Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.
Merry Christmas!
I’m guessing a lot of us are in the same boat this week.
Half the house is still covered in wrapping paper confetti, someone’s building a LEGO set on the dining table, and we’re trying to squeeze in just one more memory before school and work ramp back up.
For our family, that probably looks like a walk through Holiday Lights: Cosmic Wonderland at Brook Run one evening. Then we follow it up with a very low-effort taco night at Red Pepper Taqueria.
This issue is built for exactly that vibe. It’s a mix of family-friendly options (from The Wizard of Oz at City Springs to skating at High Street) plus some truly grown-up nights out if you’ve got grandparents in town or a sitter lined up.
One quick practical tip: holiday parking is real. Everything can get busy by mid-afternoon, so either go early or budget a few extra minutes to find a spot.
I especially love the free afternoon idea. The volunteer round-up is also a great fit if you’re trying to balance all the “treats” with a little service.
If you’re thinking ahead to New Year’s Eve, the adult events at Vino Venue, Eclipse di Luna, and Bar Peri are all close enough that you’re not fighting Midtown traffic at midnight.
However you do this last week of 2025, I hope you find one easy win in the Weekend Planner. I want it to make getting out of the house feel fun, instead of like another thing on the to-do list.
— Andrew
In Today’s Post:
🎄 Catch Cosmic Wonderland at Brook Run before the lights go dark on NYE
🌮 Tacos, margs, and zero cooking required
🎨 Art classes and parties for the holiday-break crowd
🏡 Sandy Springs condo, Avocet family home, and Brooke Farm showcase
📰 Zaxby's drive-thru denied at Ashford Lane
🐾 Meet Clover, a mellow hound mix ready for couch life
📅 15+ picks including Wizard of Oz
How are you spending the last week of 2025?
Holiday Lights: Cosmic Wonderland at Brook Run Park
Brook Run Park
4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Nightly through Wed, Dec 31, 2025
5:00–10:00 PM
Free
Details: Event info
Dunwoody’s signature Holiday Lights display is back. This year’s Cosmic Wonderland theme might be the most over-the-top version yet.
Expect more than 100,000 lights, giant illuminated planets, a 30-foot “Mega Tree” synced to music, and plenty of tunnels, glow-in-the-dark play features, and photo ops scattered around the playground area.
Families can wander at their own pace. That makes it easy to go after dinner or sneak in a quick lap before bedtime.
For little ones, the interactive elements (think light-up floor tiles and glowing seesaws) help get the wiggles out while you soak in the lights.
Parking is free in the Brook Run lots, but it does get busy around 7 PM. Aim for earlier in the evening if you’ve got strollers.
Dress warmly and bring a thermos for cocoa, since this is a fully outdoor walk-through.
It’s an easy, low-stress way to squeeze in one more “big holiday moment” before the lights go dark on New Year’s Eve.
🌶 Red Pepper Taqueria
4555 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30346
For a fun dinner spot, Red Pepper Taqueria in Dunwoody delivers tacos, nachos, and strong margaritas in a lively, sports-bar-meets-modern-taqueria space.
Expect a big menu of craft tacos (from birria to Baja fish and blackened shrimp), shareable nachos, and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-conscious options.
Everything is built around made-from-scratch sauces and locally sourced ingredients.
Weekend brunch brings chilaquiles, taco plates, and mimosa pitchers for the grown-ups.
Kids can stick to quesadillas, tenders, or simple tacos from the children’s menu.
With late hours, TVs everywhere, and easy access near Perimeter Mall, it’s an easy choice for a casual family dinner after shopping. It also works well for a “we don’t feel like cooking” night.
Details & menu: Restaurant website
🎨 La Dee Da Studio & Events
105 Cliftwood Dr NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
La Dee Da in Sandy Springs is a colorful, kid-focused art studio that does a little bit of everything. Think weekly classes, school-break camps, open studio time, and fully hosted birthday parties.
The space is set up like a whimsical craft house. It has multiple rooms, tons of mixed-media supplies, and a fenced outdoor play area where kids can burn off energy between projects.
It’s a great option for a “we have to get out of the house” holiday-break afternoon.
It’s also a strong pick for parents who want a no-stress, all-in-one birthday party where staff handle the craft, setup, and cleanup.
Families from Dunwoody and Peachtree Corners can hop straight down 285 or Roswell Road. That makes it an easy add-on to errands or a special treat before the kids head back to school.
Browse/learn more: Business website
1109 Gettysburg Pl, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
3330 Avocet Ct, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
5004 Delverton Ct, Atlanta, GA 30338
$1,299,000
5 beds
4.5 baths
3,641 sqft
0.53 acre lot
Realtor:
Betsy Malcolm
(770) 394-2131
Click here to view.
