{"id":5585,"date":"2016-12-06T11:19:04","date_gmt":"2016-12-06T16:19:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=5585"},"modified":"2016-12-07T15:49:42","modified_gmt":"2016-12-07T20:49:42","slug":"atl-tree-lighting-ceremony-kicks-off-global-winter-wonderland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/atl-tree-lighting-ceremony-kicks-off-global-winter-wonderland\/","title":{"rendered":"ATL tree lighting ceremony kicks off ‘Global Winter Wonderland’"},"content":{"rendered":"

By\u00a0Anika Robertson
\nSenior Editor\/Assistant Public Relations Manager<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

Leaders at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) ushered in the holiday season Nov. 29 with a tree lighting ceremony and customer appreciation kick-off at the world\u2019s busiest and most efficient airport.<\/p>\n

ATL officials were joined by diplomatic guests, holiday carolers, employees, volunteers, pets and life-size children\u2019s characters to mark the start of \u201cGlobal Winter Wonderland,\u201d a series of customer appreciation events during one of the busiest travel seasons.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe entire Airport team is excited and geared up to provide our guests with a memorable and enchanting holiday experience \u2026 one filled with the special sights and spectacular sounds of the season,\u201d Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith told attendees in the Domestic Terminal atrium. \u201cThis year, we are expecting to top 105 million passengers. But no matter how many passengers we welcome at Hartsfield-Jackson, rest assured we will continue to work hard to provide each guest a friendly, efficient and memorable travel experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the holidays are observed every year at Hartsfield-Jackson, this year\u2019s activities have an international focus. Georgia Consular Corps representatives from more than a dozen countries joined Hartsfield-Jackson leaders to count down the lighting of the 18-foot tree topped with a 3-foot, 3-D LED star. In addition, these diplomats provided 12 trees uniquely designed for and by their country in the International Terminal and on Concourse E. Featured countries are Argentina, The Bahamas, Canada, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Lithuania, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Turkey and United Kingdom.<\/p>\n

To highlight this installation, ATL Director of International Business Alrene Barr invited each international delegate present to hang a holiday ornament on the Domestic Terminal tree.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn addition to the individually decorated trees, we invited members of our Consular Corps to collaborate with us in globalizing our Domestic [Terminal] tree by incorporating a token of their culture,\u201d Barr said. Ornaments include those from Albania, Israel, Czech Republic and Guyana.<\/p>\n

The event began with a traditional candlelit Lucia procession by Swedish choir Northern Lights, who sang holiday and cultural winter songs. A Salvation Army five-piece brass ensemble featuring some of the Southeast\u2019s best musicians performed Christmas classics.<\/p>\n

During the event, festively attired greyhounds and a German Shepherd mix courtesy of CAREing Paws solicited rubs from attendees and passers-by while several life-size children\u2019s characters, including Mickey Mouse, Paw Patrol\u2019s Marshall and Cinderella, milled about and greeted guests.<\/p>\n

The monthlong holiday celebration will delight and entertain passengers with\u00a0festive decorations and live music throughout the Airport. In addition, Department of Aviation staff and Airport partners will distribute small travel treats, and guests can enjoy post-security gift-wrapping at all concourse centerpoints.<\/p>\n

For more information on \u201cGlobal Winter Wonderland\u201d and the schedule of events, visit www.atl.com\/global-winter-wonderland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"ATL

Clockwise from top: Global Consular Corps delegates pose with ATL Director of International Business Alrene Barr in front of Domestic Terminal tree. ATL’s newly lit Domestic Terminal tree. Bottom right: Traditional Swedish choir Northern Lights. Bottom left: A toddler enjoys the festivities. Left center: Greyhounds are dressed for the occasion. Upper left: A holiday ornament donated by Haitian delegate.<\/p><\/div>\n