Christmas spectacular
December 1, 2019
1 mile north
Cirque Dreams Holidaze has flying reindeer, jumping gingerbread men, rousing music, amazing costumes, and Santa Claus at Fox Theatre.
Atlanta events December 2019
Traditional Christmas music
December 1, 2019 (3 p.m.)
6.3 miles north
O Radiant Dawn features the Festival Singers of Atlanta performing 11 traditional songs in Buckhead. Donation.
Christmas at the mansion
December 1 - 7, 2019
4 miles NE
Tour a Tudor Revival mansion decorated by designers, and shop in an artists’ market during Christmas at Callanwolde. See the schedule of special events.
Holiday home
December 1 - 8, 2019
11.1 miles north
Walk through a giant home in Sandy Springs decorated for the holidays during Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Nov. 28.
Tree lighting
December 5, 2019 (6 to 8 p.m.)
11 miles NW
Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting includes music, crafts, train rides, family activities, and Santa. Free.
Marietta tree lighting
December 5, 2019 (4 to 8 p.m.)
18 miles NW
Kick off the holiday season with a band, choruses, Santa (5:20 p.m.), and a tree-lighting ceremony (6 p.m.) at the Christmas Tree Lighting at Glover Park in Marietta. Free.
Small-town parade
December 5, 2019 (7 to 9 p.m.)
62 miles SE
Hometown Holidays Parade is a small-town affair with Christmas lights on fire trucks, kids on homemade floats, marching bands, beauty queens, and Santa and Mrs. Claus in Forsyth. Free.
Powder Springs tree lighting
December 6, 2019
22 miles NW
Beginning with a parade at 6:30 p.m., the Christmas Tree Lighting at 7:30 p.m. in Powder Springs features Santa, holiday music, the mayor, and hot chocolate with cookies in the Town Square. Free.
Christmas concert
December 6, 2019 (8 p.m.)
22.6 miles north
The Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble plays holiday songs with Celtic singer Chloe Agnew and a tenor at Tis the Season to be Merry in Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
Alpharetta tree lighting
December 6, 2019 (6 to 9 p.m.)
25 miles north
Season of Celebration [formerly Light the Night] offers musical performances, kids’ activities, snow, food trucks, Santa, and a 6:30 p.m. tree lighting. Free.
Christmas symphony
December 6 - 8, 2019
2 miles north
Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is a story created by the legendary Robert Shaw and told by hundreds of musicians.
Skateboard competition
December 7, 2019 (5:30 p.m.)
0.3 miles south
Watch advanced level skateboarders compete outdoors on a closed street in a “street gap contest” during Mind the Gap at 27 Poplar Street NW, next to Woodruff Park. Free. The after party is at Sidebar.
Children’s Christmas Parade
December 7, 2019
1.5 miles north
Peachtree Street fills with floats, giant balloons, costumed characters, and marching bands for the 90-minute Children’s Christmas Parade, which goes down Peachtree Street from 16th to 5th. Free.
Dog costume parade
December 7, 2019 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
2.5 miles NE
Register and dress up your dog for fun or to win an award at Reindog Parade at Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Strong beer festival
December 7, 2019 (12 to 4 p.m.)
3 miles east
Taste 40 high-alcohol beers from 25 local breweries at Atlanta Strong Beer Fest at Wrecking Bar Brewpub.
Candlelit choir
December 7, 2019 (4 & 8 p.m.)
5.3 miles NE
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols features choral music, scripture, and readings by special guests at Glenn Auditorium, Emory University.
Holiday concert in Marietta
December 7, 2019
21.2 miles NW
Holiday Pops features the Georgia Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, Santa, a sing-along, and special guests at Marietta Performing Arts Center.
Kennesaw Christmas
December 7, 2019 (2 to 7 p.m.)
26 miles NW
A Day with Santa features a 2 p.m. parade of floats, marching bands, and vintage cars, followed by a 3 p.m. holiday market, stage entertainment, snow tubing, and visits with Santa. Free.
Home tour
December 7 - 8, 2019
3.2 miles NE
Visit eight homes featuring “beautiful architecture and interior design” and serving free samples of local restaurant food during the Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes, beginning at John Howell Park. Free shuttles, and free admission for children younger than 10.
