Atlanta November 20, 2024
As December approaches in Atlanta, the city transforms into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer. Glittering lights and festive garlands illuminate the lively streets, cherished landmarks, and charming neighborhood. Atlanta captures the magic of the season with its perfect blend of charm and energy.
Whether you’re exploring dazzling light displays, enjoying seasonal performances, or indulging in comforting cuisine, this guide will help you uncover the best ways to celebrate the holidays in Atlanta with your friends, family, and loved ones.
Atlanta’s cherished holiday tradition returns: Illuminights at the Zoo, transforming into a glowing wonderland with new lanterns and wildlife-inspired displays. Perfect for family outings, date nights, or festive fun with friends, guests can enjoy a mile-long stroll through dazzling lights, sip on hot cocoa or holiday spirits, and snap photo-worthy moments at every turn.
Dates: Now–Jan. 19 | Location: Zoo Atlanta: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 Click For More information
The 14th annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers visitors a breathtaking journey through nearly two million twinkling lights adorning trees, sculptures, and themed displays.
Dates: Nov. 16–Jan. 12 | Location: Atlanta Botanical Garden: 1345 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30309 Click For More information
Experience the holiday spirit at the Atlanta Christkindl Market, now at two locations – Buckhead and Galleria on the Park! Where classic German traditions merge with Atlanta’s vibrant energy, delight in delicious treats, browse handcrafted gifts, and soak in the festive atmosphere. This enchanting celebration blends old-world charm with the city’s dynamic modern flair, offering a holiday experience unlike any other.
Buckhead Dates: Nov. 22–Dec. 24 | Buckhead Location: Buckhead Village District: 200 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | Galleria Dates: Nov. 29–Dec. 22 Galleria Location: Galleria on the Park: 100 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Click For More information
Gather around a roaring bonfire on the Decatur Square. Enjoy free hot chocolate, marshmallows, and roasting sticks (while supplies last) or bring your own. Bonfire lights at 6PM, marshmallow roasting starts at 7PM. Don’t miss this cozy, free event!
Dates: Dec. 12 | Location: Decatur Square: 101 East Court Sq, Decatur, GA 30030 Click For More information
Join the holiday fun at SantaCon in Decatur! Dress in your jolliest attire for a festive night of karaoke, a costume contest, and holiday cheer. Explore nearby pubs and restaurants for cocktails, mocktails, and bites to keep the party going. Grown-ups only!
Dates: Dec. 14 | Location: Decatur Square: 101 East Court Sq, Decatur, GA 30030 Click For More information
The iconic Rocketfeller-inspired ice skating rink, Avalon on Ice has returned, offering guests the chance to glide into the holiday spirit. Advance reservations are recommended to secure a skating time slot, though walk-ups are welcome based on availability. Don’t miss this cherished seasonal experience!
Dates: Nov. 24–Jan. 20 | Location: The Plaza at Avalon: 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Click For More information
Bring your camera for photos, crafts, playtime, and a visit with Santa! Each child gets a special gift and cookies from Santa to end the event. This intimate, limited capacity experience is $55 per child (max 2 adults per family)
Dates: Dec. 21 | Location: Play Street Museum: 11770 Haynes Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Click For More information
Lace up your skates and glide under the stars at Atlanta’s largest outdoor rink with a return of Skate the Station. Atlantic Station is ready to get you into the holiday spirit with a lineup of exciting themed nights. Tickets, season passes, and group sales are now available, all including skate rentals. Bundle up and make unforgettable memories this season at Skate the Station!
Dates: Nov. 17–Jan. 15 | Location: Atlantic Station: 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30363 Click For More information
Rudolph’s Rink anchors the holiday in the Haven at Brookhaven park, featuring Snowed in Cinema, Santa’s Village, Festive Food Lane, and Grinch Games for family fun!
Dates: Dec. 7–Jan. 5 | Location: Brookhaven Park: 4158 Peachtree Rd, Brookhaven, GA 30319 Click For More information
Reserve a cozy, private igloo for your next gathering, perfect for up to 6 guests. Skate the Sky Igloo reservations include general admission to The Roof, 2 hours in a heated, decorated igloo with a dedicated server, skate rentals, 50 minutes of skating, and unlimited access to Skyline Park games and rides (when available). Additional food and drinks can be purchased inside the igloo.
