Christmas Things to Do in Atlanta: 14 Most Festive Activities

Follow along to discover what things to do in Atlanta for Christmas.

From observing a twinkling light show at the Illuminarium to spotting Santa at the North Pole, visitors of all ages will be delighted by the variety of Christmas activities in Atlanta.

Witness the charm of a float-filled Christmas parade, or uncover the artistry of an illuminated Celebration Lake at Callaway Gardens.

Cozy up to elephants, lemurs, and lions at the Zoo or commemorate the Happiest Season with turkey legs and jousting at Medieval Times.

Ready to usher in Christmas in Atlanta? Read on…

Christmas Things to Do in Atlanta

Brilliant lights, hot chocolate kits, and immersive laser experiences. Hotlanta is a mecca for families looking to inject their itinerary with some holiday fun:

Psst..why limit your ATL merrymaking to just one day? Extend your Georgia stay when you reserve any of our outstanding Atlanta Hotels. 

Zoo Atlanta

In addition to oodles of animals, the Zoo Atlanta is home to tons of Holiday festivities. After you spend an afternoon exploring the African Savanna or the amphibians at Scaly Slimy Spectacular, set your sights on some head-turning holiday traditions.

License to Chill Snow Island

Calling all snow bunnies! Do you dream of fresh powder? While Atlanta is not known for fat flurries, adventurous penguins can bundle up for hours of outdoor fun at License to Chill Snow Island. This oasis of outdoor winter delights will open in November for months of snow tubing, skating, and more.

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Get ready to slip and slide with glee when you tackle Blizzard Mountain’s 575-foot-long snow tube slide. Or, lace up some skates and glide around Frosty’s rink. Warm up your near-frozen paws with some piping hot refreshments from the Tipsy Snowman, or roast your own marshmallows for s’mores courtesy of the Glacier Cafe Bakeshop.

Head to the amusement park area for some classic festival fun, including a charming carousel ride. Before warming up that arm for a chilly showdown in Snowball Alley.

Cookies with Santa

Ho, ho ho! We don’t mean to brag, but thanks to Zoo Atlanta, we have the inside scoop on where Santa will be in early December. Swing by the Zoo on  by the Zoo on December 2nd and 3rd to partake in Cookies with Santa.

Munch away on holiday cookies, snap photos with holiday mascot friends, and croon along with live carolers. This ticketed event requires advanced reservations and includes the following:

• A photo with Santa
• A to-go hot cocoa kit
• Individually wrapped holiday cookies
• Special craft kit to enjoy at home

Please note that all guests over three will be required to purchase a ticket to this family-friendly event. 

Escape rooms, SeaQuest, and Funspot, oh my! Round out your Hotlanta itinerary with the best of our Atlanta attractions. 

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Atlanta

Valiant knights atop noble steeds, a mouthwatering feast, and the thrill of a sword fight. For a dash of something different this Christmas, why not travel back in time? Dine like our ancestors past when you indulge in a Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Atlanta.

Wee squires and princesses of all ages will be captivated by the spell of this exhilarating live dinner performance. Watch in awe as skilled knights joust, lances splinter, and a true champion emerges. Enjoy the pageantry of the castle as you savor roasted meats, herb-basted potatoes, and more. 

Illuminarium Atlanta

Unravel a cinematic universe that spans from the stars above to the Kenyan Plains when you stop by Illuminarium Atlanta. This full sensory experience lets you travel the globe without ever leaving the Big Peach. Soar through a nebula, kick-off moon dust, or walk through the floral works of Georgia O’Keefe.

Every Illuminarium journey is unique and combines stunning visuals, moving floors, and realistic smells. Post your 4K thrills, but stay put for the magic of Waking Wonderland*. This enchanted celebration whisks you away on an interactive journey inspired by the timeless tales of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland.

