Take pictures with Santa Claus without having to travel to the North Pole! St. Nick is all over Atlanta to usher in this magical holiday season with photo ops, meet-and-greets, and Santa breakfasts with your little ones. Dress your kids in cute holiday outfits and take pictures with Santa for lasting memories. Capture candid photos with Santa at tree lightings, holiday festivals, or mealtimes; or reserve a professional Santa photo shoot at a local mall. In some instances, you can even bring Fido for a Santa photo! 

Don't miss all the exciting things to do this holiday season. Check out our 27 Must-Do Christmas and Holiday Events in Atlanta and 16 Atlanta Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out, both found in our complete Atlanta Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide. Be sure to sign up for FREE weekly Mommy Poppins newsletters to keep up on family fun. 

Pictures with Santa at Holiday Events in Atlanta

1. Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's – Lawrenceville and Acworth

You'll receive a free 4x6 photo and a digital greeting card to share on social media. While there, purchase additional photo packages printed in the store. Through December 24, 2025

2. Stone Mountain Christmas – Stone Mountain

Head to the North Pole at Stone Mountain Christmas and take photos of your little ones while they chat with Santa. Enjoy the nightly Enchanted Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Christmas parade, and the world’s largest Christmas light show. Through December 24, 2025

3. Georgia Festival of Trees - Duluth

Santa provides photo opportunities during this event featuring holiday trees, live entertainment, and shopping. The Santa photo session is included with the event admission. Select dates, November 22-30, 2025

4. Santa at Rhodes Hall – Midtown

Enjoy the historic mansion and let your children give their wish list to Santa. The cost is $60 for a 5x7 photo; for an additional $20, you can bring your own device to capture extra memories. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Reservations are required and fill up quickly. Pet night is December 3 and 12. Weekends, November 22 - December 14, 2025

5. Atlanta Christkindl Market - Lawrenceville

Santa will be available for pictures at the popular Atlanta Christkindl Market. Book reservations; for $25 per visit, you can take pictures with your own camera and let the kiddos chat with Santa. Select dates November 28-December 21, 2025

Get cozy for photos with Santa at Santa at Avalon. Photo courtesy of Avalon

6. Santa at Avalon – Alpharetta

Visit Santa at his North Pole cottage in Avalon's Palmer Court. Reservations may be booked, but walk-ups are available as time permits. For $40, get digital copies and printed copies of all images taken. On Tuesday evenings, Santa will pose with dogs. November 24-December 24, 2025

7. Santa on the Square - Decatur

Kick off the season at this annual event, where you can take pictures of your pets with Santa on November 20, 2025. Little ones will enjoy making ornaments, mailing wishlists at the Santa Mail station, and shopping. 

8. Santa at Spruill Gallery - Dunwoody

Stop by the Spruill Gallery’s Holiday Art Fair to get complimentary photos with Santa Claus. This is a great opportunity to have your holiday card photo taken by a professional photographer! Saturday, November 22, 2025

9. A Farmstead Christmas at Southern Belle Farms – McDonough

Snap free pictures with Santa at this fifth-generation farm. For a fee, kids can partake in hayrides, pedal karts, rubber duck races, and other activities. Weekends, November 28 - December 14, 2025 

Get a holiday hug from the big man at The Battery. Photo courtesy of The Battery

10. Santa's Post Office at The Battery – Atlanta

Kids deliver their wish lists to the big man himself at Santa’s Post Office. Conveniently located in the Truist Community Corner at The Battery, snap pictures with Santa. Pet photos are on select Thursdays in December. FREE. Select days, November 22 - December 24, 2025

11. A Country Christmas at Petit Creek Farms - Cartersville

One of our favorite petting zoos hosts a holiday spectacular. Snap pictures of your kids visiting Santa Claus, Comet, and Cupid (Thursdays - Sundays only), pick out a fresh Christmas tree to take home, drive (or take a hayride) through the light show, sip hot chocolate and roast s'mores by the firepit, and let the kids pet the animals. November 27 - December 30, 2025

