Atlanta Christmas Markets: Where to Find Holiday Magic Around the City

If you’re searching for an “Atlanta Christmas Market”, you won’t usually find one single, official market like some European cities have. Instead, Atlanta offers several holiday markets, festivals, and pop-up shopping experiences spread across the metro area each November and December.

This guide walks you through the most popular Christmas markets in and around Atlanta, what to expect at each, typical dates and locations, and tips for planning your visit.

What to Expect from Christmas Markets in Atlanta

Most Atlanta Christmas markets combine:

• Local artisans and makers selling gifts, décor, and crafts
• Holiday food and drinks (from hot cocoa to seasonal cocktails)
• Music, lights, and family activities
• A mix of indoor and outdoor setups, depending on the venue

Unlike some cities, Atlanta’s markets often run only on certain weekends or specific days, so it’s important to check dates and hours each year.

Major Christmas Markets and Holiday Shopping Experiences in Atlanta

1. Atlanta Christkindl Market (Downtown / Buckhead)

One of the closest things Atlanta has to a traditional European-style Christmas market is the Atlanta Christkindl Market, operated by the German American Cultural Foundation. In recent years it has been held at:

• Colony Square in Midtown (1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361), or
• Near Centennial Olympic Park downtown

The exact location can change, so it’s worth checking the current year’s details.

What you’ll find:

• Wooden market stalls inspired by German Christmas villages
• Bratwurst, pretzels, mulled wine (Glühwein), hot chocolate, and baked goods
• Handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, toys, and European-style gifts
• Live Christmas music and festive lighting

Good for:
Adults, families, anyone who wants a “classic” Christmas market vibe with food, drink, and artisan gifts.

2. Atlanta Christkindl Pop-Ups & Partner Events

In addition to the main Christkindl Market, there are often smaller pop-up markets associated with German-themed holiday events around the city, especially in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead.

You may see:

• Short-term weekend markets at plazas or office complexes
• Holiday vendor booths set up alongside tree lightings or concerts

These are generally smaller than the main Christkindl Market but can still be a fun stop if you’re already in the area for other holiday activities.

3. Atlantic Station Holiday Shopping & Events

Atlantic Station (1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363) usually hosts a full holiday season program, which can include:

• Pop-up artisan markets or themed shopping events
• An ice-skating rink on the central lawn
• Tree lighting, light shows, and music

While Atlantic Station’s holiday events aren’t always branded as a singular “Christmas Market,” the area often features outdoor vendors, festive food options, and seasonal décor, making it feel like a modern urban market.

Good for:
People who want to combine holiday browsing with shopping, dining, and entertainment in one walkable district.

4. Ponce City Market Holiday Events (Old Fourth Ward)

Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) consistently leans into the holidays with big décor and themed experiences. Each year, they typically offer:

• Holiday pop-up shops from local artisans and brands
• Seasonal markets and maker events inside the main hall or in the courtyard
• Rooftop holiday experiences at The Roof at Ponce City Market (often with festive games and décor)

These events vary year to year, but Ponce City Market is a reliable place to find unique gifts from local makers in a festive setting.

5. Holiday Markets at Local Breweries and Food Halls

Many Atlanta breweries, food halls, and mixed-use spaces host their own Christmas or holiday markets, often on one or two weekends in December. These events typically bring together local vendors, music, and food.

Common hosts include (locations subject to change year-to-year):

• Krog Street Market area – 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• The Works ATL – 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Local breweries on the Westside, East Atlanta, and Grant Park

What to expect:

• Craft markets with jewelry, art, soaps, candles, and small-batch goods
• Food trucks or food hall vendors
• Often pet-friendly outdoor setups

These are excellent for supporting local businesses and avoiding generic big-box holiday gifts.

