Atlanta transforms in December. Trees light up the skyline, neighborhoods turn into glowing displays, and holiday events pop up in nearly every corner of the city. Whether you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit, there’s no shortage of Christmas events, lights, markets, and family activities to choose from.
Below is a clear guide to some of the most popular Atlanta Christmas events and what to know before you go.
Stone Mountain Park is one of the best-known Christmas destinations near Atlanta.
What to expect:
Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (770) 498-5690
Tips:
The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown is famous for its immersive light experience.
Highlights:
Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876-5859
Tips:
Six Flags Over Georgia turns into a holiday theme park with rides and lights.
What you’ll find:
Location:
Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Pkwy
Austell, GA 30168
Phone: (770) 739-3400
Tips:
Many seasons, the Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts a large drive-through light display, sometimes paired with holiday activities.
Typical features:
Location:
Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Pl
Hampton, GA 30228
Phone: (770) 946-4211
Tips:
Many Atlanta neighborhoods are known for holiday lights and decorations that are fun to explore by car or on foot.
Areas to check out (varies by year):
Because neighborhood participation changes year to year, many locals:
Several Atlanta-area malls and attractions offer visits and pictures with Santa.
Common locations include:
Lenox Square (Buckhead)
3393 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 233-6767
Perimeter Mall (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs area)
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd
Atlanta, GA 30346
Phone: (770) 394-4270
Cumberland Mall (Cobb County, just outside the Perimeter)
2860 Cumberland Mall
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (770) 435-2206
Tips:
Families in Atlanta often look for hands-on, kid-friendly Christmas events.
Common options include:
Holiday programs and storytimes at Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branches
Seasonal programming at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 659-5437
Arts, crafts, and performances at local recreation centers through City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
Main office:
233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 546-6813
Always confirm each location’s holiday schedule, age guidelines, and whether registration is required for special events.
The historic Fox Theatre often hosts ballet, concerts, and special holiday shows.
Location:
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Box Office Phone: (855) 285-8499
Expect to see:
Other major Atlanta arts organizations frequently offer Christmas or winter-themed shows:
Atlanta Ballet – Often known for staging “The Nutcracker”
1695 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 873-5811
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Typically offers holiday-themed concerts
Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 733-4800
Local theaters (such as those in Midtown, Little Five Points, and Decatur) often stage:
🎭 Planning tip:
Holiday performances can sell out early. If you’re set on a specific show or date, buy tickets in advance and allow extra time for Midtown traffic and parking.
Atlanta usually hosts several holiday markets where you can browse local vendors, seasonal food, and handmade gifts.
You may find:
Because locations and vendors change year to year, many locals:
Major shopping areas often add extra holiday touches:
Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (Buckhead) – Holiday decorations, extended shopping hours, and Santa experiences.
Atlantic Station – Seasonal décor, ice skating in some years, and pop-up holiday events.
1380 Atlantic Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30363
Management Office Phone: (404) 733-1221
The Battery Atlanta (near Truist Park) – Festive lights, dining, and occasional seasonal events.
800 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
🛍️ Tip: If you’re shopping and attending events in the same area, plan your parking strategy. Some places validate parking with purchases; others have flat event rates.
Many Atlanta residents and visitors include church services and religious events as part of their Christmas season.
Common options:
Atlanta has a wide range of churches, including:
Ebenezer Baptist Church
101 Jackson St NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 688-7300
The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
48 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 521-1866
Many other Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and non-denominational congregations throughout the metro area.
⛪ How to plan:
Check each church’s official calendar for service times, children’s programs, and whether pre-registration is required for popular services.
Many Atlanta residents use the holiday season as a time to support local charities, shelters, and food banks.
Common ways to help:
Some well-known organizations that often coordinate holiday-focused support:
Atlanta Community Food Bank
3400 North Desert Dr
Atlanta, GA 30344
Phone: (404) 892-3333
Atlanta Mission (homeless services and shelters)
2353 Bolton Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 588-4000
Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Command
1000 Center Place
Norcross, GA 30093
Phone: (770) 441-6200
🎁 Tip:
Holiday volunteer slots can fill up quickly, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas week. If direct holiday volunteering is full, many organizations welcome donations or help at other times in December and January.
| Type of Event | Typical Locations | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Big light displays | Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta Motor Speedway | Families, date nights, visitors |
| Walk-through light shows | Atlanta Botanical Garden, city parks | Couples, families, photographers |
| Theme park holiday nights | Six Flags Over Georgia | Thrill seekers, older kids, teens |
| Santa & mall experiences | Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, Cumberland | Young children, family photos |
| Holiday performances | Fox Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Symphony Hall | Arts lovers, special nights out |
| Markets & shopping events | Midtown, Buckhead, Atlantic Station, Ponce City Market | Gift shopping, casual outings |
| Religious services | Churches across Atlanta | Worship, choir music, tradition |
| Volunteering & charity | Food banks, shelters, local nonprofits | Giving back, community connection |
Plan around traffic:
Evening events near Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and stadium areas can be affected by rush hour and sports games. Leave extra time.
Consider MARTA where possible:
Many major venues (Fox Theatre, Downtown attractions, some shopping areas) are near MARTA rail stations, which can help avoid parking stress.
Check weather and dress in layers:
Atlanta winters are usually mild but can swing from warm days to chilly nights. Outdoor events can feel much colder after dark.
Confirm dates and hours:
Event schedules can change year to year. Before heading out, verify:
Budget for extras:
Parking, special activities, souvenirs, and food can add up. Many locals plan one or two “big ticket” events and fill the rest of the season with free or low-cost neighborhood lights and community programs.
With a bit of planning, Atlanta, Georgia Christmas events offer options for every age, budget, and style—from glittering garden lights to quiet candlelight services and bustling holiday markets.
