[Updated November 16, 2024]
In my 25+ years as a professional travel writer, I’ve been extremely fortunate to travel to some amazing destinations all around the world.
But, as a lifelong resident of the peach state, I always come back home in time to spend Christmas in Georgia.
I grew up in the city and spent most of my childhood celebrating Christmas in Atlanta.
From riding the Pink Pig and the Georgia Festival of Trees to Stone Mountain Christmas, these are some of my favorite boyhood memories.
Once I started exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains as an adult, I fell in love with North Georgia Christmas events such as Light Up Blue Ridge, Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega, and the Bavarian-style Christmas in Helen.
One of the things I love most about Christmas in GA is the sheer diversity of options to choose from.
From incredible Christmas lights displays at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Callaway Gardens to Holly Jolly Jekyll on Jekyll Island and Victorian Christmas in Thomasville, every corner of the state has holiday spirit to spare.
Read on for our guide to 20 of the most fun and festive places to celebrate Christmas in Georgia, including info on the 2024 dates, ticket prices, and things to do at these beloved holiday attractions.
Christmas in Georgia Guide
(Arranged alphabetically)
- Atlanta Christkindl Market
- Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s Winter House
- Celebration of Lights in Albany GA
- Christmas at The Battery Atlanta
- Christmas in Helen GA
- A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms in Cartersville GA
- December Nights & Holiday Lights in Savannah GA
- Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City in Lookout Mountain GA
- Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens
- Georgia Festival of Trees at the Gas South Convention Center
- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
- Holly Jolly Jekyll on Jekyll Island
- Illuminights at the Atlanta Zoo
- Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Lake Lanier Islands
- Lights of Life in Marietta GA
- Light Up Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge GA
- Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza in Macon GA
- Mountain Country Christmas in Lights in Hiawassee GA
- Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega GA
- Santa Claus, Georgia
- Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park
- Victorian Christmas in Thomasville
- Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Winter Wonderlights at the State Botanical Garden in Athens GA
READ MORE: The 15 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit
1. Atlanta Christkindl Market
Buckhead Village District & Galleria on the Park
Buckhead: Nov 22-Dec 24 / Galleria: Nov 29-Dec 22 (closed Thanksgiving)
The Atlanta Christkindl Market now has two locations Buckhead Village District (East Paces Ferry Rd & Peachtree Rd) and Galleria on the Park (100 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339).
This free Christmas event offers a festive atmosphere with outdoor markets common during Christmas in Europe, not to mention great Christmas shopping opportunities.
Visitors can browse the market for unique items to check off their holiday gift list, try traditional German food and beverages, or get photos taken with Santa.
Details about the 50+ vendors and other elements will be released soon, so check their website for more details.
READ MORE: The 30 Best Day Trips From Atlanta GA
2. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s Winter House
980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta GA • (404) 872-5338
Nov 30 – Dec 1, Dec 5 – 7, 12-15
Celebrating Christmas at Callanwolde has been an annual Atlanta tradition since I was a boy. Now, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s Winter House offers visitors an upscale, arts-inspired holiday experience.
For 9 days, the 27,000 square-foot Callanwolde mansion will be decked to the nines with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and festive decor.
2024 Winter House activities include holiday workshops, history tours, and live musical performances.
Santa Claus will also be making weekend appearances at Callanwolde for family photos.
While celebrating the holiday season, visitors can enjoy a glass of wine or mulled cider as well as individual charcuterie boards. Food trucks, s’more kits, and coffee will also be available for an additional charge.
READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
3. Celebration of Lights
Pine Avenue, Albany GA • (229) 483-7665
Dec 7
If you’re familiar with Albany GA at all, it’s likely due to the fact that it gave birth to Ray Charles, one of the most influential music icons of the 20th century.
Located 105 miles southwest of Macon, the small town of around 70,000 residents really turns up at Christmastime with its annual Celebration of Lights in Downtown Albany.
Now in its 34th year, the theme for this year’s Albany GA Christmas event will be “Toyland Fantasy”.
This year’s celebration will be held on December 7, the fun festival will feature colorful Christmas lights, vendors selling Christmas arts and crafts, food trucks, and a DJ to keep the holiday spirits bumping.
