Atlantans love their holiday lights! Whether you're looking for an immersive experience with an admission fee or just a leisurely drive through a really lit neighborhood, we've got the info you're looking for. If you landed here from a calendar … [Read more...] about Where to see holiday lights in metro Atlanta — including many FREE spectacular displays!
Holidays
12 family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve and extra-early NYE celebrations for kids
Want to ring in the new year with your entire family, without busting the kids' bedtime routine? Consider one of these December 31st afternoon or early evening events. Some mark the "new year" at 12 noon, while others use 8 p.m. for the countdown … [Read more...] about 12 family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve and extra-early NYE celebrations for kids
“Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” at the Atlanta Botanical Garden — Save with Value Night pricing Jan. 5-8
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is once again presenting Garden Lights, Holiday Nights for the 2025 holiday season. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights runs nightly from November 15 through January 11, 2025 -- and this includes Thanksgiving, … [Read more...] about “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” at the Atlanta Botanical Garden — Save with Value Night pricing Jan. 5-8
The Mill on Etowah hosts Holiday Screen on the Green: See “Elf” this Friday, Dec. 26th
Holiday Screen on the Green takes place at The Mill on Etowah every Friday in December. Come celebrate the season with holiday classics, plus live performances under the stars. The events are FREE to attend, and go from 5 t0 8 p.m. Bring … [Read more...] about The Mill on Etowah hosts Holiday Screen on the Green: See “Elf” this Friday, Dec. 26th
The Atlanta Christkindl Market is open for the season in Lawrenceville, thru Christmas Eve
Atlanta's Christkindl Market returns in 2025 -- but with a NEW location. Past venues have included Atlantic Station, Centennial Park, and Buckhead Village. Now we're moving north -- to the Lawrenceville Lawn, in Gwinnett County! This … [Read more...] about The Atlanta Christkindl Market is open for the season in Lawrenceville, thru Christmas Eve
The Battery Atlanta offers FREE pet photos with Santa, daily thru Christmas Eve
Santa Claus will be on site at The Battery this holiday season! You can make some holiday memories and let the kids enjoy the magic of the season through this FREE meeting with Santa Claus at Santa's Post Office. In addition, there … [Read more...] about The Battery Atlanta offers FREE pet photos with Santa, daily thru Christmas Eve
Holiday Happenings: Our huge list of over 200 seasonal and winter events
This is a growing list of winter and holiday events in the metro Atlanta area. Our day-by-day guide includes events happening from mid-November to New Year’s Day. We're still in the process of adding more events every day, so check back … [Read more...] about Holiday Happenings: Our huge list of over 200 seasonal and winter events
Where to get FREE photos with Santa Claus this holiday season– over 100 photo opps!
It's a time honored Christmas tradition -- having a photo taken with Santa Claus. But did you know there are quite a few opportunities to meet Santa without paying for an expensive photo package? We're listing all the FREE Santa photo opps we can … [Read more...] about Where to get FREE photos with Santa Claus this holiday season– over 100 photo opps!
Lights on the Loop is a FREE walk-thru holiday light display in Alpharetta
Lights on the Loop is a month-long event featuring a spectacular light display along a one-mile stretch of the Alpha Loop trail -- including a beautiful illuminated tunnel. It is FREE to walk through and enjoy. The lights are on nightly … [Read more...] about Lights on the Loop is a FREE walk-thru holiday light display in Alpharetta
Metro Atlanta Grocery stores that are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2025
Which grocery stores are open on Christmas in Atlanta? Here are the holiday hours for grocery stores in Atlanta and suburbs. Oops, did you forget something for your feast? No matter what you're missing, a last-minute run on Christmas Day -- … [Read more...] about Metro Atlanta Grocery stores that are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2025
Where’s Santa? Here are 5 ways your kids can have fun tracking Santa Claus before Christmas
Are the kids eager for Santa? There are several ways to track Santa Claus on his flight through the sky -- for some FREE Christmas Eve fun! Christmas Eve will be here before you know it. If you're looking for something to do at home, why … [Read more...] about Where’s Santa? Here are 5 ways your kids can have fun tracking Santa Claus before Christmas
40+ restaurants that are open on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve — in Atlanta and the suburbs
A number of restaurants serve a special Christmas Day menu -- either a buffet or a fixed-price menu. Other restaurants are open and serving their regular menu -- like many of Atlanta's Asian restaurants. Among the venues serving … [Read more...] about 40+ restaurants that are open on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve — in Atlanta and the suburbs
Drive-thru “Lights of Life” holiday display in Marietta is just $10 per car, open nightly
Lights of Life is one of the most affordable holiday lights displays around metro Atlanta. The 1.5 mile drive around the Life University campus in Marietta features more than one million lights, arranged to create charming vignettes. The Lights of … [Read more...] about Drive-thru “Lights of Life” holiday display in Marietta is just $10 per car, open nightly
Holiday Lights of Hope is an affordable walk-thru light display (kids 11 and under are FREE!)
