The Best Christmas Things To Do in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Holiday Fun

Atlanta turns into a full-on holiday playground in December, with light displays, festive shows, ice skating, and neighborhood pop-ups all over the city. Whether you live in the metro area or are visiting for the season, there are plenty of Christmas things to do in Atlanta for every age and budget.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to the major traditions, hidden gems, and ways to plan your holiday outings around the city.

Classic Atlanta Christmas Light Displays

Atlanta Botanical Garden – Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

One of the city’s most popular traditions, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights transforms the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a huge outdoor light experience.

• Highlights: Walk-through light tunnels, themed gardens, music-synced displays, hot cocoa and seasonal snacks.
• Best for: Families, date nights, visitors seeing Atlanta holiday “musts.”
• Tips:
  • Reserve tickets and entry times early; prime weekend slots often sell out.
  • Arrive a little before sunset so you can enjoy both the garden and the lights as they come on.

Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Atlanta Zoo Holiday Lights (Seasonal)

During the holidays, Zoo Atlanta typically offers an after-hours light experience with illuminated animal lanterns and themed displays.

• Highlights: Larger-than-life animal figures, kid-friendly paths, holiday snacks, and photo spots.
• Best for: Families with young kids, groups looking for a relaxed evening walk.

Location:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Check seasonal schedules, as dates and hours can change from year to year.

Stone Mountain Christmas

Just east of the city, Stone Mountain Park becomes a full Christmas village.

• What to expect:
  • Holiday light shows and street parades
  • Live performances and carolers
  • Seasonal train rides and character meet-and-greets
• Best for: Families, larger groups, visitors who want an all-day (and night) holiday outing.

Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Parking and attraction access are usually separate, so plan ahead for tickets and fees.

Neighborhood Light Displays Around Atlanta

Many Atlanta neighborhoods go all-in on Christmas lights. While specific houses change year to year, a few areas are consistently popular:

• Brookhaven & Buckhead residential streets: Large homes with elaborate displays and lawn decorations.
• Grant Park & Cabbagetown side streets: Quirky, creative setups with lots of character.
• Suburbs like Marietta, Duluth, and Roswell: Often feature drive-through displays, neighborhood contests, and park-based lights.

A good approach is to choose a neighborhood, park nearby, and stroll the streets to see which homes are decorated that season.

Holiday Shows, Theater, and Performances

The Fox Theatre – Holiday Concerts & Specials

The historic Fox Theatre often hosts a range of holiday-themed programming, such as:

• Christmas concerts
• Film screenings of classic holiday movies
• Touring holiday stage shows

Location:
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

If you’re visiting downtown or Midtown, pairing a Fox event with dinner on Peachtree Street makes for a classic Atlanta holiday evening.

The Nutcracker & Seasonal Ballet

The Nutcracker is a December staple in Atlanta, typically performed by major local ballet companies at major venues.

• Why go: Iconic holiday story, accessible for kids and adults, and a nice “dress up” outing.
• Tips:
  • Matinee shows are often friendlier for families with young children.
  • Weeknight performances may be less crowded than weekend nights.

Check local performance calendars for the current season’s venue and schedule.

Holiday Concerts and Choir Performances

Throughout December, churches, universities, and arts organizations in Atlanta host Christmas concerts, including:

• Choral performances and candlelight services
• Orchestra and chamber music concerts
• Contemporary holiday shows in smaller venues

Areas like Midtown, Decatur, and Buckhead tend to have multiple options within walking or short driving distance, especially on weekends.

Christmas Markets, Shopping, and Festive Strolls

Atlantic Station – Holiday Experiences & Shopping

Atlantic Station, on the Westside of Midtown, usually offers:

• An outdoor Christmas tree and light displays
• Pop-up holiday markets and artisan vendors
• Seasonal ice skating rink (more on that below)
• Plenty of restaurants and shops

Location:
Atlantic Station
1380 Atlantic Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30363

It’s a good spot if you want to combine holiday browsing, dining, skating, and photos in one stop.

Ponce City Market & The BeltLine

Ponce City Market (PCM) is a converted historic building filled with shops, food stalls, and offices, next to the Eastside BeltLine trail.

Around Christmas, PCM typically adds:

• Holiday decor and seasonal photo spots
• Special events or markets on select days
• Rooftop holiday experiences (including games and refreshments)

Location:
Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

You can also walk the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail from PCM toward Inman Park or Krog Street Market to enjoy neighborhood lights, murals, and local businesses decorated for the season.

Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza (Buckhead)

If you’re leaning into traditional holiday mall shopping, Buckhead’s major malls often feature:

• Large indoor Christmas trees and decor
• Seasonal photo backdrops
• Special shopping hours leading up to Christmas

Locations:
Lenox Square
3393 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

Consider transit options (like MARTA to Lenox Station) to avoid peak-season parking challenges.

Local Holiday Craft Fairs and Pop-Ups

Neighborhoods across Atlanta often host holiday craft markets showcasing local makers. These are especially common in:

• Decatur
• Virginia-Highland
• Grant Park
• Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward

These markets are excellent for finding handmade ornaments, candles, art, and gifts while supporting local creators.

