Cool Things To Do in January in Atlanta

By Taylor Boser

Last Updated January 5, 2026

Add Discover ATL as a preferred source on Google

The holidays are over, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to celebrate. Enjoy a sporting event, find things to do with family and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Even if you’ve been to Atlanta or have lived here for years, 2026 is bringing major improvements and significant renovations to the city. Explore all the big changes that are happening in Atlanta this year.

Kick Off 2026 Right

AJC Polar Opposite Peachtree Road Race

While the world’s largest 10k happens on July Fourth in Atlanta, this race will be very similar to the iconic Peachtree Road Race, just backward. Starting from Piedmont Park and ending at Lenox Square, the runners will race through the cold weather in the opposite direction the July race is run. The race is happening Jan. 4, 2026, at 8:15 a.m.

While it is sold out, volunteer registration is currently open. Volunteers will receive a long-sleeve adidas race shirt, cheer on runners on the course, reward them with their medals at the finish line or assist at the Expo on Dec. 31 through Jan. 2 at Phipps Plaza.

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘LUZIA‘

Returning to Atlanta, “LUZIA” is the first-ever Cirque du Soleil show incorporating water into the acrobatic performances. 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 until Jan. 25, 2026, under the big top at Atlantic Station.

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January is the month when Atlanta and the country celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 19, 2026, there are ways for Atlantans to honor his legacy throughout the month. See the full list of events here.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Set for Early January 2026

The 2026 Peach Bowl , celebrating the 2025 college football season, is a playoff semifinal, with the bracket being announced Dec. 7. The game is Jan. 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The FanFest will bring the action earlier that day with more than 200,000 square feet of interactive attractions like punting, passing and kicking games. The events are happening from 2:30-6:30 p.m. in the Georgia World Congress Center Building C. The FanFest is free to all fans.

90th Anniversary of the Heisman Trophy at College Football Hall of Fame

While in town for the Peach Bowl, stop by the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Heisman Trophy. The “Heisman: Legends & Legacy” exhibit celebrates the 89 players who have earned it. See exclusive artifacts and immersive storytelling highlighting unforgettable moments from the playing field to the award stage. This exhibit runs through early April.

Atlanta Vibe Returns

The Atlanta Vibe returns for its third season in Atlanta. Come out for any home game throughout January (Jan. 8, 11 and 22) at Gas South Arena.

Atlanta Boat Show

What better thing to do while dealing with colder temperatures than focus on warmer weather? The Atlanta Boat Show returns to the Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 8-11, 2026, so you can pick out the perfect boat for your summer water adventure. Whether you’re looking for a new boat, marine products or just browsing, find it all at the Atlanta Boat Show.

Lights to See

The holidays may be over but you can still indulge in seeing beautiful lights.

IllumiNights at the Zoo

Zoo Atlanta becomes a dazzling nighttime wonderland with hundreds of illuminated wildlife lanterns and displays celebrating the beauty and magic of nature after dark during IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta. Stroll 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 older). Hurry, because your last chance to see the lights will be Jan. 18., 2026.

WildWoods: AGLOW

Fernbank Museum of Natural History presents its after-hours multi-sensory adventure, “WildWoods: AGLOW.” The nighttime experience combines dramatic artistry and original music compositions to immerse guests in the wonderland. There’s plenty of time to see this because it runs through the end of February 2026.

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 features 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” 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 to see during Stone Mountain Christmas, prepare to be dazzled. Enjoy the Christmas parade, the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony and the iconic Christmas drone & light Show. The holiday celebration runs through Jan. 4, 2026.

If you can’t make it to Atlanta during January, there’s plenty of other reasons to visit in 2026. Check out the list of the hottest concerts coming to the A this year.

For more 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 November 24, 2025