READ MORE: The Best North Georgia Christmas Events
4. Christmas at The Battery Atlanta
800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA • (404) 494-1150
Nov 22 – Dec 24
Best-known for Truist Park (home to perennial NL East leaders the Atlanta Braves), The Battery Atlanta is a 2.25 million square foot mixed-use development in the city’s northwestern suburbs.
It’s also one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Atlanta, especially during their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 30.
The ever-popular Georgia Christmas event typically starts at 5:30 PM with live musical performances on the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage. Expect special appearances by Braves mascot Blooper.
Santa will drop in to light The Battery Christmas tree at around 8 PM, followed by a screening of a family-friendly holiday film (How The Grinch Stole Christmas, on the massive plaza screen
St. Nick will also be greeting kids and posing for free photos (take your own) at his Post Office in the Truist Holiday Community Corner, located at the corner of Power Alley and Battery Avenue every Friday Nov 22nd-through Christmas Eve.
And don’t forget to drop off the kids’ letters!
Be sure to take advantage of 3 opportunities to take photos of you and your pets with Santa during the special Santa Paws Program.
READ MORE: Hiking the Indian Seats Trail at Sawnee Mountain Preserve (Near Atlanta)
5. Christmas in Helen GA
Main Street, Helen GA • (800) 858-8027
Nov 29th – Dec 1, 7, 8, 14
Arguably the most unique town in the North Georgia mountains, Alpine Helen offers a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas in Georgia.
As always, this Bavarian-influenced town boasts an array of German restaurants, quaint shops, waterfalls, family-friendly tourist attractions, and rental cabins.
But Christmas in Helen, Georgia is especially whimsical, with the town’s alpine architecture draped in colorful lights and its streets filled with the joyous holiday spirit.
The 2024 festivities kick off with the annual Lighting of the Village on Friday, November 29.
The Christmas lights in downtown Helen are unveiled after sunset, and Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for pics in Riverside Park.
The Helen Christmas Market also opens November 30th – December 1st and December 7th – 8th, while the Downtown Helen Christmas Parade in on December 14th features floats and costumed characters, with Santa Claus closing out the show.
READ MORE: 10 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA
6. A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms
337 Cassville Rd, Cartersville GA • (770) 386-8688
Nov 28-Dec 29
One of the oldest family farms in the North Georgia mountains, the 80-acre Pettit Creek Farms has been in the Allen family since 1945 (around the same time nearby Lake Allatoona was created).
The Georgia farm is now run by the original owners’ grandchildren, and their annual Country Christmas celebration features over a mile of drive-thru Christmas lights.
Admission costs $30 per car on Tuesday through Thursday and $35 per car on Friday through Sunday (they have separate rates for vans and buses).
Another amazing ride-through option is the old-fashioned hayride which is a perfect holiday experience for only $10 per person. The admission price also includes a visit to their petting zoo, where you can see live Reindeer.
Be sure to get a photo with Santa, he will be making appearances Thursday through Sunday of every week!
Hot cocoa, apple cider, marshmallows for roasting, and kits to make S’mores by the campfire will be available for purchase. They’ll also have fresh-cut Christmas trees for sale.
READ MORE: North Georgia Christmas Tree Farms Where You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
7. December Nights & Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
2 Canebrake Rd., Savannah GA • (912) 921-5460
Nov 29, 30, Dec 6, 7, 13, 14, 16-24
There are all sorts of great Christmas light displays in North Georgia, but December Nights & Holiday Lights is a rare gem for those who want to spend Christmas in Savannah GA.
The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is artfully decorated with over a million dazzling lights. Their drive-thru Christmas Lights tour allows you to visit the illuminated garden areas without needing to walk the whole way.
But the lights aren’t the only noteworthy feature of this Savannah Christmas attraction.
Kids can get photos taken with Santa, visit the Coastal Rail Buff’s miniature train display, or stop in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen for baked Christmas goodies. Every purchase supports local non-profit organizations!
Note that because rain can cause the lights to trip their circuit breakers, this Christmas light display is weather-dependent. Call before you go if you have concerns about incumbent weather.
