The fall and winter seasons mean much more than candy and presents.
This year, make the holidays really come alive for your kids by encouraging them to create something handmade, which helps connect the head, heart and hands to the elements of the season. Developing these creative family traditions can cultivate connection and bring meaning to your children throughout this time of year.
Many locations offer holiday crafts classes free of charge, and all of them provide memorable crafting experiences your children will always remember.
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Lakeshore Learning World of Fantasy Saturdays
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Lakeshore Learning at East Cobb Crossing. 4287 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-578-3100. www.lakeshorelearning.com.
Stop by Lakeshore Learning at East Cobb Crossing on Saturdays throughout November for free crafts classes for kids ages three and up. No registration required for these family-friendly classes, which include making magical reading wands, DIY wings, a fire-breathing dragon, dragon eggs and a medieval helmet.
The Waldorf School of Atlanta Holiday Crafts
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 9. Free admission, activity tickets available for purchase. Waldorf School Of Atlanta. 827 Kirk Road, Decatur. 404-377-1315. www.waldorfatlanta.org.
It's time for the WSA Holiday Fair once again, which includes a multitude of hands-on activities and seasonal crafts your kids will love. This year's event will feature old-fashioned crafts like candle dipping and jump rope making, along with activities such as a puppet show, face painting, an obstacle course, a petting zoo and much more.
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American Girl Holiday Cookie Decorating
4-5 p.m. Nov. 11, 18; 3 - 4 p.m. Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 29. $10 per child, ages 3 and up. American Girl Store North Point Mall. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. www.americangirl.com.
Nothing feels as festive as making holiday cookies. Throughout November and December, the American Girl Store at North Point Mall will host cookie decorating events for kids ages three and up. After making and decorating cookies with sprinkles and frosting, each child will receive a special "to go" cookie box to decorate with stickers. Reservations required.
Kids' Craft Night at Shorty Howell Park
3-6 p.m. Nov. 16. $6 per person, ages 4-12. Shorty Howell Park. 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. 678-277-0900. www.patch.com.
Bring your children to Shoty Howell Park on November 16th for a special Kids' Craft Night. Children ages four through 12 will create a festive and unique craft perfect for your Thanksgiving table.
Home Depot Kid's Workshop: Stocking Ornament
9 a.m.-noon, Nov. 30. Free. Home Depot Alpharetta. 5300 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. 678-339-0157. www.homedepot.com.
The Home Depot will host a free craft class on November 30th as part of the Home Depot Kid's Workshop series. Each participant will create a Stocking Ornament craft and will receive a certificate of achievement, Workshop Apron and commemorative pin to take home. Grandma will treasure unwrapping this handmade gift!
Americal Girl Gingerbread House Decorating
3-5 p.m. Dec. 13; 2-4 p.m. Dec. 22. $35 per child, ages 8 and up. American Girl Store North Point Mall. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. www.americangirl.com.
Don't miss the Gingerbread House Decorating event taking place at the American Girls Store at Northpoint on December 13th and 22nd. Each child will receive everything needed to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind centerpiece, including gingerbread, frosting and candy decorations. Reservations required.
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Winter Holiday Crafts at Wolf Creek Library
Noon-1 p.m., Dec. 14. Free. Wolf Creek Library. 3100 Enon Road, Atlanta. 404-613-4255. www.atlanta.eventful.com.
Head over to Wolf Creek Library on December 14th for a free winter-themed craft. Led by Ms. Davis, preschool through middle school-aged kids will enjoy this easy-to-make craft.
Cookies and Crafts at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 5. $10 per child, ages 6-11. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center. 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek. 678-366-3511. www.autreymill.org.
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve will host a Cookies and Crafts day on December 5th for children ages six through 11. Each child will select a cookie cutter from the collection to create old-fashioned holiday cookies to take home.
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