Wizard of Oz, Lights & Latkes Weekend

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December has officially entered "chaos mode.” You know the drill. School concerts, holiday parties, random potlucks, and somehow three different things on the same Saturday night. So this week, I'm keeping it simple: here's your weekend, pre-planned.

The big one? The Wizard of Oz at City Springs on Saturday. It's a full production with a huge local cast, so there's a decent chance your kid's friend (or their teacher) is on stage. If a two-hour musical feels ambitious, The Children's Nutcracker in Roswell is a shorter, daytime option that still delivers the magic without the meltdown.

On the food front, Morty's is throwing a "Cinco De Hanukkah" party Thursday with tacos, latkes, and themed cocktails—which honestly sounds like exactly the kind of absurd fun we need right now.

And if you want something quieter, Cafe Sababa off Shallowford does a mean shawarma bowl for an easy weeknight dinner.

When you need to decompress between all the things, take the kids (and yourself) to Murphey Candler Park.

The lake loop is about two miles, mostly flat, and nobody will ask you to sign up for anything.

One heads-up: parking around City Springs and Brook Run gets brutal on show nights.

Give yourself an extra 20 minutes so you're not sprinting through the garage with a stroller and a kid in holiday socks.

Pick one anchor event, scroll down to the planner, and layer in a few easy extras. You've got this.

Best,
Andrew

Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
Saturday, Dec 20, 2025
Ticketed (see site for current pricing)
Details: Event info
Showtimes:
Thu 7:30 PM
Fri 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sat 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sun 2:00 PM

City Springs Theatre Company is bringing a full-stage production of The Wizard of Oz to Byers Theatre Dec 12–28, with a packed performance schedule that includes family-friendly matinees and evening shows.

This adaptation follows Dorothy from Kansas "over the rainbow" to Oz with all the classic songs, so kids get the familiarity of the movie plus the excitement of live theatre.

The production features a large local cast, which means there's a decent chance a neighbor, classmate, or teacher is somewhere on stage.

Because it's right in City Springs, you can park once and make a full outing out of it with dinner before or dessert after on the green.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early for parking, snacks, and bathroom runs. Garages and street parking fill quickly on weekend show days.

The show is recommended for all ages, but every attendee needs a ticket, so it's best for families whose kids can sit comfortably through a full musical.

Cafe Sababa is a cozy Mediterranean spot tucked off North Shallowford, known for fresh, made-to-order shawarma, falafel, kabobs, and big, colorful salads.

Regulars rave about the chicken shawarma rice bowl, fried cauliflower, and falafel pockets, plus there are plenty of vegetarian and lighter options that still feel like a treat.

The atmosphere is casual and friendly, more neighborhood cafe than formal restaurant, so it works well for a quick family lunch or an easy weeknight dinner when you're over burgers and pizza.

Hours lean toward weekday lunch and early-dinner, and they're typically closed on weekends, which makes this more of a "school week" gem than a Saturday-night spot.

Learn more at Cafe Sababa’s website.

Ready Set FUN! is a modern indoor playground and party space in Sandy Springs built with ages 1–8 in mind, with soft play structures, imaginative play zones, and lots of room to climb and explore.

They specialize in curated birthday parties: think themed decor, coordinated activities, and staff who handle set-up and clean-up, plus school-break camps and open play sessions you can book ahead.

Parents appreciate that there are seating areas, Wi-Fi, and clear sightlines so you can actually sit for a minute while the kids run off steam.

It's especially handy on cold, rainy, or too-hot days when outdoor playgrounds aren't an option, or when you need a reliable meet-up spot for another family within a reasonable drive of Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Peachtree Corners.

Browse/learn more: Business website

MARTA has started rolling out its new "Better Breeze" fare system across the network, replacing all Breeze cards, faregates, vending machines, and the mobile app with a more modern tap-and-go setup through 2026.

Riders will eventually be able to pay using a contactless bank card, smartphone, smartwatch, or new Breeze card, with upgraded gates and vending machines aimed at speeding up boarding.

For Dunwoody and Sandy Springs riders using the Dunwoody, Medical Center, or North Springs stations, that means more flexible ways to reload and ride, but also a short learning curve while new equipment comes online.

Source: MARTA

A new Fulton County Schools "Zone 4" report shows that while more than 60% of students in Sandy Springs public schools are considered economically disadvantaged, they've made clear academic progress over the last three years.

The number of beginning learners has dropped while the share of proficient and distinguished learners has risen, and graduation rates at Riverwood and North Springs high schools are in the mid-90% range.

The report points to strong reading growth at several elementary schools and highlights community partnerships as a key part of that success.

For parents, it's a rare slice of good news: local schools serving a high-need population are still moving in the right direction.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Slash is a young-adult-in-training (DOB 6/1/2025) who’s currently up for adoption through Furkids — and she’s listed at the PetSmart Peachtree Corners/Norcross adoption center.

Her vibe, per Furkids: “don’t forget to invite Slash along!” She’s described as an adventure-ready sweetheart with a big heart.

The kind of kitten who’s happy bouncing after toys, switching into cuddle mode with a human, and enthusiastically accepting a Churu treat when the moment calls for it.

If you’re looking for a playful + people-friendly sidekick who brings full “let’s do something fun” energy, Slash might be your girl.

