A Christmas tree lighting, the Apple Annie Craft Fair and festive concerts and arts events, including the Georgia Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” (pictured above) are slated for the first full week of the Holiday season. For even more to do in and around East Cobb, check out our online calendar HERE.

Free Mulch. Cobb EMC offers free mulch from the clearance maintenance of Cobb EMC power lines. It is available throughout the year and can be delivered when crews are in your area. More info: 678-355-3413.

EVERY FRIDAY

The Gritters Knitters. Do you knit, crochet, or work with yarn in anyway? If you would like to get together to craft, get inspired, and make new friends, then this group is for you. All skill levels are welcome the only requirement is your enthusiasm! Just bring your yarn and yourself. Fridays: 11am-1pm. Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta. More info: 770-528-2524

EVERY SATURDAY

Marietta Square Farmers Market features products that are grown and produced in Georgia, including produce, plants, honey, breads, cheese and other items. Saturday 9am-12pm. Rain or shine. Now open all year. Glover Park-Marietta Square. More info: 770-499-9393 or mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net.

THROUGH DECEMBER 4

Good Mews Décor Market. Get started on your holiday shopping at the Good Mews annual Holiday Décor Market. Choose from festive fall décor, collectibles, ornaments and tree trimmings, knick-knacks and so much more! Proceeds go to Good Mews Animal Foundation, a cage free no-kill shelter for cats. Saturday: 9am-5pm; Sunday: 12-5pm. Free admission. Sandy Plains Shopping Center, 1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 202, Marietta. More info: goodmews.org.

NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 31

Lights of Life. Millions of holiday light displays throughout the Life University campus. Come see Santa and his sleigh (which stands over 65 feet high, making it the tallest in the Southeast.) Pictures with Santa, pony rides. Seasonal drinks and snacks. Friday-Sunday: 6-10pm. Monday-Thursday: 6-9pm. $5/car. $10/Friday-Sunday. $20/bus. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Life University, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta. More info: 678-331-4334 or www.life.edu.

DECEMBER 1

Holiday Tree Lighting. Join Santa Claus to kick off the holiday season. Festivities begin at 5pm with performances by local school choruses. Santa will arrive at 5:20pm and light the giant Christmas tree at 6pm. More entertainment will follow while Santa visits with children in the gazebo until 8pm. Historic Marietta Square. More info: 770-794-5601 or mariettaga.gov.

DECEMBER 1, 6, 8, 13

High Tea, a delightful way to spend an afternoon in the 1839 childhood home of Mittie Bulloch. Visit includes a delicious 2-course tea served by ladies in period clothing and a tour of the house decorated for Christmas. 4pm.  $45/person. Reservations required. Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. More info: 770-992-1731, ext. 7 or bullochhall.org.

DECEMBER 2-3

36th Annual Apple Annie Crafts and Arts Show. Over 120 of the Southeast’s finest artisans and crafters. One of the largest nonprofit shows with a high quality and large assortment of crafts and arts in a festive setting. Proceeds support local charities. Friday: 9am-7pm. Saturday: 9am-2pm. $3. Under 12: Free. No strollers. Catholic Church of St. Ann, 4905 Roswell Road, Marietta. More info: 770-552-6400 or st-ann.org.

DECEMBER 2 & 4

Carols for Christmas. Sing exciting music accompanied by a full orchestra, and be a part of an event that spreads Christmas cheer to the whole community. December 2: 7:30pm. December 4: 5:30pm. Free. Mt. Bethel UMC, 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. More info: Sandra Chapman, 770-971-2730 or Sandra.Chapman@mtbethel.org.

DECEMBER 2-4

The Nutcracker presented by The Georgia Ballet. This play features dancing snowflakes, giant toy soldiers, a growing Christmas tree, and a delectable land of sweets. Friday: 8pm. Saturday: 2pm & 8pm. Sunday: 2pm & 5:30pm. $30-$40. Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. More info: 770-528-0881 or georgiaballet.org.