December in Atlanta, Georgia feels like a bonus season: cool but usually not freezing, full of holiday lights, festivals, sports, and indoor attractions for when you want to stay warm. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll find plenty to do that fits the season without needing snow.
Below is a practical guide to things to do in Atlanta in December, with local details to help you plan your time.
Atlanta’s December usually means:
You’ll want to dress in layers—a light to medium coat, sweater, and comfortable shoes.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown turns into one of the city’s most popular December experiences.
Zoo Atlanta, in Grant Park, often hosts seasonal evening light displays and special programs.
Nearby, Fernbank Museum of Natural History (767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307) often features seasonal exhibits and holiday décor along with its regular dinosaur and science displays—great for kids on a cold day.
Stone Mountain Park, east of the city, typically transforms into a large holiday village in December.
Many Atlanta residents enjoy drive-through or walk-through light shows in December, especially in the suburbs. These can be convenient if you prefer to stay mostly in your car or want something easier with kids.
Common options include:
Because these can change year to year, it’s worth checking:
Even if it rarely snows, Atlanta loves temporary ice rinks in December. You’ll often find:
Tips for seasonal rinks:
For a traditional, year-round ice rink, you can also consider:
These are local favorites for recreational skating and often have public skate times in December.
On milder days, December is a comfortable time to walk and explore outdoors without the summer heat.
Some popular spots:
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside and Westside Trails
Piedmont Park – 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
🎯 Tip: Daylight is shorter in December, so start hikes and longer walks earlier in the afternoon and bring a light or headlamp if you might finish near sunset.
One of Atlanta’s signature year-round attractions, the Georgia Aquarium is especially appealing in December when you want to stay indoors.
Located near the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola offers a mix of history, interactive exhibits, and tasting experiences.
Pairing the World of Coca-Cola with the Georgia Aquarium in one day makes good use of time in the Centennial Olympic Park area.
Atlanta has several strong indoor museum options that work well in December:
High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Modern and classical art, rotating exhibits, and kids’ programs.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights – 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Powerful exhibits about the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights.
Atlanta History Center – 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Includes the Swan House, historic gardens, and detailed Atlanta and Civil War exhibits.
Center for Puppetry Arts – 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Great for families, with puppet shows and a museum featuring Jim Henson’s work.
🎯 Planning tip: Many museums offer discount days, memberships, or combo tickets. Check their official websites or call ahead for December hours, as some have modified schedules around major holidays.
In December, many Atlanta neighborhoods host holiday markets featuring local makers, food, and live music. While specific events change annually, common places to watch for markets include:
These markets are useful if you want:
If you prefer traditional shopping in December:
Lenox Square – 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326.
Phipps Plaza – 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326.
Both in the Buckhead area, often decorated for the holidays.
Atlantic Station – 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363.
Outdoor shopping district with seasonal décor and events.
Downtown Decatur – Centered around E Ponce de Leon Ave & Church St, Decatur, GA 30030.
Walkable with independent shops, bookstores, and restaurants.
🎯 Parking note: In popular areas like Buckhead and Midtown, allow extra time for traffic and parking, especially on December weekends.
Depending on the year, December can bring:
Tickets often sell quickly for major December games, so it’s wise to plan ahead if you want that experience.
Atlanta’s performing arts scene is active in December, often with holiday-themed shows.
Key venues include:
Fox Theatre – 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
Classic theater hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and seasonal performances.
Alliance Theatre – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (inside the Woodruff Arts Center).
Known for plays and family-friendly offerings, often with holiday programming.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre – 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339.
Ballet, opera, concerts, and touring shows.
You’ll often see productions like:
🎯 Tip: December performances can sell out early—check schedules and purchase tickets in advance, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Good for: First-time visitors, art and culture, walkable attractions.
Highlights in December:
Good for: Locals and visitors who want a more casual, walkable neighborhood feel.
Good for: Shopping, dining, and higher-end experiences.
Good for: Local restaurants, independent shops, and neighborhood charm.
For families staying in or visiting Atlanta, December offers a mix of kid-friendly indoor and outdoor options:
Great with kids:
Easy seasonal add-ons:
Family tip: Build in warm-up breaks—hot chocolate stops, museum cafés, or quick returns to your hotel or home between outdoor and evening activities.
| If You Like… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Holiday lights & décor | Atlanta Botanical Garden lights, Stone Mountain holiday events, zoo lights, neighborhood displays |
| Indoor culture & museums | Georgia Aquarium, High Museum of Art, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Fernbank |
| Shopping & local gifts | Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market area, Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Decatur Square |
| Outdoor walks (mild days) | BeltLine Eastside Trail, Piedmont Park, Chattahoochee River trails |
| Kid-focused fun | Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, Center for Puppetry Arts, temporary ice rinks |
| Nightlife & restaurants | Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, West Midtown |
| Sports & big events | Mercedes-Benz Stadium events, downtown arena events, Fox Theatre or Alliance Theatre shows |
With a mix of holiday experiences, indoor attractions, and comfortable outdoor days, Atlanta in December offers plenty to do whether you’re a local planning weekend outings or a visitor building a full itinerary around the city.
