As the holiday season approaches, Atlanta starts to feel a little more alive each day. The weather cools down, lights begin to pop up around the city, and suddenly there’s a lot more things to look forward to. It’s finally that time of year when everything feels a bit brighter, and enjoying time with friends and family feels even more special. If you’re not sure where to go this holiday season, Atlanta has plenty of popular places that make winter perfect for everyone. From light shows to ice skating, destinations around the city are perfect for spending time with family and friends while still embracing the holiday spirit. Here are a few winter favorites that always stand out to people around Atlanta.
Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is considered a haven for people of all age groups. It is the perfect mix of shopping, food and fun, and that’s why a lot of people find themselves there often, especially in the winter. Its variety of festivities allow people to choose their experience every time they visit.
For shopping, you’ve got stores like H&M, Nike, Old Navy and more. However, Atlantic Station brings more than shopping. The Regal Atlantic Station is a pinnacle for especially on the weekends, to see the newest movie releases and to enjoy the high quality and cleanliness of the theater. Teenagers love Atlantic Station because of the calming and walkable environment; you can hangout for hours without needing a car. With a combination of large shops, grassy areas and all day attractions, Atlantic Station is like its own city, but condensed into a smaller size, and during the winter, it all transforms into a holiday oasis.
For the holiday season, Atlantic Station is a popular destination for festive events like ice skating, light shows and tree lighting. This year, the excitement kicks off with “Light the Station” on Nov. 22 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where you can find live music, costumed characters, crafts, and the lighting of the 50-foot holiday tree for the first time of the season. Their annual skating rink is one of the biggest winter attractions in Atlanta. Skate the Station opened on Nov 14 and will be in full effect through Jan. 19. This rink is stationed in the heart of Atlantic Station surrounded by the shops full of holiday deals, making it a go-to for anybody looking for a fun time out in Atlanta. Beyond those events, Atlantic Station continues their festivities with nightly shows called “Celebration at the Station” where you can enjoy a light show while listening to seasonal music.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a top winter destination for people who enjoy aesthetically pleasing places complemented with winter fun. During the holiday season, the garden changes from a normal daytime spot into a place with lights everywhere you turn.
Normally, the garden is known for its breathtaking plants, walking paths, and overall relaxing atmosphere, but during the winter it becomes that plus the epitome of christmas lights. You can stroll through the garden’s many pathways, enjoy the plants and sculptures, and take in the seasonal decorations. However, the Botanical Garden offers more than just walking. During the winter, it becomes home to exciting holiday events and activities that draw crowds from across Atlanta. Teenagers love the garden because it’s easy to get around, has plenty of spots to hang out, and gives a great setting for pictures and socializing. With a mix of outdoor displays, seasonal shows, and events, the garden is like its own winter destination in the middle of the city.
For the holiday season, the Botanical Garden is known for its Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event. This year, the festivities run from Nov. 15 through Jan. 11. The garden lights up each night with millions of LED lights covering trees, paths, and plant sculptures. Before the general opening, members can enjoy the lights early at the Member Premier NO,13. On weekends from Nov. 15 to Jan. 4, visitors can ride the “Holiday Ride-on Train” to see the lights without walking the entire garden. Between the lights, train rides, and seasonal activities, the Atlanta Botanical Garden becomes one of the city’s top winter destinations.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the most popular destinations in Atlanta, and it becomes even more exciting during the winter holiday season. As the largest aquarium in the United States, it offers an outstanding variety of marine life, exhibits, and seasonal events that make it a must-visit spot for the winter season.
Inside the aquarium, visitors can explore massive tanks filled with whale sharks, manta rays and hundreds of other species. However, the Georgia aquarium offers more than just viewing the animal. During winter, it becomes a destination for holiday events and outstanding decorations. The mix of decorations and displays makes the aquarium feel like its own holiday celebration.
For the holiday season, the Georgia Aquarium hosts Holidays at Georgia Aquarium, which runs from Nov. 14 through Jan. 2. Some of the daily highlights include a tree-lighting every day at 10 a.m in the center of the aquarium with a huge 40-foot tree, as well as holiday-themed dolphin and sea-lion shows.
On Dec. 5, the aquarium is also hosting “Sips Under the Sea”, an 18+ event with music and evening entertainment. With all of these events, the Georgia Aquarium offers many themed winter experiences hard to find anywhere else.
GlowLight Drive-Thru
GlowLight Drive-Thru (also called the Glow Light SHow) is one the most festive drive-through holiday lights experiences around metro Atlanta. WIth more than 1 million synchronized LED lights, it makes for a stunning and immersive winter ride. Instead of walking through a light display, you stay in your car and ride through arches, tunnels, snowflakes, and lights all at the perfect timing of holiday music.
For 2025, the show is running from Nov. 14 through Jan. 4, at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. The evening hours are typically 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. They also host a holiday festival on certain nights, where you can park, walk around, grab food, take photos, ride amusement rides, and enjoy the beautiful lit scenery.
All in all, the drive through really transforms a regular car ride into an unforgettable experience. So if you find yourself bored at home during this winter break, these spots around Atlanta are the perfect way to get out and have fun.
