Christmas in Atlanta with kids.
Christmas in Atlanta is all about lights. The Atlanta Botanical Garden glows every night. Stone Mountain Park turns into a holiday village. And there are drive-through light shows all around the metro.
Add a puppet show, a Santa train, and a free tree lighting, and you have a full season. Most big events are spread out, so plan one area per evening and expect traffic.
Before you go
- Plan one area per evening. Atlanta traffic makes cross-town trips slow.
- Book Garden Lights and Stone Mountain for weekends early.
- Drive-through light shows are an easy pick with a sleepy toddler in a car seat.
- The Alliance Theatre has a short show made for babies and toddlers.
- Free tree lightings in The Battery, Alpharetta, and Piedmont Park are good no-cost nights out.
Family Christmas events in Atlanta
30 events
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- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Jan 10 · Nightly, Nov 14-Jan 10. Last entry 11pm.
- Where
- Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Midtown
- Price
- Timed tickets, prices change by night. Kids 2 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy timed tickets online ahead. Popular nights sell out.
The garden's paths fill with light displays and shows set to music. Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours on foot.
Parent tip: Strollers are fine, but wagons are not allowed. The garden's parking deck costs $20 and takes cards only. Pick an early entry time so small kids aren't worn out.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas lightsSanta visitsParades and tree lightings Good for toddlers
Stone Mountain Christmas
- Dates
- Nov 7 - Jan 3 · Weekends and holidays, select dates, Nov 7-Jan 3. Parade at 6pm, tree lighting at 6:30pm.
- Where
- Stone Mountain Park
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online and check the calendar for open dates
The park turns into a holiday village with a nightly parade, a tree lighting and light displays. Kids can visit Santa through Dec 24.
Parent tip: The Flight to the North Pole ride needs its own ticket and has limited space, so book it ahead. The scenic train turns into a sing-along ride at night.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 5-26 · Dec 5-26. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Cumberland, northwest Atlanta
- Price
- Ticketed. Prices vary by seat.
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a full ballet · Buy ahead online
Atlanta's big holiday ballet. The show runs about 2 hours and 8 minutes, with an intermission.
Parent tip: Pick a matinee for younger kids. Use the intermission for a snack and a bathroom break.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Dec 27 · Nov 14-Dec 27. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Alliance Theatre, Coca-Cola Stage, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages, per the theater · Buy ahead online or call the box office at 404-733-4600
Dickens' ghost story told with live music, puppets and flying. It runs about two hours, with a 15-minute break.
Parent tip: Two hours is long for little ones. It works best for kids about 6 and up who like a bit of spooky.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Center for Puppetry Arts
- Dates
- Nov 11 - Dec 27 · Select days, Nov 11-Dec 27. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. NW, Midtown
- Price
- From $22, per the theater. Includes museum entry.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 4 and up, per the theater · Buy timed tickets ahead online
The classic Rudolph story told with puppets in a one-hour show. Your ticket also gets you into the puppet museum.
Parent tip: Leave time after the show for the museum. Member discounts don't apply to this show.
- Christmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens
- Dates
- Nov 15 - Jan 3 · Nightly to Jan 3. The organiser lists opening night as both Nov 13 and Nov 15, so check before you go.
- Where
- Callaway Resort & Gardens, Pine Mountain, a day trip southwest of Atlanta
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online ahead
A seven-mile drive past 18 light scenes, in your own car or on a trolley. The Christmas Village has Santa, hot chocolate and s'mores.
Parent tip: Your ticket also gets you into the gardens that same day. Driving yourself lets babies stay buckled in and warm.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Rockin' Christmas by World of Illumination
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 3 · Tue-Sun, Nov 13-Jan 3. Gates open 6pm, last entry 10pm.
- Where
- Six Flags White Water, 250 Cobb Pkwy N., Marietta
- Price
- From $39.99 per car
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy a car ticket online ahead
A drive-through light show synced to holiday music. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes from your car.