Holiday Lights of Hope is a huge walk-through Christmas light display at Hobgood Park, now in its 14th year -- with more than 2,000,000 lights, concessions, vendors, and more. The 2025 dates are November 28th to December 30th -- note that the show … [Read more...] about Holiday Lights of Hope is an affordable walk-thru light display (kids 11 and under are FREE!)
Where to see holiday movies for free or cheap around metro Atlanta
Is there anything better than a classic Christmas movie to help you get in the holiday spirit? The old favorites never seem to disappoint, no matter how many times we've seen them. Of course, you can get cozy at home with a streaming movie and a … [Read more...] about Where to see holiday movies for free or cheap around metro Atlanta
FREE! “Celebration at the Station” nightly light shows at Atlantic Station
Come to Atlantic Station for the lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree on the Atlantic Green! The annual Light the Station event is back and bigger than ever -- and it's followed by Celebration at the Station, an ongoing nightly event that is sure … [Read more...] about FREE! “Celebration at the Station” nightly light shows at Atlantic Station
Sparkle Sandy Springs: Visit the Sparkle Village light display
The Sparkle Sandy Springs celebrations returns for 2025! It all takes place at the City Springs campus. There are multiple components to this year's festivities, and we have them all listed below. The festivities begin on Sunday, December 7, … [Read more...] about Sparkle Sandy Springs: Visit the Sparkle Village light display
Drive-thru Holiday Light Show at Veterans Park in Canton is just $20 per car, all of December
Enjoy a two-mile drive through lighted tunnels, past animated displays, and featuring over two million lights. Open nightly from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, 2025 -- including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday thru Thursday; and 6 … [Read more...] about Drive-thru Holiday Light Show at Veterans Park in Canton is just $20 per car, all of December
Christmasville Tinseltown: McDonough’s FREE walk-thru light display
The city of McDonough will host a FREE walkable light show this holiday season, at Alexander Park West. Opening night is Saturday, November 29, 2025, and the event continues nightly until January 2nd. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 10 … [Read more...] about Christmasville Tinseltown: McDonough’s FREE walk-thru light display
10 great Christmas tree farms near Atlanta — many feature hayrides, Santa visits, petting zoos, and more
The holiday season is here, and for many families that will mean choosing a Christmas tree. While there will soon be tree lots in parking lots and on corners everywhere, we're focusing on Christmas tree farms that offer a fun, seasonal excursion … [Read more...] about 10 great Christmas tree farms near Atlanta — many feature hayrides, Santa visits, petting zoos, and more
Free pet pictures with Santa at Brookhaven Park this Sunday, no reservation needed
The city of Brookhaven will host a FREE Santa Paws event on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It takes place at the dog park within Brookhaven Park. Bring your pups and snap your own photos with Santa. You … [Read more...] about Free pet pictures with Santa at Brookhaven Park this Sunday, no reservation needed
40+ great ways to observe or celebrate the Winter Solstice
Great ways to celebrate the Winter Solstice in Atlanta -- there's something for everyone with this non-religious December occasion. In 2025, the Winter Solstice will occur on Sunday, December 21st. The date reflects an astronomical event that … [Read more...] about 40+ great ways to observe or celebrate the Winter Solstice
LAST CALL for Lawrenceville Lights: A FREE drive-thru holiday light show, running 6 nights only
For a sixth year, the First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville has created a winter wonderland of lights at its campground in Lawrenceville. The inaugural event was in 2020, in response to the pandemic. All are welcome to join in the … [Read more...] about LAST CALL for Lawrenceville Lights: A FREE drive-thru holiday light show, running 6 nights only
Where to order Christmas dinner to-go — from groceries, restaurants, catering companies
Updated for 2025! Let's face it, preparing a holiday meal is a lot of work. Some years, it just makes sense to skip straight to the part where you're enjoying a yummy dinner, a glass of wine, and a relaxing day. The good news: You can get a … [Read more...] about Where to order Christmas dinner to-go — from groceries, restaurants, catering companies
LAST CALL for FREE photos with Santa in downtown Canton on Saturday
Have a merry old time in downtown Canton this holiday season! On the first three Saturdays in December, you can put on your most festive outfits, pack your camera, and bring the kids for a FREE visit with Santa. This is a do-it-yourself photo … [Read more...] about LAST CALL for FREE photos with Santa in downtown Canton on Saturday
Nordstrom offers FREE photos with Santa for cardholders this Saturday & Sunday
Nordstrom is offering FREE photos with Santa Claus to all Nordstrom cardholders this December. This is normally a $40 photo package, so it's well worth taking advantage of. The Nordstrom stores participating in our area are located … [Read more...] about Nordstrom offers FREE photos with Santa for cardholders this Saturday & Sunday
LAST CALL to enjoy a FREE holiday carriage ride in downtown Norcross this Friday
Head to charming, historic downtown Norcross this holiday season for a FREE carriage ride — then stay to do some shopping or have a cocktail in the historic Norcross town center. The carriage rides will take place on Thursdays and Fridays … [Read more...] about LAST CALL to enjoy a FREE holiday carriage ride in downtown Norcross this Friday