12. Callanwolde Winter House – Virginia Highland 

The Winter House at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is a great holiday event. For an additional fee, register for a picture session where staff take Santa photos of your family on the front porch using your personal camera. Select dates, November 29 - December 14, 2025

13. Santa at Georgia Aquarium – Downtown

Get a picture with Santa when you visit the Georgia Aquarium during the holidays. The atrium will be decked with a 40-foot-live tree, winter projections, and holiday music. Package prices vary. Select dates, November 28, 2025 - December 28, 2025

Snap a photo with Botanical St. Nick at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of the garden

14. Botanical Saint Nick at Atlanta Botanical Garden – Midtown

Bring your camera to the Atlanta Botanical Garden where Botanical St. Nick takes photos with children. The experience is included in the cost of daytime admission to the gardens. Train fans see the holiday model trains on display, and the Botanical Express rides around the Great Lawn. November 29, December 6, 13, & 20, 2025

15. Santa Comes to The Avenue West Cobb - Marietta

The first three Wednesdays in December, bring your camera to take a free picture with Santa from 5-7pm at the Avenue West Cobb. Reservations are not required.  December 3, 10, & 17, 2025 

16. Jolly Holly Days - Suwanee

Bring little ones to Town Center Park in Suwanee! Santa arrives to greet children, pose for photos, and collect wish lists. Crafts will also be available as local schools provide musical entertainment. The night ends after Santa lights the holiday tree. And don't miss the holiday dog parade contest! December 5 & 6, 2025

17. Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - Powder Springs

Pose for a photo with Santa following the Christmas parade and tree lighting in Thurman Springs Park. Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, in addition to live entertainment. Friday, December 5, 2025

18. Santa on the Marietta Square – Marietta

Meet and take pictures with Santa at the Marietta Museum of History. Parents can purchase digital images, a Christmas ornament with one image, or a combination package. Reservations required. Bring your pups on December 7, 2025. Select dates December 5 - 23, 2025

19. Photo with Santa at Avenue East Cobb - Marietta

Book a professional photo with Santa and receive a digital copy. Tickets are $18 and benefit Habitat for Humanity NW Metro Atlanta. Fridays, December 6 - 20, 2025

20. Halcyon Holiday Magic - Alpharetta

A ticket to Halcyon Holiday Magic allows plenty of photo ops with Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Elsa and Anna from Frozen, The Grinch, and Santa! The fun-filled event includes crafts, face painting, and musical entertainment. Children receive a teddy bear courtesy of Northside Hospital. Advance tickets required. December 6, 2025

21. Kennesaw Holly Days Parade & Pictures with Santa – Kennesaw

After the kickoff parade at 11:30am, photos with Santa will be on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also reserve a professional photographer session. Live performers and tree lighting. December 6, 2025

22. Deck the Hall – Duluth

Get plenty of photos with Santa using your own camera, and the entire family will also get in the holiday spirit with music, crafts, and the tree lighting. December 6, 2025

23. Christmas in Acworth - Acworth

Bring your camera to Depot Park in Historic Downtown Acworth. Santa will be there from 1–5pm to pose for pictures with your little ones. FREE. December 6, 2025

24. Pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Alpacas at L&R Alpaca Haven Farm – Douglasville

For a unique twist, get pictures with your children greeting Santa, Mrs. Claus, and...alpacas. While at the farm, feed the alpacas, shop for gifts, or go horseback riding. December 6 & 7, 2025

25. Holiday PJ Party and Festival of Trains at Tellus Science Museum - Cartersville

Get a picture of your kids in their pajamas with Santa, the Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman while enjoying complimentary cookies and milk at Tellus Science Museum. The holiday festival also includes a scavenger hunt, science activities, and tons of model trains. December 13, 2025

Mealtime Santa Pictures and Breakfast with Santa

26. Afternoon Tea with Santa at St. Regis Hotel - Buckhead

For a special treat, have afternoon tea with Santa! The hotel offers a kid-friendly menu including sandwiches, sweets, hot chocolate, and juice. Adults enjoy savory finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts along with coffee or tea. Select dates, November 28 - December 21, 2025

