2. Atlanta

Tried-and-True Tradition: Pink Pig Rides at Macy’s (pictured) 
 Lenox Square in Buckhead
Ride Priscilla, the bubblegum-colored train in the shape of a pig, still chugging on the upper parking deck after 56 years. The 2009 version moves through a life-size storybook showing the ride’s history. This rite of passage costs $3 a trip; hours and printable two-for-one discount coupons at macys.com/campaign/pinkpig/home.jsp

Becoming a Tradition: Centennial Olympic Park Ice-skating
Downtown, across from CNN Center
The rink’s ready with rental skates ($2) and a view of the skyline. Multicolor rays bathe the ice in holiday hues to a seasonal soundtrack. It’s $7 for 90 minutes. Parking at the Green Lot on the Marietta Street side of the park, $8. centennialpark.com