READ MORE: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: Atlanta Botanical Garden Christmas Lights
8. Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain GA
Nov 15 –Jan 4, Closed Dec 24
Now celebrating its 91st year, Rock City is a nationally known landmark in Lookout Mountain GA/TN. It’s also one of the best places to celebrate a Georgia Christmas.
Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, their Enchanted Garden of Lights celebration is widely regarded among the best Christmas lights in Georgia.
The event features a million LED lights that transform Rock City Garden into a Winter wonderland.
There are lots of seasonal activities to enjoy, including meeting Santa in his workshop and visiting the shops to buy personalized ornaments and festive Christmas decorations.
Decorating gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus, tasting the delicious Christmas-themed fudge, and wandering through the 7 enchanted realms while drinking hot cocoa, all make for a perfect holiday adventure. Check rates at the Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast on Lookout Mountain via Booking.com.
READ MORE: Christmas Fun at Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
9. Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
17617 US-27 Pine Mountain GA • (855) 885-3841
Nov 15 – Jan 4
The largest Christmas celebration in the state of Georgia, Callaway Gardens’ annual Fantasy in Lights has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Christmas Light Displays in the World!
Their high-tech Christmas light display includes more than 10 million lights and 17 classic themes (including “Snowflake Valley” and “Santa’s Workshop”) stretched across their 2,500-acre property.
Scenes for 2024 include a decorated tree over 10 stories high, making it the tallest Christmas tree in the South! Visitors can enjoy the drive-thru Christmas lights from their own vehicle or take the “Jolly Trolley.”
The new Callaway Christmas Village is also filled with dazzling lights, massive nutcrackers, and huge snowflakes. You can visit the Christmas Market for shopping and get the chance to meet Rudolph, Bumble, and Santa Claus.
If you want to spend the night, Callaway Gardens offers special packages, with benefits such as a shuttle service to Christmas Village and daily garden admission. Check Rates for Callaway Resort & Gardens via Booking.com.
READ MORE: The 6 Best North Carolina Ski Resorts to Visit
10. Garden Nights, Holiday Lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta GA • (404) 876-5859
Nov. 16 – Jan. 12
Ranked among the best Christmas lights in Atlanta since its inception, the ever-popular Garden Lights, Holiday Lights is one of our favorite GA Christmas attractions.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden has been illuminating its 30-acre property with millions of LED lights for over a decade, with timed tickets to ensure an easy flow of visitors throughout the event.
Some of their best Atlanta Christmas Light displays include the Ice Goddess, the Tunnel of Light, and the glowing Orchestral Orbs, which dance along with light and color to festive holiday music.
Ticket prices range from $40+, depending on the dates and ticket type you choose. Value Nights: Save up to $20 per ticket by visiting on one of the 13 Value Nights throughout the season. Nightlight Tickets: Admission after 9:30 p.m. on non-peak nights starts at just $19.95 for adults. Note that they often sell out in advance, especially on weekends!
READ MORE: The Best Christmas Lights in Atlanta and North Georgia
11. Georgia Festival of Trees
Gas South Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth GA • (678) 783-4455
Nov 23 – Dec 1, 2024 (CLOSED Nov. 27-28 for Thanksgiving)
One of our favorite Christmas festivals, the became an annual staple of Christmas in Georgia starting in 1976.
After a 30-year run at the Georgia World Congress Center in Downtown Atlanta (where proceeds benefitted Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta), the festival downsized in 2007, and then disappeared altogether.
As a lifelong Georgia resident, I’m delighted to see the Festival of Trees returning to its former glory at the Gas South Convention Center with an 8-day celebration in 2024.
The festival will fill the Gas South Convention Center with dazzling displays of Christmas trees and wreaths for auction, plus live entertainment, a gingerbread contest, kids’ activities, and much more. Penny the Pink Pig is making her debut at this year’s festival!
All the proceeds from this wonderful event will go towards non-profits, Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink, local organizations dedicated to putting an end to domestic human trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) right here in Georgia.
