Metro Atlanta is bustling with events for the holidays from now until January. Here are some of the most popular events around town suitable for the whole family. Some events and activities are free, but others may require a ticket.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is hosting “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights,” where the grounds are twinkling with hundreds of thousands of lights. This year, new music and choreography is showcased with even more vertical lights than ever before. The event is ongoing through Jan. 12. Get tickets here.
Center for Puppetry Arts
Midtown’s Center for Puppetry Arts is full of holiday cheer now through Dec. 29. The beloved “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – a puppet version of the classic stop-motion animation TV special from 1964. Tickets can be purchased at this link.
Santa at Rhodes Hall
To reserve your family’s spot to visit Santa Claus at historic Rhodes Hall, visit this link. Family admission starts at $60 and includes a 5×7 photo of Santa and your family. Reservations are filling up fast! All proceeds go to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
“A Christmas Carol” at Alliance Theater
The classic stage production of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” continues through Dec. 24 on the Coca-Cola Stage. Tickets start at $25 at this link.
Holiday Punch Variety Hour
Dad’s Garage Improv Theatre is hosting “The Holiday Punch Variety Hour,” which features musical comedy, rowdy sketches, special guests, and, of course, spiked eggnog. The show is every Friday thourhg the holiday season, and and tickets are sold here.
ILLUMINIGHTS at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is hosting its magical holiday experience by filling the sky with hundreds of lanterns. Dates for the viewing are Wednesday, Nov. 20, through Jan. 19, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets do sell out, so reserve in advance via this link.
Atlanta Christkindl Market
Experience a hybrid of modern day Christmas celebration and German festivities at this one of a kind market with two locations at Buckhead Village District and Galleria on the Park near The Battery. There are handcrafted goods, hot coco and German pretzels. Pets are welcome and pictures with Santa are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 22-Dec. 24. Admission is free and more information can be found here.
Atlantic Station
Atlanta Station has a month of holiday events planned. All celebrations can be found via this link. Some of the highlights include Light the Station on Nov. 23, which will include a visit from Santa, and the annual ice skating rink, Skate the Station.
Dunwoody Village Holiday Celebration
Create Dunwoody and the Village Merchant Alliance are hosting the first-ever Dunwoody Village Holiday Celebration on Nov. 24 to bring local businesses and communities together. Join your friends and family and enjoy the live performances, interactive activities and holiday cheer. For more information visit this link.
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s 2024 Winter House
From Nov. 30 to Dec. 15, Callanwolde will feature an artist market, live music, historic tours, and more holiday activities — most are free. More than 15 holiday art workshops will be offered, including ornament painting, wreath making, snowflake weaving, wheel throwing, glass etching and blacksmithing. There are even workshops with Santa. Get more details here.
Holiday Hoopla Festival
Join this family-friendly event as Chamblee City Hall becomes a festive wonderland filled with holiday cheer, entertainment, and activities on Dec. 6 from 5-7 p.m. Find more information here.
Light Up Brookhaven & Ice Skating
Join in the annual tradition on Dec. 4 with lights, music, and more from 6-9 p.m. at Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road. The Brookhaven rink opens on Dec. 7 at Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Road, featuring movie screenings, arts and crafts, food trucks and concessions, and lawn games. The ice rink will be open Friday to Sunday until Jan. 5. Register online for free, 45-minute sessions.
Latin American Association Holiday Market
On Dec. 7, the LAA’s annual market features handmade jewelry, clothing, and traditional crafts from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 2750 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA. Register here.
Madeline’s Christmas
The charming musical returns to Horizon Theatre for its 14th season from Dec. 7 – 31. A cherished holiday tradition, this joyful musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved children’s book is produced by Horizon Theatre in collaboration with Atlanta Children’s Theatre. Get tickets here.
Tree Lighting at Colony Square
Colony Square in Midtown will be lighting its tree on Dec. 5 as well as hosting a myriad of other holiday celebrations, including Santa snack-time and holiday movies on the square.
A Taste of Christmas in the Arab World
Mark your calendars for Dec. 8, from 2 to 8 p.m. as Alif Institute hosts A Taste of Christmas in the Arab World and Artist & Artisan Bazaar. The event will offer unique handmade and homemade items, delicious treats from around the Arab world, and an opportunity to support local artists and small business owners. Find out more here.
Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes
On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15, families of Grant Park are opening their homes to showcase their holiday decorations. There will also be a bake sale and artisanal market for people to explore. Ticket information can be found at this link.
Atlanta Boy Choir
The world-renowned choir’s angelic voices will bring timeless holiday classics and sacred carols to life in two performances: Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at All Saint’s Episcopal Church and Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Episcopal Church. Get more details here.
Virginia-Highland Winterfest
Head over to Va-Hi for the Tour of Lights Block Party on Dec. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m., take part in the annual Jingle Jog on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m., watch the Holiday Parade on Dec. 14 starting at 10 a.m., and get in some holiday shopping afterward at the Gift Market. There’s also a Kids Corner with bounce houses, face-painting and more. Get all the details here.
Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
The ASO is hosting its annual holiday shows Dec. 12 to Dec. 15 with a Christmas concert led by Norman Mackenzie featuring Morehouse College Glee and Spivey Hall Children’s Choir. There are evening and matinee options to be purchased here.
Chabad Intown Celebrates Chanukah
Different menorah lights will be lit all across metro-Atlanta at the following times and locations: Virginia-Highland on Dec. 25 at 4:30 p.m.; Ponce City Market on Dec. 26 at 6 p.m.; Decatur on Dec. 29 at 4:30 p.m.; and Atlantic Station on Dec. 30 at 6 pm. RSVP is required but admission is free!