20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in January

Start the year off right by embracing your New Year’s resolutions with exciting, free events happening throughout metro Atlanta this January! Whether you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone, learn something new, or give back to the community, there’s no shortage of opportunities to kick-start 2025 with purpose and fun. From thrilling fan festivals and relaxing yoga sessions to hands-on volunteer projects and creative workshops, discover 20 amazing activities that will inspire and energize you.

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Fest - Georgia World Congress Center (Downtown)

Experience the ultimate game-day celebration at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest where thrilling attractions, live entertainment, and pep rallies featuring school mascots, bands, and cheerleaders await!

Location: Downtown - 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW; Website: chick-fil-apeachbowl.com/fanfest; Date: Wednesday, Jan. 1; Time: 8 a.m. to Noon

Yoga and Sound Bath - The Westin Peachtree Plaza (Downtown)

Kick off 2025 in style with Yoga & Sound at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, a free VIP experience blending rejuvenating yoga and an immersive sound bath complete with refreshing treats in the heart of Downtown Atlanta!

Location: Downtown - 210 Peachtree St. NW; Website: posh.vip/yoga-sound; Date: Wednesday, Jan. 1; Time: 10 a.m. to Noon

Frosty Fun: Frosty Finale - Duluth

Wrap up winter break with a day of frosty fun at the Frosty Finale at Duluth’s Town Green, where kids can enjoy inflatable slides, obstacle courses, free face painting, crafts, and more. Don’t miss this magical celebration before school starts!

Locations: Duluth - Town Green; Website: duluthga.net; Dates: Friday, Jan. 3 - Saturday, Jan. 4; Time: Noon to 6 p.m.

In-Store Kids Workshops - The Home Depot (Multiple Locations)

Join The Home Depot for this month’s Kids Workshop, featuring a Piggy Bank crafting event for children (while supplies last).

Locations: Atlanta Locations; Website: homedepot.com/kids; Date: Saturday, Jan. 4; Time: 9 a.m. to noon

Holidays in the ‘Haven - Brookhaven Park

Glide into the holiday spirit at Holidays in the ‘Haven! Enjoy free ice skating at Rudolph’s Rink, where skaters can reserve 45-minute sessions online or take advantage of limited walk-up spots.

Location: Brookhaven - 4158 Peachtree St. NE; Website: explorebrookhaven.com; Dates: Until Sunday, Jan. 5

Sunday FUNday: The Elephant in the Room - Michael C. Carlos Museum (Emory University)

Discover the magic of Ganesha at Sunday FUNday! Craft your own betel leaf Ganesha, explore his perspective with a creative SmARTy Pack, and bring home a symbol of luck and wisdom.

Location: Druid Hills - 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE; Website: carlos.emory.edu; Date: Sunday, Jan. 5; Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Dia de Reyes - Plaza Fiesta (Chamblee)

Telemundo Atlanta and Plaza Fiesta invite you to celebrate Three Kings Day! Enjoy music, gifts, and plenty of surprises for the whole family.

Location: Chamblee - 4166 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: plazafiesta.net; Date: Sunday, Jan. 5; Time: 2 p.m.

Only Murders in the Building Themed Trivia - Atlanta Hard Cider (Marietta)

Channel your inner detective at Only Murders in the Building-themed trivia! Test your knowledge of the Arconia’s twists and turns, and see if you’ve got what it takes to crack the case.

Location: Marietta - 1010 Roswell St. NE; Website: atlantahardcider.com; Date: Wednesday, Jan. 8; Time: 7-9 p.m.

Bach’s Lunch - First Presbyterian Church (Midtown)

Experience the musical brilliance of Joseph Skerik, the newest member of the Vega String Quartet. Enjoy this captivating performance, showcasing his exceptional talent, co-presented by the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta.

Location: Midtown - 1328 Peachtree St. NE; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Friday, Jan. 10; Time: Noon to 1 p.m.

Tree Tour: History and Change on the Atlanta Beltline - Eastside Trail

Join Tree Tour: History and Change for a stroll along Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. Led by Jeff Keesee, explore the evolving BeltLine Arboretum, discover fascinating historical and horticultural stories, and enjoy the fresh air as you take in the city views and seasonal highlights.

