The Ultimate 2025 Atlanta Christmas Guide: Lights, Festivals & Holiday Fun
The holiday season in Georgia is full of festive lights, cozy markets, and plenty of ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Whether you’re in Atlanta or exploring a little outside the city, here’s a list of must-do Christmas activities around Atlanta this season.
Atlanta Christkindl Market
Experience a traditional German Christmas market in the Metro Altanta Area. Open daily starting November 28th until December 24th, you can browse unique gifts from local artisans, enjoy festive foods like bratwurst and pretzels. This year the Christkindl Market is held at the Lawrenceville Lawn in a bigger and better location.
Hours:
- Wednesdays & Thursdays: 3 PM to 8 PM
- Fridays & Saturdays: 11 AM to 9 PM
- Sundays: 11 AM to 8 PM
Go Ice Skating
There’s nothing like skating under the holiday lights! Park Tavern, Atlantic Station, and Avalon on Ice offer seasonal outdoor ice rinks, complete with festive music and a great atmosphere.
Park Tavern
The Rink at Park Tavern, located in the heart of Piedmont Park, is open from December 1st to February 17th. The rink is covered with a heated tent, so you can skate rain or shine. You can purchase tickets online in advance.
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 4:30 p.m. – midnight
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – midnight
Pricing:
- Note: After 8:30 p.m. on weekends, skating is adults only.
- Weekdays: $15
- Weekends (Friday – Sunday): $20
Atlantic Station
Skate the Station at Atlantic Station is back for the season, open from November 15 through January 20, 2025. Skate beneath the stars at the largest outdoor ice rink in the Southeast!
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon – 8:00 p.m.
(Weather permitting)
Pricing:
- General admission: $17
Skate the Station also hosts fun theme nights, including:
- London Night – Nov. 23
- Ugly Sweater Night – Nov. 29
- Atlanta Falcons Night – Dec. 17
Avalon on Ice
Avalon on Ice returns to Alpharetta’s Avalon from November 17, 2025, through January 20, 2026. The large rink is set in the middle of Avalon’s charming outdoor shopping area, making it a perfect spot to skate, shop, and grab a cozy drink afterward. Tickets can be purchased at the rink or online in advance.
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pricing:
General Admission: $18 (includes skate rental)
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Every year, the Atlanta Botanical Garden transforms into a magical winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights. Wander through themed displays, sip on hot chocolate, and snap some festive photos. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves holiday cheer. You can explore the lights daily starting November 15th – January 11th.
Hours:
- Daily from 5 – 11pm
Pricing:
- Starting at $29.95 for adults up to $64.95. See their official website for more details.
Stone Mountain Christmas
Stone Mountain Christmas returns November 8, 2025 through January 4, 2026 (on select dates), offering a magical way to celebrate the holidays with your family. The entire park transforms into a glowing wonderland with over two million lights, festive music, live shows, and holiday cheer around every corner.
Event Hours:
- Attractions begin mid-afternoon
- Nighttime experiences start at dusk
Pricing:
- Stone Mountain Christmas
- Child: $36.99
- Adult: $39.99
- Stone Mountain Christmas + Flight to the North Pole
- Starting Rate: $59.99 per Adult or Child
What to Expect:
- The Christmas Parade: Wave to Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a merry cast of characters along the decorated streets. Dancing, music, and twinkling lights make this a festive experience not to miss.
- Enchanted Tree Lighting & Santa’s Big Flight: See the spectacular tree lighting and catch Santa soaring above for a truly magical moment.
- Magical Christmas Drone & Light Show: End your evening with an unforgettable show of animated lights, color-changing drones, and fireworks set to classic holiday songs. (Attractions Ticket or Annual Membership required)
- The Musical Frosted Forest: Wander through a glowing forest filled with dancing lights, music, and gentle snow—a charming, immersive walk-through experience.
- A Christmas Carol Live Show: Enjoy a lighthearted, entertaining retelling of Dickens’ classic holiday story.
Light Displays and Drive-Thru Shows
Altanta ZooLights
IllumiNights: A Lantern Festival returns November 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026. During this time the Zoo Atlanta transforms into a glowing wonderland during the holiday season. This annual favorite features hundreds of hand-crafted wildlife lanterns, stunning light displays, and festive treats throughout the park — creating one of Atlanta’s most magical holiday traditions.
Event Hours:
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Last entry at 8:00 p.m.)
- Pricing:
- Adult (12+): $20.99 – $24.99
- Child (3–11): $17.99 – $19.99
- Child (2 & under): Free
- Senior (65+): $17.99 – $21.99
- Group Tickets: $16.99 – $18.99
What to Expect:
- Dazzling Lantern Displays: Wander through hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns that bring the beauty of nature to life after dark.
- Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy seasonal treats, cozy drinks, and cheerful holiday music as you stroll through the zoo.
- Perfect for Everyone: Whether it’s a romantic date night, a family outing, or an evening with friends, IllumiNights is a can’t-miss holiday event.
- Pro Tip: Visit during the day to see the real animals, then stay for the glowing lanterns after sunset for a full-day experience.
