Ultimate Guide to Winter in Atlanta

By Daniela Cintron

Last Updated November 6, 2026

*Artículo disponible en español

Winter in Atlanta does not require endless hours of shoveling out three feet of snow, wearing the biggest coat in your closet to the point that you can’t move, or weathering freeze storms. Atlanta becomes a playground of holiday lights, local artist markets, mild-weather hikes, rooftops with vibes and views and events all around. Here is a guide to know where to go and what to see during the winter in the city.

Atlanta Holiday Traditions

Winter is full of wonder at Atlanta’s top attractions. Dazzling lights, new exhibits and festive celebrations take over. Here are the must-do events to include in your calendar this winter.

Winter Tide turns the downtown attraction into a shimmering winter waterland with festive food, dazzling lights and holiday magic from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, 2027. General admission tickets grant access to all the holiday fun, with daily holiday presentations, daily holiday tree lighting, live music on the weekends, Scuba Claus and Santa’s North Pole Village. Check out their site for special tickets to have breakfast with Santa.

The Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden, are a tradition in Atlanta during the holidays. Even if you have already been to the garden, the holiday lights are special, transforming the space into a glowing wonderland. Millions of bulbs illuminate the treetops, pathways and sculptures from Nov. 14 through Jan. 10, 2027. Stroll the garden, sip on hot cocoa or apple cider (21+ adults can even have it spiced), dance under the lights to the rhythms of the live DJ, make s’mores around the firepits, and make new holiday traditions.

IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Lantern Festival transforms Zoo Atlanta into a glowing wonderland after dark. Hundreds of handcrafted lanterns shaped like animals, plants and mythical creatures light up the pathways, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. From Nov. 21 through Jan. 17, 2027, stroll through the mile-long trail of lights and lanterns, sip on hot cocoa, try the seasonal cocktails and find a fire pit for a classic marshmallow roast.

Miracle on Peachtree transforms Peachtree Road and the Buckhead Village District into a festive wonderland filled with carolers, live music and family fun. On Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, enjoy the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Charlie Loudermilk Park, a hot chocolate crawl featuring sweet and spiked sips, wreath decorating for first responders and special appearances from Santa himself.

Enjoy the Arts During the Winter

Atlanta’s arts and culture scene has plenty to keep you inspired this winter. The season brings everything from Atlanta Ballet’s beloved The Nutcracker and The Great Gatsby to Broadway productions, acclaimed performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and exciting opera at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Art lovers can spend an afternoon exploring new exhibitions at the High Museum of Art and Atlanta Contemporary, while music fans can enjoy holiday favorites, jazz and classical performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Add in local theater, contemporary art and a few unexpected cultural experiences, and you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy Atlanta’s creative side all season long.

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Arts and Culture in Atlanta this Winter.

Winter Festivals in Atlanta

Atlanta hosts many festivals year-round and winter is no exception. The season begins with the annual MLK Day Celebration on Jan. 19, 2027, a citywide tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Soon after, Atlanta celebrates Chinese Lunar New Year with festivals and events happening around the city.

Film lovers can look forward to the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (Feb. 17 through March 14, 2027), which screens acclaimed international features and documentaries across venues citywide. Experience cultural celebrations and spirited gatherings.

Here’s a complete list of Atlanta’s winter festivals.

Sports Events in Atlanta this Winter

Atlanta’s winter calendar includes major college football, professional basketball and hockey, plus the start of soccer season in late winter. Here are the games and championships that you can’t miss.

Major Sporting Events

• SEC Football Championship: Dec. 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The SEC’s top two teams meet in Atlanta to compete for the conference title.
• Cricket Celebration Bowl: Dec. 12 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This annual HBCU football championship matches the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Southwestern Athletic Conference. The game also kicks off Atlanta’s college football bowl season.
• Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Jan. 1, 2027, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The College Football Playoff quarterfinal brings two of the nation’s top college football teams to Atlanta, with the matchup to be determined.
• Atlanta Falcons: The NFL season continues at Mercedes-Benz Stadium into the winter, with home games currently listed against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 6, 2026, and the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 3, 2027.
• Atlanta Hawks: Catch NBA action at State Farm Arena throughout the winter. Notable home dates on the current calendar include the Hawks’ MLK game on Jan. 20, 2027, against the Portland Trail Blazers, a matchup against the New York Knicks on Jan. 22 and a game against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 5.

More sports to consider

• Georgia high school football championships: Dec. 15-16, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Georgia High School Association’s state championship games bring top high school teams from across the state to Atlanta.
• College basketball: Georgia Tech and Georgia State play home games throughout the winter. Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion is a good place to catch ACC competition, while Georgia State’s games offer another way to experience Atlanta’s college sports scene.

Cozy Up with Winter Date Nights

Winter is the perfect season for cozy dates in Atlanta. Start the year with sparkle by watching the city light up from SkyView Atlanta in Downtown, sharing a midnight toast at one of the city’s winter-perfect patios, or taking a stroll down the Atlanta Beltline.

Food is a love language, so as January turns to February, keep the momentum going with a Valentine’s dinner at a Michelin-recognized restaurant, or one of Atlanta’s Must-Try Restaurants.

There is so much art in Atlanta, and if you prefer to spend some time indoors during the winter, then that’s the perfect plan. Spend an afternoon exploring exhibitions at the High Museum, discovering new favorites and lingering in the quiet corners of the galleries.

When it is time to wind down, slip into a speakeasy bar like Redacted Basement Drink Parlor or Bar Ana, where drinks will be a great conversation starter. Atlanta makes it easy to fall in love.

For even more date-night ideas across the city, check out the full guide: The Ultimate List of Date Night Ideas in Atlanta.

Ice Skating in Atlanta

Even if it doesn’t snow this winter, you don’t have to miss out on all the icy fun. Find out where to go ice skating in Atlanta through mid-February.

Festive Christmas Pop-up Bars and Experiential Dining

Take a break from holiday shopping or plan a romantic date night at one of these festive Christmas pop-up bars. Experience bold, diverse flavors at one of these Atlanta restaurants offering experiential dining. Or leave the city for a winter day trip.

For more things to do in Atlanta this winter, explore our events calendar.

Daniela Cintrón is an award-winning journalist, editor and producer passionate about storytelling at the intersection of food, art, and culture. She is the senior content manager and editor for Discover Atlanta and has contributed to publications like the Los Angeles Times, Atlanta Magazine and Eater.

Originally Published December 13, 2024