Atlanta, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is glowing bright with numerous free events and activities for holiday celebrations. Families can enjoy local markets, festive lights, and exciting performances without breaking the bank. From the Back to Nature Holiday Market to the Cricket Celebration Bowl, the city has ample opportunities for entertainment. Children and adults alike can participate in parades, light displays, and community activities, bringing everyone together in the spirit of the season. Atlanta’s efforts make sure everyone can join in the celebration, showcasing the magic of the holidays across the vibrant city.
Atlanta Offers Affordable Holiday Celebrations with Free Events and Festive Activities for 2025
Atlanta shines bright during the holiday season, offering plenty of free ways to celebrate. December is packed with activities that capture the magic of the season across the city, making it easy for families to partake in festive cheer without straining their wallets.
Upcoming Events
The Back to Nature Holiday Market at Chattahoochee Nature Center will take place on December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local artisans and eco-friendly gifts. Also, the Centennial Olympic Park will have beautiful light displays and carols, perfect for evening strolls.
Visitors to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola will find the venues adorned for the holidays. The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl is set for December 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, featuring champions from the Mid-Eastern and Southwestern Athletic Conferences. Prior to the game, fans can enjoy the Coca-Cola Fan Experience from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Community and Family Activities
December 12 will showcase the Band of the Year Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, highlighting top marching bands from HBCUs. Meanwhile, the Dr. Pepper SEC FanFare will take place on December 5 and 6 at Georgia World Congress Center, featuring family-friendly interactive games and live broadcasts.
Midtown will shine with over 200,000 LED lights along Peachtree Street, highlighted by 121 trees wrapped in colors and 23 Moravian stars. This festive display is part of the broader holiday celebrations throughout the city.
The popular Miracle on Peachtree returns to Buckhead from December 5 to 13, filled with lights, music, and a hot chocolate crawl. Additional free community events such as tree lighting ceremonies, parades, and festivals will be held across various neighborhoods in Atlanta.
Parades and Performances
The Virginia-Highland Winterfest Holiday Parade will occur on December 13 at 10 a.m., featuring colorful floats and live music. The Callanwolde Winter House will welcome visitors on select dates from November 29 to December 15, offering art workshops and holiday-themed activities.
The Atlanta Ballet will capture audiences with performances of “The Nutcracker” from December 6 through 27 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Additionally, productions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will run at Shakespeare Tavern from December 7 through 23. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will hold Christmas with the ASO from December 11 to 14.
Exhibitions and Light Displays
Families can enjoy the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” production at the Center for Puppetry Arts from November 12 to December 28. The Stone Mountain Christmas celebration includes dazzling lights and holiday characters from November 8 to January 4, while the IllumiNights event will showcase Chinese-inspired animal lanterns at the zoo from November 21 to January 18.
Another highlight is the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights exhibition from November 15 to January 11, with the Holiday Model Trains display running until January 12. Visitors can experience the Holidays at Georgia Aquarium from November 15 to January 4, featuring a live Christmas tree.
Additionally, free outdoor activities abound throughout Atlanta, including at the BeltLine and various parks. Residents and visitors alike can participate in the Atlanta Jingle Bell Jog 5K, which encourages participants to run in a Santa suit. Local stores will host numerous holiday craft shows and markets, including the Roswell UMC Christmas Gift & Craft Show.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s official destination marketing organization, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, supports holiday tourism and events in the city. With a multitude of affordable and free events, Atlanta offers a vibrant and enriching holiday season suitable for all ages.
FAQ
What free holiday events are happening in Atlanta in December 2025?
Atlanta shines bright during the holiday season, with plenty of free ways to celebrate. December is full of free activities capturing the magic of the season in Atlanta.
When is the Back to Nature Holiday Market?
The Back to Nature Holiday Market at Chattahoochee Nature Center takes place on December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local artisans and eco-friendly gifts.
What is the Cricket Celebration Bowl?
The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl will be held on December 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, featuring champions from the Mid-Eastern and Southwestern Athletic Conferences.
What family-friendly activities are available in Atlanta?
Family-friendly interactive games and live broadcasts are part of the Dr. Pepper SEC FanFare taking place December 5 and 6 at Georgia World Congress Center.
How will Midtown celebrate the holidays?
Midtown will glow with over 200,000 LED lights on Peachtree Street, including 121 trees wrapped in colors and 23 Moravian stars.
What performances can I watch in December?
The Atlanta Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” from December 6 through 27 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Key Features of Atlanta’s Holiday Events
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back to Nature Holiday Market | December 6 | Chattahoochee Nature Center | Local artisans and eco-friendly gifts |
| Cricket Celebration Bowl | December 13 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Mid-Eastern and Southwestern Athletic Conferences champions |
| Miracle on Peachtree | December 5-13 | Buckhead | Lights, music, hot chocolate crawl |
| Virginia-Highland Winterfest Holiday Parade | December 13 | Virginia-Highland | Colorful floats and live music |
| Atlanta Ballet “The Nutcracker” | December 6-27 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | Classic holiday performance |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Atlanta Concert Band Celebrates Jewish Composers
Home Alone 2 Live Concert at Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Additional Resources
- Atlanta Holiday Guide
- Hosea Helps Holiday Preparation
- Amazon Hiring for Holidays
- Elegant Elf Marketplace
- Atlanta Parent Holiday Events
- Wikipedia: Christmas
- Google Search: Atlanta holiday celebrations
- Google Scholar: Atlanta holiday events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Holiday
- Google News: Atlanta holiday activities
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.
