10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
The holidays have officially taken over and this weekend is packed with festive vibes, seasonal celebrations, and must-attend events! From sparkling holiday markets to jaw-dropping light displays, Atlanta is serving up non-stop magic for everyone. Whether you’re decking the halls with family or hitting the town with friends, these 10 things to do in Atlanta will keep your calendar full!
And take note! All the creatures are stirring during Holidays at Georgia Aquarium. From November 15 to January 2, the magic of the winter season returns to downtown Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays in Georgia Aquarium’s completely transformed atrium with festive music, winter inspired projections, and our 40-foot live tree. Georgia Aquarium is excited to bring back holiday favorites including photos with Santa, daily tree lighting and festive, themed dolphin and sea lion shows. It’s going to be a wonderful Holiday season, so come create new memories with your family at Holidays at Georgia Aquarium delivered by Norfolk Southern!
Holidays at Georgia Aquarium
From now to January 2, experience a winter wonderland like never before. Watch the Georgia Aquarium transforms with dazzling lights, enchanting music, and magical winter projections—all centered around a breathtaking 40-foot live tree. Snap a pic with Santa, watch the festive tree lighting daily, and enjoy holiday-themed dolphin shows that will make your season sparkle.
Location: Downtown Atlanta - 225 Baker St NW; Date: Now-January 2; Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Admission: $39.99; Website: georgiaaquarium.org
Trivia Night at The Escape Gamebar
Ready to prove you’re the trivia champ? Head to The Escape Gamebar—Brookhaven’s go-to neighborhood game bar! Gather your team, dive into rounds of fun, and compete for awesome prizes. Sign-up opens at 6:30pm, and trivia kicks off at 7pm.
Location: Brookhaven - 1441 Dresden Dr; Date: November 21; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: itstimetoescape.com
Atlanta Christkindl Market
Celebrate the holiday season at the Atlanta Christkindl Market, where the warmth of traditional German festivities meets the lively spirit of Atlanta. Enjoy a range of delicious treats and discover unique, handcrafted items as you explore this enchanting market.
Location: Buckhead - 3035 Peachtree Rd; Date: November 22-December 24; Time: 3-8 p.m. (Mon-Thurs); 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Fri-Sun); Admission: Free; Website: christkindlmarket.org
Santa’s Post Office Presented by Truist
Experience a magical winter wonderland where kids (and the young at heart) can write and send letters directly to Santa at Truist Park. Watch their eyes light up as they craft their holiday wishes and receive a special reply from the North Pole! From festive photo ops to heartwarming surprises, this is the ultimate Christmas experience you won’t want to miss.
Location: Southeast Atlanta - 755 Battery Ave SE; Date: November 22-December 24; Time: 2-6 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: batteryatl.com
Light the Station
Get ready to be dazzled at Light the Station, Atlanta’s ultimate holiday kickoff at Atlantic Station! This event will ignite the season with over 250,000 twinkling lights, a breathtaking Christmas tree, and endless holiday cheer. Grab your family, friends, and that someone special for an evening filled with festive performances, live music, and the chance to meet Santa himself!
Location: Atlantic Station - 1380 Atlantic Dr NW; Date: November 23; Time: 6-9:30 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: atlanticstation.com
Black Entrepreneurs Day
This powerhouse event honors the innovation and resilience of Black business owners with inspiring conversations featuring icons like Charlamagne tha God, Flavor Flav, Kelly Rowland, Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Jordan Chiles. And it gets even better—enjoy a show-stopping live performance by global superstar 2 Chainz.
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 660 Peachtree St NE; Date: November 23; Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: $24 and up; Website: blackentrepreneursday.com
A Very Grinchy Christmas
Prepare for a holiday mashup like no other in Southern Ballet Theatre’s “A Very Grinchy Christmas”! Follow the ultimate Christmas-hater, the Grinch, as he sets out to swipe every gift in Whoville, only to find himself leading a battle royale between the Nutcracker, Rat King, dolls, mice, and toy soldiers. Don’t miss this new holiday classic that’s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and unforgettable!
Location: Duluth - 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy; Date: November 23-24; Time: Show times vary, see website; Admission: $18.50; Website: gassouthdistrict.com
Georgia Festival of Trees
Step into a winter wonderland at the Georgia Festival of Trees—an event packed with holiday magic for all ages! Wander through a sparkling forest of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, enjoy live entertainment, and dive into hands-on fun with kids’ activities, sugar cookie decorating, and a show-stopping Gingerbread House competition. Find perfect gifts at charming boutique shops and make lasting memories with family and friends.
Location: Duluth - 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy; Date: November 23-December 1; Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: $18.95; Website: gafestivaloftrees.org
Six Flags Holiday at the Park
Get swept away by the season’s magic with an unforgettable lineup of live holiday performances! Enjoy festive music, stunning light displays, and heartwarming shows that bring the holiday spirit to life for all ages. From breathtaking stage productions to interactive storytelling experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Location: Austell - 275 Riverside Pkwy; Date: November 23-January 5; Time: Times vary, see website; Admission: $35 and up; Website: sixflags.com
Midtown Artisan Market Holiday Edition
Get ready to shop local and discover hidden gems at the Midtown Artisan Market! This one-of-a-kind event is packed with handmade treasures, from unique art pieces and jewelry to stylish decor and gourmet treats—all crafted by local artists and makers.
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 1093 Peachtree St NE; Date: November 24; Time: noon to 6 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: eventeny.com
Holiday pop-up bars in Atlanta: Festive drinks, cozy vibes and winter …