Good morning, Decatur.

MARTA is launching festive seasonal activities, offering free rides on specially wrapped buses until Dec.

31 and hosting a holiday market with local artisans, treats, crafts, DJ and Santa at Kensington Station on Dec. 11 (caroling events are planned later this month).

Decatur WatchFest ’26 held its FIFA World Cup draw on Dec.

5 at Benchwarmers Sports Grill, where 42 teams were revealed with sports legends present; the event will feature 34 days of free music and activities on Decatur Square during summer 2026, with Big Boi and the Indigo Girls headlining.

Mellow Mushroom in downtown Decatur reopened on Monday, Dec.

8 at 340 W. Ponce de Leon Ave — with a refreshed look featuring murals by local artist Ben Janik — and the first 25 patrons received a tote bag with bonus items as the restaurant tests new menu offerings.

The DeKalb County School Board approved a plan to renovate century-old Druid Hills High School at a cost between $140 million and $185 million after student and parent concerns over cramped classrooms; the project will be designed and permitted over the next year.

The school board will vote on a plan to update Druid Hills High School — to improve classrooms and facilities — at its upcoming meeting.

City Schools of Decatur postponed the groundbreaking for the new Early Childhood Learning Center (346 W.

Trinity Place on Electric Avenue) pending a judge's ruling on the $23 million bond financing; officials say the project will continue amid legal and funding challenges raised by parents and state legislators.

Lottery officials confirmed a ticket sold in Georgia won a 1 million dollar second tier payout after Friday night's Powerball drawing — the jackpot now stands at 875 million dollars.

Decatur fire officials reported a shortage of fire trucks that risks lives by potentially delaying emergency responses; they plan to add more vehicles in the coming weeks to improve safety.

Georgia officials will supply Narcan kits to every public school to help reverse overdoses.

The measure aims to protect students, teachers, and visitors today as similar programs roll out statewide.

Every public school in Georgia will get an overdose reversal kit with naloxone (Narcan) as part of a state-funded effort following Senate Bill 395.

Over 2,300 schools in metro Atlanta, southwest and central Georgia received kits this fall; the final phase will cover the rest in spring.

A Jazzy Holiday Celebration

12-6 p.m. — Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center — Tickets from $22.13 — Enjoy an afternoon of jazzy holiday spirit with bass virtuoso Edwin Williams and friends.

Decatur Holiday Marketplace 2025

5:30-9 p.m. & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Clairemont Elementary School — Free entry — Celebrate the season with handmade goods from talented local artisans.

Natural Hair Fest Atlanta

10 AM – 6 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory — Free entry — Celebrate and empower the beauty of natural hair with vendors, discussions, and demonstrations.

Eddie's Attic Songwriters Open Mic Night

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — Tickets from $11.12 — Experience the best of local songwriting talent in a cozy venue.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Concert

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $28.92 — Celebrate the holidays with timeless music from A Charlie Brown Christmas performed by The Kyle Bryant Trio.

Candlelight Concert: Neo-Soul Favorites

4:15-5:14 p.m. — The Chapel on Sycamore — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of legends like Prince and Childish Gambino illuminated by candlelight.

Urban Nutcracker 2025

3-5 p.m. — Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center — Tickets available — Experience a unique urban interpretation of the classic Nutcracker ballet by Ballethnic Dance Company.

Cece Benz and Stratton James Trio Concert

7-9 p.m. — Eddie's Attic — From $20.03 — Experience an evening of indie pop as Cece Benz shares her heartfelt storytelling and music.