6. Church & School Christmas Bazaars (Intown & Suburbs)

Across Atlanta and the suburbs, many churches, schools, and community centers hold Christmas bazaars or holiday craft shows. These tend to be:

• One-day or weekend events
• Focused on handmade crafts, baked goods, and simple family activities
• Often fundraising events for schools or charitable programs

Areas where these are common include:

• Decatur, Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, and Kirkwood (intown neighborhoods)
• Suburbs like Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Sandy Springs

Look for signs in your neighborhood or local event listings starting in early November.

7. Suburban Holiday Markets Worth the Drive

If you’re staying in Atlanta but willing to drive a bit, several suburban Christmas markets have become annual traditions.

Common examples include:

• Marietta Square holiday events (Marietta, GA 30060)
• Alpharetta and Roswell holiday markets and pop-up vendor days in their downtown areas

These destinations often offer picturesque town squares, lights, and markets that feel like a traditional small-town Christmas scene.

Sample Overview of Popular Atlanta-Area Christmas Market Experiences

Always confirm current-year dates, locations, and hours before you go.

When Do Atlanta Christmas Markets Usually Happen?

While exact dates change each year, Atlanta holiday markets generally fall into these patterns:

• Early to mid-November: Some early markets and craft fairs begin
• Thanksgiving weekend to mid-December: Peak season for multiple markets and events
• Through Christmas Eve (and sometimes slightly after): Larger markets and destination areas often stay decorated and open with extended shopping hours

If you’re planning a visit from out of town, the first three weekends in December typically offer the greatest concentration of markets and holiday activities.

Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Atlanta

A little planning can help you enjoy Atlanta’s Christmas markets without stress.

1. Plan Around Traffic and Parking

Atlanta traffic, especially around Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead, can be intense during evenings and weekends.

• 🎯 Arrive early if you’re going on Friday night or Saturday
• Consider MARTA for Midtown/Downtown events (Arts Center, Peachtree Center, and Civic Center stations are near common holiday areas)
• Check for event parking garages or paid lots near Atlantic Station, Colony Square, and Ponce City Market

2. Dress for Atlanta Winter Weather

Atlanta winters are usually mild but unpredictable:

• Wear layers—temperatures can drop quickly after sunset
• Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves for outdoor markets
• Some markets provide heaters or fire pits, but not all

3. Bring Payment Options

Many vendors accept cards and mobile payments, but a few smaller artisans and pop-ups may prefer cash.

• Have a small amount of cash for quick purchases, tips, or parking meters
• Keep any bags or wallets secure, especially in crowded areas

4. Think About Kids and Strollers

If you’re visiting with children:

• Choose markets with open walkways and nearby restrooms (Atlantic Station, Ponce City Market, and larger downtown events are generally more stroller-friendly)
• Check whether there are kid-focused activities, like photos with Santa, crafts, or small rides

5. Support Local Makers

Many Atlanta Christmas markets spotlight local artists, minority-owned businesses, and small-batch producers. It’s a good chance to:

• Find unique gifts that reflect Atlanta’s culture
• Buy from local roasters, bakers, and crafters
• Ask vendors about their work—many are happy to share how items are made

How to Find Current Atlanta Christmas Market Dates and Details

Because locations, dates, and organizers can change, treat any market list as a starting point and then:

• Check event calendars for major venues like Colony Square, Atlantic Station, and Ponce City Market
• Look at city and neighborhood event listings for Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, and other nearby cities
• Follow phrases like “holiday market,” “Christmas bazaar,” “winter market,” or “maker’s market” when searching

If you live in Atlanta, watching neighborhood social media pages, church bulletins, or school newsletters in October and November can also surface smaller, community-focused Christmas markets near you.

Atlanta may not have one single “official” Atlanta Christmas Market, but the city makes up for it with a patchwork of markets, bazaars, and festive shopping events across its neighborhoods and suburbs. Whether you’re downtown for a European-style Christkindl experience, exploring a brewery market on the Westside, or browsing a school holiday bazaar in your neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate the season—and discover uniquely Atlanta gifts along the way.