27. Breakfast with Santa at Callaway Gardens - Pine Mountain

Pre-purchase tickets for a delightful breakfast with Santa at Callaway Gardens. Held 8:30am & 10:30am, kids will have plenty of time to share their wishlists with Santa while you get photos. Stay the whole day to enjoy Fantasy in Lights. Saturdays, November 29 - December 20, 2025

28. Toys and Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta - Downtown

Enjoy hot cocoa and treats at this family-friendly tea with Santa at The Ritz-Carlton. In addition to giving a wish list to Santa, kids decorate cookies and receive a gift from Mrs. Claus. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to charity. Reservations required. Select weekends, November 30-December 21, 2025

29. Breakfast with Santa at Lake Lanier Islands - Buford

You'll find plenty of photo ops with Santa while feasting on fruit, pancakes, and bacon at this resort northeast of Atlanta. Reservations required. Select days, November 30 - December 23, 2025

30. Santa Brunch at InterContinental - Buckhead

Spend the day at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the helpful hotel elves. Besides the delicious brunch buffet, families can decorate cookies, watch a holiday movie, and more. Sunday, December 7, 2025

31. Cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta – Grant Park

Purchase tickets for Cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta! The price includes zoo admission, a professional photo with Santa, hot cocoa, a cookie, and a craft. December 6 & 7, 2025

32. Santa Brunch & Photos at Milton's - Milton

Before feasting on brunch at Milton's Cuisine, sit for a family portrait with Santa. To keep kids entertained, the restaurant serves complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. After the photo session, take home a digital image. Reservations for both brunch and the photo session are required. Sundays, November 30 - December 21, 2025

33. Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus Atlanta - Buckhead 

Enjoy breakfast with Santa at the NM Cafe. Offerings include pastries, scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, and more. Ballet dancers will be in attendance for a meet and greet. December 13, 2025

34. Breakfast with Santa - John's Creek 

Bring your children to Park Place at Newtown School for a special one-hour breakfast with Santa. Choose between the 9am or the 10:30am seating. The cost is $20 for Johns Creek residents; $30 for non-residents. December 13, 2025

35. Breakfast with Santa at Avalon - Alpharetta

Purchase tickets for Breakfast with Santa at Avalon! Enjoy chicken biscuits and other casual fare at the event at Chick-fil-A, or opt for a fancier breakfast buffet at Oak Steakhouse. Proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. December 6 (Chick-fil-A) & December 7, 2025 (Oak Steakhouse)

36. Pancake Breakfast with Santa - Milton

Meet Santa while enjoying fluffy pancakes served by Fire Station #44 firefighters. A balloon artist will be on hand and the Grinch may make a surprise visit. December 13, 2025

37. Holiday Tea with Santa at Swan Coach House - Buckhead

Introduce your littles to afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Santa greets children and poses for photos. Reservations are required. December 7, 14, & 17, 2025

38. Boone's Holiday Brunch with Santa - West Midtown

Enjoy good food and great holiday fun at Boone's at Bobby Jones Golf Course! Santa makes a joyful appearance to pose for family portraits during the brunch. December 21, 2025

Santa Pictures at Atlanta Malls

39. Santa at Phipps Plaza – Buckhead

By reservation only, meet Santa Claus at Phipps Plaza. Children can sit in Santa’s lap or on a bench. Prices vary and include options for Christmas cards, ornaments, and more. Select days through December 23, 2025

40. Santa Photo Experience at Mall of Georgia – Buford

Find Santa on the lower level. Reservations encouraged. Photo packages are $39.99 - $49.99 and include a phone call from Santa. Caring Santa, a sensory-free session, is December 7 and Pet Night is November 23. Select days, November 7- December 24, 2025

41. Photos with Santa at Town Center at Cobb - Kennesaw

Say “cheese” with Santa at Town Center at Cobb. Reservations encouraged. Photo packages range from $40 - $50. Get pet photos on Mondays. November 26 - December 24, 2025