Location: East Atlanta - 240 North Highland Ave. NE; Website: treesatlanta.org; Date: Saturday, Jan. 11; Time: 9-10:30 a.m.

Bearing Witness: Unforgettable Stories from the Holocaust - The Breman Museum (Midtown)

Experience the powerful Bearing Witness: Unforgettable Stories from the Holocaust at The Breman Museum. Hear Hershel Greenblat’s incredible story of survival and resilience, and reflect on the history and lessons of the Holocaust. RSVP here.

Location: Midtown - 1440 Spring St. NW; Website: thebreman.org; Date: Sunday, Jan. 12; Time: 2-4 p.m.

Movie Mondays - Norcross

Enjoy free movies and light refreshments at Norcross Movie Mondays, held at the Cultural Arts & Community Center every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. Don’t miss the screenings of “The Nana Project” and “A Beautiful Mind.”

Location: Norcross - 10 College St. NW; Website: norcrossga.net; Dates: Monday, Jan. 13 and Monday, Jan. 27; Time: 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Red Monday Atlanta - Believe Music Hall

Celebrate the spirit of the city at Red Monday Atlanta! Hosted by Red Bull, this exclusive event honors the movers and shakers of Atlanta with a legendary night to rewind the clock to New Year’s Eve, perfect for industry professionals looking to keep the celebration going. Reserve a spot here.

Locations: Southeast - 181 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Monday, Jan. 13; Time: 9 p.m.

Access for All - High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art invites visitors to “Access for All,” a day of free admission featuring engaging art conversations, creative activities, and stunning performances for guests of all ages.

Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: high.org/access-for-all; Date: Wednesday, Jan. 15; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cozy Craft Night - Little Shop of Stories (Decatur)

Unwind and get creative at Cozy Craft Night! Bring your own craft to work on while enjoying a soothing reading from an all-ages classic. No craft? No problem! Plenty of coloring materials will be provided. RSVP to reserve your spot.

Location: Decatur - 133 E Court Square; Website: littleshopofstories.com; Date: Thursday, Jan. 16; Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: She Shall Not Be Moved - Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Atlanta History Center with “She Shall Not Be Moved,” a powerful event honoring the women who shaped the Civil Rights Movement. Discover inspiring stories, engage in civil rights-themed trivia, kids’ activities, panel discussions, and specially curated exhibits.

Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com; Date: Saturday, Jan 18; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service - Dunwoody Nature Center

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service at Dunwoody Nature Center’s MLK Day of Service. Participate in hands-on volunteer projects to enhance trails, gardens, and habitats, while reflecting on Dr. King’s values of unity and community engagement.”

Location: Dunwoody - 5343 Roberts Dr.; Website: dunwoodynature.org; Date: Monday, Jan. 20; Time: 9 a.m. to Noon or 1-3 p.m.

HIIT on the Lawn - Crunch Fitness Dunwoody

Get moving at HIIT on the Lawn with Crunch Fitness Dunwoody! Join the free, high-energy workout on the greenspace at Ashford Lane.

Location: Dunwoody - 4500 Olde Perimeter Way; Website: discoverdunwoody.com; Date: Saturday, Jan. 25; Time: 9 a.m.

Salsa Dancing Class - Politan Row

Kick off your New Year’s resolution by stepping outside your comfort zone and learning to dance salsa at Politan Row on the fourth Sunday of each month! Join the fun with free classes and live music from DJ Nova.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Sunday, Jan. 26; Time: 3:30 p.m.

Resilient Earth: The Exhibition - Northlake Mall

Embark on a transformative journey at Resilient Earth, an immersive exhibit by Science Gallery Atlanta. Discover your unique role in sustainability, reflect on your contributions to the planet’s health, and define your own “resilience identity” as you explore a path toward a more sustainable future.

Location: Northeast - 4800 Briarcliff Rd. NE; Website: atlanta.sciencegallery.com; Dates: Throughout January (until Wednesday, April 30)