There's no place quite like home during the holidays - cities sparkling with lights, laughter and endless ways to make memories with family and friends. From magical shows, to interactive experiences to twinkling light displays, there's something special for everyone to enjoy this season!
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Botanical Garden
Walk among millions of lights as you stroll through the natural illuminated beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Expect features such as a Tunnel of Light, nature inspired installations and paths leading to skyline views. Dance among the orbs or take a selfie in the Nature’s Wonders. Enjoy hot cocoa or your favorite cocktail while strolling through the synchronized lights and holiday music. This is one holiday tradition that you will want to repeat year after year. https://atlantabg.org/plan-your-visit/atlanta-garden-calendar/garden-lights-holiday-nights/
Illuminights Zoo Atlanta
More amazing photo opportunities await you at Illuminights at the Zoo. Bring the kids and their wide, eager eyes to enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores by the fire. Then, walk the mile-long path lit by the glow of hundreds of delicate silk lanterns, illuminating holiday and nature scenes from all around the world. Expect to see stunning sights like a 100-foot dragon or a 23-foot tall jellyfish lit by LED lights. Bring your selfie stick and some fun poses to an event you will want to make an annual outing. https://zooatlanta.org/event/
IllumiNights Callaway Gardens
Fantasy in Lights Kick off the holiday season with a drive through one of the most magical experiences imaginable. Enjoy Fantasy in Lights, a Georgia holiday tradition as you glide along a seven-mile path in the comfort of your own vehicle. Explore 2,500 acres and experience the Callaway Christmas Village, a forty-foot Tree of Traditions Pixel Pine and Santa and friends as you pass through over 10 million twinkling lights. https://www.callawaygardens.com/beach/events/fantasy-in-lights/
Marietta’s Strand Theatre Holiday Events
There are plenty of opportunities to fill your need for all things holiday! Holiday shows and musical performances include "The Strand Ole Opry-A Country Christmas", "Bright Star-Steve Martin’s Blue Ridge Mountain Musical" or even "Sanders Family Christmas, a gospel sing-a-long". If you are a holiday movie buff, come see "A Christmas Story", "Home Alone" or stop in for an ALL DAY screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the Tuesday before Christmas. Come experience the ambiance of this historic theatre and Cobb icon at this wonderful time of year. https://earlsmithstrand.org/
Dollywood
Smoky Mountain Christmas transforms the park into a glowing winter wonderland with more than six million lights, including eight new mega trees debuting this year. Honored with Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Legend Award after winning “Best Christmas Event” a record 16 years in a row, the festival blends dazzling displays with world-class entertainment, from Broadway-style shows like Christmas in the Smokies to outdoor favorites including Appalachian Christmas and nightly fireworks in the Merry & Bright! Families can ride the Dollywood Express through illuminated color zones, meet whimsical holiday characters, or discover Santa’s “Naughty or Nice” list. www.dollywood.com/plan-your-visit/christmas/
Fernbank Museum Winter Wonderland and Traditions Around the World
Christmas is celebrated all over the world in various ways and Fernbank Museum has brought the beauty to one amazing exhibition that showcases decorated trees and displays of the season. Fernbank brings artistry and the culture of each country into one central location to be celebrated by all. In addition, you can stay for Fernbank After Dark and WildWoods: AGLOW and enjoy a walk through a forest that has been transformed into a holiday wonderland. https://fernbankmuseum.org/
Winter Wonderland World of Illumination-Candy Rush
Imagine an illuminated candy land, shimmering with lights and oozing holiday charm. Come to a world of giant sized christmas confections, Gingerbread villages and iridescent sugar-plum fairies. At the World of Illumination-Candy Rush you will have the chance to experience the world’s largest drive-through audio-visual event. Holiday traditions can begin here as you make memories with friends and loved ones while snapping a cool selfie. https://www.worldofillumination.com/
City Springs Theatre The Wizard of Oz
So much happens on the stage at City Springs Theatre. Offering everything from theatrical performances by seasoned pros and talented novices to conservatory training and competition teams, City Springs Theatre is a beacon for theatre goers and actors alike. Come and experience the magic of the stage with The Wizard of Oz and its beloved cast of characters while entertaining your holiday guests. https://www.cityspringstheatre.com/
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center - The Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker
No holiday would be complete without a visit with sugarplum fairies, the land of dolls and the Nutcracker himself. Dress up and don your finest, you’re going to the ballet! Enjoy the artful dancing of the Atlanta Ballet and its yearly homage to Tchaikovsky, Petipa and Ivanov’s creative rendition of one of Dumas’s greatest accomplishments. The Atlanta Ballet’s performance will be an event that will spur the next generation to create its own traditions for years to come. https://www.cobbenergycentre.com/
Marietta Performing Arts Center - GA Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops
Christmas and holiday classics performed by the Georgia Symphony Orchestra and the Georgia Symphony Orchestra Chorus will bring sentimental vibes and nostalgia to your holiday. Expect audience sing-a-longs that include traditional Christmas music performed in unique and fresh musical arrangements. You might even have a special guest with a round belly visit before the evening comes to a close. https://mpac.marietta-city.org/