Ultimate Guide of Fun Holiday Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta
Published November 13, 2024
Last Updated December 3, 2024
Looking for ways to entertain the kids and create lasting memories as a family this holiday season? From musical performances to light installations, festivals, puppet shows, holiday markets and more, you’re sure to find some family fun. Here is the complete guide to festive events and things to do with kids in Atlanta for the holidays.
Celebrate the Holidays at Fun Atlanta Attractions
Experience the SEA-son at Georgia Aquarium
Celebrate the Holidays at Georgia Aquarium and enjoy a transformed atrium with festive music, winter-inspired projections and 40-foot live tree. Take photos with Santa, enjoy the daily tree lighting and holiday-themed dolphin presentations Nov. 15 through Jan. 2, 2025.
Where: 225 Baker St. NW
Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions at Fernbank Museum
Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a great way to introduce your kids to a variety of cultures through two floors of twinkling, beautifully decorated trees showcasing celebrations around the world and decorated with a variety of cultural objects. The exhibit is on display from Nov. 23 through Jan. 12, 2025.
Where: 767 Clifton Road
Stone Mountain Christmas
This family favorite is back with plenty of festive holiday fun. Enjoy holiday music, dazzling shows, colorful light displays and a Christmas laser light show. In addition, several of Stone Mountain’s unique attractions offer special holiday themed events. New this year is “Magical Flight to the North Pole” — a festive SkyRide to see Santa and his reindeer. Enjoy Stone Mountain Christmas from Nov. 9 through Jan. 5, 2025.
Where: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Ga.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights and the spectacular display of Holiday Model Trains return to Atlanta Botanical Garden. Kids of all ages will delight in the magical walk though spectacularly lighted sculptures, and train lover’s will delight in the themed G Scale model trains running day and night Nov. 16 through Jan. 12, 2025.
Where: 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE
Enjoy all of the Holiday Lights
Atlanta knows how to bring the bling when it comes to magical holiday light displays. Bundle up and head to one of these places to see holiday lights in Atlanta.
Take Pics with the Big Guy
What would Christmas be without a trip to see Old St. Nick? Santa can be sighted all over Atlanta for photos, cookies with Santa and other unique festive events. Here’s where to get photos with Santa in Atlanta.
Fancy Holiday Tea with Santa & Friends
Elevate your child’s Santa experience with an Afternoon Tea with Santa — a festive tea service with a visit from Santa himself at St. Regis Atlanta. Reservations available from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24.
There are two unique holiday tea services available at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta. “Naughty or Nice” Afternoon Tea will be served on two dates — Dec. 13 and 20, with seatings at noon and 3 p.m. “Nice” Tea is alcohol free and “Naughty” Tea will include a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, complemented by strawberries marinated in Grand Marnier and a dollop of whipped cream for parents and guardians over 21. Toys and Tea will take place on multiple dates in December and will include cookie decorating and a commemorative keepsake from Mrs. Claus. Reservations can be made online.
Swan Coach House invites you to an exclusive and charming Holiday Tea with Santa, where guests will enjoy cozy ambiance, seasonal decor and festive holiday music.
Lace Up Your Skates for Ice Skating in Atlanta
Ice skating is a seasonal family favorite around the holidays and there are several locations in Atlanta. Each location is open for skating through winter break. Here’s where to go ice skating in Atlanta.
Bring in the New Year with Noon Year’s Eve
Why should grown-ups have all the fun?! Kids can celebrate the New Year with kid-friendly celebrations at The Battery Atlanta, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, The Roof at Ponce City Market and Stone Mountain Park. Here are all the deets.
For even more ideas of things to do this holiday season for all ages in Atlanta, check out our ultimate guide to the holidays. Also available en español.
Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.
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