Dead Week and finals week are two of the toughest for Tech students. But soon, both will have passed, and all will have a chance to enjoy some down time before the new year and new semester begin.

Thankfully, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities in and around Atlanta in the coming weeks, including music, theater, crafts, and ice skating. Here are just a few of the wintery events happening this month:

Coming up soon

• Tuba Christmas: Annual Christmas-themed tuba concert at Underground Atlanta. (Dec. 6, free)

• The Children’s Christmas Parade: Annual parade through Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. (Dec. 7, free)

• Larry, Carols and Mo!: A chance to enjoy carols, “A Christmas Story,” and “mo” at the Fox Theatre. (Dec. 9, $2.50)
• Cocoa and Caroling: Hot cocoa and a caroling singalong at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. (Dec. 11, free)
• Santa’s Favorite Chamber Music: Performance of holiday-themed chamber music at Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum. (Dec. 15, free)

Throughout the month

• Madeline’s Christmas: The beloved, precocious French book character has her own holiday revue at the Horizon Theatre. ($15)

• Winter Wonderland at Fernbank: Celebrate all winter observances and cultures at this Fernbank exhibit. Free with museum admission. ($16.50 with student ID, $17.50 for adults)

• Invasion: Christmas Carol: A twist on the classic, with plenty of adult humor injected, by the Dad’s Garage theater company. ($15-25)
• Santaland Diaries: A stage version of the David Sedaris story. Another that features plenty of adult humor. ($25 and up)
• ICE Pop-up Shop: Get something crafted with care for everyone on your shopping list at this seasonal Candler Park shop. (Free)
• Spruill Gallery Holiday Artists Market: Locally crafted gifts, décor, ceramics, and more, located near Perimeter Mall. (Free)
• Atlanta Ballet Nutcracker: A dreamy Christmas tale showing at the Fox Theatre. ($27 and up)
• Life University Lights: More than a million lights in a mile, depicting a Christmas tree, nativity, menorah, and animated displays. ($5/car)
• Pink Pig: An Atlanta tradition that dates back to the 1960s, this little piggy is located at Lenox Square Mall. ($3/ride)
• A Christmas Carol: A theatrical adaptation of the Dickens classic, presented by the Alliance Theatre, and the last time Atlanta theatrical legend Chris Kayser will play Scrooge (a role he’s held for 16 years). ($17.50 and up)
• Christmas with the ASO: Use your GT Woodruff Arts Student pass, or buy one for $20, which is less than the cost of a ticket. ($29 and up) 

Ice Skating Rinks

• Atlantic Station
• Park Tavern
• Centennial Olympic Park