Elsa Simcik

Elsa Simcik has been freelance writing for 20-something years, covering a hodgepodge of fields--health & fitness, human interest stories, and even dating. After becoming a mom she segued into writing for local magazines and websites, focusing on parenting, fun things to do with kids, and travel. The travel part is fun, but not as glamorous as it sounds, because it's traveling with kids. Still, she'll take it.

Latest posts by Elsa

55 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Atlanta for Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 12/01/2024 - 9:48am

Sandy Springs City Springs puts on a free parade and beautiful display of lit, miniature homes on December 8. Photo courtesy City of Sandy Springs

This post is being updated for 2025. Please check back soon.

The winter holidays in Atlanta don't have to put a crimp in your wallet. That's because Atlanta is jam-packed with tons of free Christmas events and holiday activities! This is welcome news for families who may be feeling a financial strain due to the recent government shutdown and the rising costs of food, holiday shows, and Christmas gifts.

Mommy Poppins wants you to experience the magic of the season without worrying about the cost. We've created this list of the best FREE holiday events in Atlanta. Our list covers everything from lightings (both menorahs and Christmas trees), festivals, and Christmas parades to holiday markets, free places to pose with Santa, light displays, and even carriage rides!

For more seasonal highlights, be sure to check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Atlanta Kids, and of course, our always-up-to-date Family Activity Calendar.

29 Best Things to Do in Atlanta December 2025 with Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 11/29/2024 - 11:15am

Families walk through Margaritaville at Lake Lanier's spectacular light show with festive seasonal music. Photo courtesy of Margaritaville

Christmas lights, Hanukkah celebrations, and holiday activities are in full effect for December, and that's just the beginning of things to do in Atlanta this month!

December in Atlanta starts with Christmas tree lightings all over town, including those in Sandy Springs, Woodstock, and Brookhaven (where Santa enters on a helicopter)! As December continues, Atlanta families get into the holiday spirit with Nutcracker Ballet and Holiday Shows as well as Dazzling Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows. December 25th brings Christmas Day AND the first night of Hanukkah! Families celebrate with lots of events, including Chabad Intown's menorah lightings. After all those holiday gifts are ripped open, families can ring in 2025 with fun, daytime events like the New Year's Eve Bubble Bash at Children's Museum of Atlanta.

Forget the holiday drama, mama — sign up for our newsletters to make your December run smoothly.

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Atlanta: Parades, Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 9:00am

Cirque du Soleil reimagines a Christmas classic in 'Twas The Night Before..., an acrobatic show about the magic of the holiday season. Photo by Michael Last

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this Thanksgiving Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend!

Atlanta families have lots to be thankful for this year, including so many fun events this Thanksgiving Day weekend. Check out free Thanksgiving weekend events like Santa on the Decatur Square, Snellville's Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade, and The Battery Atlanta Tree Lighting. Thanksgiving weekend kicks off with exhaustingly fun turkey trots, including awesome runs in Alpharetta and Marietta. After your jog and Thanksgiving feast, enjoy the many holiday events in Atlanta, including amazing Christmas light shows like Marietta's Lights of LIFE and Woodstock's Holiday Lights event.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Mommy Poppins!

The Nutcracker Ballet and More Holiday Shows for Atlanta Families

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 11/10/2024 - 1:29pm

One of the most popular takes on The Nutcracker comes from Atlanta Ballet, performed at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Photo by Kim Kenney

The Nutcracker ballet and other holiday shows in Atlanta bring families together for memory making and festive fun. Atlanta offers plenty of holiday shows and options for The Nutcracker, including those with cool twists on the story, like Hip Hop Nutcracker at The Fox and Once Upon a Holiday in Roswell.

Some holiday shows are so kid-friendly (especially the ones with puppets) that even the wiggliest of children are mesmerized! Take a look at our comprehensive list of The Nutcracker performances and holiday shows to choose which will add theatrical magic to your family this holiday season!

Activate Atlanta: A Physical Gaming Experience for Big Kids and Teens

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 10/06/2024 - 10:38am

Test your physical and mental prowess at Activate Atlanta, a gaming facility perfect for big kids, teens, and adults!

Activate Atlanta is an exciting, live-action gaming activity for families with children ages 10 and older. While kids will love the state-of-the-art gaming elements and light effects, parents will appreciate that this is an active gaming experience, utilizing teamwork with physical movement that includes running, jumping, climbing, crawling, and throwing. My kids were so excited to visit Activate — after only five minutes, my 13-year-old asked, "Can I have my birthday party here?!"

30 Things to Do With Atlanta Babies Before They Turn One

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 11:11am

Experience an adventure on the slides at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of ABG

There are lots of things to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one, including those important moments...first bath, first smile, first teeth. (Put down those tissues...this is a fun list.) Grab the camera because we've come up with 30 fun, playful, and even educational activities to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one—a baby bucket list, if you will! Luckily, Atlanta is a great place to grow up with tons of outdoor spaces, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of FREE things to do.

Best Summer Day Camps in Atlanta

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 04/07/2024 - 9:42am

Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC)'s Camp Kingfisher is popular with kids of all ages who love being outdoors! Photo courtesy CNC

There are so many fun options for summer day camps in Atlanta! We've rounded up amazing day camps for Atlanta kids —most of these are traditional summer camps with outdoor games, crafts, and swimming. All of the included Atlanta day camps run approximately 9am-4pm (some even offer extended hours). Camp themes typically change week to week so summer campers stay engaged.

If your child prefers a specific focus at summer camp, choose a specialty camp (like STEM, arts, and sports —all listed in our Camp Guide).

Best Free & Fun Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids April 2024

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 03/31/2024 - 8:29am

An Atlanta staple for over 80 years, there is something for everyone at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

April brings Earth Day and spring festivals, so it's a great time to get outside and enjoy free fun in Atlanta! Don’t miss our favorite FREE things to do in Atlanta with kids in April.

We kick off April with spring break for most Atlanta students. Families who stay in town will have plenty of options for free fun like Movies on the Square at Colony Square and the Spring Festival on Ponce, and there's even more FREE things to do for the rest of the month. Don't miss the beloved Dogwood Festival, back for its 88th year, in Piedmont Park; Dunwoody's Lemonade Days Festival for fun, food, and of course, lemonade; and even more awesome spring festivals in Atlanta.

Find more seasonal fun, including activities and travel guides, check out our Spring Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids and check out our Atlanta Family Activity Calendar that we update daily!

Elsa Simcik

Latest posts by Elsa

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