Christmas home tour
December 7 - 8, 2019
21 miles NW
The Marietta Pilgrimage is a tour of six homes by daylight or three homes by candlelight, which are restored and decorated for Christmas for ages 8+.
Big holiday concert
December 8, 2019 (3 p.m.)
0.2 miles south
Hear beloved holiday favorites with an international twist at the family friendly Gala Holiday Concert, performed by 200 members of the Georgia State University Symphony Orchestra, jazz band, choruses, and ensembles at Rialto Center for the Arts.
Party at the mansion
December 8, 2019 (5:30 to 9 p.m.)
4 miles NE
Wear holiday cocktail attire to the $200 Callanwolde Holiday Gala for live music, auctions, a plated dinner, a cocktail hour, and time to explore the splendor of rooms decorated by designers at Callanwolde mansion.
Pop concert
December 8, 2019 (8 p.m.)
12.2 miles NW
Watch Rob Thomas perform at Star 94.1 Deck The Hall Ball at Coca-Cola Roxy.
Gourmet tasting
December 8, 2019 (3 to 5 p.m.)
14.6 miles north
A $69 ticket to High-End Holiday Walk Around Tasting includes “unlimited tastings of high-end reds, whites, dessert wines, and champagne paired to perfection with chef's complementary holiday hors d’oeuvres” made at live chef stations at Vino Venue.
Free holiday event in the park
December 9, 2019 (3:30 to 5 p.m.)
0.3 miles south
Hear choirs perform at Caroling in the Park, which includes “a free hot chocolate bar, a photo booth, and a visit from Santa” at Woodruff Park.
Balloon rides
December 10, 2019 (3 to 8 p.m.)
3.5 miles NE
Get a free tethered balloon ride, watch street performers in Victorian cotumes, buy fair food, and play games at The Cross Country Ballooning Fair, a promotion for Amazon’s show “The Aeronauts’ Incredible Journey” in tents at Piedmont Park. Balloon rides stop during rainfall. Expect a line. Free.
Handel’s Messiah
December 13, 2019 (8 p.m.)
2.3 miles north
Ring in the holidays with the joyful Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus.
Welcome to Narnia
December 13, 2019 (5 p.m.)
33.6 miles SW
Walk into a closet and then out the other side to explore the magical wintry kingdom of Narnia, which is filled with creatures of myth and fable based on “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” on The Great Lawn at the Inn at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills.
Christmas chorale concert
December 13 - 15, 2019
5.3 miles NE
Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale brings joyous music from Atlanta’s award-winning choir to Schwartz Center for Performing Arts.
Gospel Nativity
December 13 - 15, 2019
10.7 miles NW
Black Nativity [sound] retells the story of the first Christmas with dance, spirituals, gospel music, and a rousing finale at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Candlelit Christmas
December 13 & 20, 2019 (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
6.3 miles north
Walk candlelit paths at Atlanta History Center to historic houses with holiday decorations and activities, plus food and drink for sale and a holiday market at Candlelight Nights. See Dec. 20 on a separate page.
Christmas show
December 13 - 22, 2019
19 miles NW
A Christmas Tradition is a family-friendly non-stop song and dance revue featuring classic Christmas tunes at Earl Smith Strand Theatre.
Heartwarming play
December 13 - 23, 2019
8.9 miles NE
It’s a Wonderful Life, based on the 1946 film, tells how one man’s life makes a difference and touches so many others at OnStage Atlanta.
Christmas extravaganza
December 13 - 23, 2019
32 miles NE
Christmas Canteen is a variety show with sketch comedy, theatrical numbers, and singing galore at Aurora Theatre.
A Christmas Carol
December 13 - 24, 2019
multiple locations
“A Christmas Carol” is Charles Dickens’ classic holiday play about Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and 3 Christmas ghosts.
- Dec. 13 to 22 - Sylvia Beard Theatre in Buford
- Dec. 13 to 23 Shakespeare Tavern downtown
- Dec. 14 to 22 - Aurora Theatre with one man playing all of the characters in Lawrenceville
- Dec. 14 to 24 - Alliance Theatre in Midtown
Nutcracker ballet
December 13 - 24, 2019
Greater Atlanta area
The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl’s Christmas dream and includes music by Tchaikovsky.
