Atlanta, GA, October 20, 2025
News Summary
This holiday season, Atlanta transforms into a vibrant holiday destination filled with activities for all ages. From major attractions like ice skating at Ponce City Market to enchanting performances such as the Atlanta Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’, the city offers a variety of events to celebrate. Stone Mountain Christmas, featuring millions of lights, and the Georgia Aquarium’s stunning live Christmas tree are just highlights of the festive season. Families can enjoy puppet shows, holiday markets, and more, ensuring memorable experiences throughout the season.
Atlanta is set to become a festive haven this holiday season, offering a rich array of activities and events for locals and visitors alike throughout 2025. The city will sparkle with lights, lively markets, and captivating performances, inviting everyone to celebrate in style.
Major attractions include ice skating at Ponce City Market and enchanting light displays at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The Atlanta Ballet will perform Yuri Possokhov’s “The Nutcracker” at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from Dec. 6 through Dec. 27, featuring large sets and live music sure to charm audiences of all ages. From Dec. 7 to Dec. 23, theatergoers can experience “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse.
Additionally, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will present Christmas carols and hymns from Dec. 11 to Dec. 14 at Woodruff Arts Center. Families can also enjoy a puppet show with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the Center for Puppetry Arts, which runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 28 and includes a Create-A-Puppet workshop. One of the highlights of the festive season, Stone Mountain Christmas, will illuminate the region with millions of lights and feature a “Magical Flight to the North Pole” event from Nov. 8 to Jan. 4, 2025.
The Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum of Natural History will offer a multicultural holiday experience from Nov. 22 to Jan. 11, 2026. Meanwhile, the Georgia Aquarium is set to display a 40-foot live Christmas tree along with holiday projections from Nov. 14 to Jan. 4, 2026, and the annual “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden will dazzle guests from Nov. 15 to Jan. 11, 2026.
A new spectacle, IllumiNights at the Zoo, will debut on Nov. 21 and run through Jan. 18, 2026, showcasing large Chinese-inspired animal lanterns. The Roof at Ponce City Market will feature heated igloo experiences alongside ice skating reservations for a cozy outdoor activity. In Buckhead, the Miracle on Peachtree will celebrate its holiday spirit from Dec. 5 to Dec. 13 with tree lighting, holiday markets, and live performances.
For families looking for interactive experiences, Christmas at Lanier Islands will offer attractions like snow tubing and ice skating from Nov. 30 to Dec. 22. Various holiday markets and community events will occur throughout Atlanta, offering locally crafted goods and festive fun. Specific traditions include the Holiday Open House in Norcross and holiday performances at historic venues.
The Georgia Festival of Trees will showcase Christmas tree displays along with seasonal entertainment from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1, providing yet another festive highlight in Atlanta’s holiday calendar.
Key Events Summary
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Yuri Possokhov’s “The Nutcracker” | Dec. 6 – Dec. 27 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre |
| “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” | Dec. 7 – Dec. 23 | Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse |
| Christmas Carols by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | Dec. 11 – Dec. 14 | Woodruff Arts Center |
| “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” | Nov. 12 – Dec. 28 | Center for Puppetry Arts |
| Stone Mountain Christmas | Nov. 8 – Jan. 4, 2025 | Stone Mountain Park |
| IllumiNights at the Zoo | Nov. 21 – Jan. 18, 2026 | Zoo Atlanta |
Conclusion
As the holiday season approaches, Atlanta promises a wide variety of events and festivities to engage all ages and interests. Whether through enchanting performances, dazzling lights, or community gatherings, the city stands ready to create memorable experiences for everyone.
FAQ
What major attractions are available in Atlanta for the holidays in 2025?
Major attractions include ice skating at Ponce City Market and light displays at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
When will the Atlanta Ballet perform “The Nutcracker”?
The Atlanta Ballet will perform Yuri Possokhov’s “The Nutcracker” at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from Dec. 6 through Dec. 27.
What is IllumiNights at the Zoo?
IllumiNights at the Zoo opens Nov. 21 and runs through Jan. 18, 2026, featuring large Chinese-inspired animal lanterns.
When does the Georgia Aquarium display the live Christmas tree?
The Georgia Aquarium will display a 40-foot live Christmas tree and holiday projections from Nov. 14 to Jan. 4, 2026.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta Parent: Holiday & Christmas Events in Atlanta
- Discover Atlanta: Things to Do Over Thanksgiving Weekend in Atlanta
- Atlanta Mom: Atlanta Holiday Guide – Activities & Events
- 11Alive: Fall Festivals & Events in Metro Atlanta
- WSBTV: Juneteenth Events to Celebrate Around Metro Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Christmas
- Google Search: Atlanta Holiday Events 2025
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Festivals 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christmas
- Google News: Atlanta Events
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
