Each December, Atlanta comes alive with seasonal experiences that make the city feel magical. From immersive light displays to family outings and festive celebrations, there are countless ways to enjoy the holidays. Discover this year’s standout attractions in and around Atlanta, including Holidays at Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola’s Holiday Express Train, live performances, and so much more.
Preview of Activities
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Spend the Holidays at Georgia Aquarium
Dates: Now – January 2, 2026
Tickets: Plan Your Visit
Promotions: Ways to Save This Season
Dive into the magic of the season at Holidays at Georgia Aquarium, happening now through January 2, 2026. The atrium sparkles with twinkling lights, winter-inspired projections, and a majestic 40-foot live holiday tree, creating a heartwarming winter water-land.
Each day begins with a festive tree-lighting ceremony, followed by themed dolphin and sea lion presentations throughout the day. Enjoy live holiday music on weekends, along with special appearances from Scuba Claus. Stop by on select dates to snap a photo with Santa in his seaside setting—it’s a holiday experience you won’t want to miss.
Pemberton Place Park & World of Coca-Cola’s Holiday Express Train
Dates: Now – December 30, 2025
Tickets: See the full list of upcoming events
Celebrate the holidays at Pemberton Place Park, situated in the heart of downtown Atlanta, adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola. From sparkling holiday decorations to seasonal events perfect for visitors of all ages. Presented by Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, climb aboard for a journey of real magic! Step onto the Holiday Express and travel from the frosty North Pole to the sun-soaked Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy dazzling décor, festive photo ops, and classic Coca‑Cola icons brought to life in this immersive, family-friendly experience.
IllumiNights at the Zoo
Dates: Now – January 18, 2026
Tickets: Get Your Tickets
Looking for great holiday lights in Atlanta? IllumiNights is your must-see event! Perfect for families, couples on a romantic date night, or friends looking for unforgettable fun, this one-of-a-kind holiday lights experience fills your evening with sparkling joy and wonder.
Discover Atlanta’s Ultimate Holiday Tradition: IllumiNights at the Zoo! This holiday season, Atlanta’s beloved festive event returns bigger and brighter than ever, transforming the Zoo into a dazzling nighttime wonderland. Experience hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns and captivating displays that celebrate the beauty and magic of nature after dark.
A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theater
Dates: Now – December 24, 2025
Tickets: Get Your Seats for the Show
Special Offers: Discounted tickets for select groups and performances.
A Christmas Carol returns to the Alliance Theatre’s Coca-Cola Stage with its stunning adaptation, featuring a magical set design and striking costumes. Don’t miss this timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge, told with beautiful live music and an all-star cast. It’s an Atlanta holiday tradition the whole family will love.
And don’t forget to take a picture with Santa after the performance! Santa Charles will be spreading holiday cheer at select showings of A Christmas Carol, November 15 through December 21.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ at the Center for Puppetry Arts
Dates: Now – December 28, 2025
Tickets: Buy Your Tickets Here
Based on the classic television special and adapted by Jon Ludwig.
Do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? Rudolph soars back into town with this faithful adaptation of the 1964 stop-motion animated special. This celebrated holiday classic follows Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ and Hermey the Elf™, two misfits on the run. The unlikely friends set off on a merry and heartwarming adventure of acceptance and self-discovery, even with Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster™ on their trail. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday adventure that will become an annual tradition for the whole family.
Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dates: December 6 – December 27, 2025
Tickets: Buy Your Tickets Here
Let Atlanta Ballet transport you and your family into the magical world of The Nutcracker this holiday season. A winter wonderland awaits you, where falling snowflakes, twirling flowers, and spinning stars come to life in this reimagined, larger-than-life production, set to the iconic Tchaikovsky score played live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Make Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker part of your holiday celebration this year.
2025 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Dates: December 6, 2025
Tickets: Learn More About the Game
The road to glory runs through Atlanta! The SEC Championship returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 6th for a showdown that you won’t want to miss! Be sure to check out the Mercedes-Benz Stadium website for more information on parking, bag policies, and to plan your visit.
2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl HBCU National Championship
Dates: December 13, 2025
Tickets: See A New Champion Rise
Celebrating 10 years, the Cricket Celebration Bowl is a postseason HBCU Football National Championship featuring the conference champions from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This year, a new champion will rise on December 13, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Don’t miss history in the making this holiday! Grab your family or friends and catch the match of the year.
Miracle on Peachtree
More Information: Don’t Miss Any of the Events
The holiday festivities are taking over Buckhead for Miracle on Peachtree. This family-friendly tradition is bringing back all the classics, with even more holiday cheer to be enjoyed, thanks to Liveable Buckhead. Officially kick off the holiday season with the lighting of their 24-foot holiday tree at Charlie Loudermilk Park. This family-friendly event invites everyone to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, listen to live holiday music, and even take festive photo ops with llamas.
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Winter House 2025
Dates: Now – December 14, 2025
More Information: Winter House 2025
Create your best season yet! Join the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center for 10 days of Winter House 2025! From November 29 to December 14, Callanwolde will be open to the public to celebrate a new winter tradition, one filled with art and holiday cheer. Take part in daily workshops, mug & ornament clay glazing, fire pits, board games, live music, Santa visits, history tours, and MORE!
Practical Tips for Your Atlanta Holiday Adventure
- Purchase tickets online in advance.
- Arrive early to secure parking and avoid traffic.
- Check individual attraction websites to confirm policies and additional information.
The city comes alive in December with these and so many other seasonal events. Plan your itinerary, grab your tickets, and make it a holiday to remember!
