If you’re staying local during winter break, there are lots of ways to do this in and around Atlanta before classes resume on Jan. 6.

Georgia Tech Basketball Games

Georgia Tech women’s basketball takes on the University of Virginia at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, and the University of Miami at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2.

Men’s basketball, though not playing at home, will also be in action over the break. On Dec. 22, they play Boise State University at 5 p.m. as part of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. On New Year’s Eve at noon, they’ll visit No. 19 Florida State University. Both games will be televised on ESPNU. On Saturday, Jan. 4, at 6 p.m., the Jackets will be in Chapel Hill to face the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, airing on the ACC Network.

Menorah Lighting on Ponce

On Monday, Dec. 23, at 6:30 p.m., Ponce City Market will host a traditional menorah lighting ceremony. The event includes food, drinks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Visit the Ponce City Market event page to learn more.

2nd Annual Kwanzaa Kickoff

The Urban Community Revitalization Project will host its second annual Kwanzaa celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, or Umoja Night. The event will be at Life Bistro in Buckhead. All ages are welcome to attend; click here for more information and to find free tickets.

Events at the Battery

The Battery will host several free events through New Year’s Eve. Every day until Christmas, Santa Claus himself will be around for pictures. Times vary by day; click here for more information.

On Dec. 31, the Battery will also be hosting its own New Year’s Eve Bash. Family-friendly events will run from 6 to 8 p.m., with the Braves’ Heavy Hitters and mascot BLOOPER. At 9 p.m., the Late Innings portion of the evening will begin, featuring live music and a performance painter. A fireworks show will also help everyone ring in the new year.

Cultural Experiences in Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park, located just a few blocks south of campus, is hosting several different cultural events throughout the holiday season. The Atlanta Christkindl Market is a traditional German holiday market that is free and open to the public every day through Christmas Eve, featuring everything from traditional German food to shopping to entertainment.

The market is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 24.

At night, Centennial Olympic Park will light up with handcrafted Chinese lanterns. Visitors to the Atlanta Chinese Lantern Festival will be able to see the lanterns up close, as well as peruse the merchandise booths of various craftspeople and watch live performances. This year’s theme is “INTO THE WILD” and will feature several lanterns that highlight the importance of protecting animals. Click here for more information about the festival’s operating hours and tickets.