The time has come again for Christmas in Atlanta, which means lights, Santa, decorations, and fun! There are quite a few things to do in Atlanta for the holidays and in surrounding areas. This guide will help you find joy with family, friends, a loved one, or even through holiday exploration by yourself. Time to get started with things to do in Atlanta for the holidays and Christmas in Atlanta.
Skate
Skate the Sky at Ponce City Market on the roof of Ponce City Market is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas in Atlanta. Get ready for laughs, memories, and maybe a few falls. You want to make reservations ahead of time, and the cost is $10 for rooftop access and $15 to skate.
Garden Lights
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is always a great place to plan a day or night, but it is extra special during the holidays with its Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Tickets are non-refundable, and there are no rain checks, so please be mindful when booking. The lights, seasonal plants, and flowers are a magical experience. The exhibit is there until January 14th.
Atlanta Christkindl Market
Buckhead hosts a traditional German Christkindl Market with free entry in the Buckhead Village District. The event is in town until Christmas Eve. Try German food and beverages and grab unique gifts while attending this less-than-typical holiday event!
Georgia Holiday Fun
Snow Mountain Park
Traveling for about 35 minutes (without heavy traffic) will take you to a winter wonderland at Stone Mountain Park. Activities include displays with over two million Christmas lights, performances, and man-made snow for snow tubing. Please call or check online for exact pricing.
Lights on the Lake
Lake Lanier has a drive-through light show and a walk-through option for fun for the entire family with Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular. Tickets range from $19.99 – $24.99. Other activities include the License to Chill Snow Island and Santa’s Tiki Bar. Stay in the holiday spirit until January 16, 2023.
Callaway Gardens
National Geographic awarded Fantasy Lights at Callaway Gardens as one of the Top 10 Christmas Light Displays in the World. Enjoy Christmas and eight million holiday lights divided into sixteen sections. There is sure to be a favorite in the bunch for everyone attending. The event will run until January 11, 2023. This year is the 30th anniversary, and they have added Celebration Lake to commemorate the special occasion.
The Nutcracker
Enjoy the Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Cobb Energy Performance Arts Centre. Beginning December 9th until the 26th, an incredible holiday experience awaits guests. The show adds a special twist to the Christmas classic for everyone to enjoy.
Christmas Day
As you can see, there are things to do in Atlanta for the holidays, and yes, there are things to do on Christmas Day. Atlanta Botanical Gardens will be open on Christmas Day with the Christmas lights on full display. Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights will also be available on Christmas Day, and it is a good option if you will not be in Atlanta but closer to that area. Lake Lanier will also have their Christmas lights for a portion of Christmas Day, from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
This year, the ice-skating rink and Atlanta Station Christmas lights are another option for Christmas Day. Avalon in Alpharetta has a family-friendly indoor ice rink open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Christmas. If you plan to stay closer to the city and enjoy things to do in Atlanta for the holidays after opening gifts, the Skyview Ferris Wheel will be an option to continue the Christmas in Atlanta experience.
Catch Santa Too!
Please check on times, reservations, and prices before arriving for pictures.
Phipps Plaza – Until December 23rd
Georgia Aquarium – Until December 24th
Cumberland Mall – Until December 24th
Mall of Georgia – Until December 24th
South DeKalb Mall – Until December 24th
Happy Holidays!