Happy 2024, y’all!
It’s time for a “New Year, New Me” makeover–whether that means setting some intentions for the new year, reminding yourself of goals, or treating yourself to luxury and gentleness (or a nice mix of everything!), the New Year can be the perfect time for positive change and re-centering.
Oh, and it’s the perfect time to try out some brand new things too! If you’re looking for some fun things to do around Atlanta this January, don’t worry, we’ve got ya covered! All you’ve gotta do is scroll through our list of 28 fantastic things to do this January in Atlanta!
1. Get saucy with The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
You read that right! This incredible parody show was previously sold out, but it’s back open to the public! See all of your favorite Star Wars characters scantily clad and live on stage!
Take a trip to your dark side with comedy and allure, loving detail, and hilarious parody! The Empire Strips Back drops classic Star Wars characters into the world of burlesque.
Guests should expect some seriously sultry Stormtroopers, a dangerously enticing Boba Fett, some tantalizing Twi’leks, a delightfully luke-warm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker, the Droids you are looking for, and much, much more!
To grab your tickets, check out The Empire Strips Back!
2. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 15th is MLK Jr. Day, and, as the birthplace of Dr. King, Atlanta especially will be celebrating the achievements of the Civil Rights hero. While the iconic Birth Home of Martin Luther King Jr. is currently closed to the public for renovations, there are still plenty of ways to honor his legacy.
Hike around Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park or visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church. There are also tons of Black-owned businesses you can support as well!
3. See some dazzling holiday lights
It’s not too late to see some twinkling holiday lights! If the holidays got too busy for you to head over to a lights display during December, hopefully you find yourself with a little extra time this January. Atlanta has tons of glimmering light displays, and a lot of them are open until mid January (Fernbank’s display is open til mid February)! So you don’t have to wait for next year, go see some dazzling nights now!
See the full roundup of holiday lights here!
4. Step into a painting at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
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.
Don’t delay, grab your tickets now for Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience!
5. Take a trip to the past with Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures
King Tut is a legend that nearly everyone has heard of before… but do you know his real life (and death) story? Explore thousands of beautifully recreated artifacts, and learn all about the young pharaoh and his legacy!
Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures is a treat for sure; spend the evening surrounded by gold and history! Get your tickets for Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures now!
6. Be blown away by the incredible world of Cirque Du Soleil
Cirque Du Soleil’s 20th anniversary show is an incredible feat of human ability and storytelling. The show tells the tale of evolution and the symbiotic relationships that our lives depend on. ECHO utilizes poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and technology to explore the delicate balance between all who share our world: people, animals, and all else.
You’ll leave from under the Big Top feeling inspired and in awe. The show runs until January 21st.
Check out our article for more information!
7. Visit one of Atlanta’s iconic bars
This January, make a point to reconnect with friends! A great way to have a casual hang sesh with your pals is by inviting them out to drinks at one of Atlanta’s incredible bars!
Whether you’re looking for fancy cosmos with the girls or a beer with the boys (or cosmos with the boys and beers with the girls), Atlanta has the perfect bar scene for you!
8. Or check out Atlanta’s Sober Social for a classy sober night out
If you’re doing a dry January or you don’t want to drink alcohol, don’t worry! There are still plenty of amazing places to go out. One of the most elevated and fancy non-alcoholic bars is The Sober Social! You can grab mouthwatering NA cocktails, designed to give you all the aromas and flavors of alcoholic drinks, but of course with none of the alcohol (completely zero proof)!
The Sober Social is the perfect place to hang with your friends and and try something divine!
Check out their website for hours and more information!
9. Cozy up with a Candlelight Concert
Enjoy the coldest month of the year by going to a fire-lit cozy concert, honoring all your favorite bands and singers! There’s a huge selection of Candlelight Concerts in January. All you’ve gotta do is pick which one!
You’ll be surrounded by thousands of twinkling LED candles and all your favorite tunes. This candlelit evening is perfect for a special date or romantic getaway! Check out our recommendations below, or see the full line up here!
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Whitney Houston
-
Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, and More
10. Take a trip through nature on a winter hike
If one of your New Year’s goals is to move your body more, a hike could be the perfect way to get out and about and also get some exercise! Take a breathtaking hike through the cold weather forests to feel refreshed reinvigorated! Make sure to always check the weather before you go and bundle up!
Check out our list of amazing winter hikes near Atlanta!