Parent tip: Price is per car, not per person, so it's a good deal for big families. Babies can stay in their car seats the whole time.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Lights of LIFE at Life University
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 31 · Nightly from sunset to Dec 31, closing about 9-10pm. The organiser lists both Nov 26 and Nov 27 as opening night, so check before you go.
- Where
- Life University, 1269 Barclay Cir., Marietta
- Price
- $15 per car or truck
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Pay per car
A mostly drive-through light display on the college campus. There are spots to park, get out and take photos.
Parent tip: The flat price per car makes this an easy, cheap first light show for babies and toddlers. The opening night is listed as Thanksgiving, but the site's FAQ says Nov 27, so check first.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · Select days, Nov 21-Jan 3. Check the park calendar for hours.
- Where
- Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, west of Atlanta
- Price
- Park ticket or Gold/Prestige membership. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy park tickets online ahead
New for 2026. The theme park stays open for the holidays with light displays, decorated areas, shows and a nightly tree lighting.
Parent tip: This is the park's first holiday season, so check which rides are open before you go.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Georgia Festival of Trees
- Dates
- Nov 21-29 · Nov 21-24 and Nov 27-29. Closed Nov 25 and 26.
- Where
- Gas South Convention Center, Duluth
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online
A hall full of decorated trees, wreaths and holiday shows, all indoors. Santa visits and photos run every festival day.
Parent tip: Santa is in from 10:30am to 5:30pm, and until 3:30pm on the last Sunday. It's a good pick for a cold or rainy day.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta
- Dates
- Nov 28 · Sat Nov 28, 5-8pm
- Where
- The Battery Atlanta, Cumberland, by Truist Park
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets
Live music on the plaza, then Santa helps light the tree. An outdoor holiday movie plays after.
Parent tip: Event-day parking rates apply, so arrive early or share a ride.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Light Up the Season Lantern Parade at Piedmont Park
- Dates
- Nov 22 · Sun Nov 22. Lantern-making from 3:30pm, parade at 5pm, lighting right after.
- Where
- Greystone and the Meadow, Piedmont Park, Midtown
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Free. The park suggests registering ahead.
Families make paper lanterns, then walk with a band around Lake Clara Meer. The park's big tree, menorah and kinara light up at the end.
Parent tip: Come for the lantern-making at 3:30pm so kids have a lantern to carry. Park Tavern shows a family movie with hot cocoa afterward.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Santa at Phipps Plaza
- Dates
- Oct 31 - Dec 23 · Most days Oct 31-Dec 23. Closed most Tuesdays and Thanksgiving.
- Where
- Phipps Plaza, Court of the South, Buckhead
- Price
- Photo packages vary. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · By appointment only. You must pre-register first.
Santa sees families by appointment, so you skip a long line. Photo and video packages are sold at the visit.
Parent tip: Spots go fast. In late October the organizer said fewer than 500 were left, mostly weekday middays in November. Book on a computer, not a phone.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Knock, Knock (Alliance Theatre for the Very Young)
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Dec 23 · Nov 14-Dec 23. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Selig Family Black Box Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Midtown
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Newborn to age 5, with a grown-up · Buy ahead online
A 30-minute holiday show made for babies and preschoolers. Kids meet neighbors in an apartment building getting ready for the holidays.
Parent tip: It's short and made for little ones, so it's a good first theater trip. The small black box theater has fewer seats, so book early.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
Festive Features at the Center for Puppetry Arts
- Dates
- Nov 11 - Dec 27 · Nov 11-Dec 27, during museum hours
- Where
- Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. NW, Midtown
- Price
- $18 for non-members
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy timed tickets online
A holiday scavenger hunt through the puppet museum. Kids look for puppets from old holiday TV specials, like Rudolph and Emmet Otter.
Parent tip: Plan about 90 minutes. Pair it with the Rudolph show on the same day.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before...
- Dates
- Dec 2-13 · Dec 2-13. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown
- Price
- Ticketed. Prices vary by seat.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead online
Cirque du Soleil's holiday show, built around the classic Christmas poem. Expect acrobats, music and big stunts.
Parent tip: Pick a daytime show for younger kids, and check the run time on the Fox site before you buy.
