In the heart of Druid Hills, nestled on a beautiful 12-acre estate, is a magical place where people from all backgrounds can come to celebrate their winter holidays and more. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, located at 980 Briarcliff Road NE in Atlanta, is hosting its annual Winter House — a wonderland of art, music, and tradition, where everyone is welcome. If you are looking to enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends or celebrate a holiday, birthday, or other special occasion, Callanwolde’s Winter House is the perfect event for a distinctively unique experience.
There is something for everyone during Winter House. From November 25th through December 10th, the 27,000-square-foot historic mansion is beautifully decorated and ready for visitors to engage in festivities of all kinds. An array of activities for the whole family, workshops, dance performances, live concerts, and shopping are described by Callanwolde’s Executive Director, Andrew Keenan, as an inclusive, all-encompassing experience. “Callanwolde is a community arts center. We feel it’s important to be open to the entire community. Winter House gives people an opportunity to celebrate in the way they want, however they want.”
During Winter House, visitors can cozy up next to a warm, blazing fireplace, or step outside to make s’mores by the outdoor fire pits as live holiday music fills the air. Children can write letters to Santa and even visit with jolly Saint Nick himself. There are opportunities to experience Callanwolde’s most popular classes such as Throwing on the Wheel, and Andrew underscores the benefit of taking advantage. “This gives the community an opportunity to take the classes that sell out in 6 minutes during our normal registration, and participate in a workshop before committing to a full class.” Raku - a Japanese firing technique, jewelry making, hand-building, blacksmithing and more are being offered during Winter House as well. Register in advance for these classes, and when you do, you don’t have to bring anything but yourself.
If you’re looking for that special gift this season, Andrew boasts that the holiday artist market is sure to please. “We have a huge holiday artist market with professional, high-quality items. It’s a combination of our students and our award-winning faculty, especially the potters. The pottery is most prolific as Callanwolde has the largest pottery program in the Southeast. There are also items from outstanding jewelry and weaving artists. Somehow I manage to buy a scarf every year. You can come shop and buy hot chocolate, as well as beer and wine. There will be some food for sale as well.”
Live dance and musical performances are a big deal during Winter House. “Joe Gransden will perform a holiday show in our courtyard on December 2nd.” There will be performances by the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, and the Atlanta Young Singers. Callanwolde dancers will perform an original show called All Aboard, and a pianist plays when there is no performance.
Beyond all the things you can eat and drink, buy and experience, there is still more. How does etching glass and making clay gingerbread houses sound? What about candle making, wreath making, and winter landscape painting? If you have yet to be excited, how does 'free' sound? Andrew shares this about Winter House, “It’s an open house. You don’t have to pay to come in. We have things for sale and there is a cost for some things.” Workshops require registration, and some performances require tickets. To get tickets, sign up for classes, and to schedule time with Santa visit callanwolde.org. And by the way, your fur baby is welcome during your scheduled visit with Santa.
“Callanwolde is a community arts center. Winter House gives people an opportunity to celebrate in the way they want, however they want.”
