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

Looking for a Christmas market in Atlanta to get into the holiday spirit? While Atlanta doesn’t have centuries-old European-style markets on every corner, the city has built a strong (and growing) lineup of holiday markets, pop-ups, and festivals that deliver lights, local vendors, food, and festive activities.

This guide walks you through the most popular Atlanta Christmas markets, what to expect at each, typical dates and locations, and tips for planning your visit if you live here or are just in town for the season.

What to Expect from a Christmas Market in Atlanta

In Atlanta, “Christmas market” usually means a mix of:

• Artisan and craft vendors (local makers, candles, jewelry, art, ornaments)
• Holiday food and treats (cookies, cider, cocoa, seasonal bites)
• Family-friendly activities (photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, live music)
• Holiday decor and lights around the venue
• Sometimes ice skating, rides, or themed bars nearby

Most markets are outdoor or partially covered, so expect cool evenings and occasional rain. Some are free to enter, while others are part of larger ticketed holiday attractions.

Major Christmas Market-Style Events in and Around Atlanta

Atlanta Christkindl Market (Downtown / Buckhead)

The Atlanta Christkindl Market is the closest thing in the city to a traditional German Christmas market. In recent years, it has rotated between central locations like Centennial Olympic Park downtown and spaces in Buckhead.

Typical features include:

• Wooden stalls inspired by European Christmas markets
• Bratwurst, pretzels, roasted nuts, and mulled wine
• Handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, and German holiday gifts
• Live music and festive lighting

Good to know:

• Usually runs from late November through December
• Often free to enter, with food, drinks, and goods for purchase
• Can get busy on December weekends and near Christmas

Because the specific location and dates can change year to year, it’s smart to:

• Search for “Atlanta Christkindl Market” with the current year
• Check the event’s official site or social pages before heading out

Holiday Nights & Markets at Atlanta Botanical Garden (Midtown)

While the Atlanta Botanical Garden is best known for its Garden Lights, Holiday Nights experience, the garden often features holiday-themed pop-up vendors on select evenings.

What you’ll find:

• Seasonal light displays across the garden
• Occasional artisan or gift vendors set up in key areas
• Holiday beverages, snacks, and photo opportunities

Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Because this is a ticketed event with timed entry, plan ahead:

• Buy tickets early; prime weekend evenings sell out
• Expect heavier crowds closer to Christmas

It’s a great option if you want lights + a light market-style atmosphere rather than a dense vendor marketplace.

Atlantic Station Holiday Market & Skate (West Midtown)

Atlantic Station typically turns into a holiday village each year, with a combination of events that feel very Christmas market–adjacent:

• A holiday market with rotating artisan and food vendors
• A central Christmas tree and seasonal decorations
• The Skate the Station outdoor ice skating rink
• Occasional live performances, themed nights, and kids’ activities

Location:
Atlantic Station – Central Park area
1380 Atlantic Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30363

Why locals like it:

• Easy to pair Christmas shopping, dining, and skating
• Parking garages on site, plus access from the Art Center MARTA Station via shuttle or a short rideshare trip
• Good option if you want a festive feel plus regular retail and restaurants in one visit

Ponce City Market Holiday Events (Old Fourth Ward / BeltLine)

Ponce City Market leans into the holidays with several events that can feel like mini Christmas markets:

• Seasonal artisan pop-ups and holiday retail in the Central Food Hall
• Outdoor market-style vendors on select weekends
• “Rink” or rooftop holiday experiences on The Roof (The Roof at Ponce City Market)
• Festive decor, photo spots, and family activities

Location:
Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

Tips:

• Parking can fill up quickly on weekends; consider arriving earlier in the day or using a rideshare.
• This is a great choice if you want to walk the Eastside BeltLine and then step directly into a lively holiday scene with shops and food stalls.

Neighborhood Holiday Markets Worth Knowing

Many of Atlanta’s neighborhoods and suburbs host their own Christmas markets or holiday festivals. These are often one-day or weekend events, ideal if you want a local, community feel.

Decatur Holiday Markets (Decatur Square)

The City of Decatur frequently hosts holiday shopping events around the Square that bring together local artists, crafters, and downtown businesses. You may find:

• Open-air vendor tents around the square
• Performances, carolers, and kids’ activities
• Extended store hours and seasonal promotions

Location (central point):
Decatur Square
101 E Court Square
Decatur, GA 30030

Check the City of Decatur or Decatur Downtown Development Authority listings for the current year’s holiday events.

