Atlanta, GA, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is ready to welcome families with a variety of holiday events this Christmas season. From performances of ‘The Nutcracker’ to festive experiences like Stone Mountain Christmas, the city’s calendar is bustling with activities aimed at creating cherished family traditions. Many events sell out quickly, making early planning essential for families to secure their spots. This article highlights the must-attend Christmas events for kids and encourages families to check the updated event calendar for a memorable holiday celebration.
Atlanta is set to unveil a variety of exciting holiday events for families this Christmas season, with numerous activities designed to create new holiday traditions. From lively performances to festive experiences, Atlanta’s calendar is packed with events that cater to families looking to celebrate the season.
Many top events in Atlanta sell out quickly, especially on weekends, prompting families to start planning and booking tickets early to secure their spots. This article provides a comprehensive guide highlighting the “can’t miss” Christmas events for kids in Atlanta.
Highlighted Holiday Events
- Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will perform at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from December 6 to 27, featuring larger-than-life sets, creative video projections, and the beloved score by Tchaikovsky.
- Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse runs from December 7 to 23, including a special daytime performance for families with special needs on December 13.
- Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will take place from December 11 to 14 at the Woodruff Arts Center, featuring a selection of traditional holiday carols.
- “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” puppet show at the Center for Puppetry Arts runs from November 12 to December 28, also including a Create-A-Puppet workshop to engage children’s creativity.
- Stone Mountain Christmas offers festive experiences from November 8 to January 4, including a “Magical Flight to the North Pole” which families can enjoy.
- Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum runs from November 22 to January 11, showcasing various multicultural holiday celebrations that resonate with many traditions.
- Holidays at Georgia Aquarium features a magnificent 40-foot live Christmas tree and runs from November 14 to January 4, inviting families to explore marine life during this festive season.
- The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights exhibition will be open from November 15 to January 11 for visitors to enjoy stunning light displays.
- IllumiNights at the Zoo takes place from November 21 to January 18, featuring handmade Chinese-inspired lanterns that create a magical experience.
- Free holiday events include the Virginia-Highland Winterfest Holiday Parade and light displays along Peachtree Street and the Atlanta BeltLine.
Additional Festive Activities
- Miracle on Peachtree, a holiday celebration, runs from December 5 to 13, featuring a tree lighting and a hot chocolate crawl.
- Lanier Islands Resort offers a holiday experience that includes dazzling displays and overnight packages for families wishing to extend their celebrations.
- Snow Days at the Children’s Museum will run from December 4 to 30, providing kids with interactive winter-themed activities for hands-on learning and fun.
- Multiple performances and events throughout December will include “Madeline’s Christmas,” “Holiday Bricktacular” at LEGO Discovery Center, and various musical concerts designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
- Families can also enjoy themed nights at ice skating rinks, holiday markets, and other community celebrations during this vibrant festive season in Atlanta.
Planning Ahead
Families are encouraged to check the continuously updated calendar of events in Atlanta to ensure they can partake in all that the city has to offer this holiday season. From well-loved classics to new traditions, Atlanta’s lineup of activities promises a memorable Christmas celebration for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What holiday events are happening in Atlanta this Christmas season?
Atlanta offers a multitude of exciting holiday events for families, especially during Christmas, including performances, puppet shows, and festive experiences.
When does “The Nutcracker” perform in Atlanta?
Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will perform at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from December 6 to 27.
What are some free holiday activities in Atlanta?
Free holiday events include the Virginia-Highland Winterfest Holiday Parade and light displays along Peachtree Street and the Atlanta BeltLine.
What is the duration of the Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum?
Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum runs from November 22 to January 11.
What types of family activities can we expect during the Snow Days at the Children’s Museum?
Snow Days at the Children’s Museum will run from December 4 to 30, featuring interactive winter-themed activities.
Key Features of Holiday Events in Atlanta
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” | December 6 – 27 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | Larger-than-life sets, video projections, Tchaikovsky’s score |
| Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol | December 7 – 23 | Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse | Special performance for families with special needs on December 13 |
| Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | December 11 – 14 | Woodruff Arts Center | Holiday carols |
| “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” | November 12 – December 28 | Center for Puppetry Arts | Create-A-Puppet workshop |
| Stone Mountain Christmas | November 8 – January 4 | Stone Mountain Park | Magical Flight to the North Pole |
| Winter Wonderland | November 22 – January 11 | Fernbank Museum | Multicultural holiday celebrations |
| Holidays at Georgia Aquarium | November 14 – January 4 | Georgia Aquarium | 40-foot live Christmas tree |
| Garden Lights, Holiday Nights | November 15 – January 11 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Stunning light displays |
| IllumiNights at the Zoo | November 21 – January 18 | Zoo Atlanta | Handmade Chinese-inspired lanterns |
| Miracle on Peachtree | December 5 – 13 | Peachtree Street | Tree lighting and hot chocolate crawl |
| Snow Days at the Children’s Museum | December 4 – 30 | Children’s Museum | Interactive winter-themed activities |
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Additional Resources
- Discover Atlanta: Ultimate Guide to the Holidays in Atlanta
- Mommy Poppins: Atlanta Must-Do Christmas Events
- Atlanta Parent: Holiday Christmas Events in Atlanta
- Discover Atlanta: Free Things to Do in December in Atlanta
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Holiday Happenings in Metro Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Christmas in the United States
- Google Search: Atlanta holiday events
- Google Scholar: Holiday events in Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christmas
- Google News: Atlanta holiday 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.