11. Take a trip to the zoo
Zoo Atlanta is a great place to take the family on a fun day out! Check out all the amazing animals and learn about their habitats! The zoo is a fun experience for all ages, and makes the perfect Saturday out!
12. Spend a day at the High Museum of Art
Take a trip to the High Museum of Art in January! If you want to see the Beatrix Potter exhibit, you’ll have to hurry! It closes on the 7th, but don’t worry! There’s always tons of cool stuff to do and amazing exhibits to see.
Check out the High’s website to see what’s coming in January and February!
13. Hit the ice and skate at one of Atlanta’s iconic rinks
One of the best winter traditions is definitely trying your hand (or feet, I guess) at ice-skating! Lucky for us ATLiens, there’s an awesome selection of rinks to choose from. From the rooftop rink at Ponce City Market to Avalon’s dazzling Rockefeller-inspired rink, you’ll have plenty of options of where to break in your skates!
See the full list of rinks here!
14. Spend a snow day at License to Chill: Snow Island
If you want to have a snow day, the best place to go is License to Chill: Snow Island! It might not snow in Atlanta, but snow island has plenty of snow to play in. You can skate on their adorable ice rink, go snow tubing in the winter wonderland, and enjoy wintery treats all day long!
Check out License to Chill: Snow Island today!
15. Warm up with a delicious hot chocolate
Need a little hot chocolate pick me up? Atlanta has tons of options for you! Whether you’re looking for a classic hot cocoa with marshmallows or something totally new and interesting, you’ve gotta check out this list of the best hot chocolate options in the city!
16. Check out the incredible annual Atlanta Boat Show
When: January 11-14, 2024
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C
https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/atlanta-boat-show
https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/atlanta-boat-show
17. Get a furry friend at the new Fulton Country Animal Shelter
The new year is the perfect time to adopt a new little friend! With all of the stress of the holidays gone, you’ll have time to focus on a new little furry pet! And luckily for you, if you are on the hunt for a new pet, there’s a brand new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Fulton County that’s got tons of animals to choose from!
Check out all the details here!
18. Practice self care by booking a luxurious massage
Squeeze just opened up a brand new massage experience in Midtown, and we’re HERE for it! After all of the stress of the past year, who wouldn’t need a good massage? Enjoy the relaxation and pampering catered exactly to your needs.
For more details, check out the article here!
19. Check out a Michelin-recommended Restaurant
In 2023 the Michelin Guide came to Atlanta! We now have tons of Michelin recommended and rated restaurants to check out and enjoy. This year, check out as many of them as you can! Michelin-recommended restaurants range from fancy and expensive all the way to affordable and casual.
And there are also 5 Atlanta restaurants that earned a Michelin Star!
20. Take a little trip out of town on a fantastic Winter Getaways
Take a little trip out of town to unwind and enjoy nature at one of these amazing weekend winter getaways! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a trip with friends or even just a little solo trip, these amazing cabins and getaways are the perfect option!
Check out the roundup of Winter getaway ideas here!
21. Hit up an amazing local restaurant
New year, new things to try! Of course you need to show your local favs some love this year, but also try some brand new joints too! These restaurants are delicious and nutritious! Whether you’re looking for the perfect burger or a delicious pad Thai, there’s something for everyone in Atlanta!
22. Be enchanted by Aladdin at the Fox Theatre
See the timeless Disney classic come to live right before your very eyes! Magical genies, flying carpets, an enchanting love story, betrayal, redemption, whew! There’s so much to love about Aladdin!
For all the ticketing information, dates and rates, check out the Fox’s website!
23. Check out a delicious Atlanta brewery
Grab a classic local beer at one of these amazing Atlanta craft breweries! Whether you’re looking to go out with friends or catch up with family members, grabbing a beer is a perfect option! Check out these amazing local breweries for all your beer-needs!
24. Laugh out loud at Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at the FOX
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are taking their hilarious comedy special, Restless Leg, on the road, and they’re stopping in Atlanta! For one weekend only, January 19th-20th, the comedy duo will be bringing the laughs right here at home!
Don’t miss out on this amazing experience. Check out The Fox’s website for all the dates and rates!
25. Visit some of ATL’s coolest art exhibits
If one of your resolutions is to be more in touch with the arts community, you’re in luck! There are tons of amazing art exhibits in Atlanta. We’ve got a round up of just some of them, and check back in because our arts scene is ever changing!
Check out the Atlanta arts scene!
Have a happy 2024, everyone!