Holiday Market at Krog District & Inman Park Area

The Krog District / Inman Park corridor sometimes hosts seasonal market days with:

• Local makers set up along sidewalks and courtyards
• Holiday sales in the Krog Street Market food hall and surrounding shops
• Easy access via the BeltLine Eastside Trail

This area is especially appealing if you want a walkable, food-forward holiday outing with a side of shopping.

Local Church, School, and Community Markets

Many in-town neighborhoods host holiday bazaars and Christmas craft markets at:

• Churches (for example, in Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, Buckhead, and Kirkwood)
• Private and public schools
• Community centers and neighborhood halls

These smaller markets usually feature:

• Handmade goods, baked treats, and seasonal decor
• A more relaxed, community-focused atmosphere
• Often no admission fee

To find these each year, Atlantans often:

• Check neighborhood association websites or social media
• Look at flyers and bulletin boards at local coffee shops
• Search for “holiday market” plus the neighborhood name and year

Popular Christmas Shopping Destinations (Market Vibe Without the Tents)

If you’re looking for the feel of a Christmas market but with more permanent shops, several Atlanta districts transform into holiday hubs each season.

Buckhead Village (Buckhead)

Buckhead Village often decorates heavily for the holidays, and some years include:

• Outdoor pop-up booths or tents
• Festive window displays and photo spots
• Seasonal shopping events

Location:
Buckhead Village District
3035 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305

You’ll find a more upscale holiday shopping experience, with occasional maker markets or trunk shows.

Marietta Square Holiday Markets (Marietta – OTP, but popular with Atlantans)

Though just outside the perimeter, Marietta Square is a frequent destination for Atlantans seeking a classic town-square Christmas feel:

• Holiday open-air markets and vendor events on select weekends
• A central tree, lights, and seasonal activities
• Nearby shops and restaurants in historic buildings

Location:
Glover Park / Marietta Square
50 N Park Square NE
Marietta, GA 30060

Quick Comparison: Key Christmas Market-Style Experiences in the Atlanta Area

*Always confirm the current year’s dates and details before going; schedules and formats can change.

Practical Tips for Visiting a Christmas Market in Atlanta

1. Check dates and weather beforehand
Atlanta’s holiday markets can be:

• One-day only (especially school/church bazaars)
• Weekend-only
• Weather dependent for smaller, outdoor events

A quick online search with the event name and current year helps you avoid showing up on the wrong day.

2. Plan transport and parking

• MARTA:
  • For downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead markets, MARTA rail to Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center, or Buckhead stations can be more convenient than driving.
• Driving:
  • Expect heavier traffic near Atlantic Station, Ponce City Market, and Buckhead on December weekends.
  • Many venues use paid parking decks or lots; budget extra time for this.

3. Dress for the evening

Atlanta winters are usually mild, but holiday markets are often outdoors or semi-outdoors:

• Layer up with a jacket, hat, and gloves for evening visits
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing

4. Bring payment options

Most vendors take card or mobile payment, but some small or pop-up markets:

• May have a few cash-only booths
• Might have less reliable mobile processing if the area is crowded

Bringing a bit of cash can make transactions smoother.

5. Think like a local about timing

• Early December weekends: lively but not at peak chaos
• Mid-December onward: expect larger crowds, longer food lines, and busier parking decks
• Weeknights (when available): often quieter and more relaxed

Finding Up-to-Date Christmas Market Listings in Atlanta

Because holiday markets can change every year, Atlantans typically check:

• City or county event calendars (Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, and nearby cities)
• Large venues’ official event pages (Atlanta Botanical Garden, Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station)
• Neighborhood associations and local social media pages (e.g., Grant Park, Virginia-Highland, West End)

When you search online, include:

• The event name (if known)
• The year (e.g., “Atlanta Christkindl Market 2025”)
• Your neighborhood for smaller local markets

If you’re in Atlanta during the holiday season, you won’t find one single, central “Christmas Market Atlanta” that defines the whole city. Instead, you’ll discover a patchwork of festive markets, pop-ups, and neighborhood events that together create a very Atlanta-style holiday experience—vibrant, varied, and easy to tailor to your own schedule and budget.