- >> home
- >> Things to Do
- >> holiday
- >> Christmas in Atlanta
Christmas in Atlanta
Your guide to Christmas and holiday events, light displays, markets, shows, and seasonal traditions in Atlanta.
Photo credit: CL Photo Archives
Christmas in Atlanta
Christmas in Atlanta is one of the most festive times of the year, filled with light displays, holiday markets, seasonal shows, family attractions, and winter traditions across the city. From classic Christmas events to pop-up experiences and neighborhood celebrations, this guide brings together the best ways to celebrate the holiday season in Atlanta.
What Is Christmas?
Christmas is both a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed cultural celebration centered on family, giving, and seasonal traditions. In Atlanta, the holiday season blends religious observances with festive public events, performances, and attractions throughout November and December.
How Atlanta Celebrates the Holidays
Across metro Atlanta, Christmas is celebrated with a mix of large-scale attractions and local traditions. Visitors and residents alike can explore light displays, attend holiday concerts and performances, shop seasonal markets, and enjoy themed dining and pop-up experiences. Many venues transform into winter wonderlands, offering activities for families, couples, and groups.
Recurring Holiday Traditions in Atlanta
- Holiday light displays and drive-through experiences
- Christmas markets and seasonal shopping events
- Theater productions and holiday concerts
- Ice skating rinks and winter attractions
- Visits with Santa and family photo opportunities
- Holiday pop-ups, themed bars, and seasonal dining
Featured Christmas Events in Atlanta
These are some of the key holiday events and anchor experiences to check out this season.
No featured holiday events are available yet.
More Christmas and Holiday Events
Looking for more things to do during the holiday season? Browse additional Christmas and holiday events in Atlanta below.
Magical Nights of Lights
11/20/2026 5:00 PM
Lanier Islands Resort
Bigger and brighter, Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort promises More Lights, More Magic, and More Memories this holiday season. Priced by the vehicle, this modern-day sleigh ride through mile after mile o...
It's a Wonderful Life at Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
11/20/2026 7:30 PM
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapts the beloved holiday story for the stage as a 1940s-style radio broadcast with live actors and sound effects.
Georgia Festival of Trees
11/21/2026 10:00 AM
Gas South Convention Center
The Georgia Festival of Trees is Georgia’s premier holiday celebration, bringing together families, businesses, and volunteers to create unforgettable Christmas memories while supporting efforts to protect vulnerable chi...
Holiday Ride-on Train
11/21/2026 10:00 AM
Atlanta Botanical Garden
All aboard the Botanical Express for a trip around the Great Lawn.
Holiday Market at the High Museum
11/21/2026 10:00 AM
High Museum of Art
Shop handcrafted gifts, artisan foods, and festive drinks from local vendors at the High’s Holiday Market. Find something special for everyone on your list.
Holiday Family Fun Day at Reeves House Visual Arts Center
11/21/2026 2:00 PM
Reeves House Visual Arts Center
Grab your crew and join us on the Green for our Holiday Family Fun Day! Tis’ the season to craft it up with the kids. This family-friendly event is the perfect occasion to start your holiday season off right. Know Before...
It's a Wonderful Life at Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
11/21/2026 3:00 PM
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapts the beloved holiday story for the stage as a 1940s-style radio broadcast with live actors and sound effects.
Magical Nights of Lights
11/21/2026 5:00 PM
Lanier Islands Resort
Bigger and brighter, Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort promises More Lights, More Magic, and More Memories this holiday season. Priced by the vehicle, this modern-day sleigh ride through mile after mile o...
It's a Wonderful Life at Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
11/21/2026 7:30 PM
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapts the beloved holiday story for the stage as a 1940s-style radio broadcast with live actors and sound effects.
Georgia Festival of Trees
11/22/2026 10:00 AM
Gas South Convention Center
The Georgia Festival of Trees is Georgia’s premier holiday celebration, bringing together families, businesses, and volunteers to create unforgettable Christmas memories while supporting efforts to protect vulnerable chi...
Holiday Ride-on Train
11/22/2026 10:00 AM
Atlanta Botanical Garden
All aboard the Botanical Express for a trip around the Great Lawn.