Ice Skating and Outdoor Winter Activities

Holiday Ice Skating Rinks

Several temporary ice rinks usually pop up around Atlanta during the Christmas season, often at:

• Atlantic Station
• Outdoor shopping centers or mixed-use developments
• Suburban town centers (Alpharetta, Marietta, etc.)

Common features include:

• Skate rentals
• Timed sessions
• Nearby food and drink options

💡 Tip: Rinks can be busier on Friday and Saturday nights; weekday evenings often feel more relaxed.

Walking in Atlanta’s Parks with Holiday Decor

If you want something low-key:

• Piedmont Park: Great for a winter walk, especially if you’re already visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
• Centennial Olympic Park (when active seasonally): Historically has offered holiday lights and attractions; check the current year’s programming.
• Historic Downtown Squares (Decatur, Marietta, Roswell): Typically decorated with trees, lights, and sometimes seasonal displays.

These are easy, often free options for enjoying the season without a big time commitment.

Family-Friendly Christmas Things To Do in Atlanta

Ride the Holiday Trains

Beyond Stone Mountain’s train attractions, various locations around Atlanta and nearby areas sometimes offer holiday train rides, especially geared toward younger kids.

These may include:

• Short themed rides with Christmas music
• “Polar Express”–style experiences
• Photo opportunities with festive characters

Schedules and availability vary, so it’s wise to look for current season listings before heading out.

Visit Santa and Take Holiday Photos

You’ll find Santa photo setups and holiday backdrops throughout the metro area, commonly at:

• Major malls (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Perimeter Mall, etc.)
• Larger shopping centers and mixed-use districts
• Some holiday markets and special events

To avoid long waits with kids:

• Visit earlier in the season (late November or early December).
• Go on weekday afternoons or early evenings if possible.

Kid-Friendly Museums with Holiday Touches

Many Atlanta museums add seasonal elements to their regular exhibits:

• Children’s museums and science centers may offer holiday craft days.
• History and cultural museums may host seasonal concerts, lectures, or decor related to winter holidays.

This can be a good choice on colder or rainy days when outdoor lights and parks are less appealing.

Festive Food, Drinks, and Holiday Treats

Hot Chocolate, Seasonal Coffee, and Holiday Desserts

Across Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods and suburbs, you’ll find:

• Local coffee shops offering peppermint mochas, gingerbread lattes, and hot cider
• Bakeries with Christmas cookies, yule logs, and special pastries
• Ice cream and dessert shops featuring holiday flavors

Areas like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Midtown, Westside, and Decatur have dense clusters of local spots if you want to make a “holiday treat walk” part of your outing.

Holiday Dining and Special Menus

Many Atlanta restaurants create Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or holiday prix fixe menus. Common patterns:

• Upscale restaurants may offer multi-course dinners that require reservations.
• Some hotels host Christmas buffets or brunches.
• A few international restaurants remain open on Christmas Day, which can be useful if your plans change or you’re visiting.

If you plan to dine out on or near Christmas, book as early as possible; popular spots often fill up quickly.

Faith-Based and Community Holiday Events

Church Services and Christmas Programs

Atlanta’s churches often organize:

• Christmas concerts and pageants
• Candlelight Christmas Eve services
• Community caroling and charity drives

If you’re looking for a more reflective or spiritual way to mark the season, you’ll find options across the city, including in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, West End, and the suburbs.

Volunteer and Give-Back Opportunities

Many Atlanta-based nonprofits and community organizations coordinate holiday toy drives, food donations, and volunteer events.

Common opportunities include:

• Sorting and packing holiday food boxes
• Donating toys, coats, and blankets
• Serving meals at community centers

Look for opportunities that are:

• Local to your neighborhood (less travel, easier to fit into a busy season)
• Open to families if you want children to participate

Simple Planning Guide: Matching Activities to Your Plans

Use this quick reference to pair your schedule and preferences with the right Christmas things to do in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Enjoying Christmas in Atlanta

• Traffic & Timing: Weekend evenings can be busy, especially around popular attractions and malls. Leaving a bit early and building in buffer time helps.
• Weather: Atlanta winters are often mild but unpredictable. Layers are useful, especially for outdoor lights and markets.
• Parking: Many big attractions and mixed-use districts charge for parking. Check ahead so you’re not surprised by fees.
• Tickets & Reservations: For major events like Garden Lights, Stone Mountain Christmas, or holiday shows at the Fox, buy tickets early and confirm dates and entry times.
• Neighborhood Exploring: If you’re staying in one area (like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Decatur), you can often plan an entire evening of lights, food, and shopping within walking or short driving distance.

From glowing gardens and historic theaters to low-key neighborhood lights and hot chocolate walks, Atlanta offers a long list of Christmas things to do that work for all types of visitors and locals. With a bit of planning around where you’ll be in the city and how much time you have, you can build a holiday season that feels festive without feeling rushed.