Cool Things To Do in January in Atlanta

By Mary Welch

Published December 8, 2022
Last Updated March 3, 2023

January is the month to take a breath after the holiday season. But that doesn’t mean just sitting on the couch watching basketball — although there’s nothing wrong with that. But if your team’s not playing, try some of these cool things to do in January.

Sail Away (If Only in your Dreams)

Georgia’s longest-running and biggest boating event returns this January after a two-year hiatus. The 2023 Discover Boating Atlanta Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, cruises into the Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 12-15, 2023. It’s a one-stop shop and winter boating oasis where you can discover the joys of being on the water. Featuring hundreds of new boats and marine products for sale, plus a variety of boating activities and education, there’s nautical fun for all ages and experience levels.

See Tony Award-Winner ‘Hadestown’ at Fox Theatre

“Hadestown,” winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical, hits Fox Theatre Jan. 10-15, 2023. The play follows two intertwining love stories: of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and of King Hades and his wife, Persephone. “Hadestown” invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. The play pits industry against nature, doubt against faith and fear against love. Other theatrical options this month include the “Merry Wives of Windsor” at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, “Dragon King” at the Center for Puppetry Arts and “Riverdance,” also at Fox Theatre.

Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting

What’s better than sampling rare ales, lagers, ciders, stouts and other spirits while lending a hand to puppies? Not much. Visit the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting on Jan. 21. Choices to sample include more than 55 exclusive brews, imperial stouts, sour ales and special dry-hops. A panel of judges will award medals to the top cask ales. Even better, some of the proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Humane Society. It’s all happening at Bold Monk Brewing.

If the Weather is Frightful, Step Inside a Museum

Atlanta is home to world-famous museums, so if it’s a bit rainy you can’t go wrong by visiting one of Atlanta’s many museums. The High Museum of Art’s exhibit, “Rodin in the United States: Confronting the Modern,” is in town through Jan. 15, 2023. WildWoods AGLOW stays at Fernbank Museum of Natural History through March 5, 2023. Travel through the museum’s 10 acres of  woodlands and have a multisensory experience that uses captivating illumination, immersive projection and original music to explore the hidden world at night. January is the perfect month to explore and celebrate Atlanta’s rich civil rights history with visits to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and APEX Museum. If animals who live in water are more to your liking, visit Georgia Aquarium. Stop at the World of Coca-Cola to learn all about the famous soft drink and taste the many flavors of Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Homes and Hospitality

Cathedral Giving by Design, formerly the Cathedral Antiques Show, occurs Jan. 20-21, 2023 at the Cathedral of St. Philip where you can attend panel discussions on decorating, trends, lifestyle and entertaining as well as a take a tour of homes. The decorating and antique event benefits the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.

Celebrate the Rabbit During Chinese New Year

January marks the Chinese Year of the Rabbit and there are New Year’s celebrations all over town. One of the biggest celebrations takes place at the Chinatown Mall in Chamblee. Many restaurants, particularly those on Buford Highway, will will serve New Year’s feasts.

Toast the New Year at Atlanta Winter Wine Festival

Atlanta Wine Festivals presents the Atlanta Winter Wine Festival at City Winery Jan. 21, 2023. Sample more than 50 wines and beer and enjoy live music and a DJ.

Just Say ‘I Do’

Calling all brides, bridezillas and mothers of brides. The Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza is back and bigger than ever and takes place Jan. 29, 2023 at Georgia Aquarium. Join more than 75 wedding professionals to see elaborate floral designs, table decor and wedding gowns. Sample wedding cakes, celebration nibbles, and enjoy live entertainment.

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

There’s no better place to honor and celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. than the city of Atlanta. MLK Day is Jan. 16 in 2023. Among celebrations to honor Dr. King, the King Center presents its Beloved Community Awards at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Jan. 14, 2023.

Passion Event Welcomes Young Adults

The Passion movement plans an event at State Farm Arena Jan. 3-5. The movement’s mission calls on students and leaders from across the nation and around the world to live for Jesus and to change the climate of faith around the globe.

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

Journalist Mary Welch writes business and lifestyle stories for local and national publications.