🚗 Zaxby’s drive-thru plan at Ashford Lane gets shut down
After months of debate, the Dunwoody City Council voted 4–3 to deny a special land use permit for a proposed Zaxby’s with an 18-car double drive-thru at Ashford Lane.
Neighbors and council members raised concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, and the fit with the mixed-use center’s walkable vision.
The decision keeps the site open for a future tenant that may better match the city’s plans for a more pedestrian-friendly Perimeter area.
Source: Rough Draft Atlanta
🧪 New leadership to expand Peachtree Corners’ Curiosity Lab
Peachtree Corners announced new leadership at Curiosity Lab, the city’s 5G- and AV-focused innovation hub along Technology Parkway.
Under the new executive director, the lab plans to deepen international partnerships and attract more companies looking to test autonomous vehicles, smart-city tech, and other real-world deployments in the living lab environment.
That means more high-tech activity along the Peachtree Industrial/Peachtree Parkway corridor and potential new job and internship opportunities for local residents.
Source: City of Peachtree Corners
🐾 Clover
6.5 years old hound mix
Clover is a sweet, soulful hound mix who’s finally ready for a soft place to land.
At around six and a half years old, she’s past the wild puppy stage.
She leans more “go-for-a-walk-then-nap-on-the-couch” than nonstop zoomies.
Her rescue describes her as a gentle, people-focused dog who really comes alive when getting one-on-one attention.
That makes Clover a great match for someone who wants a true sidekick to hang out at home, stroll the neighborhood, and curl up for movie nights.
If you’ve been thinking about an easier-going dog who still has plenty of love (and walks) left, Clover is worth a look.
Available at Rescue Me Georgia (foster-based rescue), Dunwoody/Sandy Springs area.
Hours: By appointment (applications required)
Profile: Adoption link
Thursday, Dec 25, 2025
🎄 Holiday Lights: Cosmic Wonderland — Brook Run Park, Dunwoody | 5:00–10:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
A free, walk-through holiday lights experience with the “Cosmic Wonderland” theme that’s perfect for a low-effort Christmas night outing.
✨ Holiday Lights at City Springs (Sparkle Village + lights) — City Springs, Sandy Springs | After dark | Free | More: Event info
A festive, totally free stroll through lit-up trees and the mini “Sparkle Village” houses right in the middle of Sandy Springs.
⛸️ High Street Skate — High Street, Dunwoody | Times vary (timed sessions) | Ticketed | More: Event info
A brand-new outdoor ice rink with timed entry and rentals included, built for “skate + dinner nearby” holiday vibes.
⛸️ Skate City Springs — City Green, Sandy Springs | Times vary (timed sessions) | Ticketed | More: Event page
A real-ice outdoor rink with holiday music and cocoa energy that feels like a mini winter festival in the heart of City Springs.
Friday, Dec 26, 2025
🎭 City Springs Theatre Co.’s The Wizard of Oz — Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs | 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event page
A full-scale, family-friendly stage production that’s perfect for holiday-week “one big outing” plans.
⛸️ High Street Skate — High Street, Dunwoody | Times vary (timed sessions) | Ticketed | More: Event info
A fun Friday-night pick when you want something festive that doesn’t require a long drive or a complicated plan.
Saturday, Dec 27, 2025
🎭 City Springs Theatre Co.’s The Wizard of Oz — Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs | 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event page
The weekend sweet spot for pairing the show with dinner at City Springs before heading home.
⛸️ High Street Skate — High Street, Dunwoody | Times vary (timed sessions) | Ticketed | More: Event info
A classic Saturday plan: skate, grab food nearby, and call it a win without over-scheduling the day.
🧒 Kid’s Corner (Free crafts) — Politan Row at The Forum, Peachtree Corners | 2:00–5:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
A free craft hang inside the food hall that buys parents a little breathing room while kids stay busy.
🎶 Live Music (Food hall set) — Politan Row at The Forum, Peachtree Corners | 6:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
An easy “no tickets, no pressure” dinner soundtrack that makes a simple meal out feel more like an outing.
Sunday, Dec 28, 2025
🎭 City Springs Theatre Co.’s The Wizard of Oz — Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs | 2:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event page
A perfect Sunday matinee to cap the weekend before everyone shifts back into school-and-work mode.
Saturday, Dec 27, 2025
🙏 Glory 2025 ATL (concert-style worship night) — RCCG City of David Atlanta, Peachtree Corners | 5:00–10:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event page
A big, concert-style worship night that feels like a true Saturday main event (with easy parking).
🎧 Night Shift (90s throwback night) — Politan Row at The Forum, Peachtree Corners | 9:00 PM–12:00 AM | Free | More: Event page
A late-night “clock out and have fun” block with karaoke, trivia, and themed cocktails in the food hall.
🍸 The Reindeer Room Holiday Pop-Up Bar — Maya Speak Tiki (High Street), Dunwoody | Evenings | 21+ | More: Event page
A festive, photo-op-heavy bar stop that’s an easy add-on after dinner at High Street.
