Updated November 24th, 2025

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New York City is one of my favorite places to be at Christmastime. There is so much to see and do in NYC in December. It can get quite chilly and crowded though. 

Christmastime in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the best times of year to visit ‘Hotlanta’. Atlanta in December is full of Christmas cheer, but won’t leave you shivering and packed in like sardines. 

There are so many things to do in Atlanta in December. The following Christmas activities in Atlanta are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. For more winter festivals and events in Atlanta check out my full guide on Atlanta festivals. 

If you are looking for more on Atlanta festivals check out my guides to:

• All of Atlanta’s Festivals
• Fall Festivals
• Spring Festivals

Magical Christmas Activities in Atlanta

Atlanta Christkindl Market: November 28th – December 24th, 2025

One of the best Christmas activities in Atlanta is visiting the Christkindl Market in Lawrenceville (formerly in Buckhead Village). It is open weekly Wednesday through Sunday. It’s also open Mon 22nd and Tues 23rd. 

Without buying a plane ticket you can get a taste of Europe at Christmastime. While the outdoor market is small, it does feel like an authentic German market with the traditional wooden stalls. 

You’ll enjoy typical foods that you would find at the markets in Germany such as chimney cakes, sausages, crepes, potato pancakes with applesauce, and gingerbread. I enjoyed a parmesan garlic brat from Woodstock Pretzels and a nutella & strawberry crepe from a crepe booth. 

There were several other food options that I was debating between. I have to admit I did numerous laps around weighing my options. Tower Treats offered me a sample and I still regret not going back to buy one of their ½ pound peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. 

In addition to the food vendors there are several gift and craft booths. There are a few places to eat standing and sitting down. It wasn’t very busy at all during the week, but I would expect evenings and weekends to be busier. It looks like the new location at Lawrenceville Lawn is slightly bigger and has a ferris wheel. 

There are clean port-a-potties and hand washing stations.  

Atlantic Station Christmas Activities: November 2025 – January 2026

Atlantic Station is a great place to go if you are looking for Christmas things to do in Atlanta. In addition to the year round restaurants and stores, Atlantic Station has a full calendar of special holiday activities and events.

While taking in the festivities, search for the two Atlantic Station Tiny Doors ATL. Perhaps you’ll find some elves scurrying in and out! 

Holiday Creator’s Market: November & December

On Saturdays and Sundays shop for holiday gifts from local artists. The booths around the Atlantic Green vary each weekend.  

Skate the Station: November 14th, 2025 – January 19th, 2026

Go ice skating at the largest rink in metro Atlanta. Check the schedule for various themed skate nights and daily hours. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. 

Light the Station: November 22nd, 2025

If you have driven on I-85 past Atlantic Station in December you have probably noticed the giant Christmas tree. Witness the lighting of the 50ft tree this year on November 22nd. The evening celebration begins at 4pm and includes a Candyland theme and a holiday parade. 

Celebration at the Station: November 23rd – December 25th

Every night from 5 – 9pm on the hour there is a music and light show around the tree in the Atlantic Green. The free show features a holiday video alongside a dancing light performance on the tree. 

Holiday Spirit at Oakland Cemetery: December 5th and 6th, 2025

Visiting a cemetery may not seem like one of the most festive Christmas activities in Atlanta, but Oakland Cemetery is one of the nicest places to walk in Atlanta.The huge cemetery was created in 1850 and was the first public park in Atlanta. The landscaping that was started in the early years continues to be tended to today. Along with all the walking paths, Oakland Cemetery has numerous events throughout the year.

A great time to visit is during the Holiday Spirit event in December. Many of the mausoleums are decorated for the holidays and you can even take a tour of these “eternal homes”. The tour is very interesting and covers both the decorations on each eternal home as well as the permanent residents within. Plus you will learn general information and history about the cemetery. The event is free, but advanced purchased tickets are needed for the tour. 

There’s also live music, a holiday gift market, a family craft area, and photos with Santa (extra fee). Food truck fare and drinks are available for purchase. New this year is a a community tree lighting! 

Decatur Christmas Activities: December 2025

Decatur has several holiday events. Decatur is a small city east of Atlanta that feels more like one of Atlanta’s many great neighborhoods.

