This year, celebrate the arrival of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, on Marietta Square. Led by Rabbi Joseph Prass of Congregation Ner Tamid in Marietta, the event features a menorah lighting on the stage at the square’s Glover Park. From there, the evening will continue with a celebration featuring holiday music, children’s games and plenty of hot chocolate to ward off the winter chill. The PJ Library, which specializes in Jewish books, also will be at the square with a table of reading materials, arts and crafts. The event is open to everyone at no charge.
6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 30. Free. Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta. 678-264-8575, mynertamid.info.
WOODSTOCK
Wine tasting
Before you watch the clock count down and toast with flutes filled with fizzy libations, get the party started early with a few sips of something else that sparkles. Early in the evening, the Gifted Ferret in Woodstock will hold a tasting featuring sparkling wines. The staff will guide you through each sample and offer a few hors d’oeuvres to go with the selections. Advanced registration is not mandatory but is highly recommended. If other New Year’s Eve plans have already taken over your schedule, make plans to stop by any of the Gifted Ferret free wine tastings held most Saturday nights throughout the year.
6-8 p.m. Dec. 31. Free. The Gifted Ferret, 1910 Eagle Drive, Woodstock. 770-693-5889, thegiftedferret.com.
NEWNAN
First Day Hike
Are you resolved to get out and move more in 2017? Here’s your chance to start on Day 1. Across the metro area and beyond, rangers at Georgia State Parks are offering First Day Hikes. The Chattahoochee Bend State Park just outside Newnan has scheduled a 2-mile trek on its riverside trail that offers excellent views of the Chattahoochee in winter. Observe the different wildlife habitats as you walk along the edge of the water and woods. Halfway through, take a load off at the park’s observation deck and savor the scenery. If Newnan isn’t in your backyard, check out similar hikes happening in Stockbridge, Lithia Springs, Rome, Acworth and Gainesville.
10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Free with $5 parking fee. Chattahoochee Bend State Park, 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan. 770-254-7271, gastateparks.org/firstdayhikes.
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