Celebrating the holidays in the South may lack snow flurries and freezing temperatures, but the metro area offers ample seasonal magic. Atlanta’s ITP and OTP regions host numerous annual festivities to ensure everyone has a November and December to remember.

Skate into the Holidays

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Rockefeller skating spectacle, Avalon on Ice returns with its expansive ice rink, perfectly timed for the holiday season. Sponsored by Northside Hospital, don your skates and immerse yourself in this time-honored tradition at one of Atlanta’s beloved destinations. Reservations are recommended to secure your preferred time slot, so mark your calendars from November 20 to January 15 to infuse your festivities with the joy of Avalon on Ice. Visit the Avalon website to secure your spot.

Please note that some dates have limited hours to reflect upcoming holidays.

After showing off your skating skills, don’t forget to say hello to Santa! Inspired by cozy North Pole cottages in Palmer Plaza, Santa will reside at Avalon from November 20 to December 24 for photo ops and magical moments. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but walk-ups will be accepted if time allows.

Another top spot to spend the holidays in Atlanta, Ponce City Market invites visitors to Skate the Sky from November 24 to December 31 to celebrate the holidays. Positioned ten stories above Ponce de Leon Avenue, the Rooftop Terrace unveils a 3,500-square-foot ice-skating rink, welcoming visitors seven days a week. Snack your all-access tickets today to unlock unlimited gameplay at Skyline Park, ice skating and admission to The Roof.

Let the Season Sparkle

The perfect way to add a little sparkle to your celebrations, locals flock to the city’s lighting displays for a bit of magic. Back again by popular demand, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden is ringing in 13 years! From November 18 to January 14, the famous garden spectacle invites visitors to participate in one of Atlanta’s most popular winter traditions. The 2023 lineup includes a 144-foot-long wintery white Skynet, the return of White Rabbit to the Skyline Garden pond, a magical flock of shining metal deer and birds by Cédric La Borgne in the Anne Cox Chambers Garden and much more!

Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden website to purchase your tickets today.

Another fabulous lighting installation, WildWoods: AGLOW presented by Fernbank is the perfect combination of glowing lights, calming music and the wonders of nature. The exhibit captivates visitors with flowing displays that uniquely highlight native flora and fauna paired with meditative music to create a night of serene joyful fun. This year, ticket holders will also enjoy access to the Giant Screen Theater for rotating special features.

Visit the Fernbank website to purchase tickets.

Searching for indoor activities? The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre each have a packed calendar of events to add a bit of extra magic to your celebrations.

Celebrate the Hanukkah Season

Across the metro area, countless Jewish organizations unite to light the menorah and celebrate community, tradition and family.

Join 18Doors this season for Hanukkah in the Park! The in-person event takes place on the fourth night of Hanukkah in the park on December 10. Attendees are encouraged to bring a hanukkiah, five candles, foil, a lighter and a picnic dinner that everyone will enjoy following the candle lighting. After the ceremony, 18Doors will provide sufganiyot and fun activities for all. Register today to confirm your spot!

Avalon invites the Jewish community to light up the night at the 2023 Menorah Lighting Ceremony. In partnership with Chabad of North Fulton, guests are invited to the Boulevard to honor the fourth night of Hanukkah with the lighting of the menorah as well as special treats for attendees.

Shop Until You Drop

This season also brings the magic of Atlanta Christmas markets inspired by German Christkindl markets. Sample traditional German snacks such as brats, schnitzel, German Glühwein, gingerbread and more while shopping for a wide selection of handcrafted goodies, including ornaments, beer steins, wood carvings, jewelry and more. At Buckhead Village, festivities are in full swing at the Atlanta Christkindl Market, starting November 24 to December 24!

Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 3 to 8 p.m.
• Friday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Round out your end-of-year bucket list by checking out these other glittering Christmas markets: the Christmas Market at the Arbors of Alpharetta on December 9 from Noon to 5 p.m., and the Back to Nature Holiday Market on December 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell!

Stay updated on the latest activities in the metro area, new home communities, moving tips and more on the KNOWAtlanta news page.