As the holiday season unfolds, Atlanta offers a plethora of exciting events and activities that cater to all interests and ages. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your weekend in this vibrant city.
Holiday Lights and Displays
Atlanta is renowned for its spectacular holiday lights displays, which are a must-visit during this time of the year.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: This annual event at the Atlanta Botanical Garden features stunning light displays and runs from November 16, 2024, to January 12, 2025[1][3].
Cosmic Sleighride: Enjoy a drive-through holiday lights show at Six Flags White Water in Marietta, available from November 15 to December 29, 2024[1][3].
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia: Experience over 1 million LED lights, Christmas trees, and festive shows, running through January 5, 2025[3].
Ice Skating and Winter Activities
Get into the winter spirit with outdoor ice skating and other festive activities.
Skate the Station: Atlantic Station hosts an outdoor holiday skating rink with themed nights, open from November 15, 2024, to January 20, 2025[1][3].
Snow Days at Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Engage in hands-on winter activities, including snowball fights and skating at Sockefeller Plaza, through January 2, 2025[3].
Holiday Markets and Shopping
Explore the city’s festive markets for unique gifts, food, and drinks.
Atlanta Christkindl Market: Visit this German-style holiday market at Buckhead Village District and Galleria on the Park, featuring handmade gifts and more, from November 22 to December 24, 2024[1][3].
Back to Nature Holiday Market: Another great spot to find unique holiday gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere[3].
Holiday Performances and Shows
Atlanta’s theaters and performance venues are filled with holiday classics and special events.
A Christmas Story: Catch this holiday performance at The Balzer Theater at Theatrical Outfit from November 20 to December 24, 2024[1].
Northeast Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Enjoy the classic ballet at the Gas South Theater from November 29 to December 1, 2024[1].
‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil: A reimagined holiday show at the Fox Theatre, running from November 29 to December 15, 2024[1].
Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour: Listen to holiday music by this Tony and Grammy-Award winning artist at Atlanta Symphony Hall on December 13, 2024[3].
Cultural and Community Events
Participate in various cultural and community events that celebrate the holiday season.
27th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: Held at the City of South Fulton Southwest Arts Center on December 28, featuring unique gifts, dance presentations, and a Kwanzaa ceremony[5].
Menorah Lighting: Attend the menorah lighting ceremony at Decatur Square on December 29, 2024[5].
Family-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of activities designed for families to enjoy together.
Holiday Bricktacular at LEGO Discovery Center: Engage in seasonal LEGO activities, meet the LEGO Gingerbread Man, and enjoy festive treats through December 31, 2024[3].
Holidays at Georgia Aquarium: Enjoy festive music, winter-inspired projections, and a 40-foot live tree, along with photos with Santa, through January 2, 2025[3].
Stone Mountain Christmas: Experience a Christmas Drone & Light Show, Santa flying overhead to light the Enchanted Tree, and other festive activities at Stone Mountain Park through January 5, 2025[3].
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
As the year comes to a close, Atlanta prepares for New Year’s Eve with various celebrations.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations and Fireworks: Atlanta usually rounds out the year with New Year’s Eve celebrations and fireworks, making it a great time to be in the city[1].
Most Important Facts:
Holiday Lights Displays: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Cosmic Sleighride at Six Flags White Water, and Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Ice Skating: Skate the Station at Atlantic Station and Snow Days at Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
Holiday Markets: Atlanta Christkindl Market and Back to Nature Holiday Market.
Holiday Performances: A Christmas Story, Northeast Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker, ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil, and Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour.
Cultural Events: 27th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Menorah Lighting.
Family Activities: Holiday Bricktacular at LEGO Discovery Center, Holidays at Georgia Aquarium, and Stone Mountain Christmas.
New Year’s Eve: Various celebrations and fireworks events around the city.
