This site contains affiliate links. View the disclosure for more information.

I’m sharing the absolute best things to do around Atlanta in December. Atlanta’s December events bring out the magic of Christmas and the holidays all month long.

Atlanta in December: 11 best holiday things to do

Atlanta Christmas bars and holiday pop up bars

Dates: Throughout December.
Vibe: Perfect to amp up the holiday cheer with your boo or bestie.

Kick off the holiday season with a visit to one (or more) of Atlanta’s dazzling holiday Christmas bars.

Try festive winter drinks and boozy holiday favorites across the city. The Christmas bar vibes I’m loving most are:

• Holidays on the Roof at Ponce City Market for igloo dining and stunning city views.
• The Blind Elf Pop Up Bar at Blind Pig Parlor for holiday magic and festive decor galore.
• Apres Ski at Ranger Station above Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall for a post-ski day party atmosphere.
• Snow Globe Lounge at The Select

 

Atlanta holiday home at Atlanta History Center

Vibe: Olden day holiday feels wrapped in a pretty bow.
During December in Atlanta you can visit the newly completed renovations of a historic house that once belonged to golfer Bobby Jones.
This is a perfect chance to explore the showcase of acclaimed Atlanta-based design-builders. Located at the Atlanta History Center, you can choose from daily tickets or attend a special event at the home.
Special events include The Art of Hosting, Santa, Sips, and S’mores, a Holiday Container Gardening Class, and more.

Atlanta Christkindl Market

Vibe: Christmas Story glitz meets authentic European Christmas market.
Throw on a Christmas sweater and get ready for holiday shopping and sipping at the Atlanta Christkindl Market, which has moved to two new locations: Downtown Lawrenceville and downtown Senoia. It usually opens in late November or early December and runs through Christmas Eve, so check the market’s website for 2026 dates.
Sip hot chocolate and mulled wine, try viral foodie favorites, and purchase unique gifts. You can even stop by and say hi to Santa Claus. This is one of those holiday events you won’t want to miss.

 

Holiday concerts at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Dates: Select nights throughout December.

Vibe: Peaceful, perfect for dressing up and going out.
Book an evening at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra if you’re craving more holiday magic. This is the best time of year to escape the cold and listen to live music, Christmas concert showcases, and guest musicians.

Holiday light shows across Atlanta

Vibe: Perfect way to kick off the magic of the holiday season.
Across Atlanta, glistening holiday lights and Christmas light displays are lighting up the city.

A few of my favorite holiday light shows this year:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
• Zoo Atlanta’s IllumiNights at The Zoo
• Enchanted Lights at Barnsley Resort
• Stone Mountain Christmas

 

Pro travel tip: Here is the ultimate 2026 round up of 7 best Christmas Lights in Georgia.

 

Snow tubing and ice skating at Lanier Islands

Vibe: Energetic festive fun, perfect holiday daytime activities.
License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville is your place to play in snow in December in Atlanta. If you want to embrace the winter season and ride down a snow covered hill, this is your chance.
Step into this winter wonderland with snow tubing, ice skating, snow ball fights, hot chocolate, and holiday-themed beverages.
Season passes and day passes are available for purchase.

Peach Bowl Parade and Game Day Kickoff

Vibe: Out on the town, lively and festive.
Come watch the kickoff of game day with the The Chic-Fil-A Peach Bowl Parade in downtown Atlanta.
Expect giant floats, marching bands, classic cars, and cheer squads pulling out the pageantry for this festive event. The official Peach Bowl is January 1st 2027, so if you want to attend the game you’ll need to buy tickets well ahead of time.

The Nutcracker at Atlanta Ballet

Vibe: Date night, best place to wear your glittery holiday dress.

Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Dates: Select dates in December, including December 18 and 19, 2026.
An evening at this magical Christmas ballet is everything you need to get into the holiday spirit. This could be a perfect holiday tradition to start this year.
In fact, December in Atlanta is prime time for classic ballet performances like The Nutcracker. You’ll get swept up in the magical set design and incredible details along with the live Tchaikovsky scores by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.

Iconic holiday performances at Fox Theatre

Vibe: Holiday magic on the big screen.
Spend your evening at this historic theater watching The Nutcracker, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
The Fox Theatre is an Atlanta staple. It first opened in 1929, and its iconic decor will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Gilded Era for an evening of revelry.

Seasonal ice skating in Atlanta

Dates: Select days throughout December 2026.
Vibe: Feeling like a kid again as you get out on the ice.
One of my favorite seasonal activities in Atlanta is ice skating. When it comes to ice skating, you have several spots to choose from in 2026.

• Skate City Springs in Sandy Springs.
• Frosty’s Ice Rink, part of License to Chill at Margarittaville, Lanier Islands.
• Sweetland on Ice in downtown Lagrange, Georgia.

 

December events: Other fun things to do in Atlanta for the holidays

These special events are the top runners up for my favorite things to do in Atlanta in December.

 

• Stone Mountain Christmas holiday lights and shows.
• Winter Lantern Festival at Gwinnet County Fairgrounds.
• Holidays at Georgia Aquarium.
• Gas South Arena The Nutcracker and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Atlanta in December FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about visiting Atlanta in December.

What is the weather like in Atlanta in December

Average temperatures in Atlanta in December range, but they don’t get below freezing very often.
Fahrenheit: 35 degrees (low) to 56 degrees (high)
Celsius: 1.6 degrees (low) to 13.5 degrees (high)

What should I wear in Atlanta in December

Pack warm layers. Many of Atlanta’s winter activities are outdoors, so you may need to add layers or a coat. Pack clothing for indoor and outdoor activities, evenings out, and activewear.
You can get outdoors along the Atlanta Beltline or visit great hiking trails across the city. These are accessible all winter long, thanks to the city’s mild weather.

Is Atlanta Worth Visiting in December

Yes! Atlanta in December is a magical time of year as the city is decked out for the holidays and New Year’s Eve. Plus, Atlanta is warmer than most of its east coast neighbors. A perfect excuse to head south for the holidays.

 

Atlanta in December: Wrapping up

This wraps up the best things to do in Atlanta in December.
One of my favorite things about Atlanta is how it gets into the holiday spirit and keeps the celebration going.
Make sure you add these activities to your itinerary! And let me know what your favorites are.

Planning your trip? Use my Atlanta itinerary, find the best areas to stay in Atlanta, and don’t miss the holiday rooftop at Ponce City Market in Old Fourth Ward.

Pro travel tip: Check out the very best things to do in Atlanta in January.

Planning more of your trip? Browse my full Georgia Travel Guide, or find more seasonal getaways in my Holiday Travel guides.