Atlanta, December 30, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is gearing up for New Year’s celebrations with a range of exciting events from January 1 to January 4. Families can enjoy cultural exhibits, family-friendly activities, and various dining options across the city. Highlights include brunch at AltaTora, a drive-through light display at Margaritaville, a Latin block party, and a reptile expo. There’s something for everyone, making it a perfect time to gather friends and family and celebrate together.
Atlanta, Georgia, is set to ring in the New Year with a variety of festive events from January 1 to January 4, 2026, welcoming families and friends to celebrate together. The events range from cultural exhibits and family-friendly activities to delicious dining options and live entertainment, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
The Fernbank Museum is presenting a limited exhibit that features cultural stories alongside hands-on workshops designed for all ages. Located in Druid Hills at 767 Clifton Rd NE, the exhibit runs now through January 11, with admission priced at $23.95 and up. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. For more details, visit their website at fernbankmuseum.org.
On New Year’s Day, AltaTora in Midtown Atlanta will host a New Year’s Day brunch featuring a diverse menu of dishes accompanied by music and vibrant vibes. This celebratory event takes place at 33 Peachtree Pl NE from Noon to 4 p.m.. Reservations can be made at resy.com.
Families looking for a more casual outing can head to Your 3rd Spot for an afternoon of bowling and arcade games in pajamas on January 1. Situated in Upper Westside at 400 Chattahoochee Row NW, this event runs from 2 to 11 p.m. and is free of charge.
Sports enthusiasts can catch the much-anticipated playoff game between Georgia and Ole Miss at Good Game Restaurant and Bar in Cobb. Located at 875 Battery Ave SE, the admission is free, and the game will be broadcasted from 8 to 11:30 p.m.. More information can be found on their website at goodgameatl.com.
The holiday spirit continues with a mesmerizing drive-through light display at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, which will run from January 1 to 4. Located in Buford at 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, the event is open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m., with admission starting at $25.
On January 2, visitors can attend a Latin block party at Placita on Ponce, located in the Old Fourth Ward at 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE. This festive gathering from 4 to 9 p.m. features food, live music, and exciting performances, and is free to attend.
The same day, Marietta Square will transform into a free art gallery showcasing local artists’ work. This event takes place at 99 S Park Square NE from 5 to 9 p.m., allowing attendees to appreciate talented local art without an admission fee.
Animal lovers can explore the reptile expo at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds on January 3-4, featuring live animal encounters. This event, located at 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy in Lawrenceville, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, with admission starting at $7.
Additionally, the Holiday Ride-on Train at the Atlanta Botanical Garden will offer festive train rides for kids on January 3-4. Located in Midtown Atlanta at 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, the rides are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with admission at $4 for members, and $6 for non-members, applicable in addition to general admission.
On January 4, families will also enjoy “Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed!” featuring a family-friendly show filled with talented dogs at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center in Sandy Springs. The show begins at 2 p.m. with tickets starting at $30.
Key Events Schedule
| Date | Event | Location | Time | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Brunch at AltaTora | Midtown Atlanta | Noon – 4 p.m. | Varies |
| Jan 1 | Bowling at Your 3rd Spot | Upper Westside | 2 – 11 p.m. | Free |
| Jan 1 | Georgia vs. Ole Miss Game | Good Game Restaurant | 8 – 11:30 p.m. | Free |
| Jan 1-4 | Drive-through Light Display | Margaritaville | 5 – 10 p.m. | $25 and up |
| Jan 2 | Latin Block Party | Placita on Ponce | 4 – 9 p.m. | Free |
| Jan 2 | Art Gallery at Marietta Square | Marietta | 5 – 9 p.m. | Free |
| Jan 3-4 | Reptile Expo | Gwinnett County Fairgrounds | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Sat), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Sun) | $7 and up |
| Jan 3-4 | Holiday Train Rides | Atlanta Botanical Garden | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | $4 – $6 |
| Jan 4 | Mutts Gone Nuts | Sandy Springs | 2 p.m. | $30 and up |
FAQ Section
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Additional Resources
- Access Atlanta: Exciting Events in Metro Atlanta
- Atlanta Parent: Decatur, Georgia
- Mommy Poppins: Holiday Light Displays in Atlanta
- Baltimore Magazine: Summer Events Calendar
- Atlanta History Center: Smith Farm History
- Wikipedia: Atlanta
- Google Search: New Year’s events in Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Atlanta New Year events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- 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.
