Atlanta dazzles with enchanting holiday festivities, creating an atmosphere brimming with anticipation and joy for the upcoming season. Here’s a look at a festive things to do in Atlanta for 2023.
Miracle on Peachtree in Buckhead
Miracle on Peachtree is back for the fourth year with new and festive, family-friendly events and activities to usher in the holiday season. From ballet to hot cocoa, Christmas tree decorating, local shopping and even a holiday tea, you’re certain to find more than one way to celebrate the season in Buckhead.
Due to popular demand, this year’s Livable Buckhead will host Hot Chocolate Crawls on the first two Saturdays in December. On December, 2 from 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. people can enjoy strolling through Buckhead Village District to visit the shops and restaurants at Buckhead Village District, to grab a cup of hot chocolate, or a signature cocktail, all while enjoying live holiday entertainment along the streets of the village.
There will also be special wreath decorating for Buckhead’s fire stations from Noon to 4 p. m. near the Buckhead Library.
Atlanta Christkindl Market
The German American Cultural Foundation’s 2023 Christkindl German Market will be set up in the Buckhead Village District. The market features more than 50 vendors offering festive food and beverage treats and items to purchase plus live music and entertainment on the weekends. This traditional holiday market will run daily from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, daily. Hours are Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 3 until 8 p.m.
Stone Mountain Christmas
Visit Atlanta’s Most Heartwarming Holiday Celebration. Each day during Stone Mountain Christmas, you can enjoy park attractions including Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more! Then, become immersed in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters! Stone Mountain Christmas is open weekends and school holidays.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Infuse your holiday season with Christmas cheer as Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, in partnership with Cobb County PARKS, makes its grand debut at Jim R Miller Park and Event Center. This all-new, award-winning drivethrough light show is sure to be a highlight of your festive celebrations. Open nightly November 17, 2023 through January 7, 2024, cutting-edge technology and timeless holiday charm come together to create an unforgettable experience. From the comfort of your vehicle, take a magical journey through custom-built light displays perfectly synchronized to the merry melodies of Christmas.
Georgia Aquarium
Take in the sights and sounds of Holidays at Georgia Aquarium in their completely transformed atrium with festive music, winter inspired projections, and our 40-foot live tree. They are proud to bring back some of your holiday favorites including photos with Santa, daily lighting of our tree and holiday-themed dolphin presentations.
Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Enter the magical world of The Nutcracker at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre this December. Atlanta Ballet’s larger-than-life production is a winter wonderland where falling snowflakes, twirling flowers and spinning stars guide Marie and her Nutcracker Prince through a dream-like world of delights – amplified by traditional stage magic and state-of-the-art technology. Every Saturday until 12/26/2023.
A Christmas Carol
Infuse your holiday season with Christmas cheer as Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, in partnership with Cobb County PARKS, makes its grand debut at Jim R Miller Park and Event Center. This all-new, award-winning drivethrough light show is sure to be a highlight of your festive celebrations. Open nightly November 17, 2023 through January 7, 2024, cutting-edge technology and timeless holiday charm come together to create an unforgettable experience. From the comfort of your vehicle, take a magical journey through custom-built light displays perfectly synchronized to the merry melodies of Christmas.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
The 13th annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ shines Nov. 18, 2023 – Jan. 14, 2024. There are familiar favorites and new installations, including Skyline Frost, a new skynet by Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics; illuminated metal birds and deer by Cédric Le Borgne and the return of White Rabbit to the Skyline Garden Pond. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as most dates are likely to sell out quickly.
WildWoods AGLOW
This all-new, limited-run nighttime experience offers a different experience within WildWoods, a 10-acre natural habitat behind the museum. Highlighting the complex, connected and sometimes-hidden stories that flourish in the surrounding forest, this innovative experience brings together the vast, natural environment with the latest innovations in immersive design and technology. Transformative illuminations, large-scale projections and original music compositions beckon guests into a nighttime wonderland of biodiversity.
IllumiNights at the Zoo!
New lanterns and experiences will be part of IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival, opening Nov. 16 and running through Jan. 14, 2024. Stroll the zoo after dark to be inspired by nature-inspired lanterns. Each lantern is made and hand-painted by Chinese artisans, representing thousands of hours of work. Warm up with hot cocoa (signature holiday spirits available for ages 21 and up). Make merry with a marshmallow roast by the fire. Find photo ops sure to sparkle on your social.
Six Flags Over Georgia
Tis’ the season to be jolly with thrill rides, holiday festivities and more than one million LED lights shining bright as Six Flags Over Georgia brings you Holiday In The Park®. The new holiday classic will include twinkling lights, festive shows, tasty culinary treats and of course, Santa Claus himself. Take a ride on the North Pole Express to visit Santa Claus at his merry workshop, and be sure to warm up around the fire for some delicious S’mores at S’mores Village.Holiday in the Park runs select nights from November 18 – January 3.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
Experience the enchantment of Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens, beginning on November 17 and continuing until January 1, 2024. Discover the newly introduced Tree of Traditions, a magnificent 40-foot Pixel pine, casting its brilliance over Callaway Christmas Village. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland adorned with sparkling lights, oversized ornaments, and a captivating forest of decorated trees. Embark on a magical journey aboard the Jolly Trolley, traversing the 7-mile Fantasy In Lights drive-through spectacle adorned with 10 million twinkling lights and featuring 17 enchanting Christmas scenes.
Christmas Dinner in Atlanta 2023
Check out my roundup of special offerings by restaurants and local businesses for Christmas in Atlanta 2023.
New Year’s in Atlanta 2023
Check out my roundup of things to do for New Year’s Eve and Day in Atlanta 2023.