- Santa visitsShows and NutcrackerFree Good for toddlers
Merry Mighty Mo and More! at the Fox
- Dates
- Nov 29 · Sun Nov 29. Doors 3pm, show 4pm.
- Where
- Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Free, but get tickets ahead through the Fox
A free afternoon of carol sing-alongs on the Fox's big organ, live music and a holiday movie. Santa poses for free photos.
Parent tip: Bring new socks to donate to City of Refuge. Get there when doors open for the Santa photos.
- Shows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
ASO Family Concert: Winter Wonderland
- Dates
- Dec 6 · Sun Dec 6, 1:30pm and 3pm
- Where
- Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- Kids 12 and under and their families · Buy ahead online
A holiday concert made for kids, with actors, dancers and a sing-along. It's a gentle first visit to the symphony.
Parent tip: Choose the 1:30pm show if your child naps late in the day.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Christmas with the ASO
- Dates
- Dec 10-13 · Thu Dec 10 8pm, Sat Dec 12 3pm and 8pm, Sun Dec 13 3pm
- Where
- Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- See the official site · Buy ahead online or call 404-733-4800
The orchestra, its chorus and two guest choirs, one of them a children's choir, sing carols and holiday favorites. The audience joins in on some songs.
Parent tip: The 3pm shows on the weekend work best for kids.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
- Dates
- Dec 9 · Wed Dec 9, 7pm. Doors at 6pm.
- Where
- Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead online
The Peanuts gang's Christmas special acted out on stage. The show is about 90 minutes, with a 20-minute break.
Parent tip: It's a school-night show at 7pm, so it suits kids about 4 to 12 better than toddlers.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by Roswell Dance Theatre
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 6 · Nov 27-29 and Dec 4-6. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
- Price
- $30-55, plus fees
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead through the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
A local Nutcracker with dancers of all ages, in a theater outside the city center. Some shows add a character meet-and-greet in the lobby.
Parent tip: Book a show with the meet-and-greet. Kids get early lobby time for photos and autographs with the dancers.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Christmas Canteen at Aurora Theatre
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Dec 23 · Nov 19-Dec 23. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Aurora Theatre, Metro Waterproofing Main Stage, Lawrenceville
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages, per the theater · Buy ahead online or call 678-226-6222
A holiday variety show with Christmas songs, dancing and comedy. The theater puts it on every year.
Parent tip: Pick a matinee if you're bringing younger kids.
- Santa visitsFree Good for toddlers
Santa's Post Office at The Battery Atlanta
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 24 · Select Fri-Sun from Nov 21, noon-6pm (to 8pm from Dec 11). Check the calendar.
- Where
- Holiday Community Corner, Power Alley at Battery Ave., Cumberland, by Truist Park
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · First come, first served. Elves text you when it's your turn.
A free Santa visit. Parents take the photos with their own phones.
Parent tip: Check in, then shop or eat nearby until your text comes. Public decks are free for two hours, except on event days.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Santa and Mrs. Santa Arrive by Train
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, 11am-3pm. The Santa train pulls in at 11am.
- Where
- Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth
- Price
- Museum admission: $19 adults, $13 kids 2-12
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy museum tickets online or at the gate
Santa and Mrs. Claus roll in on a train, then pose for family photos. Kids can ride the museum's trains and see the holiday decorations.
Parent tip: Regular admission includes one train ride. Extra rides cost more, so buy them at the booth if your kids want another.
- Holiday festivalsHoliday trains Good for toddlers
Festival of 100 Trees at the Southeastern Railway Museum
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 3 · Thu-Sun, 10am-5pm, Nov 19-Jan 3
- Where
- Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth
- Price
- Museum admission: $19 adults, $13 kids 2-12
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy museum tickets online or at the gate
At least 100 trees, each decorated by a local group, fill the train museum. Kids can climb around old trains too.
Parent tip: The museum is only open Thursday to Sunday, so plan a weekend visit.
- Parades and tree lightingsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
City of Alpharetta Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, in the evening
- Where
- Alpharetta City Center
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets. Rain or shine.