Tickets to the 2024 Festival of Trees start at $18.95 for children ages 3-12 (includes Reindeer Games Activities) and $13.95 for seniors ages 62 and up, and $18.95 for adults.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Weekend Getaways in Georgia
12. Holiday In The Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Parkway, Austell GA • (770) 739-3400
Nov 23 – Jan 5 (select dates)
Another one of the most popular places to celebrate Christmas in GA is Six Flags Over Georgia which hosts the annual Holiday In The Park celebration.
The theme park is arranged into 10 different “Holiday Neighborhoods,” which collectively boast millions of LED Christmas lights, themed Christmas decorations, and festive Christmas trees that are sure to impress.
The park will also feature a dancing light show, and the Riverview Carousel and Six Flags Railroad (one of several cool Christmas train rides in Georgia) will be fully decorated.
In addition to some of the most beautiful Christmas lights in Atlanta, Six Flags will put on a Christmas show with live music and dancing.
Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus are also included, and delicious holiday treats are available for purchase.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta
13. Holly Jolly Jekyll
901 Downing Musgrove Causeway, Jekyll Island GA • (912) 635-3636
Nov 29 – Jan 5
When you think of the best Christmas towns in Georgia, the barrier islands known as the Golden Isles are probably not the first thing that comes to mind.
But Jekyll Island’s Holly Jolly Jekyll celebration is one of the coolest Christmas events in Georgia, lighting up the beach destination with over 1 million lights that can be viewed on foot or on Holly Jolly Light Tour trolleys for an extra fee.
The island is home to other festive events, including the Peppermint Land mini golf, Historic tour of the Jekyll Island Club, an Exclusive Light Tour in the Millionaire Motorcar.
Kids will also enjoy sending a letter to Santa via the North Pole Express mailbox at Mailbox On Main, the Winter Carnival & Big Truck Roundup on Dec 7.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
14. Illuminights At The Zoo: Chinese Lantern Festival
800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta GA • (404) 624-9453
Nov. 14 – Jan. 19
This Chinese Lantern Festival at Zoo Atlanta features over 80 lanterns depicting some of the world’s coolest animals, and it has become one of the most unique Holiday celebrations in Atlanta GA.
Each lantern featured at IllumiNights At The Zoo is made and hand-painted by Chinese artists, who put in thousands of hours of work. Some of these massive lanterns reach up to 20 feet tall!
There will be warm beverages and food available for purchase, and you can also do some fun Holiday shopping in the Zoo’s gift shop.
Non-member ticket prices are $17.99-$19.99 for children ages 3 to 11, $17.99 –$21.99 for Seniors (65+), and $20.99 – $24.99 for adults ages 12 and up. Children ages 2 & under get in free, and group rates are also available.
READ MORE: The 20+ Best Western NC Christmas Events in Asheville, Bryson City & Beyond
15. Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Lake Lanier Islands
7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford GA • (470) 323-3440
Nov 27-30, Dec 6-Jan 6, 11,12, 18, 19
Surrounding one of the biggest lakes in Georgia, Lake Lanier Islands was formerly home to “Magical Nights of Lights,” which was widely considered to be among the best drive-thru Christmas light shows in Georgia.
Since being purchased by Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts, the name of this Georgia Christmas event has changed.
Lakeside Lights Spectacular is now a walk-through display, and they’ve added a 575-foot-long snow tubing slide as part of “License to Chill Snow Island.”
The Lakeside Lights Spectacular will include an assortment of mixed drinks, sweet treats, hot chocolate, and s’mores for roasting on the bonfire (for an additional charge).
As always, there will be lots of different carnival rides and holiday games to keep families entertained.
READ MORE: The 12 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in North Carolina
16. Lights of Life at Life University
1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta GA • (800) 543-3202
Nov 28-Dec 31
One of our favorite places to see Christmas lights in Georgia, Lights of Life is hosted at an unusual location– Life University, a private chiropractic college in Marietta.
But the event is hugely popular in the northern suburbs of Atlanta and, at just $10 per car (or $20 for a bus), it’s also one of the most affordable drive-through Christmas lights in Georgia!
Especially when you consider the fact that their expansive assortment of over 1 million LED lights includes over 100 displays (including a 65-foot Santa/sleigh display, the tallest in the Southeast) on a 1.5-mile drive through the campus.
