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. Explore the Upside Down at Stranger Things: The Experience
If you haven’t experienced the out-of-this world Stranger Things experience that’s currently at Pullman Yards, then this is your sign to do so. Channel Eleven or your favorite characters from the Netflix sci-fi smash, and try to save Hawkins from the curious happenings coming from the Upside Down. Click here for more information and tickets, or click the link below.
Tickets: Experience this immersive adventure devoted to Stranger Things in Atlanta!
2-5. Check out one of the fabulously festive light shows in and around Atlanta
Like most cities across the states, Atlanta receives an epic festive glow up over the holiday season, thanks to an unmissable selection of dazzling light shows and displays that’ve taken over beloved ATL spaces. Check out our recommendations below or check out our luminous round-up here, packed to the brim with nighttime experiences adored by Atlantan families.
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
- IllumiNights, Zoo Atlanta
- Wild Woods AGLOW, Fernbank Museum
- World of Illuminations, Six Flags White Water
6. Strike back at this epic fan-made Star Wars exhibition
If you’re a Star Wars fan or know someone who loves the unbeatable movie saga, then you’ve got to check out this fan-made Star Wars exhibition that’s hitting up Atlanta for the holidays. Expect incredible photo opportunities, unbeatable insight, and the coolest Star Wars collection we’ve ever seen. For more information and tickets, click here or the link below.
Tickets: Don’t miss out on this intergalactic Star Wars exhibition in Atlanta!
7-9. Hit the ice at these terrific ice-skating rink in and around Atlanta
Nothing beats hitting up 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. There’s even an all-new eco-friendly rink at Pullman Yards! Check out some recommendations below or click here for the full round-up.
- Avalon on Ice, Avalon in Alpharetta
- Skate The Station, Atlantic Station
- Skate The Sky, Ponce City Market
10. Delve into the depths of aquatic life at the Georgia Aquarium
Festive happenings are taking over Georgia Aquarium for the holidays. From daily tree lighting ceremonies to meeting Santa Claus, don’t miss out on this adored Atlantan attraction this festive season. Click here or the link below to get your tickets for a whole day of holiday fun at Georgia Aquarium.
Tickets: Check out Georgia Aquarium over the holidays for a whole lot of festive family fun!
11-13. Get cultured at an unmissable art exhibition on display in Atlanta
There’s a great selection of art exhibitions that are currently on display in the ATL. From an enchanting mirror garden at the High Museum of Art, to an immersive love-letter to the master of impressionism Claude Monet, don’t forget about the arts this holiday season! Check out our recommendations below.
- Monet: The Immersive Experience, Exhibition Hub until February 2023
- Monir Farmanfarmaian: A Mirror Garden, High Museum of Art until April 2023
- Rodin in the United States: Confronting the Modern, High Museum of Art until January 2023
11. 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 absolute beauty. Zoo Atlanta allows you to get up close and personal with some of Earth’s most fascinating wildlife. From gorillas to pandas, lions and beyond, you can expect a whole day out of festive fun at Zoo Atlanta. Click the link below to get your tickets.
Tickets: Go completely wild at Zoo Atlanta this holiday season!
12. Check out this Chinese lantern festival devoted to the natural world
Speaking of Zoo Atlanta, they are currently hosting an epic Chinese lantern festival that has an endless amount of spectacular displays connected to animals and nature. You can even walk around with a delicious hot chocolate and grab a delicious bite to eat, as, before, or after you explore! For more information, click here.
Please note: General admission tickets for Zoo Atlanta linked above do not grant you access to the lantern festival
13-15. Experience these enchanting Menorah lightings in and around Atlanta
Hanukkah begins on December 18 and ends on December 26, with Menorah lighting ceremonies happening across the ATL throughout. Check out some of our recommendations below or click here for a full round-up.
- Atlantic Station, December 20
- Avalon, December 18
- Marietta Square, December 23
16. Treat yourselves to sweet treats at this family-friendly holiday pop-up
Yes, you read that correctly. We’re sure some of the young ones may feel left out on some of the holiday pop-up bar fun over the festive season. However, there’s an all-new Santa-themed dessert bar in Avalon that’s popped up to bring the fun to the whole family! Enjoy sweet treats like cakes, and there’s even extra hours and a cocktail menu for the grown-ups. Click here for more information.
17. 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 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. For more information and to book your spot this festive season, click the link below.
Tickets: Help Santa save Christmas at this holiday-themed escape room in Atlanta!
18. Visit Atlanta’s premier immersive experience
Illuminarium is a fabulous day out for the whole family, with the immersive experience presenting a continuously fresh cycle of unmissable things to do that are not to be missed. From magical art exhibitions to jetting off into space, safaris and more, if you haven’t yet experienced Illuminarium, then this is your sign to do so over the festive period.
Tickets: Check out the Atlanta’s incredible immersive expeirnece, Illuminarium!
19. Catch a movie with the family over the holidays!
From the second Avatar movie to our return to Wakanda with the next installment in the Black Panter franchise, there are so many incredible blockbusters to soak up this holiday season. Click here to book your AMC tickets (you can also search for your desired movie in the Fever search bar).
20. 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, click here.