of where to find the lights so you can go on your own tour. Know a place I missed? Add it in the comments. While you’re at it, let me know a little about you — are you a white lights only or the more color the better?

Centennial Olympic Park Holiday in Lights
Dates: Nov. 14 – Jan. 3
Cost: Free
Info: 20 miles worth of lights blanket the 21-acre Park and include a 58 ft. holiday tree. While you’re there, enjoy Atlanta’s only outdoor ice rink.

It’s Snowin in Atlantic Station
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 31
Cost: Free
Info: View 250,000 lights within an 8 block radius. While you’re there, gather around Atlantic Station’s grand 50-foot tall Christmas Tree and experience the magic of a realistic snowfall weeknights at 7:30pm, and Fridays & Saturdays, hourly 6pm-9pm. (Snow is weather permitting)

Life College Lights of Life
Dates: Nov. 23 – Dec. 30
Cost: $5 per car, $10 per van and $20 per bus, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank
Info: More than 100 pieces displayed throughout the 1.5 mile drive through campus. The display of Santa and his sleigh stands over 65 feet high making it the tallest in the Southeast. There is a petting zoo and pony rides on weekends for free. You can also sit on Santa’s lap or have your picture taken for $10.

Lake Lanier Islands, Magical Night of Lights
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 30, 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Prices start at $33 for a pre-purchased car ticket. Vans and buses extra
Info: Known as the world’s largest animated light extravaganza. In addition there is a Holiday Village with carnival rides, pony rides and holiday treats. Warm up with a sweet marshmallow roast or step inside the Santa Shop for some holiday shopping.

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights
Dates: Nov. 20 – Dec. 30
Cost: $25 per adult, $12.50 per child for same day purchases. Discounts apply for pre-purchased tickets (under 5 is free, but must have a ticket)
Info: More than eight million twinkling lights celebrate the holiday season. While you’re there, visit the Christmas Village where you can see every nutcracker imaginable, or view intricately decorated trees and dream of holiday mornings in Toyland.

A Stone Mountain Christmas
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 30
Cost: Various plans, but the best value is a $109 family of four pass, includes 4 tickets and 4 meals vouchers
Info: More than two million twinkling lights. While you’re there, watch live entertainment shows, see the Polar Express in 4-D, watch a festive Christmas Parade, a special laser show and more.

Here’s a map guide to holiday light displays from the Atlanta Journal Constitution for 2008. They don’t know if they’re going to update this for 2009, but this is a good place to start.

If your family is like mine, seeing Santa Claus is an annual tradition. In our family, so is fighting the kids to get dressed in something beyond a t-shirt and shorts for the photo and then trying to entertain them while we wait in line. To help you keep the season jolly, I asked Jennifer Dunaway with KC Public Relations to give us the Inside Scoop on seeing Santa at area malls.

1. When is the best days/times to see Santa at the Mall? Evenings and weekends are usually the busiest times. The later in the day you get the more crowded it gets. To see both Santa and ride the Pink Pig at Lenox, typically the earlier in the day one arrives, the shorter the lines. (Editors note: We do both of these each year. As you wait for Santa, the Pink Pig line grows, so you may want to have one person go get the Pink Pig tickets while you wait for Santa. At least then you only have to wait in the ride line, not the ticket line as well.)

2. What’s the best color clothing to wear for better photos? Santa’s attire and his chair are red, so we would recommend not wearing red. If you want to be seasonal, choose green instead.

3. Any suggestions to help kids who might be scared of Santa? For kids that are scared of Santa, be sure to describe him as a cheery friendly fellow, to ease their fears. Remind them that he comes to bring them presents each year. (Editors note: I’ve found letting them watch Santa for a while helps too. If you can let them see him prior to the day you take the photos, it could help. However, if they do cry, you’ll love that picture later. I have one of my middle son as a one-year-old. Every time I see it I want to reach into the photo and grab him, but it also makes me smile.)

4. Any suggestions for those who want to attend the Macy’s tree lighting at Lenox? For the Macy’s tree lighting at Lenox, some people begin to arrive in the late afternoon or earlier. Due to it’s height, it’s very visible from many locations around the mall.

For Information on Santa’s arrival at the malls, click here.

What: Centennial Park Outdoor Ice Rink
When: Nov. 14 – Jan. 31
Where: Centennial Olympic Park
Cost: $7 to skate and $2 for skate rental, Click here for discounts and see how you could win tickets.

Ice skating at the Centennial Olympic Park ice rink is a holiday tradition in my family. I recently asked Nicole Rateau, public relations specialist at Centennial Olympic Park to give FTWS the Inside Scoop on skating at the rink.

1. What is the best time to skate at the rink? There is no bad time to come to the rink But if you want to feel like you own the ice, come early in the week (M – W) or early in the mornings. Also just an FYI, groups that have 50+ or more skaters and pre-purchase tickets, we will open the rink privately outside of regular operating hours at no additional cost.

2. Sometimes we’ve been to the rink and the ice is a bit mushy. When is the ice the smoothest and most frozen? The ice rink does have a miniature Zamboni to smooth out the ice but the ice is the most fresh first thing in the morning and the most solid on cold, winter days.

3. What if I have small children? What is the best time for them to come? The best time for small children is in the mornings.

4. How long is the skating? Skating sessions are 90 minutes, but most people don’t spend 90 minutes on the ice. They are essentially going around in circles

5. What other holiday events are there at Centennial Park? Holiday in Lights opens Nov. 14 as well (but ends Jan. 3). 4250 individual strands of lights have been installed around the Park, (each 25 ft. long) that’s approximately 20 miles of lights!