Can you believe that 2022 is in it’s last month?! This year has brought us a lot of more activities as we are trying to live post-pandemic. Now that we are getting into the holidays, it’s busier than ever. There is so much going on in and around the city, I have compiled a list of 30 family fun holiday events and activities you and your family will enjoy. There is a little something for everyone, including free and ticketed events. Check them out below.
FREE Family fun holiday events
Xfinity Movie Series at The Battery, December 9
Bundle up on the lawn with your friends and family and enjoy a classic movie. This is a free screening and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks. Watch Jurassic Park on Dec. 2 and Kung Fu Panda on Dec. 9
NaanStop’s Holiday Cookie Decorating Party at Atlantic Station, December 11
This is a FREE family fun holiday event. NaanStop will provide chai- spiced sugar cookies along with frosting and sprinkles. Also available for purchase are classic or bourbon-spiked masala chai, plus their full menu.
New Year’s Eve Bash at The Battery Atlanta, December 31
This NYE Bash is perfect for families and adults. There will be two countdowns, an early one geared towards families and those that don’t want to stay up late and a late one for the grown ups. Both will have performances and are FREE.
Celebration at the Station at Atlantic Station, now – January 4
Enjoy this FREE holiday event in the evenings during this season. Enjoy a light and snow show on the Atlantic Green from 5-9pm.
Museums and Attractions
The Hip Hop Nutcracker at The Fox Theatre, December 13
This classical Christmas favorite adds a little flavor and culture. It is filled with an all-star cast, a DJ, violinist, and the MC is Kurtis Blow. This will be a holiday event to remember.
Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Atlanta Symphony Hall, December 15-16, 18, 22
Really get in the holiday spirit with the sounds and songs of Christmas carols. ASO will be performing carols, hymns, plus have special guests. Tickets start at $20.
Christmas on the Farm at Southern Belle Farm, now – December 18
Get a little different holiday experience on the farm. Guests can enjoy pedal karts, train rides, reindeer express, gnome scavenger hunt, barnyard animals and much more. Tickets $14.95
Holiday Express at Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, now – December 23
Enjoy an one-hour train ride through beautiful Blue Ridge. Listen to holiday music, and kids receive a jingle bell, candy cane, activity packet and a chance to see Santa. Tickets start at $40.99
A Christmas Carol at The Alliance Theater, now – December 24
Bring the family out to see this adaption of the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Tickets range from $17-$78, lap passes can be used for kids age 0-5.
Celebrations in Light at The Children’s Museum, now – December 28
Celebrate all of the Winter holidays with interactive activities for each one. Kids can enjoy Sockefeller Plaza Sock Skating, performances, crafts and more. Tickets $13.95-$19.95
The Fans Strike Back: The Largest Star Wars Fan Exhibition at Atlanta Arts Center, now – December 30
Star Wars fans get excited for this experience that includes over 600 official items from the Star Wars Universe collected by fans. There will also be a unique VR experience.
Rudolph The Red- Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts, now – December 31
Based on the classic stop-motion film. Bring your littles to see Rudolph and his friends save Christmas. Plus each ticket includes admission to the museum where you can see the actual puppets used in the movie.
Santa’s Secret ‘Stache at The Avalon, now – December 31
This is a holiday activity that can be fun for the whole family or just the adults. This seasonal pup-up is a dessert and cocktail bar is right next to the skating rink at The Avalon. Reservations recommended, 21 and up after 7PM
Space: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond at Illuminarium, now – December 31
Another immersive experience but this time in space. See Saturn’s rings up close, kick up moon dust and transport into the unknown.
Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park, now – January 1
This holiday event has all the entertainment. Guests can enjoy the attractions, festive music, tons of holiday lights, plus the new Christmas drone show.
Holiday in The Park at Six Flags, now – January 1
Six Flags is turning into a magical winter wonderland for the holidays. Guests can see festive shows, cozy treats, millions of lights and decorations plus the thrill of the rides. Tickets start at $44.99
Winter Waterland at The Georgia Aquarium, now- January 2
Get in the holiday spirit at the aquarium. There will be daily tree lighting, visits with Santa, appearance from Scuba Claus, holiday -themed dolphin show and much more.
Skate the Sky at The Roof at Ponce City Market, now – January 8
Get into the winter season with ice skating, family-friendly igloos, and play games like Faux Fur Coat Mini Golf and more. Tickets for the rink start at $22.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, now – January 14
Enjoy this magical family fun holiday event. Walk through the gardens and experience all the glowing lights, lit up sculptures, over-sized flowers and much more. Advanced purchase of tickets required.
Illuminights at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta, now – January 15
Visit the zoo after dark and experience the Chinese Lantern Festival. There will be more than 80 animal inspired lanterns throughout the zoo that are hand painted by Chinese artisans and filled with LED lights. Tickets start at $17.99
Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, now – January 16
This family fun holiday event includes a walk thru Lakeside Lights Spectacular, Santa’s Tiki Bar, Snow Island and more. Kids 7 and under free, 8 and up tickets $19.99
Harry Potter: The Exhibition at 200 Peachtree Building, now – Feb. 28
Harry Potter fans, this exhibition is for us! Immerse yourself in the Wizarding World, through the sets, characters through design and technology. Tickets $10-79, guaranteed a family fun event.
WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, now – March 5
Fernbank’s forest comes to life at night with motion activated lights, giant glowing mushrooms, and other immersive experiences. Tickets $21.95- $39.95
Holiday Lights
Holiday Lights at Veteran’s Park, now – December 31
Get cozy in the car and experience this 2 mile drive thru light show. Includes a canopy tunnel, large lights and more. Tickets $20 per car.
Lights of Life at Life University, now – December 31
This is a family holiday tradition that I have enjoyed since I was a kid. There are tons of holiday lights on display, plus pony and train rides, concessions and a petting zoo. Tickets are $10 per car.
Reindeer Road at Six Flags White Water, now – January 1
Love to see the holiday lights, but don’t like being in the cold? This family fun holiday event is for you. Drive down the world’s largest animated holiday light show. Tickets start at $39.99.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens, now – January 1
This Christmas tradition is going into its 30th year. Explore the Christmas Village, the immersive Winter Wonderland and Christmas Tree Lane. Drive-thru experience is also available. This family fun holiday event is worth the drive to Pine Mountain
Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City, now – January 1
Walk through the enchanted lights along the North GA mountains. Features the Grand Corridor in Yule Town, Arctic Kingdom and Magic Forest. Tickets start at $9.95
Let it Shine Lightshow at Coolray Field, now – January 1
Experience this drive-thru light show from the warmth of your car and radio. Your family will see over 1 million lights. Tickets available online only, starting at $32.99 per car.
ATL Holiday Lights at Lakewood Amphitheater, now – January 1
Stay warm inside and enjoy this nightly drive thru light show. Advance tickets are recommended. $30 per car for regular nights and $40 for peak nights.
After all of the family fun holiday events, you’ll be sure to want some treats. Try these cookies to make ahead and bring along with you. Happy Holidays!
