Atlanta Christmas Event Guide 2025

Christmas in Atlanta feels like a season-long celebration. From glowing gardens to festive parades and lively pop-up bars, the city has a way of blending Southern charm with big-city holiday magic. 

Each neighborhood brings something special: Buckhead’s elegant lights, Grant Park’s historic glow, and Decatur’s walkable charm. But with so many options, searching online for what’s actually worth your time can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We pulled together the best and trending Christmas events across Atlanta so you don’t have to.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it's popular or worth knowing about.

1. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The city’s most famous light show transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland with millions of LEDs, illuminated tunnels, and immersive installations. Families love it for the magic, and it doubles as a perfect girls’ night out or date spot. Tickets sell fast, so plan ahead.

• Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
  
• Address: 1345 Piedmont Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Website: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Pro Tip: Go on a weekday evening after 7 p.m. for fewer crowds, and buy tickets online starting October 1st to lock in your spot.

2. Atlanta Christkindl Market (Lawrenceville)

This European-style market brings bratwurst, mulled wine, artisan crafts, and live Bavarian music to Buckhead. It’s festive and bustling on weekends but calm and charming on weekdays, perfect for families or a quiet shopping trip. Pets are welcome outdoors, which makes it even easier to enjoy.

• Dates: November 28 – December 24, 2025 (Wednesday–Sunday)
  
• Address: 210 Luckie St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Website: Christkindl Market

Pro Tip: Visit midweek in the early afternoon to avoid long lines, and bring cash since some vendors don’t accept cards.

3. Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park

With over two million lights, nightly parades, drone-and-fireworks shows, and cozy marshmallow roasting, Stone Mountain is a full-day Christmas experience. Families, couples, and groups of friends all find something to love here. The Musical Frosted Forest is always a highlight.

• Dates: Select nights, November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  
• Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Website: Stone Mountain Park

Pro Tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time and arrive right at opening for easy parking and shorter ride lines.

4. IllumiNights Lantern Festival at Zoo Atlanta

After dark, Zoo Atlanta comes alive with glowing lantern sculptures of animals and illuminated trails. It’s fun for kids but also surprisingly romantic for a date night. The unique atmosphere makes this one stand out from other holiday light shows.

• Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026
  
• Address: 800 Cherokee Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30315
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Website: Zoo Atlanta

Pro Tip: Dress in layers, as Atlanta evenings can get chilly, and lines tend to move faster after 8 p.m.

5. Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

This beloved annual concert delivers the power of carols, hymns, and holiday favorites performed by the Symphony and Chorus. It’s a moving experience that makes for a memorable evening with family or friends. Older kids will enjoy the music and energy.

Dates: December 11–14, 2025 (multiple shows)

• Address: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes (older kids)
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Website: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Pro Tip: Book tickets early for prime seating, and consider matinee shows for better availability and lower prices.

6. Atlantic Station’s Skate the Station & Holiday Parade

Atlantic Station combines skating, a holiday market, a lively parade, and a massive Christmas tree into one festive hub. It’s walkable, packed with food options, and easy to enjoy as a family outing or date. Plus, the market and parade are free to enjoy.

• Dates: November 16 – December 24, 2025 (market and skating); parade mid-November
  
• Address: 1380 Atlantic Drive Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30363
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors/leashed)
  
• Website: Atlantic Station

Pro Tip: Visit Monday–Thursday for shorter skate rental lines, and bring your own skates to save on rental fees.

7. ATL Yule! at Westside Motor Lounge

This holiday pop-up bar goes big with themed cocktails, DJ nights, neon lights, and plenty of outdoor space with fire pits. It’s more playful than polished, perfect for a girls’ night or festive date. Expect a fun, photo-friendly vibe.

• Dates: November 25 – December 31, 2025
  
• Address: 725 Echo Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30318
  
• Kid-friendly: Adults-focused (family-friendly hours TBA)
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Website: Westside Motor Lounge

Pro Tip: Show up right when doors open to avoid the long wait times, especially on weekends.

8. Tinsel Tavern Bar at The Battery Atlanta

Known for over-the-top décor and a lively party atmosphere, Tinsel Tavern is the spot for holiday cocktails with friends. Groups especially love the shareable drink bowls. Think of it as a festive escape for adults only.

• Dates: November 22 – December 24, 2025
  
• Address: 8oo Battery Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30339
  
• Kid-friendly: No
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Website: The Battery Atlanta

Pro Tip: Reserve a table in advance for larger groups, and plan to go on weeknights when the line is shorter.

9. A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theatre

Alliance Theatre’s version of Dickens’ classic brings Broadway-level talent, live music, and heart to the stage. It’s a holiday tradition for many Atlanta families. The reimagined sets and music make it feel fresh year after year.

• Dates: November 15 – December 24, 2025
  
• Address: Coca-Cola Stage, 1280 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30309
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes (suggested ages 7+)
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Website: Alliance Theatre

Pro Tip: Choose weekday matinees for less crowded shows and easier parking nearby.

10. Neighborhood Lights in Buckhead, Grant Park, and Decatur Square

Skip the tickets and enjoy some of Atlanta’s most charming holiday light displays in local neighborhoods. Buckhead is known for elegant estates, Grant Park for its historic homes, and Decatur Square for its walkable small-town feel. It’s perfect for a DIY holiday lights crawl.

• Dates: All December (peak lights mid to late month)
  
• Address: Buckhead (Paces Ferry), Grant Park (Cherokee Ave SE), Decatur Square (101 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030)
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)

Pro Tip: Go later in the evening (after 8 p.m.) for lighter traffic and better parking in residential areas.

Plan an Atlanta Christmas to Remember

Atlanta offers events to make your yearly traditions: light shows, concerts, markets, parades, and even holiday bar scenes. These events are sure to make your holiday season feel full and memorable. Share the list with girlfriends, family, and your couples group!

Let us save you even more time! Join our email list and we’ll send you the best Christmas events, tips, and traditions straight to your inbox. Follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom for even more holiday inspiration. 

Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.