- Dec. 13 to 15 - Atlanta Dance Theatre, Roswell
- Dec. 13 to 24 - Atlanta Ballet, Fox Theatre
- Dec. 20 to 22 - Gwinnett Ballet, Duluth
- Dec 20 to 22 - Metropolitan Ballet Theatre, Roswell
Holiday humor
December 13 - 28, 2019
multiple locations
- Dec. 13 - Christmas with the Crawfords is a campy classic with parodies of Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, etc. at Out Front Theatre Co.
- Dec. 13 to 21 - Santa After Hours is a comedy for adults at Out of Box Theatre, Marietta.
- Dec. 13 to 22 - A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty is a comedy in Alpharetta.
- Dec. 13 to 28 - Invasion: Christmas Carol is adult humor at Dad’s Garage.
Holiday plays
December 13 - 31, 2019
multiple locations
- Dec. 13 - The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley features Jane Austen characters set in rural England at Theatrical Outfit.
- Dec. 13 to 29 - Frosty is a very merry musical at Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square.
- Dec. 14 to 21 - Merry Little Holiday Shorts is eight one-act plays in Scottdale.
- Dec. 14 to 31 - Madeline’s Christmas is a musical play about 12 girls in Paris at Horizon Theatre.
Holidays at the aquarium
December 13 - 31, 2019
0.5 miles NW
Winter Waterland features tree lightings (Nov. 29 & Dec. 7), photos with Santa, a Santa underwater show, a song & dance show with snowfall, and “The Polar Express” film at Georgia Aquarium. See schedule.
Christmas lights - Marietta
December 13 - 31, 2019
17 miles NW
Lights of Life is open every day with 1.5 miles of holiday lights, displays, pony rides, train rides, a petting zoo, and concessions at Life University. Open every night, but cheaper Dec. 2 - 5 and 9 - 12.
Christmas lights - Callaway Gardens
December 13, 2019 - Jan. 4, 2020
82 miles SE
Fantasy in Lights is a giant holiday light and sound show, with 8 million lights, 15 scenes, 2 shows, a Christmas village, and Santa Claus at Callaway Gardens. Open every night. Reserve holiday meals.
Holidays at Centennial Park
December 13, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020
0.3 miles west
- Atlanta Christkindl Market has German food, beverages, and gifts in a festive atmosphere at Ring Fountain Plaza, daily through December 24, 2019.
- Chinese Lantern Festival has displays depicting 25 kinds of animals, with Asian food and performers. Open daily through January 5, 2020.
Make a Christmas ornament
December 13, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020
7 miles NE
The Ornament Class at Decatur Glassblowing includes safety instructions, a demonstration, and assistance making a glass ornament to take home after it cools for two days. Children age 10 to 17 OK with a parent.
Christmas at Stone Mountain
December 13, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020
19 miles east
Stone Mountain Christmas has millions of lights, holiday shows, a snow-angel palace, snowfall, and a nightly tree lighting and parade at Stone Mountain Park. Nearby Snow Mountain has tube rides. Schedule.
Holiday lights - Botanical Garden
December 13, 2019 - Jan. 11, 2020
2.5 miles NE
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights features illuminated attractions, synchronized light and sound, model trains, s’more roasting, and food for sale at the 30-acre Atlanta Botanical Garden. Open every day, but cheaper on “value nights.”
Holidays around the world
December 13, 2019 - Jan. 12, 2020
4 miles NE
Winter Wonderland celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holidays with twinkling lights and trees hung with ornaments and cultural objects at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Closed Nov. 28 and Dec. 25.
Snow sports
December 13, 2019 - Feb. 23, 2020
45 miles NE
Play in the snow, ice skate, go snow tubing, take carnival rides, join a scavenger hunt, and visit the fire pits during License to Chill Snow Island at Lanier Islands. Closed on some dates between Jan. 2 and Feb. 21.
Atlanta attractions
December 13, 2019 - Feb. 29, 2020
multiple locations
These discount prices include all taxes and fees.
- Aquarium + CNN + Coca-Cola + 2 more
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Legoland Discovery Center
- Malibu Grand Prix (mini golf, go-karts, boats)
- Planetarium show at Fernbank Science Center
Lights in the park
December 13, 2019 - Feb. 29, 2020 (closes 11 p.m.)