Lights of Life also has concession stands selling food and drinks, a petting zoo, and train rides. They also have photo ops with Santa available for an additional fee.
READ MORE: 10 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Virginia
17. Light Up Blue Ridge
East Main St., Blue Ridge, GA • (706) 258-2432
Nov 29-30
Another of our favorite things to do for Christmas in Georgia, Light Up Blue Ridge is a great way to celebrate the holiday season in one of North Georgia’s most beloved mountain towns.
The 2024 action begins with Blue Friday (their small-town twist on Black Friday) on November 29, when you’ll find killer Downtown Blue Ridge shopping deals, live entertainment, and caroling in the streets.
But the main event begins on November 30, with live entertainment, food vendors, and a Blue Ridge Christmas Parade starting at 5:30 PM. The Lighting of the Great Tree will happen around 7 PM, right after the parade ends.
Other Blue Ridge Christmas attractions include taking pics with Santa in the gazebo, riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad’s Holiday Express train, and seeing the Gingerbread Village (including 65 houses!) at the Arts Center.
If you want to make a whole weekend of it, check out our guide to the Best Blue Ridge GA Cabins to Rent.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge, GA
18. Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza
Poplar Street & Third Street, Macon GA
Nov 29 – Jan 5
Located about 85 miles south of Atlanta, Macon GA is best known for musical icons such as Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers (who moved there in 1969 to work with local label Capricorn Records).
The town is also known as “the Heart of Georgia” due to its location at the state’s geographic center. And this Christmas light display in Macon certainly shows plenty of heart and holiday spirit.
The Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza finds downtown Macon drenched in 1,000,000+ Christmas lights, with festive decorations on practically every shop and shrub.
The hourly light shows (which go from 6 to 11 PM) move in time to original music composed by the Macon Pops, with various Macon artists providing the vocals.
In addition to the drive-through Christmas light displays, you can also stroll streets lined with candy canes and twinkling trees as you explore the 80+ shops and restaurants downtown Macon has to offer.
READ MORE: The 10 Most Festive Christmas Towns in Virginia to Visit
19. Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee GA • (706) 896-4191
Nov 28 – Dec 23
Located in Hiawassee GA along the scenic shores of Lake Chatuge (one of the state’s most beautiful lakes), the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is home to the Georgia Mountain Fair and concerts by big-name artists.
Their Mountain Country Christmas In Lights celebration is an Appalachian-influenced holiday affair that transforms the venue with a spectacular light show.
Attendees can also enjoy Christmas performances by local church groups, shopping for folksy arts and crafts, festive holiday food from local restaurants, and taking family photos with Santa Claus.
New for 2024 is Scott’s Holiday Magic Show & Train Rides!
Tickets are just $9 or ages 12 and up which includes access to all activities, light displays, photo opportunities, arts & craft area, food vendor area, and more. Children under 12 get in free!
READ MORE: The 7 Best Train Rides for Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
20. Dahlonega’s Old-Fashioned Christmas
Downtown Dahlonega Square • (800) 231-5543
Nov 29-Dec 31
Dahlonega GA is one of our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain towns, with an amazing array of historic sites, shops, restaurants, and wineries.
It was recently referred to by Southern Living as a “perfect Christmas Town,” because the charming 19th century buildings on the historic square dazzle with festive Christmas spirit during the holiday season.
Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas starts on Nov 29 with the Lighting of the Square.
Santa will be available for photos in front of the Christmas tree on Dahlonega Square from Nov 29 to Dec 12, and on Dec 14 he’ll be the star attraction of the Dahlonega Christmas Parade.
You can also visit the Christmas Market at the Community House to do some shopping, see the Festival of Trees at Hancock Park, see a Christmas show at the Holly Theater, or take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride.
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Celebrate Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega GA
21. Visit Santa Claus, Georgia
25 December Dr, Lyons, GA • (912) 526-6949
Why yes, Virginia, there is a city of Santa Claus, Georgia!