Alpharetta's tree lighting has live music, sing-alongs, marshmallow roasting and fake snow flurries. Santa stops by.
Parent tip: Check the city site for the exact start time, and bring a blanket for sitting on the lawn.
- Parades and tree lightingsIce skating Good for toddlers
Sparkle Sandy Springs
- Dates
- Dec 6 · Sun Dec 6, evening. Times are posted closer to the date.
- Where
- City Springs District, Sandy Springs
- Price
- No ticket price listed. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No booking listed
A nighttime parade with floats, bands and lights, then a tree and menorah lighting. There's skating, carolers and a holiday market too.
Parent tip: The tree stays lit until New Year's Day, so you can come back on a quieter night.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
New Year's Bubble Bash at Children's Museum of Atlanta
- Dates
- Dec 31 · Thu Dec 31. Sessions 9:30-11:30am, 12:30-2:30pm and 3:30-5:30pm.
- Where
- Children's Museum of Atlanta, Downtown, by Centennial Olympic Park
- Price
- $25 non-members, $10 members. Prices go up the week of the event.
- Ages and booking
- Kids and their families · Separate ticket needed. Non-member sales open Nov 17.
A daytime New Year's party for little kids. Each session ends with a bubble-wrap countdown, plus a DJ and bubbles.
Parent tip: Each session counts down 30 minutes before it ends, so kids get the big moment and still nap on time.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Atlanta Christkindl Market (Lawrenceville)
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 24 · Wed-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm. Also open Nov 23-25 and Dec 21-23, 11am-9pm. Closed Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
- Where
- Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St, Lawrenceville, in Gwinnett County
- Price
- Free admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Atlanta's German-style Christmas market now sets up on the lawn in downtown Lawrenceville, with handmade gifts and German food. Free parking comes with a lit-up walk, the Winterlight Walk, to the market.
Parent tip: Last year's first season here broke records, so go on a Wednesday or Thursday when it opens at 3pm. Park free at the county justice center (75 Langley Dr) and walk under half a mile.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Atlanta Christkindl Market (Senoia)
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 24 · Wed-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm. Also open Dec 21-23, 11am-9pm. Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
- Where
- 158 Seavy Street, Downtown Senoia, on Atlanta's south side
- Price
- Free admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
The market opens a second, smaller-town location this year, just off Senoia's historic Main Street. Expect German food, handmade gifts and local makers.
Parent tip: Santa visits on set days, so check the Santa schedule on the official site. Park on the street downtown and walk over.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Atlanta, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Atlanta, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Atlanta, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Atlanta, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Atlanta for Christmas with kids?
See Garden Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, visit Stone Mountain Christmas, and catch Rudolph at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Older kids love the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker.
For free fun, try the tree lighting at The Battery or the lantern parade in Piedmont Park.
What are the free Christmas events in Atlanta?
Try the tree lighting and Santa's Post Office at The Battery, or Piedmont Park's lantern parade. The Alpharetta tree lighting and the Santa singalong at the Fox Theatre are free too.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
What are the best Christmas events in Atlanta for toddlers?
Short and early works best. Try the Alliance Theatre's show for babies and toddlers, or the puppet museum's holiday displays. A drive-through light show or Santa's train at the Southeastern Railway Museum are good picks too.
Look for the "Good for toddlers" label in the list.
Christmas in other cities
- Christmas in New York
- Christmas in Chicago
- Christmas in Boston
- Christmas in Washington, DC
- Christmas in Nashville
- Christmas in Seattle
- Christmas in Denver
- Christmas in San Diego
- Christmas in San Francisco
- Christmas in Los Angeles
- Christmas in Houston
- Christmas in San Antonio
- Christmas in Gatlinburg
- Christmas in Philadelphia
- Christmas in Pittsburgh
- Christmas in Las Vegas
- Christmas in Orlando
- Christmas in Miami
- Christmas in New Orleans
- Christmas in Charlotte
- Christmas in Kansas City
- Christmas in Dallas
- Christmas in Austin
- Christmas in Phoenix
- Christmas in St. Louis
- Christmas in Tampa
- Christmas in Cincinnati