0.3 miles south
See “vibrant, light-based sculptures by artists from around the country” at Prism: Winter Lights at Woodruff Park in Woodruff Park. Free.
Holiday bar crawl
December 14, 2019 (5 p.m.)
multiple locations
Wear your tackiest holiday duds to Ugly Sweater Crawl for holiday music and drink specials in six bars, starting at Buckhead Saloon, for age 21+.
Pub crawl
December 14, 2019 (12 to 4 p.m.)
multiple locations
Pub Crawl on the BeltLine includes up to five beverages plus food discounts, beginning at three different check-in locations.
Magic show
December 14, 2019 (8 p.m.)
3 miles NE
Watch two magicians perform with a combination of magic, mentalism, and humor for all ages at Atlanta Magic Night at Red Light Cafe.
Glassblowing open house
December 14, 2019 (12 to 5 p.m.)
7 miles east
Watch glassblowing demonstrations at the family friendly Open House, with snacks, drinks, music, and art for sale at Decatur Glassblowing. Free.
Holiday race
December 14, 2019
19 miles NW
Wear bells on your shoes for the Sleighbells on the Square, a 5K/1K race and tot trot at Marietta Square.
Small-town parade
December 14, 2019 (6 p.m.)
49 miles west
City of Newnan Christmas Parade includes floats, walking groups, decorated cars and trucks, and marching bands. Free.
Cheerleading competition
December 14 - 15, 2019
10 miles SW
Watch cheerleaders compete for prizes and a chance to go to the nationals at All Star Challenge at Georgia International Convention Center.
African-American Nutcracker
December 14 - 22, 2019
Atlanta & Decatur
Set on Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn Avenue in the 1940s, the Urban Nutcracker features “professional dancers and urban minority youth, dancing to the traditional Tchaikovsky score and newly adapted music.”
Southern radio show
December 14 - 22, 2019
15.8 miles NE
An Atlanta Christmas is an audio drama that highlights holiday celebrations from a Southern point of view at Tucker Recreation Center.
Make a gingerbread house
December 14 - 23, 2019
14.6 miles north
Your ticket to Gingerbread House Decorating Party includes a blank canvas gingerbread house plus 20 kinds of candy construction materials and an instructor at Vino Venue in Dunwoody for all ages.
Holidays at Six Flags
December 14, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020
12.5 miles west
Holiday in the Park has holiday entertainment, carolers, Christmas lights, and a 6 p.m. tree lighting at Six Flags Over Georgia. Scroll down their page to see dates.
Music and wine
December 15, 2019 (9 p.m.)
2 miles NE
Hear music in an intimate setting with optional food and wine at City Winery in Ponce City Market.
Holidays at the nature center
December 15, 2019 (2 to 6 p.m.)
22 miles north
See live reindeer, play reindeer games, make winter crafts, visit the campfire, shop food trucks, and walk the trails to find fairy houses during Enchanted Woodland Wonders at Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell.
Fairytale musical
December 15, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020
2.6 miles north
Based on the movie starring Anne Hathaway, Ella Enchanted is about a girl who must battle ogres, befriend a prince, and crash a giant’s wedding on her journey to find her fairy Godmother who can undo a spell to free her fate, at Synchronicity Theatre.
Family Christmas show
December 16, 2019 (7 to 9 p.m.)
7.6 miles NE
Up on the Housetop is filled with holiday songs and stories and includes a visit from Santa at OnStage Atlanta.
Ugly Sweater Night
December 17, 2019 (6 to 9 p.m.)
13.4 miles north
Get a free holiday cocktail and listen to live music if you wear an ugly holiday sweater to Ugly Sweater Night at Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia.
Concert
December 18, 2019 (7 p.m.)
3 miles NE
Holiday Hootenanny is a concert broken down into four unique one-hour sets plus a silent auction to support charity at Variety Playhouse on Euclid Avenue for age 18+.
Cirque du Soleil
December 19, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020
3.2 miles north
Volta is the latest show performed by the amazing acrobats, aerialists, cyclists, comedians, dancers, and gymnasts of Cirque du Soleil in a heated tent at Atlantic Station.
Jingle Ball concert
December 20, 2019
0.6 miles SW
Jingle Ball brings big-name music artists every December to State Farm Arena.
Children singing
December 20 - 21, 2019 (7 to 9:30 p.m.)
