15 of the best holiday experiences in and around Atlanta

There are so many ways to celebrate the holiday season in and around Atlanta. From tree lightings to professionally produced performances to last-minute shopping, here are just a few ways to be entertained and inspired alongside loved ones as the holidays approach.

Georgia Festival of Trees

If you haven’t rounded up the family, headed out to gaze at a veritable forest of meticulously decorated Christmas trees and taken a ride on the Pink Pig, you haven’t truly been celebrating! We’re talking about the annual Georgia Festival of Trees, of course. You’ll find the iconic train updated to be an open, rail-less ride. Catch one of many performances from area groups and participate in the area’s largest gingerbread decorating contest while you’re there!

Location: Gas South Convention Center; Website: gafestivaloftrees.org; Dates: Now-Dec. 1; Times: Times vary - check website; Admission: $15-$21

“A Christmas Carol” at the Alliance Theater

This Charles Dickens holiday classic is not to be missed at the Alliance Theater this season. Roam the streets of London with Ebenezer Scrooge. A glittering cast and live music bring the story to life.

Location: Alliance Theater; Website: alliancetheatre.org; Dates: Now-Dec. 24; Times: Times vary - check website; Admission: $20-$125

Center for Puppetry Arts - “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

Based on the 1964 TV special, this stage presentation of the world’s favorite red-nosed reindeer will delight audience members of all ages. A holiday tale designed to appeal to the inner misfit in all of us, this show features Rudolph and his friend, Hermey the Elf, pursued by Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster. It’s a heartwarming depiction of self-discovery that will likely become a classic for your family! Sensory-friendly and ASL performances are available.

Location: Center for Puppetry Arts; Website: puppet.org; Dates: Now-Dec. 29; Times: Times vary - check website; Admission: $26.75-$32

Holidays at Georgia Aquarium

The atrium at the Georgia Aquarium will become a holiday wonderland with a live, 40-foot tree; winter projections; and season-appropriate music. Discover photos with Santa, holiday-centric dolphin shows and daily tree lighting!

Location: Georgia Aquarium; Website: georgiaaquarium.org; Dates: Now-Jan. 2; Times: Hours vary - see website; Admission: $39.99-$64.99

Stone Mountain Park Christmas

Experience the park after dark, and make holiday memories under the lights! The Stone Mountain Park Christmas event offers several nighttime experiences that will bring the season to life: The Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Northern Lights 3D Immersive Experience, Princess Aurora’s Light Spectacular, Skylights Spectacular and the Musical Frosted Forest.

Location: Stone Mountain Park; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Now-Jan. 5; Times: 4-9 p.m.; Admission: $34.99-$49.99

Skate the Station

Get out on the ice and skate the day away! This outdoor venue at Atlantic Station offers the perfect opportunity to get moving and to socialize with friends and family.

Remember to check Atlantic Station’s social channels for updates on this weather-permitting activity.

Location: Atlantic Station; Website: atlanticstation.com; Dates: Now-Jan. 15; Times: Monday-Friday - 4-10 p.m., Saturday - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday - noon to 8 p.m.; Admission: $17-$90

License to Chill Snow Island

Open your holiday celebrations with a trip (or 10) down Georgia’s only snow tubing slide. Or glide around the ice skating rink. Or start a snowball fight in the snow play area. With fresh snow blown in daily, Lake Lanier Island is bringing the fun! Don’t forget to stay and try out all the carnival rides, and when you’re tired, grab a break at the glacier cafe!

Location: Lake Lanier Islands; Website: lanierislands.com; Dates: Now-Feb. 23; Times: Hours vary - check website; Admission: $34.99-$149.99

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - Loganville

Kick off your festivities with a parade of lights through downtown Loganville. Afterward, at the Town Green, meet Santa and see the city’s Christmas tree lit.

Location: Downtown Loganville; Website: facebook.com; Date: Nov. 30; Time: 7 p.m.; Admission: Free

Victorian Christmas at Hardeman Farm - Helen

Head north to Helen to experience Christmas the Victorian way at Hardeman Farm, a state historic site just outside town. The Mansion at West End will be decorated a la Christmas 1877 with reenactors in period dress. Learn all about Victorian holiday traditions, enjoy the candlelight and s’mores!

Location: Hardeman Farm; Website: explore.gastateparks.org; Dates: Friday and Saturday nights in December; Times: 4-7 p.m.; Admission: $12-$20

Atlanta Food Tour

There’s nothing like celebrating the holidays with festive fare. By the numbers, the Atlanta Food Tour is two hours of delicious tastings of nine dishes from four of the city’s prominent food vendors. Learn about the city’s history as you stroll the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, and get up close and personal with the prep process for classic Southern dishes - and learn how to make perfect biscuits, too!

Location: Sweet Auburn Curb Market; Website: unexpectedatlanta.com; Dates: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in December; Times: 11 a.m., select Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.; Admission: $80

Holiday Lights - Dunwoody

Can’t quite get your fill of Christmas lights? The city of Dunwoody has you covered with this event at Brook Run Park. It’s apres-ski-centric with Adirondack chairs, a faux snow factory, a huge snow globe and more. The display comprises 85,000 lights that will glow throughout the park until Dec. 31.

Location: Brook Run Park; Website: dunwoodyga.gov; Date: Dec. 1; Times: 4-8 p.m.; Admission: Free

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - Powder Springs

Ring in the season with the sounds and sights of a Christmas parade through downtown Powder Springs. Afterward, at Thurman Springs Park, enjoy free pictures with Santa, Christmas tree lighting, cookies, cocoa and more!

Location: Downtown Powder Springs; Website: cityofpowdersprings.org; Date: Dec. 6; Time: 6:30 p.m.; Admission: Free

The Nutcracker at the Cobb Energy Center

Experience holiday magic unlike any other. It’s time for “The Nutcracker” again at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Presented by one of the country’s most prestigious dance companies, the Atlanta Ballet, this performance perfectly brings this classic tale to life. Between sugarplum fairies, falling snow, and a classic Tchaikovsky score, prepare to be transported and entertained.

Location: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center; Website: atlantaballet.com; Dates: Dec. 7-26; Times: Times vary - see website; Admission: $30-$164

Grant Park Candlelit Tour of Homes

On Saturday only, a one-hour walk through Oakland Cemetery’s gardens and architecture kicks off this unique tour of homes. Later, walk through some of Atlanta’s finest homes by the glow of candlelight and see them decorated in all their holiday finery!

Location: Grant Park; Website: candlelighttourofhomes.com; Dates: Dec. 14-15; Times: Saturday - 6-10 p.m., Sunday - 5-9 p.m.; Admission: $30

Georgia Boy Choir

Magnificent choral music in a beautiful setting will set you up for your holiday celebrations. The Georgia Boy Choir is a touring choral group that not only brings top-notch music to its audiences but also allows local young men to experience of travel and performance. Don’t miss a chance to see them in their home city!

Location: Peachtree Road United Methodist Church; Website: georgiaboychoir.org; Date: Dec. 20; Times: 7-9 p.m.; Admission: $16.30-$41.80