It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Each December, Atlanta new home residents enjoy a wide variety of lights, attractions and performances all in the spirit of the holiday season, and this year is no exception. Check out our list below to find out what you and your family can look forward to:

Holiday Lights and Attractions

• Atlanta Botanical Gardens: Once a year the Gardens turn into a twinkling winter wonderland during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. This year’s show will bring to life visions from Imaginary Worlds, as well as a one-of-a-kind topiary light show and holiday drinks from bars located throughout the Gardens. Admission is $20 for adults Thursday-Sunday and $17 during the week.
• Centennial Olympic Park: Visit the park through the first week of January to view their free sparkling Holiday in Lights display. Each year’s display is different than previous years, so you won’t want to miss strolling through the 21-acre park this holiday season.
• Turner Field: Global Winter Wonderland isn’t your typical lights display, it’s a celebration of Christmas around the world. This multi-cultural lights festival will run daily from 5 to 11 p.m. through January 5. Single day tickets are $24.99 for adults with discounts for seniors and children. Season passes can also be purchased online.
• Piedmont Park: It’s the Season of Magic at Piedmont Park. Now in its third year and open through January 5, visitors can view the park’s holiday lights during a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park and take a ride on the carousel.
• Lenox Square Mall: An Atlanta tradition since the 1950s, riding Priscilla the Pink Pig is one of the city’s most beloved holiday activities. Be sure to stop by for a ride every day except Christmas through January 5.
• LEGOLAND: Join in on the holiday fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta! Each weekend in December you can take part in building an 8-foot LEGO brick tree, find gingerbread men during a scavenger hunt, enjoy a holiday themed build in the builder academy and much more. There will also be a festive costume contest on December 21 and 22 with awesome prizes!
• Stone Mountain: Open through January 1, Stone Mountain Christmas features a sing-along train, Polar Express 4-D experience, wonderland walkway, Snow Angel Palace, nightly Christmas parades, visits with Santa, holiday shows and shopping, a Snow Angel Snowfall and Fireworks Finale and much more. Christmas adventure passes are $28 for adults and $22 for children.
• Lake Lanier: Drive over the snowflake bridge, through the 12 days of Christmas, past the Christmas classics and all the way to the Holiday Village at this year’s Magical Nights of Lights. Open through December 31, this holiday event features more than just lights, as visitors are also treated to a live nativity scene, an ice skating rink, visits with Santa and his elves, carnival rides, pony rides, delicious holiday fare and more. All inclusive admission per car (up to nine people) is $60.
• Atlanta Motor Speedway: Gift of Lights turns the Atlanta Motor Speedway into one of the area’s biggest drive-thru Christmas light displays, and this year’s route will even include portions of the racing surface. Be sure to visit daily through January 4. Admission is $15 plus $1 per person during the week and $20 plus $1 per person on weekends. Weekend activities also include a Christmas Tree Farm, holiday photo opportunities, photos with Santa and hot chocolate.
• Callaway Gardens: Eight million lights in 15 dazzling scenes make for one magical night at Fantasy in Lights. Named as one of the Top 10 places to see Holiday Lights by National Geographic Traveler, this light spectacular also includes specialty nights, story time with Mrs. Claus and a Christmas Village.
• LIFE University: Lights of LIFE runs every night through December 31. This affordable light show also includes a concession stand, petting zoo, train rides, pony rides and visits with Santa for just $5 per car on most days.

Winter Sports

• Centennial Olympic Park: Enjoy gliding on this 115 x 64 foot rink surrounded by twinkling lights on the Great Lawn. Admission is $10 per person (includes skate rental), but be sure to check the website for daily times and rink closures.
• Atlantic Station: This 10,000 square foot open-air rink will be open daily through February 14. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children under 5, seniors, military personnel and college students.
• Park Tavern: The Southwest Rink, open through Presidents Day, offers all day skating for just $15 Sunday through Thursday and $20 on Fridays and Saturdays. After gliding along the ice, be sure to warm up in the heated tent and enjoy a meal in the rink-side dining.
• Snow Mountain: Tube down the hill, enjoy snow play activities in the SnowZone and get warm by the fire at Atlanta’s official destination for snow-packed family fun. Capacity for this chilly event is limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets early.
• St. Regis Atlanta: The Astor Holiday Ice Skating Rink provides holiday skaters the opportunity to skate underneath the glow of lights, while listening to your favorite holiday songs and enjoying seasonal treats. The rink is open through January 5, and is $30 per hour for adults and $18 per hour for children under 16.

Holiday Performances

• A Christmas Carol: Atlanta’s finest actors will perform this Charles Dickens Christmas tale on the Alliance Stage through December 29. Purchase your tickets online to reserve your seat.
• Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker: This holiday classic returns to the Fox Theatre December 6 through 29. Be sure to get your tickets now for this fun-filled, magical adventure.
• Children’s Christmas Parade: On Saturday, December 7, Peachtree Street will be transformed into Santa Claus Lane with floats, giant balloons and marching bands all as a benefit to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
• Polar Express at the Southern Museum: Join the Polar Express Adventure at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History on Saturday, December 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. Visit with the train conductor, create holiday crafts, watch the elves make their toys, write a letter to Santa and meet the jolly fellow himself!
• Christmas with the ASO: Capture the spirit of the holiday season with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s iconic story of Christmas on December 13 and 14.

The holidays will be over before you know it, so make your plans now to participate in your favorite Atlanta traditions before they’re gone!

If you’re looking for a new home in Atlanta for the holidays, check out all of the information on our site.