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Reunite with the smiling Cheshire Cat, grab a spot of tea with the Mad Hatter, or carefully tiptoe your way through the royal throne room of the Queen of Hearts. From magic mirrors to towering mushroom forests, this is one surreal adventure you won’t want to miss. Cap off your night of wintery cheer with an enticing cocktail at the Illuminarium cafe.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Ready to feel your heart melt via this classic tale of an outcast reindeer? Remind yourself of the true meaning of the holiday season when you witness this stirring adaptation of the universally adored 1964 stop-motion animated special.

Follow the lead the Center for Puppetry Arts in elevating this celebrated tale. Mini munchkins will get to discover the journey of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hermey the Elf as narrated by Sam the Snowman. Find yourself captivated by these two misfits hellbent on uncovering their own identities and place in the world.

Our intrepid group of adventurers will make their way from Santa’s Workshop to the enigmatic Island of Misfit Toys. Watch out for Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, and bop along to live performances of the festive songs from the 1964 original. For even more Yuletide ambiance, make a date with Rudolph for the Christmas Eve performance and usher in Santa’s arrival in true puppet style.

Georgia Aquarium

Prime yourself for a Holly Jolly Christmas of coral reefs, sea lions, sharks, and more when celebrating with the Georgia Aquarium. Try to find Nemo as you work your way through one of the world’s largest aquariums. Spot milk white Beluga Whales, watch waddling African Penguins or reserve your seat for a riveting dolphin presentation.

Don’t forget to take on the apex predators of the ocean when you explore the brand-new SHARKS! Gallery. This dynamic exhibit is one of the largest of its kind in North America and features state-of-the-art, floor-to-ceiling acrylic viewing windows.

Combine dolphin encounters with first-rate accommodations when you purchase a Georgia Aquarium Hotel Package.

Lakeside Lights Spectacular

Gorgeous light tunnels sparkling with color plus a cacophony of holiday music come together to make the happiest season just a little brighter at Margaritaville Lanier Islands. Beginning on November 22nd, summon up your Frosty spirit and perfect that s’mize as you make your way through the sights and sounds of the Yuletide.

Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular delivers hours of social media-worthy seasonal content. An ideal accompaniment to an afternoon of snowflake-accented activities at License to Chill, little Santa’s helpers will be thrilled to witness the walking light show that meanders through the lake.

Christmas Events in Atlanta 

Stone Mountain Christmas

Choo Choo! Ready to climb aboard the merriest train in all of the North Pole? Relish hours of holiday entertainment when you spend a day or three at Stone Mountain Christmas. One of the most beloved Christmas events in Atlanta is back on select days from November 11th through December 31st. Eke out tons of excitement on the park’s Summit Skyride and Scenic Railroad during the day, then stay put for enchanting experiences come evening.

Marvel at the Children’s Largest Christmas Light Show, complete with special effects and a fireworks finale. Or, pay a visit to Mr. Claus himself at the North Pole. Clap along to a cheery Christmas Parade, grab a ticket to the Polar Express, or discover what dinosaurs do for Christmas!

The happiest time of year can also be the hardest on our budget. Keep your Christmas spending in check when you utilize any of our Atlanta deals. 

Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World

Countless evergreen boughs laden with tinsel and lights, plus bespoke ornaments illuminating cultures and traditions from around the globe. Inject your Holiday celebrations with some wanderlust, when you explore the dazzling trees and displays of Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World.

Hosted by the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, this international exhibit of Yuletide seeks to recognize cultural celebrations, events, and traditions from all over. Discover charming Toy Soldier ornaments or gaze in wonder at elegant butterfly displays.

From traditional holiday staples to more unique pieces that explore secular and nonsecular representations of celebrations, every tree here tells a story. Winter Wonderland will run through January 7th, 2024.

Fantasy in Lights

Feeling a little bit like a Grinch? For a surefire way to amp up your holiday spirit, start your Christmas celebration with Christmas celebration with Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens. Celebrate 30 years of Fantasy in Lights this year with a showstopping display of holiday lights in Callaway Garden.

