Looking for some 2019 Atlanta holiday events to get in the holiday spirit? There is no shortage of events, with something for absolutely everything. I put together a list of some of my favorites that you will want to check out this year!
12 Awesome Atlanta Holiday Events
1. Holiday Spectacular at Ponce City Market
Come to one of the hippest places in Atlanta to shop, eat, and get your holiday on! You can even take photos with Santa Claus! Atlanta’s historic community destination in the Old Fourth Ward. Ponce City Market has also brought back the unique Skate the Sky ice skating rink, one of the Atlanta holiday events that works for families or couples. It’s located next to the Skyline Park amusement park and Nine Mile Station beer garden. The rink will be open through February, 2020 so you can continue to get your skate on even after the holidays!
2. Rudolph at Center for Puppetry Arts
Why not plan a mommy-and-me afternoon to see Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at the Center for Puppetry Arts? It is such a fun time! This show is a faithful adaptation of the wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Based on the beloved 1964 stop-motion animated special, Rudolph and his friends (including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster) take the stage in an engaging, fun, and funny show that works for all ages. You won’t want to miss it!
3. Snow Mountain
No snow? No problem. Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park will have the white stuff. They have a snow-packed mountainside and action-packed excitement. Have a ball on five football fields of frosty joy, including 20 lanes of tubing. Snow Mountain will run now through February 2020 (weather permitting). Older kids will love the Galactic Snow Tubing. It is an immersive nighttime experience starting at 5:30pm with great music, laser beams overhead and high-powered LED lights dancing all around to the beat of the music.
4. Stone Mountain Christmas
If you want to get in the Christmas spirit, this is the place to come! Millions of lights help to create a night to remember at Stone Mountain Christmas. This is one of the most “Christmas-y” of all the Atlanta holiday events. One of the most popular (and my favorite) attractions is the Singalong Christmas Train, which features a track-side show about the very first Christmas. Be sure to stay late to see the magic of the Snow Angel flying high with snow flurries and fireworks.
5. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
Holiday in the Park is back for the 5th year in a row! It is open only on select days from Now – January 7, 2020 at Six Flags Over Georgia. It’s the most magical time of the year filled with enchanting experiences that will help create those special family fun outings again and again. You can ride some of Six Flag’s best rides, enjoy the holiday-themed shows, see over a million twinkling lights, and eat some of the most delicious comfort food. Side note: Have you seen the crazy deals they have been offering on season passes?
Looking for New Year’s Eve 2020 events in Atlanta for families? Check out these fun options.
6. Ice Skating at Park Tavern Rink at Piedmont Park
This holiday season, Park Tavern in Piedmont Park is pulling out all the stops for its popular ice skating rink. It has become a beloved annual Atlanta tradition for all ages. Fire & Ice at the Rink at Park Tavern Powered by Bubly will welcome guests now through Monday, January 20, 2020. It will boast charming holiday decor, fun and games, special events, seasonal signature cocktails, delicious fare, and much more. Families should visit during the day as the rink is for 16 year olds and up starting at 8:30pm. Want to save money? Skaters that dress up in Steampunk attire for ‘Skate After 8 p.m.’, will get to skate for free. [Side note: ‘googles Steampunk attire’]
7. Santa at Phipps Plaza
If you can get a last minute appointment, take a visit to see one of the most popular Santa Claus’ in Atlanta! He is kind and jolly and takes time to visit with each family. Plus, you can get some shopping in at one of the most posh shopping malls in Atlanta! Reservations for Santa photos are only available at santaatphipps.com. No walk-up or stand in line visits are allowed though. This is a reservations-only Santa, as he is one of the most popular St. Nicks in Atlanta. Check out the website for last minute openings.
8. Holiday Festivities at the World of Coca-Cola
Savor the season at one of the most iconic Atlanta institutions, the World of Coca-Cola! They are offering signature beverages like Gingerbread Coke and Butter Toffee Sprite available in Taste It! for a limited time. Visitors can snap and share selfies with the Coca‑Cola Polar Bear and Santa Claus. Be sure to ooh and ahh over the thousands of holiday lights and larger-than-life ornaments in Pemberton Place. You can also learn the real story behind the Coca-Cola Santa Claus image we know and love.
9. LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular
Families are invited to celebrate the merriest of seasons with LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta’s Holiday Bricktacular! Guests can also learn how to create LEGO® presents and experience the winter takeover in MINILAND® every weekend of December! They also have one my favorite “Noon Year’s Eve” events too.
10. Deck The Halls at the College Football Hall of Fame
This holiday season the Hall is decking itself out from December 21 through December 31, 2019. Downtown Atlanta’s most interactive attraction will have activities, treats and holiday decorations. The Hall will also have special appearances by their own Fumbles the Elf. If you are still in need of the perfect family photo for the holidays, Santa will visit the Hall on December 21 and 22 from 11:30am – 2 pm with plenty of college-themed props for your very own team photo!
11. Candlelight Nights at Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center invites guests to step back in time and experience Christmases past during Candlelight Nights only on Friday evenings December 13 and 20, 2019. During this family-friendly event, take the time to stroll through the wooded trails illuminated by the sweet glow of candlelight. And take advantage of the hands-on activities to keep the kids’ engaged.
Guests are welcomed by Santa Claus and a lively Holiday Market filled with local crafts, artist creations and vintage holiday decoration finds. Then, visit each of the three historic houses to experience holiday traditions during the Civil War era (Smith Family Farm), 1930s (Swan House), and pioneer days (Wood Family Cabin).
Sing along with the festive holiday music. Stop and see the interpreters who bring characters from the pages of history to life. This is also an opportunity for families to visit the History Center other exhibitions.
12. Visa Big Air Presented by Land Rover at SunTrust Park
Come to SunTrust Park at The Battery on Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21 at 5:30 pmfor the Visa Big Air event. The Atlanta Braves and U.S. Ski & Snowboard host a two-day event featuring the world’s best free skiers and snowboarders that will perform on a 15-story jump structure and 800 tons of snow. The event is the first of its kind to come to Atlanta and a must-see for those in the community.
Want more? See this giant list of Christmas events in, around and near Atlanta from my friends at 365AtlantaTraveler.com. Or, save some money and head to one of these 25+ FREE Atlanta holiday events.
Take some time out this month to check out these Atlanta holiday events. They will help make the season bright!
Catalina says
My favorite event are the live nativities that different churches present!
CAROL M says
WE love the lights at the Botanical Garden!
Jessica Marcus says
Funny how many people don’t visit their own tourist attractions!! I would love to take my family to the World of Coca Cola ❤️