There’s so much going on over the holiday season that things can get overwhelming, especially when trying to please everyone in the family. However, we’re here to break down the festive season in Atlanta when it comes to family-fun. From spectacular light shows and displays that’ll dazzle everyone in the family, to the best attractions that Atlanta has to offer, keep scrolling for some top-notch family-friendly holiday inspiration in A-Town.
1. Take the kiddos to the dazzling Winter Lantern Festival
You definitely don’t want to miss the Winter Lantern Festival! Fun for the whole family, celebrate the artful culture of Chinese lanterns, and experience the glowing majesty of their lights and colors!
Immerse yourself a world of lights and lanterns, all lovingly handmade by artisans (some with over two decades of experience)! Attendees will learn all about the culture and craftsmanship of the traditional Chinese lantern festivals and enjoy a dazzling sky of lanterns and creatures made of lanterns!
Celebrate a beautiful tradition: get your tickets for Winter Lantern Festival Atlanta!
2. Check out one of the fabulously festive light shows in and around Atlanta
Atlanta’s gorgeous light displays are fun for all ages! From incredible drive through lights to walk-through wonderlands, the whole family will love the dazzling displays.
Continue the tradition or start a brand new one with this list of 11 incredible light displays in and around the city!
3. Take the whole family to Atlanta Ballet’s classic performance of The Nutcracker!
Whether it’s an old family tradition or a new one just beginning, kids will fall in love with the delightful performance of The Nutcracker! The kids will love this family-friendly performance, complete with incredible costumes, dazzling stage design, and of course, amazing dancing!
For more details on the show, check out Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker!
4. Hit the ice at these terrific ice-skating rinks in and around Atlanta
Nothing beats hitting the ice-skating rink with the fam over the holidays. Luckily for us ATLiens, our city and its surrounding areas boast an awesome selection of rinks to enjoy over the holiday season. Check out some recommendations below or click here for the full round-up.
- Skate the Station at Atlantic Station
- Avalon on Ice in Alpharetta
- Skate the Sky on The Roof at Ponce City Market
5. Celebrate the holidays at the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the perfect place for families all year round, but especially during the holidays! There’s so much to do to celebrate from a daily tree lighting to pictures with Santa to Scuba Claus swimming in the tanks with all the fish!
The celebrations will happen all throughout December, and you don’t want to miss out! The kids will love to see all the decorations and ocean animals!
For more information, check out the most festive sea-son at the Georgia Aquarium!
6. Make new memories or cherish nostalgic ones at the Beatrix Potter Exhibit at the High Museum of Art
“A V&A Exhibition – Touring the World”
Probably best-known for her illustrations of Peter Rabbit and his mischievous adventures around Mr. McGregor’s garden, or Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, artist and writer Beatrix Potter is a staple of childhood memories. This exhibit at the High is a stunning tribute to childhood memories, both made and not-yet-made!
Don’t miss out on this incredible exhibit at the High! For more information, check out the deets on Beatrix Potter: Into Nature.
7. Have the wildest day at Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park
Most people think of the zoo when they think of family-fun days out, and Atlanta is home to an absolutely incredible zoo! Zoo Atlanta allows you to get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating wildlife on the planet. From gorillas to pandas, lions and beyond, you can expect a whole day of festive fun at Zoo Atlanta.
Grab your tickets to Zoo Atlanta this holiday season!
8. Check out Fernbank’s Winter Wonderland and learn about cultural celebrations from all over the world
For the holiday season, Atlanta’s iconic museum of natural history, Fernbank, will transform into a winter wonderland, fun for the whole family! The halls will be full with arts, crafts, symbols and ornaments to celebrate, well, how we celebrate!
Expect breathtaking, educational, and fun displays celebrating traditions from Sweden, Norway, Mexico, Argentina, India, Costa Rica, Latvia, Kenya, Philippines, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Japan and many others!
For all the details, read more about Fernbank’s Winter Wonderland!
9. Celebrate Hanukkah at Atlantic Station
This year, Hanukkah begins on December 7th and ends on December 15th. Atlantans can get excited about all of the Menorah lighting ceremonies happening across the ATL throughout the holiday! One of our favorites is the Menorah Lighting at Atlantic Station!
Celebrate this Festival of Lights with treats and activities, presented by Chabad Intown.
The lighting will be December 13th from 6 PM on the Atlantic Station Green! All are welcome to celebrate.
For more details, check out their website!
11. Save Christmas at this holiday-themed escape room in Atlanta
When it comes to killer Escape Rooms, there’s no shortage of super fun ones here in the ATL. However, there’s one in particular that’s definitely gonna get you into the spirit of the season! Saving Christmas is an awesome festive mystery where you’ll help Santa make his route across the globe on time.
Book your spot for the season, and help Santa save Christmas!
12. Get immersed in the amazing world of Van Gogh
If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping right out of the world and into a painting, you’ll love this awe-inspiring journey into the artistic world of Vincent Van Gogh! Explore his world: his life, his work, and his secrets, all while walking through cutting-edge 360-degree immersive digital projections of his art.
You can also expect a one-of-a-kind VR experience, and a light and sound show to delight your senses.
This unique experience brought to you by Exhibition Hub has thrilled millions of visitors in the United States already. This exhibit will bring back child-like wonder, or maybe spark your child’s interest in the arts!
Don’t delay, grab your tickets now for Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience!
13. Check out some iconic holiday puppets at the Center for Puppetry Arts
If your kiddos are fan of the famous red-nosed reindeer, they’ll love the Center for Puppetry Arts’ new exhibit! They’ve got the iconic puppets from the classic stop-motion Christmas special.
And even more fun, they’re doing a a staged version of the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special! You’ll watch all the beloved characters: Hermey the Elf™, Yukon Cornelius™, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster™, and of course, narrator Sam the Snowman™, find their place on a journey of self-discovery through the island of misfit toys and beyond!
And your tickets include a chance to make your very own Rudolph shadow puppet in the one-of-a-kind Create-A-Puppet™ Workshop!
For more information, read about the holidays at the Center for Puppetry Arts!
14. Have a family night on Ponce City Market’s festive rooftop
From private igloos for dining to Ponce City Market’s rooftop rink for ice-skating, the roof at PCM is one of the best places to be with the family this holiday season. For more info on the Old Fourth Ward icon’s festive makeover, check out the Roof at Ponce City Market!
15. Take the kids to the Celebrations in Light at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum is great for kids to learn and explore year round, but the holidays offer a special chance to experience celebrations of the winter holidays from all over the world!
Your kids can learn about Christmas, Hanukkah, The Winter Solstice, Las Posadas, and Kwanzaa. There are tons of dates for the celebration, so check it out all December long!
For all the information, check out CMA’s website!