Known as “The City That Loves Children,” the tiny town of Santa Claus GA (population: 204) is located about 100 miles southeast of Macon. It was founded by a local pecan farmer in the 1930s in hopes of luring tourists.
Incorporated in 1941, the town has Christmas-themed streets such as Candy Cane Road, December Drive, Rudolph Way, Dancer Street, Prancer Street, and Sleigh Street.
Their small, but festive Christmas celebration includes the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the City of Santa Claus Gift Shop and the Annual Front Door Decorating Contest.
All local residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and show their Christmas spirit. Prizes will be awarded to winners at their annual Christmas Dinner. For more info, contact City Hall at (912)526-6949.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Places To See Christmas Lights in Virginia
22. Stone Mountain Christmas
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain GA • (800) 401-2407
Nov 9 – Jan 5 (Select Dates)
One of the most family-friendly Atlanta Christmas Events, Stone Mountain Christmas returns with some awesome new elements.
As always, millions of lights will decorate the park, including the Musical Frosted Forest.
There will be nightly Christmas parades (featuring the Snow Angel), visits with Santa, Christmas carolers, a Polar Express 4D film, and a clever comedic take on A Christmas Carol.
There will also be attractions like “Santa’s Big Flight” during The World’s Largest Christmas Show, a laser show with special effects, and a huge fireworks finale.
Some of the regular Stone Mountain attractions will be open as well, including the Scenic Railroad (with sing-along caroling) and the Summit Skyride to the top of the North Georgia mountain.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Hiking Trails In Atlanta GA (& Hikes Near Atlanta)
23. Victorian Christmas in Thomasville
Downtown Thomasville GA • (229) 228-7977
Dec 12-13
The second largest city in southwest Georgia (after Albany), with a population of over 18,000, Thomasville GA is known as the “City of Roses.”
The Thomasville Rose Show & Festival, which dates back 100 years, is the town’s most popular annual event. But the Victorian Christmas in Thomasville has also become a beloved South Georgia Christmas tradition.
Held in Downtown Thomasville the celebration includes something for everyone. Kids will enjoy visits with Santa, roasting marshmallows, Christmas crafts, live reindeer, and performances by local school bands.
Adults will love live entertainment on the Ritz Amphitheater Stage, horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown, a live Nativity, and delicious food from local restaurants.
There will also be strolling carolers, street musicians, and holiday-themed selfie spots that include larger-than-life snowflakes, wreaths, and Santa’s sleigh.
READ MORE: 15 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Asheville NC Christmas
24. Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA • (404) 929-6300
Nov 23 – Jan 12
Widely regarded as one of the best family-friendly Atlanta Christmas events, “Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World” returns for its 15th year in 2024.
Taking up two floors of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, the dazzling Winter Wonderland exhibit offers visitors a great chance to learn more about Holiday traditions around the world.
The exhibit highlights festivities and traditions that tell unique stories selected by cultural partners through arts, crafts, symbols and ornamental displays.
For a fun date night, check out special after-hours viewing from Nov. 23, 2024 through Jan. 12, 2025.
READ MORE: 30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture
25. Winter Wonder Lights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
2450 S. Milledge Ave, Athens GA • (706)542-1244
Nov 24 – Dec 30
One of the newer North Georgia Christmas traditions, Winter Wonderlights is presented by the UGA Office of the President at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens.
The Christmas light show transforms the garden with more than a half-million twinkling lights along a 1/2-mile ADA-accessible trail (a.k.a. Candy Cane Lane).
These dazzling Athens GA Christmas lights include shimmering snowflakes, a pine tree forest, and a tunnel of multicolored lights, all leading visitors to a festive Christmas market.
You can roast marshmallows for s’mores, savor hot cocoa or cold drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts (such as the Condor Chocolates Winter WonderBar, with a portion of proceeds going toward education/conservation programs).
After Christmas, on Jan. 2-5, 2025, Winter WonderLights becomes WonderLights Disco Nights and changes into a garden light show with groovy disco hits.
Winter Wonderlights/WonderLights Disco Nights tickets & can be purchased at wonderlights.uga.edu, $15 for guests ages 4 and up. Children ages 3 and under get in free. –by Bret Love; lead image by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
