December in Atlanta, Georgia feels festive without the deep freeze you get in many other cities. From holiday light shows and seasonal festivals to cozy indoor activities and New Year’s celebrations, there’s a lot to do whether you live here or are just visiting.
Below is a practical guide to what to do in Atlanta in December, with options for families, couples, solo travelers, and locals looking for something new.
| Type of Activity | Great For | Where to Look First |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday lights & events | Families, dates, visitors | Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, local parks |
| Indoor culture & arts | Rainy or cold days | Midtown museums, Downtown attractions |
| Neighborhood exploring | Locals & repeat visitors | BeltLine, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park |
| Sports & shows | Evenings, groups | State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| New Year’s festivities | Nightlife seekers | Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead venues |
December is one of the best months to see Atlanta’s major attractions transformed with holiday lights and themed events.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown typically turns into a glowing wonderland in December.
Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park often hosts holiday-themed evening events with lights and family activities.
Stone Mountain Park, just east of the city, usually offers a holiday village-style experience in December.
Atlanta’s winters are relatively mild, so you can still comfortably spend time outside most days.
The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail stays busy in December, just with more jackets and fewer summer crowds.
Main sections to try:
Piedmont Park in Midtown stays active year-round.
December is ideal for exploring Atlanta’s museums and indoor cultural spots, especially on colder or rainy days.
You can easily combine multiple attractions in one day around Centennial Olympic Park.
Options include:
Georgia Aquarium
World of Coca-Cola
College Football Hall of Fame
Tips:
For a deeper understanding of Atlanta, December can be a reflective time to visit key historical sites.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
These sites are especially meaningful if you’re trying to connect with Atlanta’s identity beyond tourism.
Atlanta’s performing arts scene is very active in December, with seasonal shows and concerts.
The historic Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street typically hosts:
Touring Broadway shows
Holiday concerts and specials
Classic film screenings
Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Tip: If you’re driving, plan parking ahead of time; nearby garages fill quickly for popular shows.
The complex around The Woodruff Arts Center often features:
Locations:
December can bring special concerts or holiday-themed programming that work well for a dressed-up evening or a cultural day trip.
December is a busy time for sports and arena events in Atlanta.
Depending on the year and schedule, Mercedes-Benz Stadium may host:
Atlanta Falcons home games
College football events and championships
Occasional concerts or special events
Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Tip: Use MARTA to avoid heavy game-day traffic; the GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City stations are nearby.
State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks and also hosts major concerts.
Buying tickets in advance is smart in December, especially around weekends and holidays.
December is prime time to shop local and visit seasonal markets around Atlanta.
Ponce City Market usually leans into the festive atmosphere with:
Indoor shopping from local and national retailers
Food hall stalls with warm, winter-friendly dishes
Seasonal décor and sometimes rooftop holiday experiences
Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Tip: The rooftop area often requires separate admission but can offer great nighttime skyline views.
Common areas for December markets and local shopping include:
If you live in Atlanta, following your neighborhood association or local event calendars can help you find markets near you.
If you’re visiting with kids or looking for multigenerational activities, December has plenty of options.
Located downtown, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers hands-on exhibits and educational play.
The Fernbank Museum in Druid Hills typically features:
Natural history exhibits
Giant screen films
Outdoor forest and trails that can still be comfortable in Atlanta’s winter
Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Tip: Check for any special winter exhibits or family programs scheduled in December.
December nights in Atlanta are great for low-key evenings with friends or a partner.
Ideas:
For visitors, staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead gives easy access to restaurants and nightlife without long drives.
If you’re in town at the end of December, New Year’s Eve can be a big night.
Common patterns in Atlanta:
Tips:
A few local-style pointers help December in Atlanta go more smoothly:
In December, Atlanta balances holiday energy with mild winter weather, making it easy to mix outdoor exploring, festive lights, arts and culture, sports, and relaxed nights out. Whether you live here or are visiting, focusing on a few neighborhoods or themes—like holiday lights, Midtown museums, or BeltLine walks—can help you build a memorable December itinerary tailored to how you like to spend your time.