It's a Wonderful Life at Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
11/22/2026 3:00 PM
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapts the beloved holiday story for the stage as a 1940s-style radio broadcast with live actors and sound effects.
Piedmont Park: Light Up the Season
11/22/2026 5:00 PM
Piedmont Park Greystone
Presented by the Piedmont Park Conservancy, Light Up the Season invites the community to celebrate the holidays with an evening of light, music and festive fun in Piedmont Park. Guests can create their own lantern, enjoy...
Magical Nights of Lights
11/22/2026 5:00 PM
Lanier Islands Resort
Bigger and brighter, Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort promises More Lights, More Magic, and More Memories this holiday season. Priced by the vehicle, this modern-day sleigh ride through mile after mile o...
Georgia Festival of Trees
11/23/2026 9:00 AM
Gas South Convention Center
The Georgia Festival of Trees is Georgia’s premier holiday celebration, bringing together families, businesses, and volunteers to create unforgettable Christmas memories while supporting efforts to protect vulnerable chi...
Magical Nights of Lights
11/23/2026 5:00 PM
Lanier Islands Resort
Bigger and brighter, Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort promises More Lights, More Magic, and More Memories this holiday season. Priced by the vehicle, this modern-day sleigh ride through mile after mile o...
Invasion Christmas Carol - Preview
11/23/2026 8:00 PM
Dad's Garage Theatre
The award-winning Dad's Garage Ensemble skewers and twists the quintessential holiday play, A Christmas Carol, in our Dad’s Garage original show, Invasion: Christmas Carol!
Georgia Festival of Trees
11/24/2026 10:00 AM
Gas South Convention Center
The Georgia Festival of Trees is a holiday experience for all ages featuring a forest of fully decorated Christmas trees, children’s activities, live entertainment, boutique gift shops, sugar cookie decorating, a Christm...
Magical Nights of Lights
11/24/2026 5:00 PM
Lanier Islands Resort
Bigger and brighter, Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort promises More Lights, More Magic, and More Memories this holiday season. Priced by the vehicle, this modern-day sleigh ride through mile after mile o...
Invasion Christmas Carol - Preview
11/24/2026 8:00 PM
Dad's Garage Theatre
The award-winning Dad's Garage Ensemble skewers and twists the quintessential holiday play, A Christmas Carol, in our Dad’s Garage original show, Invasion: Christmas Carol!
Magical Nights of Lights
11/26/2026 5:00 PM
Lanier Islands Resort
Bigger and brighter, Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort promises More Lights, More Magic, and More Memories this holiday season. Priced by the vehicle, this modern-day sleigh ride through mile after mile o...
Georgia Festival of Trees
11/27/2026 10:00 AM
Gas South Convention Center
The Georgia Festival of Trees is a holiday experience for all ages featuring a forest of fully decorated Christmas trees, children’s activities, live entertainment, boutique gift shops, sugar cookie decorating, a Christm...
The Nutcracker – (Northeast Atlanta Ballet)
11/27/2026 2:00 PM
Gas South Theater
Ring in the Holidays with the Northeast Atlanta Ballet’s classic rendition of E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale, “The Nutcracker”. Join Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they set out on a wonder-filled journey to battle the mouse k...
Magical Nights of Lights
11/27/2026 5:00 PM
Lanier Islands Resort
Bigger and brighter, Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort promises More Lights, More Magic, and More Memories this holiday season. Priced by the vehicle, this modern-day sleigh ride through mile after mile o...
for KING + COUNTRY's 'A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS'
11/27/2026 7:00 PM
Gas South Arena
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! ‘A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS’ is returning to Gas South Arena this holiday season! And on the heels of the theatrical release of ‘DRUMMER BOY: The Movie’, it’s sure to be a lar...
You can also browse the full holiday event feed here: Browse Christmas and holiday events in Atlanta.
Why Christmas Matters
For many, Christmas is a time of reflection, celebration, and connection. In Atlanta, the holiday season brings together communities through shared traditions, public events, and seasonal experiences that highlight the spirit of giving and togetherness.
Past Coverage and Related Reading
For archived coverage, past roundups, and additional holiday content, see our wiki archive page: christmas and seasonal events.
Atlanta Festivals
Events Calendar
2026 Holidays