The Best Things To Do in Atlanta in December

December in Atlanta, Georgia feels like a bonus season: cool but usually not freezing, full of holiday lights, festivals, sports, and indoor attractions for when you want to stay warm. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll find plenty to do that fits the season without needing snow.

Below is a practical guide to things to do in Atlanta in December, with local details to help you plan your time.

Quick Overview: What December in Atlanta Feels Like

Atlanta’s December usually means:

• Mild winter weather: Cold mornings, comfortable afternoons, occasional rain.
• Holiday events and light displays across the city and suburbs.
• Plenty of indoor attractions for colder or rainy days.
• Lighter crowds at some major attractions once you get past early-December holiday rushes.

You’ll want to dress in layers—a light to medium coat, sweater, and comfortable shoes.

Classic Holiday Light Displays and Seasonal Events

Garden Lights & Seasonal Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown turns into one of the city’s most popular December experiences.

• What to expect: Millions of lights, themed displays, music, and walking paths through the garden.
• Who it’s good for: Families, couples, visitors, and locals who want a “big” holiday outing.
• Tips:
  • Buy timed-entry tickets in advance.
  • Parking is available at the Garden’s parking deck near 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.
  • Weeknights are usually less crowded than weekends.

Holiday Lights at Zoo Atlanta & Other Animal-Themed Events

Zoo Atlanta, in Grant Park, often hosts seasonal evening light displays and special programs.

• What to expect: Light installations, family-friendly atmosphere, and the chance to experience the zoo in a different way.
• Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.
• Tips:
  • Check hours, as evening and daytime events often have separate ticketing.
  • Plan for cooler night temperatures inside the zoo grounds.

Nearby, Fernbank Museum of Natural History (767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307) often features seasonal exhibits and holiday décor along with its regular dinosaur and science displays—great for kids on a cold day.

Stone Mountain Park Holiday Experiences

Stone Mountain Park, east of the city, typically transforms into a large holiday village in December.

• Expect:
  • Holiday light shows and projections
  • Seasonal performances
  • Festive train rides, character greetings, and attractions
• Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.
• Good to know:
  • There’s often a separate fee for special holiday events, plus a parking fee at the park entrance.
  • Dress warmly—temperatures at night can feel colder on open-air rides and walkways.

Drive-Through and Walk-Through Light Displays Around Metro Atlanta

Many Atlanta residents enjoy drive-through or walk-through light shows in December, especially in the suburbs. These can be convenient if you prefer to stay mostly in your car or want something easier with kids.

Common options include:

• Suburban park light displays run by local counties or cities.
• Church or community light shows that may include synchronized music.

Because these can change year to year, it’s worth checking:

• Your local county’s parks and recreation department (for example, DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs or Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation).
• City websites like City of Marietta, City of Roswell, or City of Alpharetta for event calendars.

Ice Skating, Winter Activities, and Outdoor Fun

Seasonal Ice Skating Rinks

Even if it rarely snows, Atlanta loves temporary ice rinks in December. You’ll often find:

• Downtown and Midtown rinks set up near central gathering areas.
• Suburban rinks at mixed-use developments or malls.

Tips for seasonal rinks:

• Many rinks offer skate rentals, so you don’t need your own skates.
• Time slots may be limited, especially weekend evenings.
• Check parking and whether it’s easier to use MARTA or a rideshare.

For a traditional, year-round ice rink, you can also consider:

• Center Ice Arena – 5750 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30342.
• The Cooler – 10800 Davis Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

These are local favorites for recreational skating and often have public skate times in December.

Strolls, Hikes, and Outdoor Spaces

On milder days, December is a comfortable time to walk and explore outdoors without the summer heat.

Some popular spots:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside and Westside Trails

  • Great for walking, biking, and checking out public art and restaurants.
  • Multiple access points in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and West End.

• Piedmont Park – 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

  • Central gathering place for walks, dog parks, and skyline views.
  • Located adjacent to Midtown and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

  • Several access points in Sandy Springs and Roswell.
  • Good for riverside hikes and a quieter experience.

🎯 Tip: Daylight is shorter in December, so start hikes and longer walks earlier in the afternoon and bring a light or headlamp if you might finish near sunset.

Indoor Attractions Perfect for Colder Days

Georgia Aquarium

One of Atlanta’s signature year-round attractions, the Georgia Aquarium is especially appealing in December when you want to stay indoors.

• Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
• Highlights:
  • Whale sharks, manta rays, and large ocean exhibits.
  • Indoor seating areas and scheduled presentations.
• Tips:
  • Visit on weekday mornings if possible for smaller crowds.
  • Consider nearby paid parking decks or MARTA to the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station.

World of Coca-Cola

Located near the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola offers a mix of history, interactive exhibits, and tasting experiences.

• Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
• Best for:
  • Visitors wanting a classic “Atlanta” attraction.
  • Teens and adults who enjoy brand history and interactive exhibits.

Pairing the World of Coca-Cola with the Georgia Aquarium in one day makes good use of time in the Centennial Olympic Park area.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Atlanta has several strong indoor museum options that work well in December:

• High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Modern and classical art, rotating exhibits, and kids’ programs.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Powerful exhibits about the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights.

