11 Best Things To Do In Atlanta This Christmas - Updated 2024

things to do at christmas in atlanta
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 4 min read

Atlanta, famous as the capital of Georgia in the USA, is a major cultural and economic center and it has been developing into a leading commercial city. It’s home to several historic landmarks and is visited by numerous travelers. The theme parks and amusement parks in Atlanta, along with huge shopping malls, are just some of the city’s big draws. While progressing with commercial and economic advancements, it has retained its festive charm by hosting grand events and celebrations for Christmas every year. The family-friendly fun in Atlanta comprises exciting activities for kids and families year-round but most especially during the yuletide season. If you are planning a winter break as Christmas is just around the corner, choose Atlanta to immerse in the holiday spirit of the season. To enjoy your vacation to the fullest, check out some best things to do in Atlanta this Christmas.

1. Help Santa save Christmas in an Escape Room (from USD 28.0)

How does a Christmas-themed escape room sound for a holiday activity? If your crew enjoys testing their skills with clues and puzzles, this seasonal fun is the best way to get them in the holiday spirit. This hour-long pursuit in Downtown Atlanta will have you engaged in tasks involving missing gifts, an angry elf, and more. The ultimate goal is to do Santa a favor in saving the day as your group race against time. If you’re up for the challenge of saving Christmas, this fun-filled venture is a must-try!

Visited this place?

Atlanta Escape Room Experience with Christmas Theme

Duration: 1 hour

42 reviews

2. Immerse in the festive spirit at Santa's Fantastical


Spend a wonderful time with your family and kids at Santa’s Fantastical, which is one of the festive and family-friendly Christmas events in Atlanta. Incredible interactive experiences, spectacular events, praise-worthy live performances, and cutting-edge technological feats will amaze you in this indoor event. Develop your very own spectacular Northern Lights as you head to the North Pole Town Square through the enchanting Fantastical Forest. You’ll also enjoy fun-filled games at Yondo’s Yeti Yard and be pleased to meet Santa and his amazing friends.

Santa's Fantastical

Address: 1155 Mount Vernon Hwy suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30338, United States

Website: Santa’s Fantastical

Takes place: November to January

Visited this place?

3. Marvel at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden


Any list of Christmas activities in Atlanta wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Atlanta Botanical Garden. This attraction is dressed for the season with splendid Garden Lights and Holiday Nights with new features. Marvel at the cutting-edge technological marvel Nature’ Wonders which incredibly illuminates the sprawling 30-acre (12.14-hectare) garden with endless synchronized dancing light strands. Visit Skyline Garden and gaze at the breathtaking sight of numerous huge plant giants. Also, tour through the stunning Tunnel of Lights, the Ice Goddess, great Orchestral Orbs, and many other displays. Do not miss shopping for lovely gifts and souvenirs at Garden Gift Shop.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, United States

Website: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Takes place: November to January

Visited this place?

4. Go for some traditional shopping at Atlanta Christkindl Market


If you are fond of shopping for beautiful traditional items, make sure you visit the Atlanta Christkindl Market during your Christmas holidays in Atlanta. It features various amazing traditional German products, beautiful crafts, colorful holiday ornaments, as well as culinary specialties, such as seasonal food preparations, scrumptious new gourmet street delicacies. Shop your favorite articles, such as candle arches, tablecloths, wonderful handmade items, jewelry, snow globes, wooden wristwatches, wood carvings, and many more exquisite items. After you are done with shopping, taste the culinary specialties. Please your taste buds with savory potato pancakes, pastries, roasted nuts, pastries, potato dumplings, European sweets, oven Pretzels, gingerbread, and other lip-smacking delicacies.

Atlanta Christkindl Market

Address: 361 17th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363, United States

Website: Atlanta Christkindl Market

Takes place: November to January

Visited this place?

5. Create lovely memories at Stone Mountain Christmas


Make your Christmas celebrations more memorable by visiting Stone Mountain Christmas in Atlanta with your family and kids. Experience the most heart-warming festivities at this outstanding holiday event this Christmas. Enjoy a fun-filled activity on each day of this festive celebration. Illuminated decor with millions of sparkling lights is sure to please you. Polar Express, 4D movie experience, Summit Skyride, Christmas parade of the Snow Angel, and other fascinating events will delight your kids. Meeting the Snow Angel of Stone Mountain Park will bring a smile to the kid’s face.