Get FREE pics with Santa Claus at Bass Pro shops, thru Christmas Eve
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's are once again hosting Santa's Wonderland, featuring FREE photos with Santa Claus -- and an extra-early welcome party for Santa's arrival in November. Bass Pro Shops has locations in Lawrenceville and Acworth. Santa will … [Read more...] about Get FREE pics with Santa Claus at Bass Pro shops, thru Christmas Eve
Kennesaw’s FREE Holiday Extravaganza is a walk-thru light display
Kennesaw holiday events: Tree lighting, free pics with Santa, parade, menorah lighting, more The city of Kennesaw kicks off the holiday season with its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 6 p.m. The event … [Read more...] about Kennesaw’s FREE Holiday Extravaganza is a walk-thru light display
Free holiday concert this Sunday, at Clairmont Presbyterian in Decatur
There will be a FREE holiday concert at Clairmont Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy performances by the Ridibund Chamber Music Society and A Stranger and a Friend. All are … [Read more...] about Free holiday concert this Sunday, at Clairmont Presbyterian in Decatur
“Walk Through Bethlehem” at Simpsonwood Park is the most elaborate live nativity in metro Atlanta — this weekend only
Come to Simpsonwood Park in Peachtree Corners for an extraordinary stroll through this recreation of a Bethlehem village and live nativity scene -- featuring live animals and actors who capture the atmosphere of biblical times. This annual event … [Read more...] about “Walk Through Bethlehem” at Simpsonwood Park is the most elaborate live nativity in metro Atlanta — this weekend only
Get a FREE photo of your pet with Santa at Petco or Petsmart this weekend (RSVP now; don’t delay!)
UPDATED for 2025! Have Fido and Fluffy been naughty this year, or nice? Either way, you're in luck, because PetSmart and Petco are BOTH offering FREE photos of your pet with Santa on two weekends in December. Petco is hosting its event on … [Read more...] about Get a FREE photo of your pet with Santa at Petco or Petsmart this weekend (RSVP now; don’t delay!)
Menorah lighting celebration at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway on Sunday, Dec. 14th
Ring in the holidays with festive entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more as The Forum counts down to the official lighting of its tree and arrival of Santa Claus himself. The event takes place on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 5 to … [Read more...] about Menorah lighting celebration at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway on Sunday, Dec. 14th
Holiday events at Avalon: Menorah lighting on Sunday
Holiday events at Avalon: Tree lighting, menorah lighting, seasonal ice rink, more The Lighting of Avalon returns to Avalon in 2025. The all-day event takes place on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 2 to 7:30 p.m. This FREE … [Read more...] about Holiday events at Avalon: Menorah lighting on Sunday
Holidays in Decatur: Menorah lighting ceremony this Sunday
Holidays in Decatur: Tree lighting, menorah lighting, bonfire & marshmallow roast, pics with Santa, more 'Tis the season to make merry, in downtown Decatur on the historic Square with the annual Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting events, … [Read more...] about Holidays in Decatur: Menorah lighting ceremony this Sunday
A Walk To Bethlehem: Live Nativity Scene in Dunwoody with petting zoo and free cocoa this Sunday
Dunwoody Baptist Church will host a live nativity scene on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 5 to 6 p.m. The event, called a Walk To Bethlehem is free and open to the public. The nativity takes place on the church grounds, along a walking trail, … [Read more...] about A Walk To Bethlehem: Live Nativity Scene in Dunwoody with petting zoo and free cocoa this Sunday
Back to Bethlehem: Visit one of these 10 interactive Live Nativity events
Experience the magic of the season with a Live Nativity event! These enchanting reenactments bring the story of the first Christmas to life, complete with actors, live animals, and beautifully crafted sets. Get ready to be transported back in time, … [Read more...] about Back to Bethlehem: Visit one of these 10 interactive Live Nativity events
Free photos with Santa at the Outlet Shoppes in Woodstock this weekend
The Outlet Shoppes will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 3 to 7. There will also be opportunities to snap photos with Santa throughout the holiday season--details below. You'll find … [Read more...] about Free photos with Santa at the Outlet Shoppes in Woodstock this weekend
Christmas in Canton winter festival: Santa Claus, petting zoo, inflatables, more on Friday
Christmas in Canton, an annual street festival, takes place on Friday, December 12, 2025. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. in the historic downtown area. Activities include a visit with Santa, a petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting, S'mores station, … [Read more...] about Christmas in Canton winter festival: Santa Claus, petting zoo, inflatables, more on Friday
The Golden Bells of Atlanta present a FREE handbell concert in Cartersville on Friday
The Golden Bells of Atlanta present 5 free handbell concerts in December The Golden Bells of Atlanta is a local handbell choir. This December, they are performing at FREE concerts across the metro area. Most are in local churches. While the … [Read more...] about The Golden Bells of Atlanta present a FREE handbell concert in Cartersville on Friday