42. Santa Photo Experience at Lenox Square Mall - Buckhead

Visit Santa at Lenox Square Mall! Reservations encouraged. Photo packages are $39.99-$59.99. Pets can come on November 23 & 30, and children with special needs can visit on December 7! Select days November 15-December 24, 2025

43. Santa at Arbor Place Mall – Douglasville

The Santa Special package is great for families. An African-American Santa will pose with children on specific dates, while furry friends can attend Santa Paws Photo Night every Monday through December 15. Reservations encouraged. Select days, through December 24, 2025

44. Santa's Workshop at North Point Mall – Alpharetta 

Catch Santa at his North Point Mall outpost by the main entrance. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Special days for pet photos. November 22 - December 24, 2025

45. Holiday Photos with Santa at Greenbriar Mall – Atlanta

Santa greets children at Greenbriar Mall near the children’s play area. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Photography packages range in price. Pet photos are available on select dates. November 22 - December 24, 2025

46. Pictures with Santa at Perimeter Mall – Dunwoody

Pose with Santa on the lower level of the Nordstrom wing. Reservations encouraged. Packages range in price. Bring your pet for photos on Mondays and Tuesdays through December 16 from 4-7pm. Through December 24, 2025

47. Pictures with Santa at Cumberland Mall – Atlanta

See St. Nicholas at Cumberland Mall. Reservations encouraged. Photo package costs vary. Pets join the fun on select dates. November 21 - December 24, 2025

48. Santa Photo Experience at Sugarloaf Mills - Lawrenceville

Santa photo reservations are encouraged through December 24. Photo packages prices vary! Santa Cares, for children with special needs, is December 7. November 21 – December 24, 2025

Take a holiday train ride to see Santa at the North Pole with hot cocoa and holiday singing! Kick off the magical holiday season with real-life Polar Express and Christmas train rides near Atlanta. Our list includes holiday train rides in neighboring states since most are within three hours of metro Atlanta. You can combine your visit with one of these Atlanta winter day trips to the north Georgia mountains, Chattanooga, or surrounding areas. Bring your camera to take an Instagram-worthy shot of your kids on the train. FYI, Christmas train rides sell out fast, so buy tickets early! 

Check out our Atlanta Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for awesome gift-giving activities and ideas for everyone on your list. And subscribe to our free Mommy Poppins newsletter to stay updated about all the exciting activities in Atlanta!

Children ride along The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad on the Polar Express for a trip to the "North Pole." Photo courtesy The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad 

Christmas and Polar Express Train Rides 2025

1. Holiday Express - Blue Ridge, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours 
Dates: November 28-December 24, 2025
Cost: $42.99 children 2-12; $54.99 adults; Free 0-23 months on a lap 

Families head north to the mountains for this one-hour Christmas train ride aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, featuring The Night Before Christmas story. 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. 

2. The Polar Express Train Ride - Bryson City, North Carolina 

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours
Dates: November 6-December 31, 2025
Cost: Starting at $33 children 2-12; $51 adults. Prices vary based on date and train seating class

Children ride along The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad for this 75-minute round trip to the "North Pole." Along the way, passengers listen to the story and music from The Polar Express and enjoy hot cocoa and a treat. Santa makes an appearance on this Christmas train and gives children a sleigh bell on each holiday ride. 

3. Candy Cane Express - Cordele, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 2.5 hours
Dates: December 5 & 6, 2025
Cost: Varies based on seating class

This Christmas train ride 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! Higher-priced tickets include options such as snacks, drinks, and lunch. 

4. Cordele Holiday Train - Cordele, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 2.5 hours
Dates: December 12, 13, 19 & 20, 2025
Cost: $17 children 2-12; $27 adults; $37 deluxe class for all ages

Offering hot chocolate and cookies, the one-hour Cordele Holiday Train (also offered on the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad) will delight younger kids who won't sit still for too long. Sing along to holiday music and see what Santa gives each passenger! Reserve tickets soon as the holiday train only operates for four nights this season.

