21 Fun Holiday Activities for Kids in Atlanta
Looking for ways to entertain the kids and create lasting memories as a family this holiday season? From musical performances to light installations, festivals, puppet shows, holiday markets and more, you’re sure to find some family fun here. Here is the complete guide to festive events and things to do with kids in Atlanta for the holidays.
Updated Nov. 2019
“Rudolph” lands at the Center for Puppetry Arts for the 10th consecutive year. 📷: Clay Walker
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Nov. 5 through Dec. 29
Families with young children delight in the Center for Puppetry Arts’ production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” based on the favorite 1964 stop motion animated film.
Macy’s Pink Pig, Nov. 2 through Jan. 5, 2020
A beloved tradition in Atlanta for more than 50 years, Macy’s Pink Pig is back at Lenox Square. Bring your kids to experience this yearly holiday ride.
Santa’s Fantastical, Nov. 15 through Jan. 5, 2020
Interactive experiences, live performances, state-of-the-art technology and Instagram-worthy moments make Santa’s Fantastical at Perimeter Pointe a must visit this holiday season.
It’s an all-around fun time of year on Snow Mountain. 📷: Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Christmas, Nov. 16 through Jan. 5, 2020
No winter in Atlanta would be complete without a visit to Stone Mountain for its Christmas celebration and a romp in the snow. Millions of dazzling lights, The Polar Express experience, Santa visits, holiday characters and much more is in store for families this year. Plus, be sure to tube down Snow Mountain and throw snowballs in the snow play area. Snow and Christmas combo tickets are available online.
“A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 16 through Dec. 24
The Alliance Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol” is one of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday traditions. See this classic tale set to live music.
Garden Lights Holiday Nights, Nov. 16 through Jan. 11, 2020
Put on your coat and head on out to Atlanta Botanical Garden for this magical offering, featuring spectacular light installations throughout the gardens.
📷: Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Winter Wonderland, Nov. 22 through Jan. 12, 2020
Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum is a great way to introduce your kids to a variety of cultures through two floors of twinkling, beautifully decorated trees showcasing celebrations around the world and decorated with a variety of cultural objects.
Magical Nights of Lights, Opening Nov. 22
Lake Lanier offers a variety of holiday experiences to fill your days but you’ll want to stay into the evening to tour the Magical Night of Lights. This seven mile tour meanders through stunning light displays. Finish up the tour with a s’more made by the bonfire and a little magic in your heart.
Family Volunteer Day, Nov. 23
It’s a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods. In the spirit of the season, donate your time with one of these volunteer opportunities in Atlanta year-round.
Holiday In The Park, Nov. 24 through Jan. 5, 2020
The exciting holiday classic at Six Flags Over Georgia includes twinkling lights, festive shows, tasty culinary treats and, of course, Santa Claus. See the park completely transformed into a winter wonderland. Visit the website for dates and pricing details.
📷: Tim Norris
The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Nov. 29
See a fun mash up, contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s classic music. It is fun, unique and memorable for the entire family.
Christmas at Callanwolde, Nov. 29 through Dec. 7
This classic Atlanta event has been helping to usher in Christmas for more than 40 years. Tour the historic Callanwolde mansion while it is decked out top to bottom for the holidays by top interior and floral designers. Visit the holiday marketplace and enjoy one of the many special events for all ages.
Cirque Dreams Holiday, Nov. 30 through Dec. 1
Cirque du Soliel meets the holidays in this unique production, critically acclaimed for music, unique costuming and acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical numbers.
Home Alone in Concert, Nov. 30 through Dec. 1
Enjoy music from the classic Christmas film performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as the film is shown. It’s sure to be a memorable event.
Holiday Bricktacular, Dec. 1 through 31
Christmas takes over at kids’ favorite creative spot, LEGOLAND. Meet Santa, make a LEGO snowflake and enjoy holiday photo ops and Winter Wonderland as it takes over MINILAND. This is fun for LEGO lovers of all ages.
The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dec. 6 and 7
The Holiday cult classic makes it back to the big screen at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Stop in for the movie and enjoy admission to the museums as well.
Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 6 through 8
The Atlanta Symphony and Chorus, along with special guests, perform a variety of Christmas classics and hymns for a holiday event you won’t want to miss.
Children’s Christmas Parade, Dec. 7
Santa and Mrs. Claus, award-winning high school marching bands, floats, dance groups and giant balloons fill the parade route of this largest Christmas Parade in the Southeast. Here are some of our best insider tips and 5 reasons not to miss it.
📷: Joleen Pete
Deck the Hall, Dec. 7
Usher in the holidays with an afternoon of fun activities in the Duluth Town Green. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, inflatables, snow play area, face painting, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, crafts and more.
Jungle Bells at Zoo Atlanta, Dec. 7
Don’t miss the third annual tree lighting celebration at Zoo Atlanta. Enjoy crafts, photo ops, music and holiday shopping in addition to live holiday performances and more.
Atlanta Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 7 through 24
An annual tradition, the Nutcracker is reimagined by the Atlanta Ballet and returns to the Fox Theatre after a stellar premiere last year.
📷: Horizon Theatre Company
Madeline’s Christmas, Dec. 7 through 31
Family favorite Madeline’s Christmas returns to Horizon Theatre for a magical musical adaption of Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic children’s tale.
Celebrate Hanukkah: A Cultural Exploration, Dec. 8
Don’t miss this great way to expose children to Hanukkah traditions.You’ll find interactive Hanukkah songs and stories for the whole family. Children and parents will laugh, sing, dance, shake, wiggle and giggle while celebrating this joyful holiday.
Black Nativity Atlanta, Dec. 13 through 15
Black Nativity is an African-American telling of the Nativity story, written by acclaimed African-American poet and playwright Langston Hughes and adapted by Robert John Connor. The African-American viewpoint and gospel music of this classic story make Black Nativity Atlanta a truly unique experience.
Enchanted Woodland Wonders, Dec. 15
Let Chattahoochee Nature Center help you get in the holiday spirit with a fun day of reindeer visitations, games, crafts, face painting, food trucks, campfire and more.
📷: Chabad Intown
Chanukah Celebrations & Grand Menorah Lightings, Dec. 22 through 29
Grand Menorah Lightings at multiple locations include Virginia Highland (Dec. 22), Ponce City Market (Dec. 23), Atlantic Station (Dec. 25) and Decatur (Dec. 29). On Dec. 26, join Chabad Intown for the Festival of Lights. Spread holiday cheer from the warmth of your car in a Menorah parade. Finishing with a grand menorah lighting, festive songs, latkes and doughnuts.
Safari Camp: Winter Break, Dec. 27; Dec. 30 through Jan. 3 (No camp on Jan. 1)
Here’s a great opportunity to spend part of your holiday break in an exciting and educational environment. Participants ages 5 to 11 are immersed in hands-on, minds-on activities that introduce them to wildlife and wild places.
For even more ideas of things to do this holiday season in Atlanta, check out our Thanksgiving and Christmas event pages.
Originally published Nov. 2017
Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.
Discover More
Get to know Atlanta, and discover the best things to do around the city.