10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
Get ready for an epic weekend in Atlanta! Whether you’re in the mood for a holiday show, looking to join the festive fun at a local event, or gearing up for a thrilling race, there’s no shortage of excitement in the city this weekend.
Plus, mark your calendars! Join the SCAD Bee Sharps, SCAD’s elite ensemble, for their annual Holiday Spectacular in Atlanta, featuring special Broadway guest stars Michael James Scott (Genie in Aladdin) and Caissie Levy (Elsa in Frozen). Hosted by Scott, this festive celebration includes holiday favorites and a performance by Levy of Let It Go. SCAD alumni Candice Glover, American Idol winner, and George Lovett, Showtime at the Apollo winner, add to the evening’s magic. Directed by Tony-nominated Mike Evariste, this event brings holiday classics to life. The show takes place at SCADshow on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m.
SCAD Bee Sharps present Holiday Spectacular
Step into a winter wonderland as Tony Award-nominated producer and SCAD artistic director Mike Evariste leads this festive celebration. With a mix of classic tunes and modern holiday hits, this annual tradition is the perfect way to ring in the season. Don’t miss the most spectacular event of the holidays—get your tickets now and celebrate in style!
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 1470 Spring St NW; Date: December 19; Admission: $15 and up; Time: Show starts at 7 p.m.; Website: scadshow.com
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Experience the magic as world-class dancers bring this timeless tale to life with dazzling choreography, breathtaking costumes, and larger-than-life puppets at the legendary Fox Theatre. Gather your family and friends, and don’t miss your chance to create unforgettable holiday memories.
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 660 Peachtree St NE; Date: December 19-20; Admission: $20 and up; Time: Times vary, see website; Website: foxtheatre.org
Ugly Sweater Adult Night at LEGO Discovery Center
Calling all adult LEGO fans! Throw on your best holiday ugly sweater and get ready for a night of festive fun, epic challenges, and TONS of LEGO prizes to win! This event is made just for grown-ups (18+) and will include a holiday-themed building competition, Create your very own LEGO ornament, Kingdom Quest challenge, a 4D movie theatre and so much more!
Location: Buckhead- 3500 Peachtree St NE; Date: December 20; Admission: $19.99; Time: 6-9 p.m.; Website: legodiscoverycenter.com
Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop
Enjoy a fun-filled, hands-on experience where you’ll decorate your own batch of holiday cookies with endless frosting, sprinkles, and festive toppings at the beautiful Epicurean Atlanta. Whether you’re perfecting your cookie-decorating skills or just looking for a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, this event is perfect for all ages.
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 1117 W Peachtree St NW; Date: December 20; Admission: $50; Time: 6-7:30 p.m.; Website: epicureanhotelatlanta.com
Christmas Spectacular by Safety Third Improv
Get ready to laugh your holiday socks off at the Christmas Spectacular by Safety Third Improv at Aurora Cineplex! This isn’t your average holiday show—expect hilarious, off-the-cuff comedy, unpredictable twists, and festive chaos as this talented crew puts a side-splitting spin on Christmas traditions.
Location: Roswell - 5100 Commerce Parkway; Date: December 20; Admission: $10.50; Time: 8-10 p.m.; Website: safetythirdimprov.com
Winter Wonderland Fest: Family Holiday Fun
Kick off the season with magical weekend activities the whole family will love, like breakfast with Mrs. Claus, Frosty’s snowy playland, sip and mingle at the small business holiday mixer and wrap it all up at a festive Sunday funday and holiday fashion show. From holiday crafts to community fun, Trilith is bringing the magic all weekend long.
Location: Fayetteville - 350 Trilith Pkwy; Date: December 20-22; Admission: $53.99 and up; Time: Times vary, see website; Website: playspacesus.com
Pop-In For Family Fun: Holiday Crafts
Bring the family to Marietta History Center and let your creativity shine as you make adorable holiday-themed crafts that will fill your home with cheer. From ornaments to keepsakes, this event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Location: Marietta - 1 Depot St; Date: December 21; Admission: Free; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: mariettahistory.org
Hip-Hop and R&B Bingo Brunch with Tom Swoope
ATL, it’s time to turn up! Tom Swoope’s Hip Hop and R&B Bingo is taking over City Winery Atlanta. This isn’t your typical bingo night—it’s a high-energy mashup of classic bingo with all your favorite Hip Hop and R&B bangers from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
Location: Old Fourth Ward (Ponce City Market) - 650 North Avenue NE; Date: December 21; Admission: $40; Time: Doors open at 11 a.m., show starts at noon; Website: citywinery.com
Jingle and Mingle at EAV’s Holiday Bash
Rock your ugliest sweater for a shot at cash prizes, then enjoy a night full of festive drinks, delicious bites, and non-stop holiday vibes at East Atlanta’s newest hotspot. At 9 p.m., the guest DJ will get the party started, followed by a karaoke singalong at 9:30 p.m. – it’s your chance to belt out your favorite holiday tunes and make unforgettable memories!
Location: East Atlanta - 469 Flat Shoals Ave SE; Date: December 21; Admission: Free; Time: Starts at 8 p.m.; Website: eavpub.com
Atlanta Jingle Bell Jog
Lace up your sneakers and jingle all the way to the Atlanta Jingle Bell Jog—the most festive fun run of the season! Whether you’re dashing through the 5K, strolling the 1-mile, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is packed with holiday spirit. Rock your best ugly sweater or Santa suit and join runners of all ages for a morning of jolly good fun, complete with holiday music, costumes, and even a special visit from Santa himself!
Location: Midtown (Piedmont Park) - 1322 Monroe Drive; Date: December 22; Admission: $20 and up; Time: Race starts at 9 a.m.; Website: runsignup.com
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