Dates: Nov. 25–Jan. 8 | Location: The Roof at PCM: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 Click For More information
Escape an island-inspired winter wonderland just outside Atlanta! Snow Island at Lanier Islands offers year-round fun for all ages, and every winter, it transforms into the magical License to Chill Snow Island. Experience the thrill of one of North America's longest snow tubing slides, glide across the ice rink, enjoy festival carnival rides, and soak in the flow of breathtaking Lakeside Lights Spectacular
Dates: Nov. 16–Feb | Location: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518 Click For More information
Join Chabad and the City of Alpharetta for the annual lighting of the Alpharetta Menorah on the Town Green.
Dates: Dec. 25th | Location: Town Green: 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Click For More information
Celebrate Chanukah on the square with hot drinks, latkes, music, photos with Mr. Dreidel, and a gelt drop by the Decatur Fire Department!
Dates: Dec. 29 | Location: Decatur Square: 101 East Court Sq, Decatur, GA 30030 Click For More information
The Alliance Theatre’s A Christmas Carol returns to The Coca-Cola Stage, enchanting audiences with stunning performances, striking costumes, and live music. Journey to Victorian London for Ebenezer Scrooge’s timeless tale of redemption in this beloved Atlanta holiday tradition.
Dates: Nov. 9–Dec. 24 | Location: Alliance Theatre 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 Click For More information
Step into a world of enchantment this holiday season with Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Immerse yourself in a dazzling winter wonderland where snowflakes dance, flowers bloom in elegant twirls, and stars spin in a breathtaking display. This reimagined production, brought to life by the iconic Tchaikovsky score performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Dates: Dec. 7–Dec. 26 | Location: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre: 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Click For More information
The beloved holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage, is brought to life in a Broadway-style production. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, and the entire Peanuts gang as they discover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score. With stunning sets, colorful costumes, and lively choreography, this critically acclaimed show delighted over 300,000 fans across holiday seasons.
Dates: Dec. 18 | Location: Atlanta Symphony Hall: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 Click For More information
Blind Pig Parlour is celebrating the season with its holiday pop-up, The Blind Elf. Enjoy festive decor, themed cocktails like the Polar Express Martini, and delicious bites like pigs in a blanket. It’s the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit in Buckhead.
Dates: Now–Jan. 4 | Location: The Blind Pig Parlour Bar: 128 E Andrews Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 Click For More information
Enter the Grinch’s lair for a festive treat! Grinchmas pop-up bar offers Whoville-inspired cocktails, tasty bites, and holiday cheer. Even the grumpiest heart will feel the magic of this winter wonderland!
Dates: Now–Jan. 5 | Location: Mercantile Social: 20 N Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30004 Click For More information
Looking to shake up your Christmas routine? Head to Elf’d UP, Alpharetta’s favorite pop-up bar! Soak in the festive vibes with holiday themed drinks, Instagram-worthy photo ops, and a sea of tacky sweaters.
Dates: Now–Dec. 31st | Location: Up on the Roof: 33 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Click For More information
Embrace the season at Drawbar’s Holiday Hideaway, a cozy winter retreat with festive decor and a special cocktail menu. This enchanting pop-up offers the perfect spot to sip and celebrate.
Dates: Now–Dec. 29 | Location: Bellyard: 1 Interlock Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 Click For More information
Dazzle your senses at Tinsel Tavern, where tinsel and twinkling lights set the scene for speciality holiday cocktails, tasty small bites, Instagram-worthy photo moments, themed nights and more!
Dates: Nov 30–Dec. 22 | Location: Battery: 825 Battery Ave SE, Suite 610, Atlanta, GA 30339 Click For More information
Little Spirit in Inman Park transforms into Little Christmas Spirit for the holidays, serving up festive drinks like hot toddies, boozy hot chocolate, and mulled wine. This cozy cocktail spot, known for its musical vibe featuring legends like David Bowie and Biggie Smalls, is the perfect place to celebrate the season.
Dates: Call for Dates | Location: Inman Park: 299 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 Click For More information
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