Image courtesy of Atlantic Station.

The weather may be smoky instead of snowy, but the holiday season is just around the corner.

Atlantic Station will kick off its holiday season events on Saturday with an annual tree lighting, fireworks, ice skating, snow shows and Santa.

Atlantic Station will also have Atlanta’s first German Christkindl Market this year, opening on Dec. 2.

Santa’s cottage, where children can meet the jolly old elf, will be open in Central Park Dec. 19-24. The ice skating rink also opens on Dec. 19. To see times and special events, click here.

New to Atlantic Station this year, the authentic German Christkindl Market in  Central Park is put on by the German American Cultural Foundation. The free outdoor festival runs Dec. 2- 24. It features a Christmas village of wooden booths selling imported German indulgences as well as handmade Christmas ornaments and one-of-a-kind gifts.

“Come for the mulled wine and hot chocolate, stay for the culture,” their website invites.

Schedule of events for Lighting of Atlantic Station, Nov. 19:

1 – 7 p.m. Holidays performances on the main stage in Central Park, featuring community groups and local artists; plus, holiday happenings will be taking place all over property, including live reindeer, photo ops, musical experiences, and more.

7:30 – 8 p.m. Sammy Sinatra and the Mad Men take the main stage in Central Park to headline the evening with high-energy holiday swing music.

8 – 8:30 p.m. The annual holiday parade becomes the official welcome of Santa Claus. Look for the parade route stickers on property to find a great spot to see all of the action.

8:30 – 9:30 p.m. Santa Claus and Atlanta television legend Brenda Wood 11Alive light Midtown’s greatest tree, followed by a fireworks show.