Sunday, Dec 28, 2025
🎵 Music Bingo — Politan Row at The Forum, Peachtree Corners | 5:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
A low-stakes, genuinely fun Sunday activity that’s basically “game night” but with songs instead of numbers.
City Green at City Springs
1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Morning strategy (8–10 AM):
Head up to Sandy Springs and treat City Green like your “urban backyard.”
Start with a slow walk around the water features, then let kids explore the area near the interactive fountains and public art.
Note for December: a portion of the main lawn is currently transformed into the Skate City Springs ice rink.
There is still plenty of room to wander the plaza and pathways.
It’s usually quieter earlier in the day.
That makes it a great spot for a morning coffee run while the kids stretch their legs.
Afternoon plan (2–5 PM):
In the afternoon, City Springs is a built-in “one stop” for errands and holiday vibes.
You can watch ice skaters glide by at Skate City Springs, explore the Sparkle Village miniature holiday houses on display, and wander around the ArtSS in the Open sculptures for a mini outdoor art walk.
If you have a specific errand or pick-up at the nearby shops or restaurants, it’s an easy place to tag-team.
One adult can hang with the kids on the swings while the other ducks inside.
Hidden features:
While the interactive splash pad is closed for the winter, the water wall and shaded seating areas remain open.
They’re perfect for a quiet moment or a quick snack break.
Don’t miss the Sparkle Display.
It’s a collection of oversized, decorated wooden houses created by local businesses and schools.
It adds a lot of charm to a winter walk and is fun for kids to “rate” as they go.
Parking & bathrooms:
Parking in the City Springs underground deck is very doable for families.
The first two hours are free.
It’s card-only after that.
Elevators and stairs bring you right up to the lawn and plaza level.
Public restrooms are available inside the main City Springs buildings (including near the theater entrance).
The entire complex is stroller-friendly, with wide, smooth walkways and plenty of ramps.
The “10-Minute Winter Break Checkup” for Home + Car
That weird week between Christmas and New Year’s is perfect for a quick walk-around so January doesn’t surprise you.
Around the house (5 minutes):
Do a fast lap outside: dripping spigots, disconnected hoses, soggy spots near the foundation, low-hanging branches over the driveway.
Inside: make sure you know where the main water shutoff is (and that it isn’t blocked by storage bins).
If we get a hard freeze: open sink cabinets on exterior walls at night + let a faucet drip if your pipes have frozen before.
For the car (5 minutes):
Check tire pressure + windshield washer fluid.
Toss in a blanket, phone charger, and small flashlight (future-you will be grateful).
If your battery is older, consider a quick test before you’re back to early school runs and late practices.
Want to outsource it? Here are 3 hyperlocal Perimeter pros:
🚰 Plumbing (leaks, shutoff help, winter pipe worries): Fulco Plumbing Contractors LLC — 4780 Ashford Dunwoody Rd A478, Dunwoody, GA 30338 • (770) 676-9455
♨️ Heat check / tune-up (before the first real cold snap): The Air Company of Georgia — 10 Glenlake Parkway Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30328 • (404) 583-7788
🚗 Winter car check (battery, tires, fluids, “why is it making that noise?”): Peachtree Corners Automotive — 4708 S Old Peachtree Rd, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 • (770) 925-7660
Note: These are simply local options readers use—always confirm availability, pricing, and fit for your situation.
Volunteer Opportunities
Dunwoody VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service) — Help with city events, park projects, and community programs throughout the year.
Once you register, you’ll get alerts and see specific shifts for things like Holiday Lights at Brook Run, parades, and spring festivals.
It’s a good fit for teens needing service hours or adults who want a flexible way to plug into city life.
Sign up: Volunteer Dunwoody VIPS Portal
Solidarity Sandy Springs Food Pantry — Stock shelves, sort donations, or help guests shop for groceries at this high-impact community pantry on Roswell Road.
Shifts run multiple days a week.
They welcome “family volunteering” for older kids and teens (typically 12+) working alongside a parent.
It’s a great way to spend a morning doing something tangible for neighbors.
Learn more: Volunteer with Solidarity Sandy Springs
Dunwoody Nature Center — Second Saturday Volunteers — Roll up your sleeves for trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and park clean-up on the second Saturday of each month, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.
All ages are welcome with an adult.
They ask that you RSVP via their quick online form so staff can plan projects and waivers.
It’s an easy, outdoorsy way to get kids into nature while giving back.
Details: Volunteer at Dunwoody Nature Center • RSVP: Second Saturday form
Springboard Sandy Springs — Springboard is the city’s volunteer hub, run by the Sandy Springs Civic Roundtable, that connects residents with dozens of local nonprofits.
You can browse openings by interest area and date, then click through to the nonprofit’s own signup page.
Browse openings: Springboard Sandy Springs Hub
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
