Atlanta, GA, December 24, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta, Georgia, is partnering with cities like Boston and Chicago to enhance family-friendly winter experiences and holiday events. The city anticipates an influx of tourists, highlighted by its iconic holiday celebrations and attractions. Despite a slight dip in international arrivals, Atlanta’s tourism remains strong, with features like the Garden Lights and Lantern Parade at the Botanical Garden showcasing its winter charm. As other cities prepare for the season, Atlanta’s affordable costs and cultural experiences solidify its status as a leading winter getaway.
Atlanta Joins Top Winter Travel Destinations
Atlanta, Georgia, is collaborating with cities like Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis to provide family-friendly winter attractions and special holiday events. The winter tourism season of 2025 is anticipated to be vibrant, featuring various experiences, including dazzling holiday lights and exciting winter sports.
U.S. cities are gearing up for an influx of international visitors for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Although Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has witnessed a slight decrease in international arrivals for 2025, Atlanta’s tourism remains robust, underpinned by numerous family-friendly attractions and holiday festivities. The city is renowned for its iconic holiday celebrations, which draw millions of visitors each year.
Atlanta’s winter magic is characterized by outdoor events and festive celebrations. Notably, the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights and Lantern Parade creates a stunning visual spectacle. The city’s mild winter weather is another appealing factor for visitors who are interested in exploring parks, historic sites, and cultural offerings.
Other cities are also preparing for a bustling winter tourism season. Boston is equipped for strong international arrivals, blending its historical charm with holiday events. Chicago has recorded over 3.5 million hotel bookings and has established itself as a global travel hub, featuring numerous holiday markets. Denver aims to attract international tourists with its nearby winter sports resorts and seasonal attractions, while Minneapolis is increasingly gaining popularity in winter tourism, expecting a notable rise in visitors.
Los Angeles remains a top destination as well, welcoming tourists with its warm weather, holiday lights, and year-round outdoor events. Portland, Oregon, attracts eco-tourists and nature lovers with its mix of urban life and natural surroundings. Detroit’s winter tourism is also gaining traction this season, with cultural events and holiday festivals enhancing its allure. Houston’s tourism boom continues with a significant draw of visitors during the holiday season due to unique events and vibrant nightlife.
Atlanta boasts connections to over 150 international destinations through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, facilitating easy access for travelers. A recent study ranks Atlanta among the leading cold-weather winter travel destinations, highlighting its affordable airfare, strong urban attractions, and growing tourism demand. Key factors in this ranking include travel accessibility, cultural experiences, and low average airfares.
The study utilized 37 data-driven metrics to assess nearly 70 major metropolitan areas. While Chicago holds the title of the top cold-weather winter destination in the U.S., Atlanta has been noted for its competitive costs, diverse activities, and safety as a winter getaway. The average round-trip airfare to many prominent destinations falls between $200 and $300, making winter travel one of the most affordable times to journey.
Key Features of Winter Tourism
- Collaboration of U.S. cities to enhance winter attractions
- Anticipated festive activities, from holiday lights to sports
- International visitors expected for the holiday season
- Atlanta’s notable attractions amid a slight dip in international arrivals
- Variety of winter experiences in other major cities
- Affordable airfare and diverse winter getaway options
FAQ
What cities are collaborating to offer winter attractions?
Atlanta, Georgia, is teaming up with cities like Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis.
What can tourists expect in the winter season of 2025?
The winter tourism season of 2025 is expected to be exciting, featuring everything from holiday lights to winter sports.
Which city is a major gateway for international travelers?
Atlanta is known as a major gateway for international travelers, primarily due to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
What unique events does Atlanta feature during the winter?
Outdoor events and festive celebrations characterize Atlanta’s winter magic, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights and Lantern Parade.
How does Atlanta’s winter tourism compare nationally?
Atlanta was noted for its competitive costs, extensive activities, and safety as a winter getaway.
Key Features of U.S. Winter Travel
| City | Key Attractions | Tourism Trends |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | Holiday events, cultural attractions | Strong tourism despite slight dip in arrivals |
| Boston | Historical charm, holiday festivities | Expected busy winter season |
| Chicago | Holiday markets, urban attractions | Over 3.5 million hotel bookings |
| Denver | Winter sports resorts, seasonal attractions | Increasing focus on international tourists |
| Minneapolis | Growing winter tourism appeal | Projected increase in visitors |
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Additional Resources
- Travel and Tour World: Atlanta Joins Top Winter Travel Destinations
- Wikipedia: Winter tourism
- 11Alive: Gunna to Make Stop in Atlanta
- Google Search: Family Friendly Winter Attractions
- Broadway World: Hell’s Kitchen National Tour in Atlanta
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.