5. North Pole Limited Christmas Train - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours 
Dates: select days November 14-December 23, 2025
Cost: $42 traditional tickets ages 1 and up; $65 for Santa's Private Car ages 1 and up

Atlanta families travel to Chattanooga for this Christmas train ride to the North Pole on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. Passengers enjoy refreshments (including cookies and hot chocolate), listen to stories, and write letters to Santa on the hour-long ride. At the North Pole, Santa visits with all the passengers. 

RELATED: Chattanooga with Kids: 25 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

6. Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train - Delano, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours
Dates: December 6-22, 2025
Cost: Starting at $28 per ticket for ages 1 and up; price varies by section of train

Kids can write a letter to Santa while enjoying gingerbread cookies and chocolate milk during the 1+ hour ride along the Hiwassee River Gorge. Santa Claus rides along and gives every passenger a holiday bell. 

Take a Christmas Sing-Along Scenic ride on the Stone Mountain Railroad.  Photo courtesy of the railroad 

7. Sing-Along Scenic Railroad - Stone Mountain, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 30 minutes
Dates: November 8, 2025-January 4, 2026
Cost: Included with attraction pass: $36.99 children 3-11; $39.99 ages 12+; free for babies 2 and under

Enjoy Christmas magic aboard this Atlanta holiday train ride at Stone Mountain Park. Guests purchase attraction passes and enjoy all the park offers (including Summit Skyride and the interactive dinosaur exhibit), plus seasonal Christmas activities, holiday light displays, and fireworks. The train ride is a five-mile loop around the mountain; at night, the excursion turns more festive with Christmas carols.  

8. North Pole Express - Calera, Alabama

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours
Dates: Weekends, November 14-December 19, 2025
Cost: Starting at $30 ages 2 and up. Prices vary by section of the train

Just south of Birmingham, families will find the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas aboard this 75-minute holiday train ride with singing, storytime, sweets, and a chocolate drink. Santa and Mrs. Claus climb aboard at the North Pole to pose for photos.

9. Christmas at the Station - Calera, Alabama

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours
Dates: December 6, 13, and 20, 2025
Cost: $20 ages 2 and up.

For a daytime option available for only three days, climb aboard the Shelby and Southern Steam Railroad for a 30-minute trip with pre-recorded holiday music. Food trucks and holiday gift vendors will be at the depot. Pose for pictures with Santa at the museum.

10. Santa Train – Huntsville, Alabama

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours
Date: December 6 & 13, 2025
Cost: Starting at $20, price varies by section of train

If families find themselves visiting NASA’s U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, combine it with a holiday train ride at the North Alabama Railroad Museum. The Santa Train runs three times during one day and offers holiday sing-alongs and a gift for children on the 30-minute daytime ride. First-class passengers enjoy refreshments and a larger gift.

11. North Star Limited – Huntsville, Alabama

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours
Dates: December 5, 6, 12, & 13, 2025
Cost: Starting at $37.75 per person

For an evening ride in Huntsville, wear pajamas on the 45-minute North Star Limited, complete with a Christmas story, a sing-along, and refreshments. All children receive a gift from Santa and may visit with him on the loading platform. Kids should have their wish lists ready to give to Santa! 

Tell Santa all your wishes aboard the Santa Special Train Ride. Photo courtesy of Georgia Coastal Railway

12. Santa Special Train Ride - Kingsland, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 5 hours
Dates: November 28 & 29; December 6, 13, & 19-23, 2025
Cost: Starting at $12.50 for ages 3-12 and $24.50 for adults. Prices vary by section of the train

This Christmas train ride may not be as close to Atlanta, but if your family plans to head to the beach this holiday season, consider adding the Georgia Coastal Railway to the vacation. Frosty the Snowman, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all the elves visit each coach on the 70-minute journey. Purchase snacks and beverages at the station to bring on board.

