Ultimate Guide of Fun Holiday Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta

By Joleen Pete

Last Updated November 21, 2025

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Artículo disponible en español.

Looking for ways to entertain the kids and create lasting memories this holiday season? From dazzling light displays to puppet shows, ice skating and visits with Santa, Atlanta offers endless ways for families to celebrate. Here’s your complete guide to festive things to do with kids in Atlanta for the holidays.

Catch a Kid-Friendly Holiday Performance

Make new memories with your kids at one of Atlanta’s beloved holiday performances. Whether your family enjoys music, theater or puppetry, the city’s stages come alive each winter with stories that capture the spirit of the season.

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ at Center for Puppetry Arts
  Watch the classic stop-motion story come to life with handcrafted puppets, colorful sets and familiar songs. Families can also visit the Create-A-Puppet Workshop after the show to make their own Rudolph character to take home. (Nov. 12 through Dec. 28)
• A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theatre
  Experience this timeless story of hope and transformation as Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of the season. The show’s stunning costumes, live music and kid-friendly storytelling make it a perfect introduction to live theater for young audiences. (Nov. 15 through Dec. 24)
• Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
  Let the magic of dance transport your family into Clara’s world of dreams and imagination. The Atlanta Ballet’s production features elegant choreography, dazzling costumes and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score. (Dec. 6 through 27)
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts
  The Symphony’s holiday lineup includes family-friendly matinees, sing-alongs and classical performances that blend festive favorites with orchestral brilliance. Younger guests will love the special Family Concert Series designed to spark a lifelong love of music.
• Horizon Theatre’s Madeline’s Christmas
  A sweet holiday musical based on the classic book series, this show follows little Madeline and her classmates as they find the magic of friendship and giving during the holidays. (Dec. 6 through 31)

Celebrate the Holidays at Fun Atlanta Attractions

Experience the SEA-son at Georgia Aquarium

Celebrate the Holidays at Georgia Aquarium and enjoy a transformed atrium with festive music, winter-inspired projections and a towering 40-foot live tree. Take photos with Santa, enjoy the daily tree lighting and catch the holiday-themed dolphin presentation. The festivities run from Nov. 14 through Jan. 4, 2026.

Where: 225 Baker St. NW

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

A must-see Atlanta tradition, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns to Atlanta Botanical Garden with its glowing sculptures, walk-through light tunnels and the beloved Holiday Model Trains. Perfect for kids of all ages, this dazzling experience runs Nov. 15 through Jan. 11, 2026.

Where: 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE

Stone Mountain Christmas

This beloved family tradition features holiday music, festive shows and a brilliant Christmas laser light display. Magical Flight to the North Pole takes families on a SkyRide adventure to see Santa and his reindeer. Enjoy the magic of Stone Mountain Christmas from Nov. 8 through Jan. 4, 2026.

Where: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Ga.

Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions at Fernbank Museum

Introduce your kids to cultures from around the world at Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Two floors of beautifully decorated trees and displays celebrate global holiday traditions with handmade ornaments, cultural objects and twinkling lights. The exhibit is open Nov. 22 through Jan. 11, 2026.

Where: 767 Clifton Road

Celebrate Hanukkah in Atlanta

From menorah lightings to festive markets, Atlanta offers many joyful ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Discover family gatherings, community celebrations and delicious traditional treats across the city in these fun ways to celebrate Hanukkah in Atlanta.

Enjoy all of the Holiday Lights

Atlanta knows how to sparkle for the season. Bundle up and explore the city’s best holiday light displays, from grand attractions to local community favorites.

• Brook Run Park Lights in Dunwoody – Free neighborhood light displays, markets and music nights. (Every night in December)
• Atlantic Station “Light the Station” – Tree lighting (Nov. 22), snowfall shows and Santa photos.
• Centennial Olympic Park “Holiday in Lights” – Walk through glowing trees and fountains set against Atlanta’s skyline. (November through January)

Here’s where to see holiday lights in Atlanta.

Fancy Holiday Tea with Santa

Step into holiday magic at The St. Regis Atlanta for Tea with Santa from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. Families sip fine teas and enjoy seasonal sweets in the elegant Astor Court while carolers fill the room with classic tunes. Dress in festive attire for family photos by the grand staircase, then explore the hotel courtyard where twinkling lights and the champagne sabering ritual add a bit of sparkle to the experience.

The Swan Coach House hosts Holiday Tea with Santa on Dec. 14, a beloved Buckhead tradition. Families can enjoy tea service in a festive setting with a visit from Santa for photos and holiday memories. Locals often browse the Coach House Gallery gift shop next door for unique ornaments and handmade art before heading out to explore the holiday lights along Peachtree Road.

Free Things to Do for the Holidays with Kids

Celebrate the season without spending a dime. Atlanta offers plenty of free and festive activities that make the holidays special for families. From community tree lightings to twinkling parks, there are countless ways to soak up the spirit of the season without opening your wallet.

