Things To Do In Atlanta In December: A Local’s Guide To Holiday Fun

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.

Quick Overview: Top December Things To Do In Atlanta

Enjoy Holiday Lights And Seasonal Attractions

December is one of the best months to see Atlanta’s major attractions transformed with holiday lights and themed events.

Atlanta Botanical Garden: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown typically turns into a glowing wonderland in December.

• Expect: Walk-through light tunnels, illuminated trees, music, and seasonal displays.
• Good for: Families, couples, and visitors wanting a signature “Atlanta in December” photo spot.
• Tip: Weeknights and earlier time slots are usually less crowded than weekend evenings.
• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Zoo Atlanta: Seasonal Evening Experiences

Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park often hosts holiday-themed evening events with lights and family activities.

• Expect: Lighted pathways, seasonal décor, and sometimes themed nights.
• Good for: Kids and anyone who wants a quieter alternative to major light festivals.
• Tip: Check hours in advance; December schedules can be more limited.
• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Stone Mountain Park: Christmas At The Mountain

Stone Mountain Park, just east of the city, usually offers a holiday village-style experience in December.

• Expect: Holiday shows, train rides, lights, and seasonal foods.
• Good for: Families and groups looking for a full evening outing.
• Tip: Allow extra time for parking and walking from the lot to the main attractions.
• Main entrance: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Explore Neighborhoods And Outdoor Spaces (Even In Cooler Weather)

Atlanta’s winters are relatively mild, so you can still comfortably spend time outside most days.

Walk Or Bike The Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail stays busy in December, just with more jackets and fewer summer crowds.

• What to do:
  • Walk or bike between Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park.
  • Stop for hot coffee, dessert, or casual bites at BeltLine-adjacent spots.
• Why December works: Cooler air makes walking easier, and many businesses have heated patios.

Main sections to try:

• Eastside Trail near Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• Old Fourth Ward skate park and park space along the trail

Visit Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park in Midtown stays active year-round.

• Activities:
  • Take a cold-weather stroll with skyline views.
  • Walk dogs along the paths and open fields.
  • Grab food or coffee in Midtown and treat the park as your “backyard.”
• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Dive Into Museums, History, And Indoor Attractions

December is ideal for exploring Atlanta’s museums and indoor cultural spots, especially on colder or rainy days.

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

You can easily combine multiple attractions in one day around Centennial Olympic Park.

Options include:

• Georgia Aquarium

  • One of Atlanta’s most-visited attractions, with indoor exhibits that work well for all ages.
  • Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• World of Coca-Cola

  • Brand-focused museum with multimedia exhibits and tasting areas.
  • Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• College Football Hall of Fame

  • Interactive exhibits, good for sports fans and families.
  • Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Tips:

• 🎟️ Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid peak crowds, especially during school holidays.
• 🧥 Dress in layers; you’ll move between cool outdoor air and heated indoor spaces.

Civil Rights & History Landmarks

For a deeper understanding of Atlanta, December can be a reflective time to visit key historical sites.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Focuses on the U.S. civil rights movement and global human rights issues.
• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• Includes the King Center, Dr. King’s birth home (tours may require reservations), and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

These sites are especially meaningful if you’re trying to connect with Atlanta’s identity beyond tourism.

See A Holiday Show Or Performance

Atlanta’s performing arts scene is very active in December, with seasonal shows and concerts.

The Fox Theatre

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 Woodruff Arts Center (Midtown Arts District)

The complex around The Woodruff Arts Center often features:

• Orchestra performances
• Theater productions
• Visual art exhibitions at the High Museum of Art

Locations:

• High Museum of Art: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Woodruff Arts Center main campus: Similar Peachtree Street stretch in Midtown

December can bring special concerts or holiday-themed programming that work well for a dressed-up evening or a cultural day trip.

Cheer On Atlanta Sports Or See A Big Event

December is a busy time for sports and arena events in Atlanta.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

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

State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks and also hosts major concerts.

• Expect: NBA games, touring music acts, special seasonal performances.
• Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Buying tickets in advance is smart in December, especially around weekends and holidays.

Shop Local And Visit Holiday Markets

December is prime time to shop local and visit seasonal markets around Atlanta.

Ponce City Market

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.

Neighborhood Markets And Pop-Ups

Common areas for December markets and local shopping include:

• Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward for boutique shops and pop-up events
• Atlantic Station (1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363) for outdoor shopping and occasional seasonal activities
• Various farmer’s markets that often continue into December with produce, baked goods, and crafts

If you live in Atlanta, following your neighborhood association or local event calendars can help you find markets near you.

Family-Friendly Activities Around The City

If you’re visiting with kids or looking for multigenerational activities, December has plenty of options.

Children’s Museum Of Atlanta

Located downtown, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers hands-on exhibits and educational play.

• Good for: Younger children who need indoor space to explore.
• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fernbank Museum

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.

Relaxed Nightlife And Cozy Evenings

December nights in Atlanta are great for low-key evenings with friends or a partner.

Ideas:

• Grab hot chocolate or coffee in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Midtown, or along the BeltLine, then stroll nearby streets or parks.
• Visit speakeasy-style cocktail bars or lounges for a warm, indoor night out.
• Check local comedy clubs or live music venues for special holiday sets.

For visitors, staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead gives easy access to restaurants and nightlife without long drives.

Plan For New Year’s Eve In Atlanta

If you’re in town at the end of December, New Year’s Eve can be a big night.

Common patterns in Atlanta:

• Hotels and restaurants in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead often host special dinners or parties.
• Many residents choose house parties or neighborhood bars over huge outdoor gatherings.
• Larger venues such as State Farm Arena or major hotels sometimes host ticketed countdown events.

Tips:

• Book reservations early (restaurants and events fill up).
• Consider MARTA or rideshares to avoid parking issues and traffic.

Practical Tips For Enjoying Atlanta In December

A few local-style pointers help December in Atlanta go more smoothly:

• Weather: Temperatures can swing. Dress in layers and keep a light jacket handy.
• Traffic: December shopping, events, and holiday travel can slow interstates like I‑75/85 and GA‑400. Build in extra time.
• Transit:
  • MARTA rail is useful for reaching Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the airport, and some event venues.
  • MARTA customer service: 404‑848‑5000 (for route and schedule information).
• Parking: Many attractions have their own decks; check pricing and payment methods before you go (some are card or app-only).

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.