Atlanta, Georgia Christmas Events: Your Guide to Holiday Fun in the City

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.

Classic Atlanta Christmas Events & Traditions

Stone Mountain Christmas

Stone Mountain Park is one of the best-known Christmas destinations near Atlanta.

What to expect:

• Millions of Christmas lights and décor
• Holiday shows, music, and a Christmas parade
• Visits with Santa (often through mid-December or Christmas Eve)
• Scenic walks through decorated areas and attractions

Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (770) 498-5690

Tips:

• Check operating dates and any required reservations before heading out.
• Parking fees typically apply, and some attractions may require separate tickets.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown is famous for its immersive light experience.

Highlights:

• Large-scale light displays throughout the gardens
• Festive music and themed areas
• A popular choice for couples, families, and photographers

Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876-5859

Tips:

• Evening timed tickets are common and may sell out on peak weekends.
• Parking is available in the adjacent SAGE Parking Facility (paid).

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia

Six Flags Over Georgia turns into a holiday theme park with rides and lights.

What you’ll find:

• Rides operating at night under holiday lights
• Decorated walkways, Christmas trees, and themed zones
• Seasonal snacks and hot drinks

Location:
Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Pkwy
Austell, GA 30168
Phone: (770) 739-3400

Tips:

• Expect cooler temperatures on evening rides—dress in layers.
• Check which rides are operating during the holiday schedule.

Christmas Lights & Drive-Through Displays

Atlanta Motor Speedway Lights (Speedway Christmas)

Many seasons, the Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts a large drive-through light display, sometimes paired with holiday activities.

Typical features:

• Miles of drive-through light tunnels and scenes
• Christmas music through your car radio
• Occasional add-ons like holiday villages or concessions

Location:
Atlanta Motor Speedway
1500 Tara Pl
Hampton, GA 30228
Phone: (770) 946-4211

Tips:

• Weekends are usually busier; weeknights can be less crowded.
• Fuel up and use the restroom before entering the light route—wait times can build on peak nights.

Neighborhood Lights and Local Displays

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):

• Virginia-Highland – Historic homes often put up classic and creative displays.
• Brookhaven and Buckhead neighborhoods – Many streets feature elaborate home decorations.
• Intown streets near Inman Park, Candler Park, and Grant Park – A mix of quirky and traditional décor.

Because neighborhood participation changes year to year, many locals:

• Drive around popular historic areas after dark
• Ask on local community boards or neighborhood social pages for current “best streets”
• Stay respectful of residents (no blocking driveways, keep noise down, and follow parking rules)

Family-Friendly Atlanta Christmas Activities

Photos with Santa (Malls & Attractions)

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:

• Santa hours can change—check ahead to confirm times and whether reservations are needed.
• Some locations offer pet photo nights, typically on specific weekdays.

Children’s Christmas Experiences

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.

Christmas Shows, Concerts & Performances

The Fox Theatre Holiday Performances

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:

• Touring holiday productions
• Seasonal concerts
• Occasional film screenings of classic holiday movies

Ballet, Symphony, and Theater

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:

  • Christmas plays
  • Holiday improv shows
  • Seasonal musicals

🎭 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.

Holiday Markets & Seasonal Shopping in Atlanta

German-Style and Outdoor Holiday Markets

Atlanta usually hosts several holiday markets where you can browse local vendors, seasonal food, and handmade gifts.

You may find:

• Outdoor European-style markets with mulled drinks, ornaments, and crafts
• Pop-up markets in Midtown, Downtown, and Eastside neighborhoods
• Vendor fairs at local churches, schools, and community centers

Because locations and vendors change year to year, many locals:

• Check event calendars for Midtown, Downtown, and neighborhood business districts
• Visit central areas like Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) for rotating seasonal events and markets
• Look for weekend holiday pop-ups in brewery districts and mixed-use developments

Mall & Shopping District Holiday Experiences

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.

Religious Services and Spiritual Events

Many Atlanta residents and visitors include church services and religious events as part of their Christmas season.

Common options:

• Christmas Eve candlelight services
• Christmas Day worship services
• Advent programs and choir performances

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.

Volunteering & Giving Back in Atlanta at Christmas

Many Atlanta residents use the holiday season as a time to support local charities, shelters, and food banks.

Common ways to help:

• Serving meals at shelters or holiday dinners
• Donating toys to local drives
• Supporting food banks and clothing drives

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.

Quick Snapshot: Major Atlanta Christmas Event Types

Practical Tips for Enjoying Christmas Events in Atlanta

• 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:

  • Opening and closing dates
  • Hours for the specific day you plan to visit
  • Ticketing policies and any required reservations

• 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.