Atlanta, Georgia is a fantastic destination to experience the magic of Christmas. The city offers a wide range of holiday activities, events, and attractions that cater to all ages and interests. From festive light displays to exciting ice skating rinks, and from heartwarming performances to fun-filled markets, Atlanta is a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, Atlanta has something for everyone to enjoy during Christmas. The city's mild winter climate makes it an ideal destination for those who want to escape harsher winters without sacrificing the holiday cheer. In this article, we'll explore the top holiday activities to enjoy in Atlanta, ensuring that your Christmas season is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Ice Skating Rinks
Atlanta offers several outdoor ice skating rinks during the holiday season, providing a fun and festive activity for the whole family. Some popular ice skating rinks in Atlanta include:
- Centennial Olympic Park Ice Rink: Located in downtown Atlanta, this rink offers stunning views of the city skyline and a festive atmosphere.
- Piedmont Park Ice Rink: This outdoor rink is situated in the heart of Piedmont Park and offers a beautiful winter wonderland setting.
- Avalon on Ice: Located in Alpharetta, this ice rink offers a fun and festive atmosphere, complete with holiday decorations and music.
Ice Skating Rink Prices and Hours
- Centennial Olympic Park Ice Rink: Prices start at $15 for adults and $12 for children. Hours vary, but the rink is generally open from 10 am to 10 pm.
- Piedmont Park Ice Rink: Prices start at $15 for adults and $12 for children. Hours vary, but the rink is generally open from 10 am to 10 pm.
- Avalon on Ice: Prices start at $12 for adults and $10 for children. Hours vary, but the rink is generally open from 10 am to 10 pm.
Holiday Light Displays
Atlanta is home to several stunning holiday light displays that are sure to mesmerize visitors of all ages. Some popular holiday light displays in Atlanta include:
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden: This annual light display features over 1 million lights and offers a beautiful and festive atmosphere.
- Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens: Located in Pine Mountain, this holiday light display features over 8 million lights and offers a fun and festive atmosphere.
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia: This annual holiday event features a stunning light display, along with festive music, food, and drinks.
Holiday Light Display Prices and Hours
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden: Prices start at $20 for adults and $15 for children. Hours vary, but the display is generally open from 5 pm to 11 pm.
- Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens: Prices start at $20 for adults and $15 for children. Hours vary, but the display is generally open from 6 pm to 9 pm.
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia: Prices start at $40 for adults and $30 for children. Hours vary, but the event is generally open from 4 pm to 10 pm.
Christmas Markets and Shopping
Atlanta offers several Christmas markets and shopping destinations that are perfect for finding unique gifts and experiencing the holiday spirit. Some popular Christmas markets and shopping destinations in Atlanta include:
- Christkindl Market at Atlantic Station: This annual German-style market features over 50 vendors selling handmade goods, decorations, and food.
- ICE on Peachtree: This outdoor market features a variety of vendors selling holiday-themed items, along with an ice skating rink and festive atmosphere.
- Ponce City Market: This historic market offers a variety of holiday shopping and dining options, along with a festive atmosphere and decorations.
Christmas Market Prices and Hours
- Christkindl Market at Atlantic Station: Free admission, but prices vary for food and drinks. Hours vary, but the market is generally open from 10 am to 10 pm.
- ICE on Peachtree: Free admission, but prices vary for food and drinks. Hours vary, but the market is generally open from 10 am to 10 pm.
- Ponce City Market: Free admission, but prices vary for food and drinks. Hours vary, but the market is generally open from 10 am to 9 pm.
Performances and Shows
Atlanta offers a wide range of holiday performances and shows that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Some popular holiday performances and shows in Atlanta include:
- The Nutcracker by the Atlanta Ballet: This classic holiday performance features beautiful music, stunning costumes, and talented dancers.
- A Christmas Carol by the Alliance Theatre: This annual production features a talented cast, beautiful sets, and a heartwarming story.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by the Center for Puppetry Arts: This fun and festive show features puppetry, music, and a heartwarming story.
Performance Prices and Showtimes
- The Nutcracker by the Atlanta Ballet: Prices start at $20 for adults and $15 for children. Showtimes vary, but performances are generally held at 2 pm and 8 pm.
- A Christmas Carol by the Alliance Theatre: Prices start at $20 for adults and $15 for children. Showtimes vary, but performances are generally held at 2 pm and 8 pm.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by the Center for Puppetry Arts: Prices start at $10 for adults and $5 for children. Showtimes vary, but performances are generally held at 10 am and 2 pm.
Special Events and Activities
Atlanta offers several special events and activities during the holiday season that are perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Some popular special events and activities in Atlanta include:
- Santa's Arrival at Lenox Square: This annual event features Santa's arrival, along with festive music, food, and drinks.
- Holiday Parade at Zoo Atlanta: This fun and festive parade features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
- New Year's Eve Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta: This annual event features live music, food, and drinks, along with the famous peach drop at midnight.
Special Event Prices and Times
- Santa's Arrival at Lenox Square: Free admission, but prices vary for food and drinks. Event is generally held at 6 pm.
- Holiday Parade at Zoo Atlanta: Prices start at $20 for adults and $15 for children. Parade is generally held at 10 am.
- New Year's Eve Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta: Free admission, but prices vary for food and drinks. Event is generally held from 7 pm to 1 am.
In conclusion, Atlanta is a fantastic destination to experience the magic of Christmas. From ice skating rinks to holiday light displays, and from Christmas markets to special events, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you're a local or just visiting, we hope this article has helped you plan your holiday itinerary and create unforgettable memories in Atlanta.
What are the best holiday activities for kids in Atlanta?
+Some popular holiday activities for kids in Atlanta include ice skating at Centennial Olympic Park, visiting the holiday light display at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, and watching the holiday parade at Zoo Atlanta.
What are the best holiday markets in Atlanta?
+Some popular holiday markets in Atlanta include Christkindl Market at Atlantic Station, ICE on Peachtree, and Ponce City Market.
What are the best holiday performances in Atlanta?
+Some popular holiday performances in Atlanta include The Nutcracker by the Atlanta Ballet, A Christmas Carol by the Alliance Theatre, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by the Center for Puppetry Arts.