Available through Furkids (listed location: Adoption Centers – PetSmart Peachtree Corners/Norcross)
6050 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross, GA 30092 (see locations/hours)
Adoption process: Furkids is open by appointment only. Start by completing their adoption application.
Email (Cat Adoptions): [email protected]
Phone (Furkids HQ / Cat Shelter): (770) 613-0880
Profile: Slash on Furkids

Thursday, Dec 18

🎄 Dunwoody Holiday Lights: Cosmic Wonderland at Brook Run Park, Dunwoody | Dusk–10:00 PM | Free | More: Holiday Lights
Walk through 100,000+ lights, giant illuminated planets, a mega tree synced to music, and lots of photo ops. Perfect for a stroller-friendly lap after dinner. On display until Dec. 31.

Friday, Dec 19

🥔 Hanukkah Latke Dinner & Hanukiyah Lighting at 7460 Trowbridge Rd, Sandy Springs | 5:00 PM | Ticketed/RSVP | More: Congregation Or Hadash calendar
A community Hanukkah celebration with a latke dinner (RSVP required, $10/person), candle lighting, and musical Kabbalat Shabbat. Good if you're looking for something celebratory but still kid-appropriate and done on the earlier side.

Saturday, Dec 20

🩰 The Children's Nutcracker at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, Roswell | 11:00 AM & 2:15 PM | Ticketed | More: Event details
A shortened, kid-focused Nutcracker with daytime showtimes, ideal for younger viewers who can't make it through a full-length ballet but still want the costumes, music, and "Land of Sweets" magic.

🎬 Red Carpet Premiere: "The Greatest Gift" (Screenplay) at The Father's House, Peachtree Corners | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free | More: Eventbrite
Walk the (local) red carpet, watch a holiday-themed screenplay performance, and stick around for songs, dance, and light refreshments. Nice low-cost option if you've got older kids or teens who love theater.

Sunday, Dec 21

🩰 The Children's Nutcracker – Sunday Performances at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, Roswell | 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM | Ticketed | More: Event details
If Saturday is slammed with sports and parties, Sunday's matinee and late-afternoon shows give you a second shot at a Nutcracker outing before the last school week of the year.

🎄 Another spin through Dunwoody Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park, Dunwoody | Dusk–10:00 PM | Free | More: Holiday Lights
Cap the weekend with a slower lap under the lights. A great way to reset before Monday, especially if you missed it earlier in the week.

Thursday, Dec 18

🕯️ Morty's Cinco De Hannukah 2025 at Morty's Meat & Supply, Dunwoody | 5:00–10:00 PM | $18 pre-purchase (food) | More: Event info
A "Funwoody Fiesta" mash-up of Hanukkah and taco night with a build-your-own taco and nacho bar, latkes with cinnamon-apple chutney, and themed cocktails for the grown-ups. Easy weeknight fun if you want something festive but low-pressure.

Friday, Dec 19

🎭 The Wizard of Oz – Date-Night Option at Byers Theatre, City Springs, Sandy Springs | 8:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event details
If you can grab a sitter, make this a full night out with dinner on the City Springs green and a post-show drink at one of the nearby spots.

Saturday, Dec 20

🎬 Red Carpet Premiere: "The Greatest Gift" (Screenplay) at The Father's House, Peachtree Corners | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free | More: Eventbrite
Leans more toward older teens and adults; dress up a bit, enjoy the holiday story, and treat it like a relaxed, local "premiere night" without crossing I-285.

1551 W Nancy Creek Dr NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319

Aim for a morning loop around the lake while it's still quiet and cool.

The roughly 2-mile trail circles Murphey Candler Lake, with a mix of boardwalks, wooded paths, and open views of the water, so kids can stop to watch ducks, geese, and the occasional heron.

Start near one of the playgrounds so little ones can get their wiggles out first, then walk part or all of the loop before it gets busier with sports practices.

Bring a ball, scooters, or bikes and rotate between the multi-use fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

There are baseball and softball fields, tennis/pickleball courts, and big stretches of grass for pickup games or just running around, plus plenty of shady spots to park a blanket.

On warmer days, water shoes are handy if kids want to explore near the lake's edge, and a change of clothes isn't a bad idea if they find mud along the trail.

Murphey Candler's lake is known for bird-watching and fishing, with regulars spotting ducks, geese, and other wildlife along the shoreline.

The far side of the loop trail feels more "woodsy" and less crowded, which is helpful if you've got a kid who needs a quieter stretch.

If you have older kids or teens, you can turn it into a full fitness loop: run or walk while they track laps on a smartwatch or step counter.

Multiple parking areas ring the park, including lots near the fields, pool, and playgrounds, and there are restrooms by the sports complexes and east playground.

The park is open daily (sunrise to sunset) and everything is stroller-friendly but not perfectly flat, so expect a few mild hills.

Drop a pin for the main entrance on West Nancy Creek if you're meeting friends. Once you're parked, it's easy to walk to whatever section you need.

Visit the park website

North Atlanta in late December is a weird combo of mild afternoons, surprise freezes, and a whole lot of extra miles on 285, 400, and all the cut-throughs between Ashford Dunwoody, Hammond, Roswell Road, and Peachtree Parkway. Between school performances, Target runs, airport drop-offs, and light displays, you’re probably doing more “quick” drives in the dark than you realize.

Before the next rainy commute or teen-driver Starbucks run, take ten minutes for a quick winter check:

A tiny bit of prep now can save you an hour on the shoulder of 285 or in a flooded basement—on a night when everyone just wants to be home and in pajamas.