The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Atlanta – 2017 Edition

Christmas carols play non-stop on the radio, everything is decorated in green, red, and bright lights, and hot chocolate becomes everyone’s drink of choice. The holiday season is here and it’s bringing a flurry of festivities with it.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can make the month of December fly by, but it’s important to take a moment and enjoy the perks of the season.

Atlanta’s holiday activities, delicious bars and restaurants, unique shops, and Christmas tree farms will give you plenty of opportunities to make the most of the holidays this year. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the holiday season. This is it– the ultimate guide to holiday fun in Atlanta – 2017 edition.

If there’s anything we’re missing, feel free and let us know!

Our Favorite Holiday Activities and Events in Atlanta

Is your favorite part of the holidays music and shows? Or do you always look forward to the light displays? No matter what you love about the holiday season, Atlanta has a way for you to celebrate it.

  • Stone Mountain Christmas. Starting November 11 and ending on January 3, you can see light displays, live performances, and visit Santa Claus.
  • Callaway Gardens Christmas: Fantasy in Lights. The Fantasy in Lights display is on National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays. Come see the wonder from November 17-January 6.
  • Enchanted Garden of Lights. From November 17-January 6 from 6-9pm, go see Rock City’s holiday tradition. This is the 23rd year in a row of celebrating the season with fantastic light displays.
  • Fernbank’s Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum’s Winter Wonderland showcases holiday celebrations from all around the world. There’s decorated trees, many twinkling lights and an appreciation for the diversity of the holidays from different cultures. You can see the display on November 17-January 7.
  • Snow Mountain. For those who can’t get enough snow in their lives, they should visit Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park between November 18 and February 25. There are so many fun activities to do like tubing, sledding, and snowball targets.
  • Blue Ridge Santa Express. Go on an adventure with Santa and Mrs. Claus. You’ll hear the story Twas the Night Before Christmas, Christmas carols, and see the scenic views from the train. You can be a part of this from November 24-December 23.
  • Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity 2017. This show portrays the Nativity story from the African-American perspective with gospel music and dance. The show runs November 29-December 17 at the Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater.
  • Children’s Christmas Parade. On Saturday December 2 from 10:30-12pm, you can enjoy the Children’s Christmas Parade. You’ll see floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus. This holiday parade is one of the largest in the southeast.
  • The Nutcracker Ballet. One of the classic Christmas tales is coming to the Fox Theatre. From December 8-17, the Atlanta Ballet will perform the Nutcracker.
  • Candlelight Nights at Atlanta History Center. Take a step into the Christmas past at the Atlanta History Center on December 15 and 22 from 5:30-9:30pm. The gardens will have holiday decorations and the event kicks off with a Christmas Market featuring local artisans, food, and beverages.
  • Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus will perform Handel’s Messiah at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall at the University of Georgia on Thursday, December 21 at 8pm.
  • Atlantic Station Ice Rink. The classic winter activity is available to you from November 11-Februaru 18 at the Atlantic Station.
  • Santa’s Cottage at Atlanta Station. Come see Santa at Atlantic Station from November 22- December 24.

Our Favorite Atlanta Bars and Restaurants for Holiday Cheer

Atlanta is lucky to have inspired local eateries that provide the perfect place to start a holiday weekend with friends and family.  

  • Staplehouse. Influenced by the season, foods available, and the kitchen’s mood, the menu here changes frequently. The atmosphere is casual, friendly, and welcoming.
  • Proof Bakeshop. For a relaxing place to get breakfast, lunch, tea, and baked goods, stop here for something delicious.
  • Kimball House. Want to try something different? The Kimball House is an absinthe and oyster bar, along with other surf and turf dishes. Their menu changes daily. Want a small bite? They also have a coffee and pastry menu.
  • ASW Distillery. Interested in a tour of a distillery? ASW Distillery makes whiskey, brandy, and port and are always excited to share their work with others.
  • Monday Night Brewing. This craft brewery has a large selection of beer including pilsners, IPAs, stouts, ales and more. Check out one of their tours and try a few beers.

Where to Find the Perfect Holiday Gifts in Atlanta

You probably have a list of people you want to purchase holiday gifts for, and we understand how stressful this can be. But Atlanta has you covered. There are so many interesting stores here where you’ll find presents that will wow your friends and family on Christmas morning.

  • Young Blood Boutique. This stop features goods from artists all over the U.S. and other countries. Quality and craftsmanship are the two main qualities of the merchandise here.
  • Junkman’s Daughter. Atlanta’s alternative super store is full of unique and bizarre items where you’ll find something for your trickiest relative or friend.
  • The Beehive. Want to get your gifts from small boutiques and support local artists? The Beehive has clothes, accessories, home goods, bath and body, men’s gifts, paper goods, and more.
  • Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. This local toy store has everything a kid could want. They also offer art classes to make fun crafts.

Where to Get Fresh Cut Christmas Trees in Atlanta

Atlanta’s tree farms all offer quality trees, a great experience, and are within driving distance.

  • Big John’s Christmas Trees. A short 15-minute drive from Atlanta, Big John’s Christmas Trees is a great place to get your tree. They provide fresh tree cuts, will help mount the tree on your stand if you bring it, and load the tree with protectors in your car.
  • Tree Elves. Also close to Atlanta, Tree Elves is only 11 minutes away. You can visit a location to pick up your tree, or order it online and real elves will deliver your tree.
  • Yule Forest Christmas Tree Farm. A half hour away from Atlanta, Yule Forest has fresh pre-cut trees and choose and cut your own tree. They also make fresh cut wreaths and garland.

Happy Holidays from Bey & Associates

This time of year is meant to celebrate cheer and good will. While the season can get busy and overwhelming at times, there’s so much fun to be had in Atlanta during the holiday season. We hope you go see a parade, admire some light displays, and drink a delicious cup of hot chocolate.

Bey & Associates wishes you a happy holiday season and new year.

 

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