This article is all about the 11 best things to do in Atlanta in January.
Atlanta in January is anything but boring! In fact, it is a perfect time to visit the city for fun activities and winter festivals.

11 Best Things to do in Atlanta in January

1. Martin Luther King Jr Day
2. Wildwood AGLO at Fernbank Forest
3. Beltline Food Tour
4. Broadway Performance at Fox Theatre
5. Atlanta Botanical Garden Gardening Symposium and Plant Sale
6. Atlanta Winter Wine Fest at Guardian Works
7. Onsie Bar Crawl
8. College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
9. High Museum of Art
10. Holiday Light Displays
11. Cask Wine Festival

In This Post, You’ll Find

• Cool things to do in January in Atlanta
• Best indoor events in Atlanta in January
• Best outdoor events in Atlanta in January

Best Things to do in Atlanta in January

We’re breaking down the best activities and events across Atlanta in January.
Keep reading to discover Atlanta’s top events and venues in the new year.

Martin Luther King Jr Day

Website: link
Mid January, the city of Atlanta comes alive to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.
You can join a parade, community service event, church service, or event.
Learn about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King at the King Center in Sweet Auburn, join a community service event at Kirkwood Urbane Forest, learn about Civil Rights history at the Atlanta History Center, and more.

Wildwood AGLOW at Fernbank Forest

Website: link
Explore Fernbank Forest at night with a self-guided tour across the campus.
In January, Fernbank Science Center comes alive with special exhibitions, glowing scenery, and multi-sensory experiences leaving you in a state of zen.

Beltline Food Tour

Website: link
If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta that center around food, a walking food tour is a perfect start.
Food Tours Atlanta is a locally owned company ready to sweep you off your feet with culinary delights across local restaurants and bars. Choose from tours of Ponce City Market, Cocktails and Bites, and more here.

Broadway Performance at Fox Theatre

Website: link
If you want indoor things to do in Atlanta in January, go to a Broadway performance at the historic Fox Theatre.
Watch live music and live entertainment from Broadway performances (& Juliet and Clue, a Comedy) on select days in January.
This could be a perfect Saturday night out, followed by a night cap in Midtown or Old Fourth Ward.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Gardening Symposium and Plant Sale

Website: link
Visit Midtown Atlanta and the Atlanta Botanical Garden for an annual plant sale event.
Pick up gardening knowledge and a new favorite house plant!
Plus, you can stay to admire the garden lights and displays along miles of trails.

Atlanta Winter Wine Fest

Website: link
Dive into boozy winter fun at the Atlanta Winter Wine Fest this January in Atlanta.
Featuring live musical performances and 50+ beers, wines, and seltzers to sample, the event brings together local wineries to share with festival guests.

Onsie Bar Crawl

Website: link
Want to stay warm and explore Atlanta bars at the same time? The annual Onsie Bar Crawl is back in the city on January 18th.
Grab matching onsies with your besties and get ready for a night out on the town.

College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Website: link
If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta in January around sports, head to a lively annual event celebrating college football in downtown Atlanta around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The College Football Playoff National Championship kickoff is more than just a football game though.
The 3-day extravaganza is filled with highlights like the largest annual traveling music festival, AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, and other fan-friendly events.
If you want even more college football, head over to the College Football Hall of Fame in Downtown Atlanta.

High Museum of Art

Website: link
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is home to visual arts from across the world.
In January, the museum features work of art from Georgia O’Keeffe, Tyler Mitchelle, Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, and more.

Holiday Lights Shows

Website: link
It may be a new year, but the holiday season is still alive with several light shows across Georgia.
Sip hot cocoa and explore Christmas light displays in and around Atlanta before it’s too late.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, and many others display lights into the first month of the new year.
This is one of those outdoor activities that fits perfectly for a chilly evening.

Cask Ale Tasting

Website: link
Join a cask ale tasting from local brewers. During the tasting, sample 50+ unique ales, lagers, ciders, and meads from across the state.
This is a highly rated event in the Southeast, so make sure to grab your tickets early.

More Things to do in Atlanta in January

Here are a few other great things to do in Atlanta in January.

• Atlanta History Center
• Atlanta Symphony Hall
• Atlanta Boat Show
• Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
• Chattahoochee River, winter hike (heritage center)
• Braves Game at Truist Park
• Georgia Aquarium After Hours Events

Concerts in Atlanta January 2026

If you’re looking for January concerts in Atlanta, explore the lineups at City Winery Atlanta, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and The Masquerade.

Is Atlanta Worth Visiting in January

​January is a great time to visit Atlanta.
The City in the Trees is beautiful year round. And since the winters are mild, its easy to get outdoors and enjoy festivals and events at local parks.
Plus, Atlanta hosts annual events that you can only attend in January.

Is Atlanta Cold in January

Many people wonder “is there snow in Atlanta in January”. Not usually!
Atlanta’s winter is generally mild, and rarely dips below 30 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees celsius).
Plus, there are plenty of outdoor events hosted in January, which means locals don’t mind a bit of cold if it means a great celebration!

Wrapping up Things to do in Atlanta in January 2026

There are tons of things to do in Atlanta in January.
The city of Atlanta comes alive in the new year, and whether you want indoor or outdoor events, you’ll have endless entertainment.
Consider us your local guide for everything Atlanta and east coast travel.
We share the best things to do and see across the southeast for solo travelers and couples.