Dare we say this holiday season is on like Donkey Kong? Indeed it is. From a German-style holiday market in Buckhead to an arts extravaganza (with Santa) in Druid Hills—plus ice skating in Alpharetta and drive-through lights displays in Marietta—you’re ready to win this round of the game, hands down. Keep reading for our favorite holiday activities in Atlanta this weekend, below.
Photo by iStock
Go Ice Skating at Avalon
Tis’ the season to lace up your skates and glide into the holiday spirit at Avalon on Ice! A monumental Rockefeller-inspired ice skating rink is back like last year, guests will need to book ice skating reservations in advance to ensure a skating time slot and that the ice doesn’t get too crowded. Walk-ups are also welcome, there’s no guarantee you will be able to skate at that time. Here‘s the scoop.
Visit with Santa (& Learn to Salsa) at Callanwolde’s WINTER HOUSE
WINTER HOUSE is a new 16-day event where families can enjoy a welcoming, art-filled holiday experience that reflects a passion for arts education. Daily activities include an Artist Market, Mug & Ornament Glazing, Fire Pits & S’mores, Beer Garden & Library Wine Bar, and History Tours at 1 & 4 p.m. daily. Santa will be in the house on select days (usually the weekend) at varied times. Check the events schedule here to make sure you go when the Big Guy is there! Here‘s what you need to know.
Visit IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta
Check out one of Atlanta’s newest and most noteworthy holiday events at Zoo Atlanta. IllumiNights is a nighttime lantern wonderland celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Stroll the Zoo after dark to be inspired by more than 80 animal lanterns – some up to 20 feet tall – depicting some of Earth’s most charismatic creatures. Each lantern is made and hand-painted by Chinese artisans. Wildlife lights the night at the all-NEW IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival, opening in November 2021 and running through mid-January. Here‘s the scoop.
Visit Stone Mountain Christmas
Share heartwarming moments with your family while you discover what makes Stone Mountain Christmas Atlanta’s favorite holiday celebration. Catch favorite experiences including the NEW World’s Largest Christmas Light Show and the Snow Angel’s Christmas Parade! Check it out here.
Explore the Christkindl Market in Buckhead
Check out a German-style holiday extravaganza for the most wunderbar time of the year. You’ll find more than 50 vendors dishing hot chocolate, cider, and German Glühwein (aka, mulled wine), alongside traditional German eats such as pretzels, brats, and schnitzel. Shopping booths will feature wooden toys, jewelry, hardwood pipes, and other German handcrafts, including ornaments from well-known maker Käthe Wohlfahrt. Live music and entertainment are scheduled for the weekends, and “complimentary fire pits” will be dotted around the Village’s new open-air Veranda all season. Find out details here.
Book Your Holiday Shows Now
Is it just us or is there a little extra jingle in our steps this holiday season? If you’re feeling festive and are ready to fill your calendar with performances that will make you downright jolly, check out our collection of shows in Atlanta to put on your calendar, now. Find out details here.
See Christmas Town 1964 Exhibit at Center for Puppetry Arts
Don’t miss Christmas Town 1964, a special holiday exhibition that digs into the history of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which will once again be performed at the Center. The halls will be decked in vintage style décor and the Rudolph and Santa puppets from the original Rankin/Bass production can be viewed. Here are the details.
See ATL Holiday Lights at Atlantic Station
ATL Holiday Lights is back with a bigger, better and longer lights display than ever before! This year’s show features hand-crafted light displays from everyone’s favorite holiday movies, a mini neighborhood featuring some local Atlanta establishments and more. Here‘s the scoop.
Dive Into (Fake) Marshmallows at Candytopia
Head to Candytopia for an indoor candy museum, tasting areas, cute photo opportunities, and a giant “marshmallow” pit that you can hop in. Holiday weeks have additional hours of operation. Check out the details here.
Catch the Holiday Spirit at World of Illumination in Hampton & Marietta
Choose from two new Worlds of Illumination drive-through light experiences for the ultimate holiday activity for all ages—from tots to grandparents, and everyone, in between. At the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton (opening Nov. 17) you’ll have an Arctic Adventure, while at Six Flags White Water in Marietta (opening Nov. 12) you’ll have a Rockin’ Christmas. Both shows feature millions of colorful lights and animated displays synchronized to holiday music. Here‘s the scoop.
Check out our incredible virtual adventure calendar here for more options!
Featured photo via iStock.
—Shelley Massey
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