Stone Mountain Christmas

Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Website: Stone Mountain Christmas

Takes place: November to January

Visited this place?

6. Attend Holiday concerts at Atlanta Symphony Orchestra


Celebrate the holiday by attending musical holiday concerts at Atlanta Symphony Orchestra while you are vacationing in Atlanta this winter. Go see ‘Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’ shows where talented artists will celebrate this festival by performing Christmas hymns and carols. Take your kids to view Hansel and Gretel here. If you are a fan of Home Alone, do not miss going to see Home Alone in Concert.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Address: Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta, GA

Website: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Takes place: November to December

Visited this place?

7. Kick off the festive season with the tree lighting at Georgia Aquarium

The Aquarium has been transformed into an underwater winter wonderland! During Festival of the SEAson, join us for...

Posted by Georgia Aquarium on Saturday, 17 November 2018

Do not miss the spectacular annual tree lighting event at Georgia Aquarium during the yuletide season. Lighting the Christmas tree is a perfect way to begin the festivities. Tour through the galleries of Georgia Aquarium during your visit here. Listen to the pleasant holiday carols and enjoy eating savory holiday treats and hot chocolate. Be pleased to watch a penguin waddling next to you.

Georgia Aquarium

Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

Website: Georgia Aquarium

Takes place: November to December

Visited this place?

8. Experience rooftop ice skating at Skate the Sky

It’s February 1st, and that means there are only two more weeks of ice skating! If you haven’t experienced Skate the Sky yet, what are you waiting for?!

Posted by Skyline Park Atlanta on Thursday, 1 February 2018

Have you ever tried rooftop ice skating? If not, make sure you visit Ponce City Market in Atlanta and participate in ‘Skate the Sky’, a rooftop ice-skating event. Step into the amazing ice rink from fascinating Skyline Park and try your ice skating skills on the rooftop winter wonderland. Enjoy the unique skating experience high above the ground.

Skate the Sky

Address: Ponce City Market N NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States

Website: Skate the Sky

Takes place: November to January

Visited this place?

9. Celebrate Christmas at World of Coca-Cola

From all of us at World of Coca-Cola, we wish you and your family a #MerryChristmas! Please Note: In observance of...

Posted by World of Coca-Cola on Tuesday, 25 December 2018

Plan to visit World of Coca-Cola to enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas this winter. Gaze at shimmering lights, gigantic decorations, and amazing festive ornaments. Visit the winter wonderland and click photos with your family. Sip your favorite signature seasonal beverage, such as Gingerbread Coke. Learn about the history of the holidays and Santa. Get on Santa’s sleigh and take a selfie with your group of friends. Last, but not the least, shop your favorite gifts, such as amazing home goods, apparel, exquisite glassware, and other things, by visiting The Coca-Cola Store.

World of Coca-Cola

Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

Website: World of Coca-Cola

Takes place: November to January

Visited this place?

10. View Christmas-special Elf on the Shelf at Fox Theater

For those who didn't get a chance to see the contest details, here you go! Santa and the scout elves are SO excited to...

Posted by The Elf on the Shelf on Tuesday, 4 October 2011

Make your Christmas holidays in Atlanta more memorable for your kids by taking them to watch A Christmas Show called Elf on the Shelf at Fox Theater this winter. Learn about the heart-warming story of the Scout Elf who is sent to a multi-generational isolated family where he strives to rediscover the spirit of Christmas. Watch the splendor of Christmas as you view the show.

Fox Theater

Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States

Website: Fox Theater

Takes place: December

Visited this place?

11. Watch Christmas carols at Alliance Theater


Experience the holiday spirit by viewing A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theater during your winter vacation in Atlanta this Christmas. Amazing live music and the great Atlanta cast are sure to fascinate you. Learn about the story of an old man, who is known for his miserly ways. Know how the old man learns that it’s never too late to change with the help of the Ghosts of Christmas who visit him.

Christmas carols at Alliance Theater

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

Website: Christmas carols at Alliance Theater

Takes place: November to December

Visited this place?

Enjoy a refreshing winter break

Macy's Great Tree
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chad Thiele used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re wondering about what to do for Christmas in Atlanta, these incredible attractions and exciting activities will surely enrich your festive holiday experience. So, plan to spend your upcoming winter vacation in this capital of Georgia and enjoy all these fun-filled destinations.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Atlanta
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.