Decatur Tree Lighting: December 4th, 2025

This year’s annual tree lighting takes place in front of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse. The festivities start at 6pm with holiday carols, free hot chocolate, and free cookies. Right before 7pm everyone counts down from 10 and Santa does the honors of flipping the switch and turning on the lights. There even is some “snow” which is quite amusing for a Midwesterner like me, but I’m sure there are children who have never seen snow before! 

Marshmallow Roast and Bonfire: December 11th, 2025

Another popular Decatur holiday event is the marshmallow roast and bonfire in Decatur Square. All the supplies are provided complimentary.

Menorah Lighting: December 14th, 2025

There is a menorah lighting on December 14th. The Chanukah celebration involves hot drinks, latkes, photos with Mr. Dreidel, and a gelt drop.

Where’s Santa?: December 18th, 2025

December 18th is “Where’s Santa”. Try to spot Santa shopping in the local downtown Decatur shops.

Virginia Highland Tour of Homes: December 13th – 14th, 2025

Every December you can take a self-guided tour of the beautiful homes of the Virginia Highland neighborhood. It is another one of Atlanta’s many walkable neighborhoods all year-round, but at Christmas time it is extra special. A handful of homes go all out in their decorating for the Tour of Homes.

With an official ticket purchase you receive entry into the homes. Without a ticket you can still wander around the neighborhood another time to search for decorated homes on your own as there are a lot in this neighborhood. 

Virginia Highland Winterfest: December 13th, 2025

Along with the holiday Tour of Lights, Virginia Highland celebrates the holiday season with their daytime Winterfest. Winterfest starts out with the Jingle Jog, a festival race. Make sure to wear your holiday attire. Jingle bells are provided! Following that the holiday parade takes place with a variety of floats from local residents and businesses. 

The afternoon is filled with kids activities and a holiday artist market. In past years there have been food vendors and live music. For the reluctant shoppers and football enthusiasts there is sometimes a big screen showing a football game. 

Winterfest is close to a lot of local businesses for brunch or dinner. Murphy’s is nearby and one of my favorite Atlanta brunch places. 

There are a few port-a-potties at the festival. 

Atlanta Christmas Shows: November – December

One of the best Atlanta Christmas activities is attending a holiday performance. There are a variety of dance, music, and theater events.

OnStage Atlanta: December 5th – 21st, 2025

A few years ago I attended “A Tuna Christmas” at OnStage Atlanta. I was a little skeptical of the show at first as there were only two men in it and they were just sitting at a table with a few props. I really didn’t know what they would do for the 2 hour run time. 

That was soon a forgotten worry. The two actors completely drew me to the town of Tuna, Texas before Christmas. Between the two actors they played all the roles in the show. It was so funny to see them play spunky teenagers and crazy old ladies. They did an excellent job. 

This year the theater is putting on two shows, Between the Lines and A Christmas Carol. I’m sure they will both be just as impressive.

The theater itself immediately gets you in the Christmas spirit as you walk in the door. Christmas trees fill the lobby and rooms outside of the theaters. There are at least 20 decorated Christmas trees alongside wreaths and other holiday decor. I loved all the themed trees sparkling in the dimly lit rooms. 

More Holiday Performances in Atlanta

There are so many holiday shows happening this time of year. All of the following Atlanta holiday shows take place within the city. 