• Tree Lighting Events Across Atlanta – Join the crowds for magical tree lightings at Atlantic Station, East Point, Decatur Square and Buckhead Village. Many of these celebrations include live music, hot cocoa and visits from Santa.
• Atlanta Beltline Holiday Art Stroll – Take a self-guided Holiday Tree Tour along the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum and admire beautifully decorated trees celebrating the spirit of the season. Discover festive murals, sculptures and performances along the Eastside Trail while soaking in the city’s creative holiday spirit.
• Caroling at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center – Enjoy live seasonal music surrounded by the historic mansion’s twinkling decor during select nights of Winter House. Enjoy story-time sessions, workshops, a photo-op with Santa and other free and low-cost fun on select dates from Nov. 29 through Dec. 14.

These no-cost experiences make it easy to fill your family’s calendar with holiday cheer. For even more free fun, check out our full guide to free things to do in December in Atlanta.

Indoor Winter Break Fun

When the weather turns chilly, Atlanta has plenty of indoor adventures that keep kids active, creative and entertained during winter break. From science labs to art workshops, these attractions make learning feel like play.

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Let imaginations run wild with interactive exhibits that blend play and learning.
• LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta – Budding builders can create their own winter wonderlands with LEGO bricks, ride the Kingdom Quest adventure and watch holiday-themed 4D movies.
• High Museum of Art – Explore colorful galleries and family art labs where kids can make their own masterpieces inspired by current exhibitions. Check the calendar for hands-on workshops and special winter programs.

These indoor escapes offer a mix of fun and learning, giving families plenty of ways to stay warm while making memories in the City in a Forest. For even more ideas, explore these 25 things to do in Atlanta when it rains.

Kid-Friendly Holiday Festivals & Fun

Atlanta’s neighborhoods know how to celebrate. These community events bring families together for music, markets and lights.

• Virginia-Highland Winterfest Holiday Parade – A local favorite with floats, bands and festive cheer. (Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.)
• Miracle on Peachtree in Buckhead – Carolers, hot cocoa, live performances and family fun. (Dec. 5 through 13)
• Santa Paws Howliday Crawl – Bring your pup for a festive stroll along the BeltLine Eastside Trail on Dec. 14, featuring dog treats, holiday gear and a best-dressed contest.

Sweet Treats and Hot Cocoa Stops

Warm up between adventures with a sweet treat or a cup of cocoa from one of Atlanta’s coziest cafes and dessert spots. Whether you’re strolling through a light display or finishing a day of holiday shopping, these local favorites will make your family’s day a little sweeter.

• Café Intermezzo – Step into this European-style coffeehouse for decadent cakes, pastries and seasonal lattes served in a candlelit setting that feels straight out of a winter movie.
• Chattahoochee Coffee Company – Sip hot chocolate or peppermint mochas by the river while taking in peaceful views along the ‘hooch.
• Sublime Doughnuts – Treat the kids to creative holiday doughnuts like snowmen, gingerbread and red velvet flavors.
• Evergreen Butcher & Baker (Edgewood) – This local gem goes all-in for the holidays with savory and sweet pastries, pies and breads featuring produce from local farmers. A great stop for baked-good delights.
• Honeysuckle Gelato – Try seasonal flavors like peppermint bark and brown butter praline for a cool twist on winter desserts.

For even more cozy cafes and dessert destinations, check out where to find holiday pastries and baked goods in Atlanta for additional ideas.

Take Pics with the Big Guy

What would Christmas be without a visit to Santa? Find him across the city for photos, crafts and cookies.

• Santa’s Post Office at The Battery Atlanta – Drop off your wish list and take festive photos. (Nov. 22 through Dec. 24)
• Phipps Plaza Santa Experience – Atlanta’s most famous Santa makes timeless keepsake portraits. Pre-registration required.

See where to get photos with Santa in Atlanta.

Bring in the New Year with Noon Year’s Eve

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly New Year’s celebration that doesn’t involve staying up until midnight, Atlanta has you covered:

• On The Roof at Ponce City Market you’ll have a dedicated Noon Year’s Eve celebration for families, with games, three-story slides, hot cocoa and a countdown around midday — ideal for younger children who want the festive experience without the late night.
• At The Battery Atlanta you’ll find a family-friendly fun from 6 to 8 p.m., culminating in an early countdown at 8 p.m., complete with inflatable baseball drop. Event includes live entertainment and fireworks at midnight for the big kids.

For even more ideas of things to do this holiday season for all ages in Atlanta, check out our ultimate guide to the holidays. Also available en español.

Joleen Pete is a storyteller and dream-weaver, inspired by the magic in everyday moments and the untold stories waiting to be shared.

Originally Published October 21, 2025