Rhode Island Center - various times Pick
Darnall's Chance House Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
Darnall's Chance House Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
Darnall's Chance House Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
Activity Guides
- Beaches & Lakes
- Best Of Lists
- Birthday Parties
- Boats
- Boredom Busters
- Camps
- Childcare
- Christmas/Hanukkah
- City Guides
- City Hacks
- Classes & Enrichment
- Community
- Crafts & Recipes
- Earth Kids
- Easter
- Fairs & Festivals
- Fall Activities
- Family Travel
- Farms & U-Pick
- Free Activities
- GoList
- Halloween
- Holidays
- Hotels & Resorts
- Indoor Activities
- Museums
- News & Openings
- Outdoors
- Parent Talk
- Parks & Playgrounds
- Play Gyms & Sports Centers
- Pools & Spray Parks
- Preschools & Schools
- Restaurants
- Shows
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Special Needs
- Special Occasions
- Sports
- Spring Activities
- STEM
- Stores & Services
- Summer Activities
- Theme & Water Parks
- Trains, Dinos & Heroes
- TV, Film & Movies
- Virtual
- Visitors Guide
- Weekend Events
- Weekend Trips
- Winter Activities
- Zoos & Gardens
27 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Atlanta for Kids
'Tis the season for holiday activities around Atlanta! Families looking for wholesome merriment have plenty of options this holiday season, including Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts. You can't go wrong with one of Atlanta's biggest holiday mainstays and Christmas events, Stone Mountain Park Christmas or try something new like Elf the Musical at the Fox Theatre. Feeling nostalgic for Atlanta holiday traditions? The Pink Pig will once again be at the Georgia Festival of Trees. We've included even more great ideas to have an amazing Atlanta Christmas with kids!
Insider Tips for Families Enjoying Holiday Fun in Atlanta
- Plan to visit popular holiday attractions, like Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Zoo Atlanta, early in the season. Best days? The time leading up to Thanksgiving week and December (before the holiday break).
- Arrive earlier in the day with kids to avoid both meltdowns and crowds. For holiday light shows near Atlanta, aim for right after dusk.
- Many Atlanta Christmas events require reservations or timed tickets so be sure to reserve online before heading out.
- Doing a drive-through light show? PJs and hot/lukewarm cocoa should definitely be on the agenda.
Christmas Events in Atlanta FAQ
Q: What are the best Christmas events in Atlanta for kids?
A: Families love seeing the twinkling lights at Garden Nights, Holiday Lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden, snow tubing at License to Chill Snow Island, ice skating on The Roof at Ponce City Market, and riding the Holiday Express train in Blue Ridge.
Q: Where can kids see Christmas lights in Atlanta?
A: Some of the most magical light displays are at Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Lights of Life in Marietta. Check out our guide to the best Christmas lights in Atlanta for more fun spots.
Q: What holiday activities are free in Atlanta?
A: Free holiday fun includes tree lighting ceremonies all over town including Light up the Season at Piedmont Park! In Dunwoody, families can see Holiday Lights in Brook Run Park throughout December. And don't forget the always fun and festive Virginia Highland Winterfest.
Q: Is Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker good for kids?
A: Yes, it's magical and entertaining for kids (over age six). For a shorter (and less expensive!) introductory Nutcracker, try Woodstock Dance Academy's Nutcracker: Land of Sweets, which has a one-hour run time perfect for young kids.
Q: Where can we meet Santa in Atlanta?
A: Phipps Plaza is the most famous spot, but reservations fill up fast! Luckily, families can also find Santa at Atlanta holiday markets and events across the city.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Best Christmas Events & Holiday Activities for Kids in Atlanta
Places featured in this article:
Stone Mountain Park
Center for Puppetry Arts
Six Flags White Water
Callaway Resort & Gardens
Coolray Field
Alliance Theater
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Gas South Convention Center
Zoo Atlanta
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Piedmont Park
Lawrenceville Lawn
Ponce City Market
The Battery Atlanta
Decatur Square
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Intersection of Virginia Ave & North Highland
Fox Theatre
