Get ready to make the most of the holiday season with our guide to the best things to do in Atlanta! 🎄✨ From festive activities and dazzling light displays to markets and shows, there are so many fun options to keep entertained all season long. Keep reading to hear about all the winter festivals, holiday light displays, tree lightings, ice skating, igloo experiences, theatrical performances, and pop-ups! 🎄✨
Festivals
Watch as some of your favorite city spaces transform into a festive paradise filled with twinkling lights, holiday crafts and gifts, parades and more! Plan your next epic family adventure at one or all of these winter festivals. 🎊Â
Daily from November 24 – December, 24, 2024
Immerse yourself in the fusion of traditional German festivities with the vibrancy of Atlanta! Wander through rows of beautifully decorated stalls, filled with unique crafts, delicious treats, and delightful holiday gifts.Â
Sunday, December 3, 4-7pm
Celebrate your first December Sunday with twinkling lights, a gift market, a magical evening parade, and more! Kick off the evening with live music by The Rupert’s Orchestra, and partake in attractions like strolling through Sparkle Wonderful and Sparkle Village, shopping for gifts at the gift market and ice skating. The Sparkle Parade steps off at 6pm and concludes with menorah and tree lighting ceremonies!
Friday, December 8 – Saturday, December 9, 2023
Ready for a jammed packed weekend of holiday fun for the whole family? Kick off Virginia Highland Winterfest with the Tour of Lights Block Party on Friday evening from 5:30-9pm. Then, start Saturday off with a Jingle Jog and Holiday Motor Parade, and continue the festivities at the holiday market, kids corner and more!
Light Shows
Immerse yourself in a sparkling wonderland as thousands of twinkling lights come to life, spreading bright holiday cheer in and around Atlanta. Keep reading to see where you can stroll through a magical display near you! 🌟Â
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Opening nightly through January 14
Atlanta’s beloved garden lights are open at Atlanta Botanical Garden through January 14, and this year’s display is better than ever with a new “kiss me” Instagram moment, gigantic lighted butterflies and more!
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
Open nightly through January 1
Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens is fun for the whole family with their Christmas village, Tree of Traditions, walk-through Winter Wonderland and drive-through lights experience, featuring 10 million lights and 17 Christmas Scenes!
Enchanted Safari at Six Flags in Marietta
Open nightly through December 31
World of Illumination is back in Atlanta for the most epic holiday jungle experience at Enchanted Safari. Marvel at creatures light up the night from peacocks to reindeers, jellyfish, and more!Â
Open nightly through December 30
Witness the enchanting light display at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre from 6 to 10pm. Partake in either a walking or driving holiday lights experience! Check out the special nights to bring your dog, listen to live performers, and more.Â
Illuminights: A Chinese Lantern Festival
Open on select days through January 14
Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta is a one-of-a-kind Chinese Lantern experience with captivating lanterns and illuminated animals! While most animals are sleeping at night, catch limited animal sightings after hours. Â
Open weekends & school holidays through January 2
Experience Stone Mountain Christmas with the whole family with a laser light show, as well as park attractions like the Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more!
Photo by Colony Square
Tree and Other Lightings
Illuminate the city with holiday cheer at these Atlanta tree lightings and menorah lightings! 🎄Â
Where: Colony Square | Midtown Atlanta, GA
When: Select Mondays – Sundays at the top of each hour (5PM, 6PM, 7PM, and 8PM)
Where: City Springs | Sandy Springs, GA
When: Sunday, December 3Â
Where: Multiple locations (Decatur, Virginia Highland, Atlantic Station, Ponce City Market)
When: Sunday, December 10 – Thursday, December 14, 2023
Ice SkatingÂ
Your winter bucket list is not complete without some ice skating! Check out where you can skate in Atlanta. ⛸
Skate the Station: November 17 – January 1
Avalon on Ice: November 19 – January 15
The Rink @ Park Tavern: November 25 – January17
Skate the Sky @ Ponce City Roof: November 24 – January 7
Skate City Springs @ City Green in Sandy Springs: November 24 – January 21
Igloos
Ready to cozy up in an igloo with your friends and family while sipping on holiday booze or cocoa? Check out some of these special igloos! ❄️
Skate the Sky Igloos at Ponce City Market
Enjoy a rink-side igloo experience on The Roof! Enjoy Skate the Sky six-person Igloos for all ages and 21+ groups. Skate the Sky igloos include general admission to The Roof, sharable food, skate rentals, 50 minutes of skate time, and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park (when available).Â
9 Mile Station Igloos at Ponce City Market
Looking to be transported to a Swiss woodland chalet? 9 Mile Station restaurant igloos will offer full-service dining, plus general admission to The Roof and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park.
Igloos at The Cape RestaurantÂ
Igloos have made it to The Cape at Avalon in Alpharetta. Gather a group to enjoy their holiday cocktail menu and South African inspired dishes! Plus, the whole restaurant is decked out in a Pink Christmas theme!
Wonderland Igloos at Willow BarÂ
Willow Bar’s Wonderland Igloos can accommodate small and large (up to 10 people) group sizes. The Wonderland igloos costs $85 per person prepaid, plus tax and 20% gratuity, and the price includes the food package and rental fee.Â
Twinkling on The Terrace Igloo & Chalet at Avalon
Spend your evening relaxed in an igloo with themed cocktails, a bottle of Prosecco, food, music, and more. Enjoy the Igloo experience for up to six guests on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays evenings. Prices range from $250-$350 for both the rental and food & beverage minimum.
Photo by Alliance Theatre
TheaterÂ
Celebrate the arts and find yourself in awe at these holiday shows and performances. đźŽ
Christmas Carol at Alliance Theatre: November 11 – December 24.
The Nutcracker 2023 at Gas South Theatre: December 8 – 10 & 14
A Charlie Brown Christmas at Atlanta Symphony Hall: December 13 @ 7pm
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Fox Theatre: December 15 – 16
Pop-Ups
Holidays in Atlanta would not be complete without visit holiday pop-up bars, and luckily Atlanta has 30+ this year. Check out my round-up here and partake in the festivities! 🎅Â
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