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16 Atlanta Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out

Get tickets now for Elf the Musical coming to the Fox Theatre December 16-21! Photo by Matt Crockett, courtesy of Brave PR
Get tickets now for Elf the Musical coming to the Fox Theatre December 16-21! Photo by Matt Crockett, courtesy of Brave PR
10/24/25 - By Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

It may seem far off, but Christmas will be here before you know it! Atlanta is chock-full of exciting holiday events for kids at Christmas, but many of these top events sell out quickly, especially on weekends. Read our list of holiday events for families to start planning now and book tickets for these "can't miss" Atlanta events. If something piques your interest, act quickly -- we don't want you to miss out on Atlanta's top Christmas events with kids!

Create new holiday traditions with our comprehensive Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Atlanta Kids, featuring the inside scoop on Atlanta activities to make the holidays magical with your family. And be sure to check out the Atlanta events calendar, where exciting events are added every day!

 

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Holiday and Christmas Events in Atlanta to Book Now!

Santa at Phipps Plaza

Buckhead
Select days November 1 - December 23, 2025
Preregistration open now
By reservation only, meet Santa Claus at Phipps Plaza. Children can sit in the jolly man’s lap or on a nearby bench. Prices vary for different photography/video packages and include options to order Christmas cards, ornaments, plates, mugs, and gift tags. READ MORE

Holiday Fun at Amore e Amore

Inman Park
November 5 - December 24, 2025
Reservations available now
During the holiday season, family-favorite restaurant Amore e Amore transforms into a holiday wonderland with festive decorations, a prix-fixe menu, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Be sure to check the website to confirm Santa's appearance schedule.  READ MORE

Stone Mountain Christmas

Stone Mountain
Select days November 8, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Tickets on sale now
Stone Mountain Park celebrates the magic of Christmas with music, lights, live shows, and visits from familiar holiday-season friends.  READ MORE

North Pole Limited Christmas Train

Chattanooga, TN
Select days November 14-December 21, 2025
Tickets on sale now
Travel to Chattanooga for this one-hour holiday ride to the North Pole. Listen to stories and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate on the train. At the North Pole, Santa comes aboard to give presents to all the children. READ MORE

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights

Pine Mountain
November 14, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Tickets on sale now
Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights is an annual Christmas lights display that spans the size of two football fields. Visitors can experience it in a car, on a trolley or on foot.  READ MORE

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Midtown
Select nights November 15, 2025 - January 11, 2026
Tickets on sale now
One of Atlanta’s favorite holiday light displays returns to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Expect new music and choreography with more vertical lights than ever.  READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theatre

Midtown
Select days November 15-December 24, 2025
Tickets on sale now
This year's production of the holiday classic A Christmas Carol returns to Alliance Theatre's Coca-Cola Stage.  READ MORE

IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta

Grant Park
Select nights November 21, 2025 - January 18, 2026
Tickets on sale now
​Experience the magic of Atlanta holiday lights! IllumiNights: A Lantern Festival is back at Zoo Atlanta. The lanterns create a wonderland for zoo visitors to enjoy.  READ MORE

A Magical Cirque Christmas at Fox Theatre Atlanta

Midtown
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Tickets on sale now
Usher in the holidays with this dazzling performance suitable for the entire family. The 90-minute variety show features jaw-dropping acrobatic performances, magic, holiday music, and stunning costumes. READ MORE

Holiday Express at Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Blue Ridge
Select days November 28-December 28, 2025
Tickets on sale now
Families head north to the mountains for this one-hour holiday train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, featuring the story, The Night Before Christmas. Riders are also treated to holiday music, an activity packet, a candy cane, and a jingle bell. Parents can purchase snacks and hot chocolate while on board. READ MORE

Candy Cane Express at SAM Shortline

Cordele
December 5 & 6, 2025
Tickets on sale now
This excursion on the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad in south Georgia runs for just two days in December so interested families should book quickly. Passengers take the holiday train for a two-hour stopover in Plains to explore the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Museum, shop, and sample peanut butter ice cream. Kids will love seeing Santa on this holiday train ride. The higher-priced tickets include more options such as snacks, drinks, and lunch. READ MORE

Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker

Cumberland
Select nights December 6-27, 2025
Tickets on sale now
Atlanta Ballet brings The Nutcracker to life at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Yuri Possokhov's production uses striking costumes, immersive video projections, and bold sets to provide a magical night of this holiday classic. READ MORE

Family Concert: Deck the Halls with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Midtown
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Tickets on sale now
Bring kids of all ages to sing favorite Christmas songs with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. You'll also learn all about the instruments that make up an orchestra. The concert is a one-day event with two shows at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. READ MORE

Christmas with the ASO

Midtown
December 11-14, 2025
Tickets on sale now
Ring in the holidays with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concert. The chorus and musicians perform holiday carols, hymns, and more, as well as welcome additional ensembles and special guests. READ MORE

Cordele Holiday Train

Cordele
December 12-20, 2025
Tickets on sale now
Offering hot chocolate and cookies, the one-hour Cordele Holiday Train will delight younger kids who won't sit still for too long. Sing along to holiday music and see what Santa gives each passenger! READ MORE

Elf the Musical at Fox Theatre Atlanta

Midtown
December 16-21, 2025
Tickets on sale now
If you loved the holiday movie Elf, don't miss this live-theatre production designed for audiences of all ages. Held at the iconic Fox Theatre, the performance follows the adventures of Buddy, an elf from the North Pole who finds himself in New York City. READ MORE

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About the Author

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler
Rebecca Ruffin Leffler is an LSU grad (Geaux Tigers!), wife, and mom to twin girls in Atlanta. She enjoys writing about parenting, hiking, and travel. Follow her family’s vacation adventures at FindingFamilyAdventures.com.
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