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From November 17th through January 1st, 2024, let yourself be swept away in the spectacle of 30 dancing trees, 10 million twinkling lights, and a jolly trolley ride.

Meander through 2,500 acres of decorations and lights as you snap photos with Santa and other cuddly characters. Then, take a moment to sip hot cocoa and munch on cookies before you complete the jaw-dropping seven-mile Fantasy in-lights scenic drive or stock up on stocking stuffers at the Christmas Village. 

Peachtree Lights

Seeking an ethereal street performance on Peachtree Street? Step back and let the warm glow of thousands of holiday lights ignite your Christmas spirit. Everyone’s favorite midtown holiday light display is back and better than ever. Locals and visitors alike should expect that giant light switch to be flipped sometime after Thanksgiving.

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Pack up a thermos of apple cider and pull on those sneakers, as the best way to take in Midtown Bright is by foot. Glimpse trees wrapped in red, purple, and green colored lights in addition to 22 Moravian stars, which contain special holiday significance.

From the wintery whites of the Gingko tree to photo ops on Ponce de Leon Ave, there’s so much to uncover in this winter wonderland.

Georgia Festival of Trees

Spicy sweet gingerbread, masterful LEGO creations, and fridge-worthy snapshots with Santa. Surround yourself with the intoxicating scent of towering Evergreens and freshly baked cookies at the Georgia Festival of Trees. This unique holiday event will run for eight days, from December 18th through the 26th.

Little elves and their parents will be stunned by the diverse array of holiday trees, local products, vendors, and more. Hum along to live entertainment, purchase a perfectly decorated wreath, or compete in a Gingerbread House competition. LEGO lovers can show off their brick-laying skills as they battle it out to create the most arresting masterpieces. More active munchkins can try their hand at an Elf obstacle course.

The perfect complement to a night of lights? How about a romantic dinner for two? Wine and dine your better half when you visit any of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Fantastical light creations that illuminate the night sky, glowing orbs, fountains, and more. Escape reality and enter a wonderland of light and magic when you reserve your tickets to Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Gaze upon miniature trains, light tunnels, and majestic forests at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Their signature Christmas event kicks off on November 18th and will run through January 14th, 2024. Return for another season of poinsettia trees, radiant rainforest, and blooming bulbs. Pose for a selfie in front of the Kiss Me Arch, or let the mauve glow of a million LED lights accentuate your seasonal selfie.

Holiday in the Park

Scream yourself silly on Batman and Blue Hawk before you take the adrenaline down a notch with Holiday in the Park at Six Flags. Keep your eyes peeled for Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph as you stroll through ten uniquely themed holiday neighborhoods. Whip out that camera, as you’ll want to document the over one million sparkling lights and lushly decorated Christmas trees.

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Pause for a moment to appreciate the dancing light show on the Grand Fir Christmas Tree and Merry Lane. Or, admire the festive appearance of favorite attractions such as the Riverview Carousel and The Six Flags Railroad. Give Santa a hug at the North Pole, or refuel for more Looney Tunes adventure with roasted marshmallows. 

Staying past Christmas into the New Year? Pop that bubbly and learn about where the party starts with our Guide to Atlanta at Night. 

Tons of tinsel, mistletoe, and resplendent Fir and Evergreen trees. It must be the Holiday Season in Atlanta.

Watch in wonder as this hub of BBQ and Southern charm is transformed into a fantasy land of glowing lights, color, and decoration.

Chuckle along to hilarious interpretations of Dickens’s Christmas Carol at Stone Mountain, or unleash your creativity with a gingerbread house competition at the Festival of Trees.

Create unforgettable memories with Mr. Claus, or indulge in aquatic adventures at the Georgia Aquarium.

From ingenious illuminated creations that pepper the Botanical Gardens to breathtaking drops on Six Flags’ Superman ride, it’s impossible not to be swept away in the cheer of this time of year. 

Tell us, How Will You Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta?

Did we miss any of your favorite Atlanta Holiday events?

Leave us a comment below!