
Happy 2025, 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 a wonderful 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! Keep scrolling to see all the best things to do this January in Atlanta!
1. Center yourself at Oasis at the High Museum of Art
If you’re looking to be more peaceful in 2025, then you’re in luck! The High Museum of Art offers an amazing event every third Saturday of the Month called Oasis, and it’s a tranquil haven!
During Oasis, you’ll be able to drop in on their beginner-friendly yoga classes, enjoy mindful art-making sessions, peaceful soundscapes, tea, and so, so much more! Check out all the details about Oasis on the High’s website, here!
2. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 20th is MLK Jr. Day, and, as the birthplace of Dr. King, Atlanta will be celebrating the achievements of the Civil Rights hero all day long. You can find tons of amazing events and ways to celebrate at The King Center, right here in Atlanta!
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 lights 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.
Don’t delay, grab your tickets now for Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience!
5. Celebrate a holiday you miiiiight not have heard of!
Did you know that January 18th is National Gourmet Coffee Day? As if we needed an excuse to enjoy some delicious gourmet coffee in Atlanta! Treat yourself to a great cup of Joe at one of Atlanta’s divine coffee shops! Whether you need a little boost, a little treat, or you’re just going about you’re daily coffee-needs… National Gourmet Coffee Day is a great day to treat yourself!
See our list of all the best coffee spots here!6. Stay up to watch the first full moon of the new year!
If you’re into celestial bodies, then you’ve gotta stay up for the first full moon of 2025. This year, the moon will be full for the first time all year on January 13th, 2025. This ‘Full Wolf Moon’ is a great time to set some intentions for the year, renew your strength in your goals, or just go outside and marvel at the miracle of science and nature!
Remember, a new year is a great time to set aside time for yourself, and this might be just the encouragement you need!
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 want to check out!
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: Rings and Dragons
- Candlelight: Legends of R&B feat. Songs by D’Angelo, Jill Scott, and More
- Candlelight: The Best of Bridgerton on Strings
- Candlelight: The Sounds of Soul
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. Learn all about this history of Jesus at Discovering The World Of Jesus: The Exhibition
If you’ve ever wondered what life was like 2,000 years ago, when Jesus walked the earth, then you’re in luck! Check out this insanely cool exhibit to see hundreds of REAL artifacts from 1 AD, including the famous James Ossuary, which is believed to be the bone ossuary of Jesus’ brother, James.
Sound interesting? Grab your tickets for Discovering the World of Jesus here!
12. Check out one of Atlanta’s lesser-known museums
If one of your 2025 goals is to learn more about the world, then you’ve definitely gotta check out Atlanta’s coolest, lesser-known museums! You can learn all about interesting history you might never have heard of otherwise, or even spark a new interest! Whether you’re looking to check out a flight museum or a paper museum… Atlanta’s got the coolest spots for you to check out!
See the full list of unique museums in the ATL right here!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, rather) 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. Check out a beautiful new art exhibit in Woodruff Park
Where: Woodruff Park | 91 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA
When: Until January 12th, 2025
If you’re searching for a dazzling display to check out this January, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Head to Woodruff Park to see some incredible sculptures, for FREE! Radiant, an art display by Atlanta’s own Eddie Farr “invites viewers to immerse themselves in a symphony of light and movement, drawing inspiration from nature’s elegance and the festive spirit of the winter season.”
Learn more about Radiant on Atlanta Downtown’s website, here!15. Check out Atlanta’s favorite restaurants… according to Atlantans!
If part of your goal for 2025 is to widen your palate and try more restaurants, then we’ve got just the list for you! With this extensive list of the most highly-recommended restaurants in Atlanta, there’s a little something for everyone! From fast and causal to sit-down, dress-nice experiences, there’s a little something for everyone on this list of all of Atlanta’s favorite restaurants!
16. Check out the incredible annual Atlanta Boat Show
When: January 9th – 12th, 2025
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C
If you love boats, you’ve gotta check out the iconic annual Atlanta Boat Show, right here in downtown Atlanta! This exhibition has all the coolest selection of boats to check out, interactive games to enjoy, seminars and workshops, (like learning to sail or fishing demos!), and tons of delicious food and drink!
Enjoy a mix-off competition that can’t be missed, and all the boating parties your heart desires! Get more information about the Atlanta Boat Show on their website, here!
17. See Hippo Campus at The Eastern
Where: The Eastern | 800 Old Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta, GA, 30312
When: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 8pm
Calling all concert-lovers! If you’re looking to get into some groovy new indie music (or you’re already a big fan, like us!), you’ve gotta check out Hippo Campus at The Eastern on January 29th!
Grab your friends and snag your tickets for this amazing show at The Eastern here!18. Set sail on an emotional journey with Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
For everyone with an interest in history, you’ve gotta check out this Titanic exhibit, right here in Atlanta. Featuring over 300 artifacts, life-sized reconstructed rooms that you can explore first hand, 3D views of the tragedy, video animations, and state-of-the-art technology, this immersive experience offers a riveting and emotional journey through one of history’s most devastating moments. Bring tissues and expect to learn more than you ever thought you would at Titanic: An Immersive Voyage!
19. Take a clamping getaway from the city at one of these beautiful spots
Sometimes all we need to do to re-center ourselves and re-focus on our goals is take a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And thankfully, there are tons of amazing little hideaways where you can spend time with your loved ones or yourself. You can enjoy some peace and quiet out in nature at one of these awesome spots!
20. Treat yourself to a day at the spa
2024 was a busy year. This January, start your year off with some much needed TLC and relaxation at one of Atlanta’s amazing spas. You can spend an hour or a day rejuvenating yourself… no matter what, you’ll definitely feel like you’re walking a little lighter after a trip to one of Atlanta’s amazing spas! See our recommendations for the best spas in the ATL right here!