I love the holiday season in Atlanta. For the most part, the weather is tolerable, and our kids love the traditions we have. Sure we don’t typically have a “white Christmas,” but Atlanta has so many fun, and beautiful, events to celebrate the season. Below are five of our favorites, and a new one we’re excited to try out this year.

1. Garden Lights Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden – This event is an annual must-do for us! This is a great event to take the kids of all ages. The light display is spectacular and the kids always love the model trains. My pictures don’t do this event justice. For more info, and great images of the event, visit: https://atlantabg.org/.
2. Children’s Museum of Atlanta Celebrations of Light – If you’re looking for something fun for the wee-ones, definitely visit the Children’s Museum. The Celebrations of Light honors winter and its holidays: Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas and Kwanza! Check out their “Sockefeller Plaza” complete with a sock skating rink, science on ice, and a hot chocolate session. For tickets and program information, visit https://childrensmuseumatlanta.org/celebrations-in-light/.
3. Atlanta History Center Candlelight Nights – This will be a new tradition for us now that my kids are a little older and can appreciate history stuff. The Center has a Christmas market going on all month long with local craftsmen and artisans. I’m most excited about the demonstrations of three different eras celebrated the holidays. Check out the entire program at: https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/programs/candlelight-nights-9.
4. Skate the Station – Atlanta Station puts on a festive show for the holidays, including an ice rink! Because of construction, the rink is located on the west side of the Station this year. I’m not the best skater, but I do enjoy skating under the skyscrapers and holiday lights: https://www.atlanticstation.com/events/event/1569886/date/2019-12-02.
5. The Fire & Ice Rink at Park Tavern – if you’d rather not be outdoors, but still want to skate, definitely visit the ice rink at Park Tavern. It’s in a heated tent, and very cozy. My daughter loves to ice skate, so we make an early evening of it, and grab dinner at the same time. After 8pm, skaters must be 16 or older so check out the site for complete info: https://www.parktavern.com/ice-rink. (My daughter is under 16, but she’s really tall, so sometimes we stay past 8pm 😉 )
6. Take a drive! – My all-time favorite is piling everyone in the car and just drive around. Especially around Buckhead, Midtown, and Tuxedo Park where the big, beautiful houses are professionally decorated. And, it’s FREE.

I hope I’ve introduced something new for you to experience this season. I’d love to know, how do you enjoy Atlanta this time of year?

Best wishes for a magical season of joy and laughter with your family and friends! – Michelle