Whether you have family coming into Atlanta to visit you, or you want to join friends or your family here, you might be looking for some things to get you into the holiday spirit. Maybe we found something you’ll find interesting in our 13 Holiday Events Around Atlanta!
(The Title of Each Event or Place is a like to their website, if we found one!)
Lights of Life
Drive through the campus of Life University in Marietta to experience the Lights of Life, open Every night from dark to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through December 31. Since 1989 this light show has grown to encompass more than 1 million LED lights in displays set up along the grounds. Other activities include visits with Santa, pony rides, and concessions.
Through December 13, admission is $5 per car Monday through Thursday and $10 per car Friday through Sunday. From December 14 to 31, admission is $10 per car regardless of day. Additional fees are required for onsite activities and concessions.
Holiday in The Park at Six Flags Atlanta – Thru January 6
Celebrating its fifth year, Holiday in the Park returns bigger and brighter than ever with more than 1 million LED lights, 16 themed areas, 30 holiday rides, a variety of live shows, and plenty of photo ops scattered throughout that would be perfect for next year’s holiday cards.
Open select days through January 6, tickets vary based on age and date. See website for exact pricing and to purchase tickets.
Skating at Park Tavern — A Midtown Favorite! Through January 21st
“The Rink Powered by Pepsi” is a popular ice skating rink that returns with a “Fire & Ice” theme featuring a Neo-Victorian feel and design elements, holiday décor, games, seasonal cocktails, and more.
Through January 21, skating is open to all ages from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday for $15 and on Friday through Sunday for $20. Each evening at 8:30 p.m., The Rink turns into an “ages 16 and up” venue until midnight. Rental skates are included.
Parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
Santa at The Battery Atlanta
This one has all kinds of different hours and options. December 16th for example, is Santa Paws Night when you can bring the family pet.
World of Coke Holiday Highlights
To celebrate the season, this downtown attraction is highlighting the history of the Coca-Cola Santa as well as spotlighting seasonal Coke ads and artifacts from around the world. Guests also can sample seasonable beverages like Apple Pie Sprite and Gingerbread Coke.
Photo ops galore, including with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, positioned in Santa’s sleigh, and outside the venue by giant ornaments. Ticket prices vary by day and age, so check website for full calendar and pricing. Available through January 1.
Stone Mountain Christmas — Through January 6th
Stone Mountain Christmas invites residents and visitors alike to come experience some of the park’s top attractions all decked out for the Christmas season. See an abbreviated 4-D version of “The Polar Express,” take a ride on the Scenic Railroad as you sing carols, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. When you’ve finished, how about that holiday photo made with holiday characters Rudolph, Clarice, and Bumble from “Rudolph, The Red-nosed Reindeer.”
Ticket prices vary based on age and date; see website for exact pricing and to purchase tickets.
Milledgeville and The Old Governor’s Mansion – thru December 21
Through December 21, tour the Old Governor’s Mansion to see how the state’s elite celebrated the season in a bygone era. Tickets are $10 per person, $7 for seniors and pre-booked tours, and $2 for students.
Also available will be tours of Rose Hill, a circa-1852 Greek Revival home.
Savannah’s 21st Annual Holiday Lights Tour
If you are headed to Savannah, this is a must do! The Old Town Trolley Tour takes you on a caroling tour as you pass by historic homes and city squares! How fun!
Christmas at Rock Ranch — Who Knew?
The Rock Ranch is a beautiful 1,500 acre working cattle ranch located about an hour south of Atlanta in Upson County. The farm was founded by the late S. Truett Cathy of Chick-fil-A and is dedicated to “Growing Healthy Families!” and “Uniting Families to the Land and Each Other.” It’s a place where families, school groups and businesses can come to enjoy “agritourism.” (Ah, now we know……)
Check the website for more details about travelling around the farm by wagon, riding the Christmas Express Train, the Holiday Gift Shop and the Christmas Cafe.
Festival of the SEAson at The Georgia Aquarium
Festival of the SEAson transforms Georgia Aquarium’s plaza, galleries and exhibits into a winter wonderland, including appearances by Santa and SCUBA Claus, a holiday edition of our live entertainment experience, tree-lighting ceremonies, and Santa Claus events.
Many events are part of your General Admission to the Aquarium, but some could have additional fees. As always, check the link provided above for more information!
Ride The Pink Pig — Lenox Square
Let’s just leave it at that… Individual rides are $3 each, and you can get multi-ride tickets (you know, in case you just can’t get enough of the Pink Pig) for $5.50 for 2 rides and $7.50 for three rides.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights – Atlanta Botanical Gardens – Midtown Atlanta
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns with new features and crowd favorites – including new music and motion for last year’s buzz-worthy spectacle, Nature’s Wonders.
This year brings the debut of the Skylights Lounge in the Skyline Garden. Plus, several larger-than-life plant giants from Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time will be awash in holiday glow.
See the Ice Goddess and Tunnel of Light along with the Orchestral Orbs, Radiant Rainforest, Model Trains and other favorites that continue to make the exhibition a must-see holiday tradition.
A Value Night ticket (We picked Wednesday, December 19) is $24.95 per person. Check the website for other ticket prices based on Value, Regular and Peak night dates.
Ponce City Market
Check the website for a variety of activities going on at this vibrant “re-make” of the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, located on Ponce De Leon Blvd in Old Fourth Ward.
There you have it…..some fun things in, around and outside of Atlanta to round out your holiday adventures! We hope you enjoy one, or many of them, along with all the other magic that IS the Holiday Season!