8 miles north
Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir includes a full orchestra at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.
Holiday show
December 20 - 22, 2019
17.3 miles NW
Home for the Holidays is a “family-friendly show guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit” with performers from Atlanta Lyric Theatre and Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts, onstage at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta.
Christmas party
December 21, 2019 (8 p.m.)
14.7 miles north
The New Jingle Mingle is a party with DJ music and a dance floor at The Select in Sandy Springs for age 21+ to support charity.
Celtic concert
December 21 - 22, 2019
0.2 miles south
Celtic Christmas features fiddlers, dancers, singers, and a harpist from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Appalachia at Rialto Center for the Arts.
Jewish celebration
December 22 - 30, 2019
multiple locations
Free Chanukah Celebrations include menorah lighting, music, a parade, doughnuts, latkes, and hot drinks.
Football: Peach Bowl
December 28, 2019
1 mile SW
Watch an exciting college football playoff at this year’s Peach Bowl in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
New Year’s Eve - Downtown
December 31, 2019 (8:30 p.m.)
0 miles
Atlanta NYElectric has four DJs playing house & top 40 hits, plus an open bar at the Westin Peachtree Plaza for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve - restaurants
December 31, 2019
Atlanta locations
OpenTable lists restaurants that offer special menus and celebrations on New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve - Downtown
December 31, 2019 (8 p.m.)
0.1 miles north
Dress up to enjoy an open bar, an early-evening mini buffet, DJ music, and a midnight champagne toast at Downtown Countdown at Southern Exchange Ballrooms for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve at the aquarium
December 31, 2019 (8:30 p.m., VIP 7:30)
0.5 miles NW
Celebrate among sharks, sea otters, and penguins at the New Year’s Celebration: Splashing ‘20s, with live music in the ballroom, a DJ in the main aquarium, a dinner buffet, late-night snacks, and a champagne toast at midnight in the Georgia Aquarium for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve penthouse party
December 31, 2019 (8:30 p.m.)
0.6 miles NW
Wear semi-formal attire (or flapper, roaring ‘20s, zoo suit) to Gatsby’s Penthouse, a “VIP only” party with open bar, light hors d’oeuvres, skyline views, DJ music, and a midnight champagne toast on the rooftop of Ventanas for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve - beer bash
December 31, 2019 (8:30 p.m.)
1 mile south
A ticket to Brew Year’s Eve includes an open beer bar at Georgia Freight Depot, with DJ music and a midnight toast for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve - improv
December 31, 2019 (7 & 10 p.m.)
1.5 miles SE
Celebrate the new year with “a cavalcade of the best sketches, songs, and improv teams” and a complimentary glass of champagne during New Year’s Eve Shizzazzle at Dad’s Garage.
New Year’s Eve at City Winery
December 31, 2019
2 miles NE
Atlanta Wine Festivals New Years Eve is an “all inclusive party” with a buffet, wine, beer, liquor, live music, and a DJ at City Winery for age 21+.
New Year’s Eve beer bash
December 31, 2019 (7 p.m.)
2.4 miles NE
A ticket to New Year’s Eve at New Realm includes live music in the taproom, a DJ in the heated dance party tent, rooftop views of fireworks, a food buffet, and an open beer bar until midnight at New Realm Brewing.
New Year’s Eve - beer bash
December 31, 2019 (9 p.m.)
3 miles east
Your ticket to New Beer’s Eve includes an appetizer buffet, beer, wine, and live music at Front Page News (and Tijuana Garage next door) on Moreland Avenue.
New Year’s Eve - comedy
December 31, 2019 (7:30 p.m.)
17.5 miles NE
Laugh your way into the new year at the New Year’s Eve show at Atlanta Comedy Theater in Norcross. Dinner is optional.
New Year’s Eve with knights
December 31, 2019
26 miles NE
Ring in the New Year with the lords and ladies of Medieval Times. Ticket includes admission to the Museum of Torture, a two-hour live tournament, a four-course meal, party favors, DJ dancing, and champagne at midnight (or kids’ beverage) in Lawrenceville.
New Year’s Eve - Possum Drop
December 31, 2019
59 miles west
The Possum Drop offers family fun, live country music, midnight fireworks, and food in Tallapoosa. Free.