If you’re looking for the perfect winter destination this holiday season, you might already be in the best spot!
According to a new study by WalletHub, Atlanta is the #1 best ‘cold weather’ winter holiday destination… so let us help you plan a staycation!
Wait… what’re the rankings?
When it comes to cold weather destinations, Atlanta tops the list, ranking above Chicago and NYC. Here’s the top 5:
- Atlanta, GA
- Chicago, IL
- St. Louis, MO
- New York, NY
- Cincinnati, OH
And when it comes to warm weather, these are the top 5 best winter holiday destinations:
- Las Vegas, NV
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Austin, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
Why is Atlanta the best cold weather winter destination?
Atlanta ranks as the #1 best cold weather winter holiday destination for many reasons. With tons of amazing cold weather-related activities, affordable travel, and great weather, there’s no better spot to enjoy your winter holidays than the ATL!
Atlanta’s overall score ranks the highest, with a 70.70/100.
According to WalletHub,
The Atlanta metro area is the best cold-weather winter travel destination of 2026, even if it doesn’t get quite as chilly as some of the other cities on the list. Atlanta has a large number of attractions and an especially high number of shopping centers, spas, food festivals and restaurants per capita.
To find this ranking, WalletHub broke six key winter holiday needs down into 37 relevant metrics.
- Travel Costs & Hassles
- Local Costs
- Attractions
- Weather
- Activities
- Safety
You can see the full methodology on WalletHub’s website, here!
What should I do in Atlanta this holiday season?
There are so many amazing things to do in Atlanta this holiday season!
From amazing ice skating rinks to wonderful holiday pop-up bars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter in the ATL.
You can see all of our recommendations for the winter holiday season, here!
Don’t miss out on all the fun, Atlanta! It’s the perfect time for a staycation!