Get into the holiday spirit this year with 9 must-visit Atlanta events the whole family will enjoy. From tea with Santa, dining in a rooftop igloo, to snow tubing down Georgia’s longest slide, we have created an unforgettable list to fill your children with the awe of the season.
VISIT LANIER ISLANDS WINTER ACTIVITIES– From snow tubing and ice skating to carnival rides and a walking holiday light show, Lanier Island’s Winter Activities are nothing short of an endless wonderland for kids. This is a must-visit event in the Buford area, with Georgia’s longest and ONLY snow tubing slide beginning on November 16th and the Margaritaville Lakeside Lights beginning on November 27th.
SKATE AND DINE ON THE PONCE CITY ROOFTOP – Skating amongst the clouds and dining in a private heated igloo? Say no more! From November 29th – January 5th, visit The Roof at Ponce City Market for kid-friendly ice skating and an igloo dinner your kids are sure to talk about all winter long. Make sure to book on a Sunday in December for a special appearance from Santa!
EXPLORE CALLOWAY GARDENS FANTASY OF LIGHTS – Step onto the Jolly Trolley or ride in your own car to view over 10 million twinkling holiday lights. Located slightly over an hour from Atlanta, Calloway Gardens offers the Fantasy of Lights from November 15th to January 4th. At the end of the seven-mile light show, guests can enjoy a walk to the Christmas Village where children can meet Santa. You can even choose to extend your stay overnight and opt to have breakfast with Santa the following morning.
HAVE AFTERNOON TEA WITH SANTA – Nothing screams holiday spirit more than a magical 1.5-hour afternoon tea featuring special guests Santa and his mischievous elf. Enjoy sweet and savory treats, live music, balloon animals, and holiday cheer. This event books up quickly, so get your tickets early.
WALK THE GARDEN LIGHTS AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS – If your kids are as obsessed with Christmas lights as mine, the Botanical Garden’s walking tour of lights is a must-visit from November 16th – January 12th. Explore 30 acres of gardens featuring the world’s largest curtain of light with music, hot chocolate for the kids, a festive cocktail for you, and a tunnel of lights that’s the perfect spot for a family photo.
WATCH RUDOLPH AT THE CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS – This is the cutest way for our little’s to get in the holiday spirit. Beginning November 13th, the Center For Puppetry Arts is putting on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, based on the beloved television show. Kids can enjoy hot chocolate with the whole family and snap a photo with Rudolph after each show.
STROLL THE ATLANTA CHRISTKINDL MARKET – Transport to an old German Christmas market at one of Christkindl’s two locations this year. With local vendors selling unique products you can gift, food to splurge on, and drinks to savor, it’s a fun and festive way to feel holiday cheer. It is openfrom November 22nd through Christmas Eve.
VISIT ILLUMINIGHTS AT THE ZOO – Enjoy a glowing evening beginning November 20th to see the hand-crafted Chinese lanterns fill the zoo. Grab a hot chocolate and stroll the mile-long path that is transformed into a nighttime wonderland filled with lights, lanterns, and wildlife.
SEE THE NUTCRACKER FROM THE ATLANTA BALLET – From December 7th- 26th, the Atlanta Ballet puts on a classic, magical performance of the Nutcracker at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. This would be the perfect event to take older children to and begin a holiday tradition of watching this visually beautiful production.
Did we miss anything? Let us know your family’s holiday traditions around Atlanta in the comments below! And be sure to check out all our recommended holiday events at Atlanta Mom!
Such wonderful recommendations for family fun! Will definitely plan a trip to visit the Ponce City rooftop and Botanical Gardens!
Thank you! I hope you got to try out some of these fun local spots this season!