Winter is in full swing, and there’s so many awesome things to do across Atlanta to spice up the coldest season of all. From spectacular immersive experiences to unmissable art exhibitions, don’t miss out on all the fabulous wintertime happenings across our city! Whether you’re a winter-lover and are searching for the perfect winter hike, or can’t wait for spring and need to know where all the best heated patios are in Atlanta, there’s truly something for everyone.
1. Ice Skating Rinks
While most of Atlanta’s local rinks closed up after the holidays, that doesn’t mean you can’t still find some icy rinks for all your skating dreams! Hit the ice this winter at Alpharetta’s year-round rink or at the longest running outdoor ice rink in Georgia, in Conyers until February 11th!
For information on Olde Towne on Ice in Conyers, check out their website!
For information on The Cooler in Alpharetta, check out their website!
2. Take a moment to center yourself at Oasis at the High Museum
If you’re looking for a peaceful winter, 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 getaway, right here in the heart of the city!
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!
Learn all about Oasis here!3. Support Black-owned businesses throughout Black History Month, and beyond!
Whether you’re looking for a tasty bite to eat or an amazing place to buy new clothes, Atlanta’s Black businesses are where it’s at! Support Black-owned businesses and restaurants for Black History Month, and all year round! There are toooons of great options, and you can check ’em out right here!
4. Trek your way through a couple of Georgia’s breath-taking winter hikes
In our opinion, nothing can beat the brisk Georgian air during the winter, especially when the sun is shining! Step out into nature this winter, and take a hike through the beauty of Georgia!
Check out our full round-up of great hikes!5. Set sale on an emotional journey on Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
If you’ve always wondered about one of history’s most infamous tragedies, then the Titanic: An Immersive Voyage is the perfect experience for you. Learn all about the shipwreck that changed the course of history with an in-depth look at artifacts, re-creations, movie props and so much more! You’ll also get to experience state-of-the-art projections, life-like representations, and if you’d like, a VR experience on the Titanic.
As a warning, this is an emotional experience, so make sure you know all the details before you get there! Learn more and snag your tickets for Titanic: An Immersive Voyage here!
6. Eat or drink out on one of Atlanta’s favorite heated patios
It can get pretty chilly here in Atlanta during the winter, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a nice dinner outside! A great way to warm up is by enjoying some drinks and bites at one of Atlanta’s favorite heated patios. Some of our recommendations include:
- Ladybird Grove & Mess, Old Fourth Ward
- Ecco, Buckhead & Midtown
- The White Bull, Decatur
And if you’re looking for more options, check out our full roundup!
7. Or grab a mocktail at one of these sober places!
If you’re looking to take Dry January all winter, or just want a fun little bevvy without the alcohol, don’t sweat it! Atlanta has tons of sober places/sober-ish places to enjoy.
Check out our full round up or one of our recommendations below!
- The Sober Social
- Elemental Spirits Co.
- Bar Vegan
8. Experience Fernbank Museum’s dazzling light installation
Inspired by its surrounding nature, Fernbank Museum’s magical installation is scattered around their beloved WildWoods. From enchanting, glowing mushrooms to mind-bending interaction with nature, it’s the perfect way to make those winter months a little brighter! Check out all the information here, or check out the link below.
9. Witness giant Lego creations at this epic convention coming to Atlanta
If you’re a fan of Lego, or know someone who is, then don’t miss out on the return of Atlanta Brick Con, an impressive fan-made convention for professional Lego builders and the young-at-heart. The convention will be taking place on February 8th & 9th at Gas South Convention Center.
Check out their website for more information!
10. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a huge festival in Stone Mountain
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Stone Mountain Park! This Asian-inspired festival pays tribute to the culture and New Year traditions of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other countries that follow the lunar calendar!
In expected Stone Mountain fashion, you can expect an incredible laser show, drone show, parade and of course, fireworks! And don’t miss out on the food trucks, offering tons of delicious cultural dishes for the new year!
Dates:
- January 25th – 26th, 2025
- February 1st – 2nd, 2025
- February 8th – 9th
For more information on the Lunar New Year Festival, check out Stone Mountain’s website!
11. 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!12. 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 delicious mix-off competition and all the boating parties your heart desires! Get all the details here!
13. Warm up with a delicious hot chocolate at these hot cocoa hotspots!
Is there anything better than hot chocolate? We rounded up some of Atlanta’s best spots to enjoy a deliciously decadent hot chocolate. Check out our recommendations below or check out the full round-up.
- Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate, The Krog District
- ADios Café, Castleberry Hill
- FiNCA to FiLTER, multiple locations
14. Cozy up with a new book this winter
If you’re looking for a cozy, low-key way to unwind this winter, you can’t go wrong with a good book! Find the perfect page-turner at one of Atlanta’s adorable locally-owned bookstores! And hey, while you’re in there, you might even get to pet a book shop cat or two!
See our full roundup of local book shops here!15. Check out the new Buckhead Publix, complete with a coffee & alcohol bar!
Looking to take care of two things at once this winter? How about shopping and getting yourself a little treat, all in one! Buckhead’s new ‘Disco Publix’ has tons of amazing treat options, like:
- Pours Bar (coffee, tea, espresso, beer, wine, smoothies, Acaí)
- Sushi Bar
- Hot Bar (burritos, nachos, bowls)
- Popcorn Bar
- Sub Counter (wraps, hot entrees, sides, meats)
- Salad Counter
- Pizza & Pasta Bar
And, of course, your groceries! Get all the details here!
16. Get loose with Atlanta’s one-of-a-kind Hops and Flow Beer Yoga
This event is exactly what it sounds like! Grab a beer and stretch it out in a community-oriented yoga class! You don’t want to miss out on all the fun at Hops and Flow! These classes are great for all levels of yoga, and the best part? The first beer is included in your ticket!
There are tons of times and places to participate, so check out more information to see what works best for you!
17. Hit up a super fun Drag Brunch this winter!
Two things Atlantans love: brunch and drag, rolled into one! What could be more fun? WUSSY Events has a full line up of amazing drag brunches around town this winter, and you definitely have to check it out!
They’ve got everything from Muppets to Beyoncé themes, so there’s truly something for everyone. Grab a mimosa and watch your favorite local queens slay the stage.
For the lineup of events, check out WUSSY’s website!
18. Go for a fun weekend getaway this winter!
Maybe you’re craving a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the city! A great way to do that is to book a weekend getaway at one of these gorgeous local locations! You can enjoy nature and a cozy weekend with your friends or S.O.!
For more information, check out our article on all the great local getaway destinations!
19. Relax with an amazing massage
Start your year off right with a day of relaxation and rest! You know the spa is calling your name! Head over to the brand new Squeeze location in Midtown for a perfect day! Leave feeling refreshed and as light as a cloud!
20. Go on a stunning Valentine’s Dinner Date!
Everyone knows that one of the best winter holidays after the new year is the holiday of LOVE! Take your Valentine out for a delicious dinner in Atlanta this year! And don’t forget the delicious cocktails!
Check out the full list of romantic spots for your dinner date!
Winter might seem like a bleak time in Atlanta, but it turns out, there are tons of fun things to do right here in Atlanta! You can’t miss out on this amazing list of things to do this winter!