Atlantans may not always get the dreamy white Christmas everyone gets so hyped up about around this time of year, but they sure know a thing or two about spreading Christmas cheer. Whether you’re spending your first Christmas here or you’re simply looking for new ideas to spice up the holidays for you and your family, we’ve compiled a list of festive things you can do to celebrate this season and make amazing memories. Check them out below.
#1 Down a few eggnogs and then some at the Miracle Bar
The Miracle Bar is a pop-up Christmas-themed bar where you can get holiday-themed drinks along with a few classics. They serve good food that you can nibble on, too, while feasting your eyes on their kitschy holiday decor.
Locals and visitors alike look forward to grabbing a few drinks at the Miracle Bar every year so if you’re planning on coming, especially with a rather big group, you should consider making a reservation so you don’t end up going home disappointed.
The Miracle Bar
931 Monroe Drive, 30308, map
Dates: November 26th to December 26th, 2022
Admission: FREE
#2 Enjoy the classic Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker
A treasured tradition in the city of Atlanta, the annual performance of Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a must-see for everyone. What makes this year’s show much more special is the fact that this will be the last year that Atlanta Ballet will be doing their 20-year-old classic rendition of The Nutcracker. Next year, they’re set to debut a newer version which is definitely something to look forward to.
Atlanta ballet’s The Nutcracker
2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, 30339, map
Performance Dates: December 9-26, 2022
Admission: $30-$160
#3 Shop for Christmas gifts at the Atlanta Christkindl Market
Looking for unique gifts to give away this year? Instead of hitting up the mall and wrapping another mass-produced generic gift for your friends and family, head over to the Atlanta Christkindl Market instead and take your pick from a bunch of vendors selling unique, handcrafted, and artisanal gift items.
If you’re looking for that authentic German Christkindlmarkt experience, look no further. Aside from holiday crafts and gift items, the Atlanta Christkindl Market is also teeming with authentic German food and beverages that’ll take your tastebuds to Europe for a fraction of the cost.
Atlanta Christkindl Market
290 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, 30305, map
Dates: November 25 – December 24, 2022
Admission: FREE
Prices for products, foods, and beverages vary
#4 Get your own little piece of White Christmas at Ponce City Market
Missing the snow? We’re not going to recommend you go to one of those places that have fake snow (aka suds) on blast. Those will just get you sticky and smelling like soap. Instead, we recommend going to Ponce City Market where you can go ice skating while enjoying the Atlanta skyline and feeling the cold, crisp Christmas air. Too cold? They’ve got igloos set up, too, where you can enjoy yummy grub and sip on their specialty seasonal cocktails while you wait for the skaters to finish.
Ponce City Market Ice Skating
675 Ponce De Leon Ave, 30308, map
Admission: $10 roof entry + $15 skating
#5 Feast your eyes on the holiday lights at the Botanical Garden
See thousands of lights light up the night sky at the Botanical Garden and enjoy a cool, comfy walk around the park while you marvel at the light-covered trees, bushes, flowers, and seasonal plants. Some light displays are programmed to sync to music to make the experience even more enjoyable. Make sure to check the weather before you buy your tickets, though, as they’re non-refundable and the Botanical Garden does not offer rain checks for inclement weather.
Botanical Garden: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, 30309, map
Dates: November 12, 2022 – Jan 14, 2023
Admission: $27.95 – $129
Christmas is always more magical when you spend it with family and friends. Take them to these Christmas spots and make holiday memories that you’ll cherish for the years to come.