Additional reporting by Elsa Simcik

Hear those sleigh bells ringing?! That means Christmas events near Atlanta are coming! Christmas towns and festive hotels near Atlanta are happy to welcome Santa, hard-working elves, and of course, your family! We've rounded up wonderful winter places near Atlanta to take kids and enjoy incredible decorations, seasonal activities, and a general feeling of holiday magic. Check out these over-the-top holiday destinations within driving distance of Atlanta, especially perfect for overnight, holiday-themed getaways. Want more fun ideas to make the most out of your holiday season? Check out our Atlanta Holiday and Christmas Guide for helpful info about all-things holiday! Curl up with a festive drink during your holiday stay at The St. Regis Atlanta. Photo courtesy Mariott Bonvoy Why These Holiday Getaways are Worth the Trip There's something special that happens as the weather turns colder and Christmas lights start appearing. Enjoy Christmas towns near Atlanta and festive hotels with over-the-top decorations and lights, family-friendly Christmas events, themed dining, and more. These holiday hotels near Atlanta make easy overnight stays, perfectly aligned with school breaks, out-of-town visitors, and Christmas staycations. Insider Tips for Visiting Christmas Hotels & Towns with Kids Christmas is quickly coming up so it's time to plan now. When planning the perfect holiday destination consider these factors: Arrive before dusk for parking and exploring. Book hotels early!  Atlanta and surrounding areas up north can get chilly, so pack hand warmers, winter gear, and of course, festive holiday sweaters. Check event calendars for parades and tree lightings. Combine day trips with an overnight for extra magic. Make it a tradition -- visit a new town or hotel each year! Bundle up in a signature blue parka and explore ICE! featuring"A Charlie Brown Christmas" at Gaylord Opryland. Photo courtesy Marriott Bonvoy Festive Hotels Near Atlanta 1. The St. Regis Atlanta - Buckhead This festive hotel in Atlanta really makes the holidays special every year. Families celebrate with an afternoon tea with Santa, a 22-foot Christmas tree, a Santa tuck-in (featuring a room visit for a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and milk and cookies), as well as festive cocktails (for parents). The Astor Chalet in the lobby opens November 18-December 24, 2025. 2. The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island - Amelia Island Amelia Island sits about five hours away (by car) from Atlanta and is a gorgeous way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Experience the enchantment of the season starting on November 29, 2025 with a Nutcracker tea and performance by The Florida Ballet. This charming afternoon tea, admidst holiday cheer and festive treats, is a great way to enjoy the holidays. 3. Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta - Midtown Besides deliciously festive Christmas dinners and brunches, the Four Seasons Atlanta hosts even more holiday events including cookie decorating, holiday-themed tea time, beautifully adorned Christmas trees in each room, and more joyful experiences. 4. Lanier Islands Resort - Buford Lanier Islands Resort's Magical Nights of Lights is the quintessential Christmas event for Atlanta families and those visiting the area. From November 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026, drive through thousands of Christmas lights, catch Santa's attention (on select nights), and more. At the hotel, enjoy elf tuck-ins, breakfast with Santa, a holiday market, wreath making, and more. 5. Bellyard - West Midtown Book the Holiday Lodge at Bellyard for a cozy alpine retreat November 14-December 31, 2025. This exclusive experience allows guests to enjoy the lodge-style touches, including complimentary hot cocoa service (with optional liquor) delivered to the room, a take-home Bellyard stocking filled with holiday treats, and more sweet Christmas touches. 6. Omni at The Battery Atlanta - Atlanta The Omni at The Battery welcomes families during the holiday season, as well as Santa himself, where he makes his stop preparing for the next leg of his route. The Santa's Landing package includes a room decked out in holiday decor, twinkling lights, and a sprinkle of North Pole magic. And at the surrounding Battery, families enjoy countless holiday events including a tree lighting, Santa's post office, kids holiday market, and more. 7. Barnsley Resort - Adairsville Head about an hour north of Atlanta to Barnsley Resort for outdoor activities and family-friendly holiday fun. Special Christmas events include the holiday train, gingerbread house making, breakfast with Santa, wreath-crafting workshop, letters to Santa, and fun with the elves including storytelling, tuck-ins, and more. 8. The Inn at Christmas Place - Pigeon Forge, TN We can't have a list about festive hotels near Atlanta and NOT include a year-round, Christmas-themed one! Sitting in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains about 4.5 hours away, this Christmas hotel offers holiday magic including Santa and Mrs. Claus, a seasonal outdoor pool (the new Winter Wonder Lagoon), cookies at bedtime, and more. The entire month of December includes special activities like cooking decorating, s'mores, kids crafts, Christmas bingo, and much more! Bonus? You can come during the spring, summer, and fall! 9. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center - Nashville, TN Drive four hours north to Nashville for Gaylord Opryland's magnificent Christmas events! Families will enjoy the ICE! "A Charlie Brown Christmas" fun, with ice tubing, ice skating, bumper cars, Santa photos, carriage rides, gingerbread decorating, and more. Wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus during the parade at Stone Mountain Park. Photo courtesy SMP Christmas Towns Worth the Drive 10. Stone Mountain Park, GA Enjoy the fun and follies of the Christmas season by visiting Stone Mountain Park! This beloved Atlanta attraction hosts tons of events throughout the year, but Christmas is the big one. Stone Mountain Christmas runs November 8, 2025 - January 4, 2026 with magical experiences including Christmas parades, Santa's Big Flight, Christmas drone and light show, and more. 11. Helen, GA This Alpine village, located in the Blue Ridge mountains, is one of the most charming places to visit during the holiday months. The celebration kicks off at the annual tree lighting, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, at the end of November, followed by weeks of Christmas events, including a holiday market, gorgeous Christmas lights, an evening 5K, parade, breakfast with Santa, and more. 12. Santa Claus, GA Who doesn't want to visit a town named after Jolly Old St. Nick?! Located about 15 minutes from Vidalia, Santa Claus, Georgia features Christmas-themed streets and welcomes families to bring Christmas cards to Santa Claus City Hall. While at City Hall, visit the Christmas gift shop and museum as well as leave a message for Santa using his official phone number. 13. Buford, GA We've included Buford, Georgia on great Christmas towns near Atlanta for one major reason: License to Chill Snow Island at Lake Lanier Islands. From mid-November through February, this property becomes a winter wonderland with snow tubing, winter-themed carnival rides, ice skating, fire pit with s'mores, drive-thru Christmas lights display, and more. Don't forget to catch the Buford Holiday Festival & Parade on December 6, 2025. 14. Amelia Island, FL Drive five hours south to Amelia Island, Florida for this Christmas-crazed city! Families can enjoy the annual Dickens on Centre Christmas Market & Festival, inspired by Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, as historic Fernandina Beach transforms to a Victorian Age Christmas village and marketplace. Characters wear Victorian dress (guests are welcome to dress-up, too!) and highlights include a beach run, costume dog parade, and live entertainment. Tiny Tim's Kid Zone offers holiday movies throughout the weekend, letter-writing to St. Nick, and Santa photos. This event is free and runs December 12-14, 2025.  Get the best of both worlds: A beach vacay with Christmas vibes! Photo courtesy City of Seaside 15. Seaside, Florida Located on Highway 30A, the panhandle's Seaside, Florida is about a 5-hour drive south of Atlanta and goes all out for the holidays. 2025 events include an outdoor screening of The Grinch, a holiday parade, Children's Theatre holiday shows, a whimsical Christmas village, photos with Santa, and more! 16. Franklin, TN Head north for about 4 hours to Franklin, Tennessee, and enjoy the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival (December 13 & 14, 2025). Historic downtown Franklin recreates the time of Charles Dickens, with musicians, dancers, and Dickensian characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Fagin, and more. Try Victorian-era holiday treats like sugar plums, enjoy carolers, and skip being a Scrooge. 17. Andalusia, AL Drive southwest for 3.5 hours to Andalusia, Alabama for the ultimate holiday daytrip -- Christmas in Candyland! This holiday-themed attraction opens select nights December 5-28, 2025. Here's just some of the Christmas events scheduled for this year: play cottages for kids, train rides, snow shows, winter skating, hot cocoa, and Christmas characters. Downtown Andalusia was voted Southern Living's Top Small Towns in the South for Christmas and one of the Most Magical Christmas Towns by Country Living!