Cool Things To Do in December in Atlanta

By Allison Ramirez

Published November 2, 2026

‘Tis the season! December is when Atlanta goes all out for the holidays. Lights switch on at Stone Mountain, Zoo Atlanta and the Botanical Garden, the Fox Theatre and Cobb Energy Centre fill up with Nutcrackers and Cirque du Soleil, and the ugly sweaters come out for bar crawls from Alpharetta to the Beltline. On top of all that, the month still packs in sporting events, museum nights, big concerts, comedy, and one last weekend at the Renaissance Festival. Here are some of the best things to do around Atlanta this December.

Monthly Highlights 

• Dec. 2–13: Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before… at the Fox Theatre
• Dec. 4: High Frequency Friday at the High Museum
• Dec. 5: Final day of the Fall Fling Renaissance Festival, SEC Championship Game and Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker opens (runs through Dec. 26)
• Dec. 5–6: Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival at Old Fourth Ward Park
• Dec. 6: Falcons vs. Lions and The Moth Mainstage
• Dec. 11: Fernbank After Dark
• Dec. 12: Cricket Celebration Bowl
• Dec. 16: Kristin Chenoweth with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
• Dec. 26: The Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Fox Theatre
• Dec. 27: Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers and final day of A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre
• All month: Stone Mountain Christmas, IllumiNights at the Zoo and Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Holiday Magic

IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta

There are so many holiday lights to be seen throughout Atlanta but none are as wild as IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta. The zoo becomes a dazzling nighttime wonderland with hundreds of illuminated wildlife lanterns and displays celebrating the beauty and magic of nature after dark. There’s a mile-long trail glowing with spectacular lanterns of exotic animals and scenes from around the globe. Enjoy hot cocoa or signature holiday cocktails for guests 21 and up. IllumiNights runs Jan. 17, 2027.

Details:

Through Jan. 17, 2027, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

800 Cherokee Avenue SE

Miracle on Peachtree

Liveable Buckhead goes above and beyond for the holiday season as Miracle on Peachtree returns with this year’s theme, “Buckhead Shines Bright.”

On Saturday, Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m., there will be sparkling lights, festive music and seasonal flavors for the whole family to enjoy. The Hot Chocolate Crawl kicks off at The Veranda for seasonal treats plus spiked hot chocolate and creative cocktails for adults.

The Christkindl Market

The Christkindl Market returns to the Lawrenceville Lawn. Enjoy German, international and local foods, along with hot cocoa and mulled apple cider. There also are artisan gifts, perfect for holiday shopping. There will be a 50-foot Ferris wheel to ride and the opportunity to get photos with Santa Claus. Admission is free. The market is open weekly throughout December, open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3-9 p.m., Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The market’s last day is Christmas Eve. And there are extended hours during the week of Christmas.

Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Atlanta Ballet brings the holiday ballet to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for three weekends and a run of matinees, including a Christmas Eve performance at 1 p.m.

Details:

Dec. 5–26, evening and matinee performances

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

A Christmas Carol

Experience the timeless magic of A Christmas Carol at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre. Dickens’ beloved holiday classic comes to life with beautiful live music, memorable characters, and a richly imagined world that captures the spirit of the season. 

Details:

Nov. 14-Dec. 27

1280 Peachtree Street NE

A Christmas Carol at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

Or see the Charles Dickens show at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, which is a tradition that’s been going on for more than 20 years. See the show from Dec. 5-23. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Shows begin at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ Returns to Center for Puppetry Arts

A holiday tradition for many around Atlanta is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the Center for Puppetry Arts. The holiday classic is an adaptation of the 1964 stop-motion animated special. The performance plays on various dates through Dec. 27.

‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil’s holiday-themed family spectacle puts an acrobatic spin on the Christmas classic, with a story about the joy of sharing and friendship that works for both kids and adults alike.

Details:

Dec. 2-13

Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street NE

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky meets hip hop in this holiday mash-up for the whole family, with a dozen dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow opening the show with a short set.

Details:

Dec. 26 at 7 p.m.

Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street NE

Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs and create holiday memories with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This concert tradition features beloved carols, hymns and festive cheer. The program features the voices of the Morehouse College Glee Club and the ASO Chorus. Shows are happening Dec. 10-13.

Run Santa Run

Lace up for a holiday half marathon, 10K or 5K with Christmas music and sweets along the way.

Details:

Dec. 20

El Tesoro West End, 1036 White Street SW

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautiful sight to see fully lit up at night during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Receiving many accolades in previous years, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights this year will feature music and choreography for “Nature’s Wonders,” the world’s largest curtain of synchronized light and sound. The tree sculptures featured in this summer’s Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics will create an Enchanted Avenue of color and light. Tickets must be purchased in advance because the event fills up quickly.

Details:

Through Jan. 10, 2027 (closed Mondays)

Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE

Stone Mountain Christmas

With more than 2 million holiday lights, Stone Mountain Christmas dazzles. Enjoy the Christmas parade, the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony and the iconic Christmas Drone & Light Show.

(Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain Park)

Details:

Through Jan. 3, 2027

Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain

WinterTide at Georgia Aquarium

Holiday magic is happening at the Georgia Aquarium with a winter waterland, cheerful music and the wonder of Santa’s Village.