• Atlanta History Center – 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  Includes the Swan House, historic gardens, and detailed Atlanta and Civil War exhibits.

• Center for Puppetry Arts – 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Great for families, with puppet shows and a museum featuring Jim Henson’s work.

🎯 Planning tip: Many museums offer discount days, memberships, or combo tickets. Check their official websites or call ahead for December hours, as some have modified schedules around major holidays.

Holiday Shopping, Markets, and Local Gifts

Holiday Markets and Pop-Ups

In December, many Atlanta neighborhoods host holiday markets featuring local makers, food, and live music. While specific events change annually, common places to watch for markets include:

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
• Krog Street Market area in Inman Park.
• Neighborhood centers in Decatur, Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, and West Midtown.

These markets are useful if you want:

• Locally made gifts and crafts.
• Seasonal food and drinks.
• A more “Atlanta neighborhood” feel versus a mall.

Malls and Shopping Districts

If you prefer traditional shopping in December:

• Lenox Square – 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326.

• Phipps Plaza – 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326.
  Both in the Buckhead area, often decorated for the holidays.

• Atlantic Station – 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363.
  Outdoor shopping district with seasonal décor and events.

• Downtown Decatur – Centered around E Ponce de Leon Ave & Church St, Decatur, GA 30030.
  Walkable with independent shops, bookstores, and restaurants.

🎯 Parking note: In popular areas like Buckhead and Midtown, allow extra time for traffic and parking, especially on December weekends.

Sports, Shows, and Big-Event Energy

Atlanta Sports in December

Depending on the year, December can bring:

• Professional football at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
• College football events and bowl games in or around downtown.
• Basketball or other indoor sports at local arenas.

Tickets often sell quickly for major December games, so it’s wise to plan ahead if you want that experience.

Theater, Concerts, and Holiday Performances

Atlanta’s performing arts scene is active in December, often with holiday-themed shows.

Key venues include:

• Fox Theatre – 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
  Classic theater hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and seasonal performances.

• Alliance Theatre – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (inside the Woodruff Arts Center).
  Known for plays and family-friendly offerings, often with holiday programming.

• Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre – 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339.
  Ballet, opera, concerts, and touring shows.

You’ll often see productions like:

• Holiday concerts and symphonies.
• Nutcracker performances by local ballet companies.
• Holiday-themed plays or variety shows.

🎯 Tip: December performances can sell out early—check schedules and purchase tickets in advance, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Neighborhoods and Local Experiences to Explore

Midtown and Downtown

Good for: First-time visitors, art and culture, walkable attractions.

Highlights in December:

• Visiting the High Museum of Art and Midtown’s restaurants and bars.
• Strolling to Piedmont Park for skyline views.
• Exploring Centennial Olympic Park area, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and the BeltLine

Good for: Locals and visitors who want a more casual, walkable neighborhood feel.

• Walk the Eastside BeltLine Trail.
• Explore food halls like Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.
• Look for seasonal pop-ups, lights, or installations along the BeltLine.

Buckhead

Good for: Shopping, dining, and higher-end experiences.

• Holiday shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.
• Upscale dining, rooftop bars, and decorated storefronts.
• Often, hotels and businesses in Buckhead add elaborate holiday décor.

Decatur, Virginia-Highland, and Other Intown Neighborhoods

Good for: Local restaurants, independent shops, and neighborhood charm.

• Decatur Square: Bookstores, gift shops, restaurants, and bars.
• Virginia-Highland: Small boutiques, cozy pubs, and walkable streets.
• Many intown neighborhoods decorate trees, storefronts, and public spaces for the holidays, making them pleasant for an evening stroll.

Family-Friendly Activities in Atlanta in December

For families staying in or visiting Atlanta, December offers a mix of kid-friendly indoor and outdoor options:

Great with kids:

• Georgia Aquarium
• Zoo Atlanta
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Center for Puppetry Arts

Easy seasonal add-ons:

• Holiday light displays (Botanical Garden, Stone Mountain, neighborhood lights).
• Temporary ice skating rinks.
• Short scenic walks on the BeltLine or through Piedmont Park, timed to finish before dark.

Family tip: Build in warm-up breaks—hot chocolate stops, museum cafés, or quick returns to your hotel or home between outdoor and evening activities.

December in Atlanta: Sample Activity Ideas by Interest

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta in December

• Check holiday hours: Many attractions adjust schedules around Christmas and New Year’s.
• Reserve early for:
  • Popular light shows
  • Weekend restaurant dinners
  • Big games and theater performances
• Plan transportation:
  • For downtown/Midtown, consider MARTA rail (Peachtree Center, North Avenue, Arts Center, and Five Points stations cover many major spots).
  • For suburbs and parks, plan for driving and parking.
• Dress in layers:
  • Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even if afternoons feel mild.
• Have a backup indoor plan:
  • If rain moves through, pivot to museums, the aquarium, or indoor markets.

With a mix of holiday experiences, indoor attractions, and comfortable outdoor days, Atlanta in December offers plenty to do whether you’re a local planning weekend outings or a visitor building a full itinerary around the city.