Atlanta, Georgia's Best, Safest New Year's Eve Events

New Year's Eve is always a fun time, full of parties, shows and activities, and Atlanta and the surrounding area certainly has plenty of options. But not all of them are appropriate events to bring the family with you to, and while making your Eve celebrations adult only is fun, you could be missing out on a world of fun for your whole family. The following activities are good choices for family celebrations. Do remember that Atlanta is a sprawling city, and some if it's events are not in the immediate city limits, so be prepared to drive for some of the celebrations.

First off is Radio Disney's "Noon Year's Eve" at the Smyrna Community Center, from 10:00am to 12:30pm. This free event features the Radio Disney Street Team, and includes dancing, games, contests, a balloon drop, and a cider toast at noon. This is a great option for families with small children that they want to include in the New Year's celebration, but know that they can't actually make it until midnight. Taking your kids to this is also a way to spend some time on the holiday with your children, while perhaps enjoying less kid-friendly activities in the evening. You can call 770-434-6600, tune in to Radio Disney at AM 590, or visit the Smyrna City Website to find out more information.

In Lawrenceville, there is the Lawrenceville Rings at Downtown Lawrenceville Square, which is a free concert of various music acts. Ring in the new year with music and fireworks in Downtown Lawrenceville! There are also activities like climbing walls, face painting, magic shows, and more. The concert begins at 7:00pm, and ends with a fireworks display after midnight. The concert includes music from The Big Peach Swing Band, Sensational Sounds of Motown, Jazzchronic, Shades of Gray, Shanveen Family Irish Band, and more. Call 678-226-2639 for directions and more information.

One big event in Downtown Atlanta that can't be forgotten is the Peach Drop. This huge event is free, and located around the Atlanta Underground in Downtown Atlanta. The festivities begin at 12:00pm on December 31st, and continue through the day, until the iconic Georgia Peach is dropped to bring in the New Year. Along with concerts, there is face painting, a moon walk, basketball throws, and more. Julianne Hough from "Dancing With the Stars" will be performing, as well as Atlanta's R&B group Az1. You can find out more by calling 404-523-2311, or visiting the Peace Drop website.

If you're willing to travel a bit, as I mentioned earlier, there is the Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain, which features a snow play area that includes three football fields of deep snow. There is a 30,000 square foot snow play area, and a 400 foot tubing hill. Tickets are purchased for two hours work of play time, and the mountain is open from 10:00am to 8:00pm on New Year's Eve day. It is also open for several days into the month of January. Tickets are $25, with an $8 parking fee. Due to it's popularity and place as a "Top Pick" on many Atlanta websites, advanced reservations are highly recommended. For more information, call 770-498-5690, or visit the Stone Mountain Park website .

Also a little out of Atlanta proper is the 12th Annual Lake Lanier Polar Bear Swim. As a fundraiser for the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club, participants take a dip in the freezing lake at the Finish tower at Lake Lanier Olympic Center. Crazy costumes are welcomed, and spectators can watch the Polar Bear swimmers for free. It is $25 per jumper or $50 per family, and each jumper recieves a t-shirt, a hot bowl of soup, a hot drink, and a dessert. The swim is at 2:00pm on January 1st, at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center in Gainesville. For information call 770-287-7888, or check the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club website.

There are also many activities that are fun to spend the holiday at that are not holding specific new years events. In Roswell, there is the Animal Encounter at the Chatahoochee Nature Center, which lets children, under the supervision of a wildlife biologist, get a look at one of the permanent residents with a 30-minute animal presentation. Entrance prices range from $5 to free, and there is a session at 4:00pm on January 2nd. Call 770-992-2055 for more information. Zoo Atlanta, as well as the Georgia Aquarium, are both open on New Year's Day. Medieval Times, a dinner show in Gwinnett County at Discover Mills, as two performances on December 31st, one at 6:00pm, and another at 9:30. Tickets are $49.95 for adults and $37.95 for children 12 and under. You can call Medieval Times at 1-866-543-9637, or visit their website for tickets.

Show this list to your family, and see what they are most interested in, because there are plenty of great ways to spend ringing in the new year, and many at little or no cost! Have a safe and happy New Year, and enjoy whichever activity you choose!