The weather is cooling down and now we are getting ready for the holidays. With Thanksgiving approaching soon, Christmas decorations and activities are beginning to start. This holiday season bring your family out for some holiday activities and Christmas fun. From ice skating, to tree lighting’s, to light displays and lots more. There is something for every family. Not limited to just families, some activities could make a great date night or fun with friends.
Best Christmas Light Displays
Atlanta Holiday Lights at Atlantic Station, now – Jan. 2
This drive-thru and walk-thru experience will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The lights will feature themes from holiday movies and mini Atlanta neighborhoods. Tickets range from $15-40
World of Illumination at White Water, now – Jan 2.
Want to get into the holiday spirit but still want to remain socially distant?This 1 mile drive-thru experience features hundreds of animated lights set to your favorite holiday tunes. Reservations are required.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, now- Jan. 15
Visit the Botanical Gardens for a magical holiday experience. There will be a colorful grove with oversized flowers leading to the Ice Goddess and several lighted sculptures.
Lights of Life at Life College, Nov. 25- Dec. 31
My family has been going to Lights of Life since I was a kid. This is a family holiday tradition that has lots of holiday activities including magical light display, train rides, a petting zoo and concession stand.
Holiday Road at Horse Mansion at Bouckaert Farm, Nov 26 -Jan 2
Celebrate the holiday season and enjoy this immersive walkway of lights. This experience was originated in Los Angeles and comes from a Hollywood production team. There will be food trucks, holiday bar and souvenir shop.
Holiday Luminosity at Lakepoint Sports, Nov. 26-27
Bring your family to Catersville to enjoy this new indoor holiday laser light experience. There will be a light show with holiday tunes to match. Each ticket purchase comes with a glow in the dark item to go with the show.
Christmas Tree Lighting’s
Light the Station at Atlantic Station, Nov. 20
This 50-ft tree lighting can be enjoyed in person and in the comfort of your home. It will be televised on 11Alive at 7PM. Expect fireworks and a visit from Santa after the tree lighting.
The Lighting of Avalon at Avalon, Nov. 21
Get ready for the holidays in Alpharetta at the annual lighting of the tree. This event will include the opening of the ice skating rink and will have free family holiday activities and appearance from Santa.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Battery, Nov. 27
Get in the festive spirit with the tree lighting at the Battery. A performance from Block Party starts off the event, then Blooper from the Braves will entertain the crowd until Santa lights the tree. This is a free event.
Grand Menorah Lighting at Atlantic Station, Nov. 30
Celebrate Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting, treats and activities. This is a free holiday activity presented by Chabad Intown.
Coming Home for the Holidays at Smyrna Village, Nov. 30
In downtown Smyrna come check out the lighting of the tree and an arrival from Santa. This will be a celebration to kick off the holiday season in Smyrna.
The Lighting at Colony Square, Dec. 4
This holiday event includes, live performances, ice skating, activities and a visit from Santa. This event is free to attend, ice skating tickets sold separately.
Merry Little Christmas Experience at Downtown Lawrenceville, Dec. 11
Get ready for Christmas with this experience. There will be a holiday market, an ice sculptor, Santa and his reindeer, holiday music and fireworks. Bring your blankets and chairs. This is a free event
Holiday Activities
Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park, now – Jan 2
Enjoy the park attractions with your family and in the evening be filled with the holiday spirit. There will be spectacular light displays, shows and more.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags, Nov 20- Jan 2
Enjoy the thrills of the roller coasters with the pretty holiday lights. There will be shows, holiday treats and a chance to meet Santa at the North Pole.
Holiday Hunt Scavenger Hunt at Oakland Cemetery, Nov 20- Jan 2
Looking for a little something different this holiday season, this is it. Explore the historic cemetery and complete a holiday themed scavenger hunt with your friends and family.
Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Nov. 20- Jan 9
This holiday-inspired exhibit will feature celebrations and traditions around the world. Winter wonderland will also have life-size snow globes of winter themes outdoors.
IllumiNights at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta, Nov. 20- Jan. 16
Stroll the zoo at night and enjoy the Chinese Lantern Festival. This is a new tradition for the zoo, there will be 80 animal lanterns, but know that some of the animals will not be in their habitat at night.
Winterland at Illuminarium, Nov. 26 – Jan. 2
Step into a magical holiday experience and enjoy the 4D experience of being in a winter wonderland.You will see the Northern Lights, enchanted forest creatures and a snowy paradise.
Celebration at the Station at Atlantic Station, Nov. 20- Jan.2
Come check out the holiday tree, snow shows, a new animated holiday video and all the joy of the season at Atlantic Station. Occurs every hour from 5-9 Mon-Sun and it’s free.
Santa’s Post Office at The Battery, Nov. 26- Dec. 24
Fridays- Sundays and the week of December your little ones can bring their handwritten letters to Santa’s post office. Of course Santa will be there as well to take pictures.
Sugar Plum Fairy Forest at Buckhead Village, Nov. 27- Dec. 18
Explore the immersive Sugar Plum Fairy forest while shopping at the Veranda. There will be photo opportunities with life-size abstract trees and floral canopies. Plus ballerinas from the Atlanta Ballet perform every Saturday.
Celebrations in Light at The Children’s Museum, Dec. 5, 22, 18 and 26
Celebrate different winter holidays with special performances, story times and crafts. Throughout the month there will be interactive celebrations of holidays and their cultural influences.
Ice Skating
Skate the Station at Atlantic Station, Nov. 19- Jan. 17
Atlantic Station has the largest ice skating rink in metro Atlanta. Bring your family out to get in the holiday spirit. Tickets, $15, can be purchased ahead or at the door and include skate rentals. Season passes are also available for $60.
Skate on the Square at Colony Square, Nov. 19- Jan. 17
The Plaza at Colony Square is turning into an ice skating rink. On the opening night there will be a performance by Tune Union. Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for kids, limited tickets at the door.
Avalon On Ice at Avalon, Nov 21- Jan 17.
Lace up your ice skates and get ready to skate around this Rockefeller-inspired rink. Walk-ups are welcome but reservations are recommended to guarantee a spot.
Holiday Shows
Xfinity Movie Series at The Battery, Fridays now- Dec. 10
Make your Fridays a family movie night. Enjoy free movies on the plaza this holiday season. Bring your blankets, chairs and appetizers.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts, now- Jan 2
Bring your family out for this classic holiday story. See the puppets from the original Rudolph stop-motion production. This will be a holiday event the whole family will enjoy
The Elf on The Shelf at The Fox Theatre, Dec. 5
If your family has a little Elf on the Shelf they may enjoy this musical. There will be music and dance that transports the audience to the North Pole to see the lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. Tickets from $29-$69.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical at The Fox Theatre, Dec. 7-12
This Broadway hit show is coming to Atlanta. This holiday event will have you step into the world of Whoville and enjoy all your favorite Grinch hit songs. Tickets are $40- 89.
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