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Center for Puppetry Arts: 11/12/25 – 12/28/25
• Knock, Knock at the Alliance Theater: 11/15/25 – 12/23/25
• A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theater: 11/15/25 – 12/24/25
• Cody Fry Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 11/25/25
• Grand Kyiv Ballet at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 11/26/25
• Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour at the Cobb Energy Centre: 11/28/25
• Home Alone 2 Lost in Concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 11/29/25 – 11/30/25
• Lauren Daigle – The Behold Christmas Tour at the Fox Theatre: 12/4/25
• Amy Grant, Cece Winans, and Michael W Smith: Christmas Together at the Fox Theatre: 12/6/25
• A Christmas Carol at the Shakespeare Tavern: 12/6/25 – 12/23/25
• Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Cobb Energy Centre: 12/6/25 – 12/27/25
• Madeline’s Christmas at Horizon Theatre: 12/6/25 – 12/31/25
• Family Deck the Halls Concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 12/7/25
• for King + Country’s A Drummer Boy Christmas at the Fox Theatre: 12/8/25
• Invasion Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theater: 12/9/25
• Merry, Mighty, & Mo at the Fox Theatre: 12/10/25
• Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 12/10/25
• Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 12/11/25 – 12/14/25
• Mama Dearest! Here We Joan Again at Out Front Theatre: 12/11/25 – 12/21/25
• Y’allmark at 7 Stages Theatre: 12/11/25 – 12/28/25
• Too Fast, Too Festivus at Horizon Theatre: 12/12/25 – 12/31/25
• Elf at the Fox Theatre: 12/16/25 – 12/21/25
• Sarah Brightman, a Winter Sympony at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 12/17/25
• A John Waters Christmas at the Variety Playhouse: 12/17/25
• Kevin Scott’s Allstar Holiday Revival at the Variety Playhouse: 12/18/25
• Handel’s Messiah with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 12/18/25 – 12/19/25
• Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church: 12/19/25 – 12/20/25
• Celtic Woman Symphony Christmas Tour with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 12/20/25 – 12/21/25
• Urban Nutcracker by Ballethnic at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts  Center: 12/20/25 – 12/21/25
• Holiday Hootenanny 14 at the Variety Playhouse: 12/21/25
• Sounds of the Season with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 12/23/25
• Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Fox Theatre: 12/23/25 – 12/24/25
• A Drag Queen Christmas at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: 12/26/25
• The Holiday in Concert with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra: 12/27/25 – 12/28/25

Other Christmas Activities in Atlanta

As much as I enjoy the Christmas activities in Atlanta, I haven’t been able to check out all the events yet. Here are some more holiday activities in Atlanta to add to your list! Almost all of the events take place directly in Atlanta. 

• Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park: 11/8/25 – 1/4/26
• WildWoods Aglow at Fernbank Museum: 11/14/25 – 2/28/26
• Garden Lights, Holiday Lights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens: 11/15/25 – 1/11/26
• Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta: 11/21/25 – 1/18/26
• Skate the Sky at Ponce City Market: 11/28/25 – 2/15/26
• Tree Lighting at the Battery: 11/29/25
• Piedmont Park Holiday Gift Market: 11/29/25 – 11/30/25
• Photos with Santa at Ponce City Market: Saturdays & Sundays starting 11/29/25
• Georgia Festival of Trees at Mountain America Expo Center: 12/2/25 – 12/6/25
• The Lighting at Colony Square: 12/4/25 (nightly tree shows until 12/25/25)
• Snow Days with Sockefeller Plaza (sock skating) at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta: 12/4/25 – 12/30/25
• WinterFest at Atlanta History Center: 12/6/25
• Holiday Movie Nights at Ponce City Market: 12/6/25, 12/13/25, & 12/20/25
• Holidays Movies at Colony Square: select dates from 12/10/25 – 12/19/25
• Hot Chocolate Competition at Ponce City Market: 12/13/25
• Santa Snack Time at Colony Square: 12/13/25 & 12/16/25
• Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes in Grant Park: 12/13/25 – 12/14/25
• Menorah Lighting at Ponce City Market: 12/22/25
• Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia: Canceled this year 

Let me know your favorite Christmas activities in Atlanta in the comments below!

More Atlanta Posts

ACTIVITIES:

• 3 Day Itinerary
• Date Ideas
• Explore the Best Neighborhoods
• When to Visit
• Why Visit

ART:

• Murals by Neighborhood
• Tiny Doors

DAY TRIPS:

• North Georgia

FESTIVALS:

• Fall Festivals
• Festivals by Season
• Spring Festivals

FOOD:

• BBQ
• BeltLine Restaurants
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• Brunch Places
• Burger Places
• Casual Restaurants
• Chicken & Waffles
• Donuts
• Food Halls and Mixed-Use Developments
• Healthy Restaurants
• Mystery Picnics

OUTDOORS: 

• Chattahoochee River Trails
• Hiking Near Atlanta
• Places to Walk
• Walkable Neighborhoods

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