World of Illumations
Located at Six Flag White Waters, World of Illumations returns November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Step into a sugary wonderland at World of Illumination’s Candy Rush, the world’s largest drive-through animated light show! This year’s theme transforms the Six Flags White Water parking lot into a glowing candy kingdom filled with millions of synchronized lights, festive music, and larger-than-life holiday displays.
Event Hours:
Open Tuesday – Sunday: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Pricing:
- Flex Voucher (Valid Any Day): $49.99 per vehicle
- Weekday Voucher (Tuesday–Thursday): $39.99 per vehicle
What to Expect:
- Drive-Through Light Show: Enjoy a dazzling mile-long journey filled with sweet surprises, candy-themed tunnels, and animated holiday scenes synced to cheerful music.
- Candy Rush Theme: Think glowing lollipops, dancing gingerbread men, and rivers of light inspired by your favorite holiday treats.
Holiday Themed Restaurant Popups
Every year, more and more restaurants around Metro Atlanta get into the holiday spirit with festive decor, fun seasonal drinks, and limited-time holiday bites.
Two Birds Taphouse – Located on the Marietta Square, Two Birds goes all out every year with a different holiday theme and festive decor throughout the bar. They also serve up creative holiday cocktails and Christmas-inspired menu items that make it a fun spot to celebrate the season.
The Blind Elf (at The Blind Pig Parlor) – It officially returns on November 28, bringing back candy cane shots, holiday cocktails, twinkling lights, and tons of festive photo spots. Just make sure to grab a reservation — this place fills up fast once the holidays hit!
The Select Restaurant + Bar – Located in Sandy Springs, The Select is easily one of the most popular Christmas-themed restaurants in the area. The ceiling is decked out with hanging trees and ornaments, giving the whole place a magical holiday vibe. They also serve up fun, festive cocktails that fit the season perfectly. Just a heads-up — this spot gets really busy, so make a reservation if you can. If you’re planning to hang out at the bar, try going early or stopping by during the week.
Hamp & Harry’s – Hamp & Harry’s is bringing back its holiday magic to Marietta Square! While last year’s Home Alone theme stole the show, this year’s festive transformation is still under wraps. Expect creative cocktails, live music, seasonal menus, and plenty of holiday cheer once again. Keep an eye out—Hamp & Harry’s never disappoints with its over-the-top seasonal themes!
Christmas Fun Just Outside Atlanta
Looking to add a little adventure to your holiday season? Head just beyond the city for some of the best Christmas lights, events, and family fun near Atlanta. These festive destinations are perfect for a weekend outing or a quick day trip.
Winter WonderLights – Athens Botanical Garden
Located in Athens, Georgia, around 1.5 hours from Atlanta, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia transforms into a glowing winter wonderland for Winter WonderLights. The light show runs from November 22, 2025 – December 30, 2025. This walk-through light show winds through the garden’s paths, sparkling with themed light displays, holiday music, and festive photo spots. Grab a hot chocolate, wine, beer or cocktail to sip while you enjoy the lights.
Event Hours:
Open nightly (except December 24 & 25): 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Pricing:
- Adults: $17.50
- Children (Ages 3–12): $12.50
- Ages 2 & under: Free
Southern Belle – Christmas on the Farm
Celebrate the season down on the farm! Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, located just about an hour from Atlanta, is bringing holiday cheer from November 28 – December 14 with festive activities, sweet treats, and visits with Santa. The farm’s Christmas season features favorites like Belle’s Barnstormer Slide, Reindeer Express, Jumping Pillows, Hayrides, Belle’s Animal Barn, and more. You can even visit the Gem Mine or try Paintball for a small extra fee.
Hours:
- Wednesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Market, Bakery & Animal Barn)
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (All activities open)
- Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (All activities open)
- Closed Monday – Tuesday
Pricing
$15.95 per person (tickets sold at the farm)
Helen
If you’re looking for a cozy, festive holiday escape, Helen is calling your name. This charming Bavarian-style mountain town is about 2 hours from Atlanta and transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, complete with twinkle lights, magical markets, and old-school traditions. You’ll find plenty of shops, photo opportunities, and even horse-drawn carriage rides.
On November 30th – December 1st and December 7th – 8th, Unicoi State Park and North Main Street will host the 17th Annual Helen’s Christmas Market, Christkindlmarkt
Dahlonega
The charming “Old Fashioned Christmas” event in Dahlonega runs from late November through early January, bringing festive cheer to this small mountain town just about 1.5 hours from Atlanta. Enjoy carriage rides, extended shopping hours, holiday music, and twinkling lights that make the entire square glow with Christmas magic.
Tips for Enjoying the Holidays in Georgia
- Dress in layers – Georgia winters can be chilly, especially at night.
- Check dates ahead of time – Some light displays and performances run on select days.
- Book tickets early – Popular events like Garden Lights or The Nutcracker sell out quickly.
Whether you’re looking for dazzling lights, festive performances, or charming small-town holiday vibes, Christmas around Atlanta have something for everyone this Christmas season.