Details:

Through Jan. 3, 2027

Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker Street NW

Winter Fest at Atlanta History Center

The History Center will transform into a winter celebration featuring seasonal activities for all ages. Enjoy cozy story times, make your own holiday crafts and explore historic holiday traditions like ornament making and fruit sugaring. You can also reserve a spot for professional photos with Santa Claus.

Details:

Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Atlanta History Center, 130 W Paces Ferry Road NW

If you’re still in the mood for more holiday events, our Ultimate Guide to Winter in Atlanta has all the latest happenings.

Concerts, Comedy & Live Music

FIFA Final Draw Party

Live Jazz

Jazz is always on the menu in Atlanta, and that means December, too. Pop into Burle’s Bar in the Old Fourth Ward on Tuesdays or head to Side Saddle in Boulevard Heights on Thursdays for live music, wine and prime people-watching. For a dressier night, Friday Jazz at the High Museum brings live sets, drinks and gallery access on the third Friday of the month.

Details: Various dates and times.

Comedy

Maria Bamford and Matteo Lane both perform on Dec. 4, Gianmarco Soresi plays the Buckhead Theatre on Dec. 11, and Zarna Garg brings Million Dollar Excuses on Dec. 18. John Oliver Live arrives at the Fox Theatre on Dec. 28.

Arts, Books & Theater

High Frequency Friday at the High Museum

Happy hour meets art party at the High Museum on Dec. 4, the first Friday of the month. From 6 to 10 p.m., DJs curate an after-hours museum experience with art, drinks and plenty of opportunities to explore the galleries. Registration is required, and tickets are $30.

Details:

Dec. 4 from 6-10 p.m.

High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street NE

Fall Fling Renaissance Festival

For a dose of costumes, medieval-themed entertainment, food and shopping, the Fall Fling Renaissance Festival in Fairburn continues into December. It’s tons of fun for families, locals and visitors looking to experience something a little different.

Details: 

Through December 5

Georgia Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds

6655 Virlyn B Smith Road, Fairburn, GA

The Moth Mainstage

The storytelling phenomenon returns to Atlanta with true, personal stories told live on stage, no notes allowed.

Details:

Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Center Stage Theatre, 1374 W Peachtree Street NW

Kristin Chenoweth with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Broadway favorite Kristin Chenoweth joins the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for an evening at Chastain Park.

Details:

Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Club Chastain at Chastain Park Amphitheatre

Culture & Community

Fernbank After Dark: Ugly Knits & Warm Sips

Fernbank goes adults-only on the second Friday of the month with after-hours access to the museum, music, drinks, science demonstrations and WildWoods after dark. In December, wear your ugliest sweater and plan to spend a Friday with dinosaurs and special seasonal cocktails. 

Details:

Dec. 11 from 7-11 p.m.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road NE

Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival

For 17 years, ATL Hip Hop Day has brought together artists, DJs, creators, entrepreneurs and fans for a weekend of music and culture. It returns to Old Fourth Ward Park for two days, and it’s free.

Details:

Dec. 5-6

Old Fourth Ward Park, 592 N. Angier Avenue NE

UPS Second Sunday at the High

The High Museum of Art offers free admission and family-friendly art-making and performances on the second Sunday of the month.

Details:

Dec. 13 from noon to 5 p.m.

High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street NE

Neighborhood and Street Festivals

Blooms Chinatown Market

The monthly makers market at Atlanta Chinatown is a good stop for local gifts, arts and crafts, music and snacks.

Details:

Dec. 19

Atlanta Chinatown

Indie Craft Winter Experience

A two-day indie craft market for handmade holiday shopping that includes over 100 artisans and vendors, holiday-inspired cocktails and local bites. 

Details:

Dec. 5-6

LOOP, 665 Marietta Street NW

Atlanta Sports

SEC Football Championship

Watch the SEC’s top teams battle for conference supremacy at the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. Expect high-stakes college football, passionate fans and an electric atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 5.

Details:

Dec. 5

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW

Cricket Celebration Bowl

There will be more action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Dec. 13 at noon. It will be a match-up between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champion and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champion.

Celebrate the best of HBCU football at the Cricket Celebration Bowl, where the champions of the MEAC and SWAC face off for a national title. Catch the excitement, school pride and rich traditions of historically Black colleges and universities at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 12.

Details:

Dec. 12

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW

Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions

Catch the Atlanta Falcons as they take on the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 6. Kickoff is at 1 p.m., promising an afternoon of NFL action in the heart of the city.

Atlanta Hawks Home Games

vs Indiana Pacers, Dec. 3

vs. Orlando Magic, Dec. 19

vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Dec. 20

vs. Detroit Pistons, Dec. 23

vs. Chicago Bulls, Dec. 29

vs. Milwaukee Bucks, Dec. 31

For things to do in Atlanta anytime, visit our calendar of events.

Allison Ramirez is an Atlanta-based freelance journalist with over a decade of experience writing for publications like Travel + Leisure, the Daily Beast, Eater, Thrillist and others. Her recent work spans art, architecture, travel, and food & beverage stories, focusing on diversity within those spaces in the South and beyond.