Cool Things To Do in December in Atlanta
Last Updated December 2, 2025
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The holidays in Atlanta are unmatched. Enjoy Christmas festivities, major sporting events and much more.
Get into the Holiday Spirit
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 Nov. 21 through Jan. 18, 2026.
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.” This beloved tradition kicks off on Dec. 5 when the Buc Shuttle will be taken over by Santa and his mischievous elf, MiguElf. Whether you hop on the bus to get to your next destination or just want to enjoy the fun, riders will be surrounded by holiday spirit.
The iconic Holiday Tree Lighting will take place Dec. 6 from 7-8 p.m. It is free and for the whole family. There will be live music and even llama photo ops.
The Hot Chocolate Crawl is happening at Buckhead Village District Dec. 6 from 4-7 p.m. Bring the whole family for seasonal treats plus spiked hot chocolate and creative cocktails. or adults. The Hot Chocolate Crawl is coming to Peachtree Road on Dec. 13 from 4-7 p.m. with live music and holiday cheer.
The Christkindl Market
Heads up, the Christkindl Market is moving to a new location on 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 3-8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 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.
‘The Nutcracker’ with Atlanta Ballet
The tradition of “The Nutcracker” returns once again to the Atlanta Ballet this holiday season. Falling snowflakes, twirling flowers and spinning stars come to life in this reimagined, larger-than-life production, set to the Tchaikovsky score played live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Performances run Dec. 6-27 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theatre
The annual production of A Christmas Carol is back at Alliance Theatre, located on the Woodruff Arts Center campus. Ebenezer Scrooge heads on a transformative journey through past, present and future as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. The show runs through Christmas Eve.
Heads up parents, this play is recommended for kids six years and older.
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. 4-23. 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. 28.
Light Up The Holidays
The Alliance at Cook Park is hosting a tree lighting in Downtown at Rodney J. Cook, Sr. Park on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The big tree lighting will happen at 7 p.m. There will be a Kids Zone with face painting, caricature drawings, kids karaoke, an ornament painting and hot chocolate to enjoy. There will even be an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Mele Kalikimaka at Trader Vic’s
The annual Mele Kalikimaka event is back at Trader Vic’s for the holiday season. Enjoy live music by DJ Pat Scott, festive food stations featuring wood-fired meats and fresh seafood, and signature Mai Tais to toast the season.
The holiday party is Dec. 13 from 4-8 p.m.
(Photo courtesy of Trader Vic’s)
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. 11-14.
WildWoods: AGLOW
Fernbank Museum of Natural History presents its after-hours multi-sensory adventure, “WildWoods: AGLOW.” The nighttime experience combines dramatic artistry and original musical compositions to immerse guests in the wonderland. There’s plenty of time to see it because it runs through the end of February.
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 new 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. The light display runs through Jan. 11., 2026.
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)
This holiday celebration runs through Jan. 4, 2026.
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. Get your tickets now for the event on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you’re still in the mood for more holiday events, our Ultimate Guide to Winter in Atlanta has all the latest happenings.
Callanwolde Winter House
Step into the season at Callanwolde Winter House, where art, history and holiday spirit come together inside one of Atlanta’s most elegant estates. Once the home of Charles Howard Candler, the eldest son of Coca-Cola founder Asa Griggs Candler, the mansion glows with festive décor, creative workshops and family-friendly fun.
Guests can enjoy free admission to explore the historic rooms, browse artist installations and snap a photo with Santa. Favorite activities include Blitzen’s Bingo, Holiday Story Time and hands-on art projects led by local instructors. Some workshops and performances require advance registration and a few activities have small fees.
Winter House will be open Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 4 through 7 and Dec. 11 through 14.
More To Explore This Winter
FIFA Final Draw Party
The moment we’ve all been waiting for…finding out which countries may be heading to Atlanta for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ next summer. The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee is hosting a free live viewing party of the Final Draw outside Fado in Buckhead on Friday, Dec. 5. The event starts at 11 a.m. with the announcement starting at noon.
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘LUZIA‘
Cirque du Soleil’s “LUZIA” will be the first-ever Cirque du Soleil show incorporating water into the acrobatic performances.
(Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil)
The name of the show comes from “luz” in Spanish meaning light, and “lluvia” meaning rain. The show chronicles the encounters of a parachuted traveler with the culture, nature and mythology of a dreamlike land inhabited by a mystifying menagerie of characters. “LUZIA” runs from through Jan. 25, 2026, under the big top at Atlantic Station.
Black Zeitgeist at Hammons House
There’s still time to see the Black Zeitgeist exhibit at Hammonds House. The temporary exhibit reflects a confluence of visionary leadership, artistic excellence and institutional power. See work by artists including Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Hale Woodruff, Norman Lewis, Louis Delsarte, Samella Lewis, Kevin Cole, Lynn Marshall Linnemeier, Faith Ringgold, Charles White, Mildred Thompson, Kojo Griffin, Wadsworth Jarrell and others. The exhibit runs through Dec. 14.
Sushi Class at Bully Boy
Executive chef and sushi chef Wendy Roman will guide guests through the making of three signature sushi rolls. Guests will enjoy a curated sake tasting with three distinct pours served during the class. Reservations are strongly encouraged as the class has sold-out in the past. Their final one of the year is Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
New Year’s Eve
As we wrap up 2025 in Atlanta, it’s time to make your New Year’s Eve plans. Many attractions will have celebrations or get ready for a fun bar crawl.
Sporting Match-Ups
SEC Football Championship
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be bringing the action for the SEC Football Championship on Dec. 6. This is the match-up between the top two SEC teams to determine who will win the SEC Title.
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.
There’s plenty more action going on during that weekend, including the Champions Circle Showcase Dinner Reception on Dec. 11. Then there’s the SWAC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Guardian of the Games Awards Dinner and Red Lobster Band of the Year on Dec. 12. Before the game, experience the Coca-Cola Fan Experience at the International Plaza, right outside the stadium. The fun will be happening from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
For things to do in Atlanta anytime, visit our calendar of events.
A Chicago transplant, Taylor loves exploring what makes Atlanta the place to be. Name a popular festival, food hall or brewery to check out and she will be there.
Originally Published October 23, 2025
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