Family fun: 10 kid-friendly activities in Atlanta this December

The holiday season is officially here, and with it comes plenty of family-friendly fun! Whether you’re looking to light up the night with dazzling displays or enjoy seasonal magic at the theater, there’s no shortage of festive events to enjoy with the little ones this December. From classic Christmas performances to enchanting light shows and unique holiday twists, we’ve rounded up 10 exciting events throughout Atlanta guaranteed to make this season one to remember. So grab your scarves and mittens and get ready for a sleigh ride of unforgettable family moments. ‘Tis the season!

A Christmas Carol - Alliance Theater

The Alliance Theatre’s beloved production of “A Christmas Carol” is back, bringing Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale to life with a stunning twist. This magical adaptation features a breathtaking set, intricate costumes, and live music that will transport you straight to the streets of Victorian London. This cherished Atlanta holiday tradition is sure to leave the whole family filled with festive cheer and the spirit of the season!

Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: alliancetheatre.org; Dates: Now until Tuesday, Dec. 24; Admission: $25+

Cosmic Sleighride - World of Illumination

Get ready for a supersonic holiday adventure like no other at Cosmic Sleighride, produced by World of Illumination! Hop aboard your cosmic sleigh and join Shiny the Star as you race through the galaxy, soaring past the sun and zooming through Kris Kringle’s celestial portal. Along the way, you’ll encounter astro elves on hoverboards and journey to the dazzling Santa City, where all the holiday magic comes to life.

Location: Marietta - 250 Cobb Pkwy. N; Website: worldofillumination.com; Dates: Now until Sunday, Dec. 29; Time: 6 - 10 p.m.; Admission: $39.99+ (One ticket per vehicle)

Holiday in the Park - Six Flags Over Georgia

Celebrate the magic of the season at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia, where festive fun and thrills come together for a holiday experience like no other! The park is packed with festive shows, including the sparkling Grand Fir Tree Lighting Celebration, the high-energy Six Flags Holiday Spectacular, and the rhythm-filled Six Drummers Drumming that will get your toes tapping. Don’t forget to indulge in delicious holiday treats, warm up by the fire with s’mores, and snap a keepsake photo with Santa Claus.

Location: Austell - 275 Riverside Pkwy.; Website: sixflags.com; Dates: Now until Sunday, Jan. 5, 2024; Admission: $25+

Stone Mountain Christmas - Stone Mountain Park

Experience the magic of Stone Mountain Christmas, where millions of dazzling lights and festive music create a heartwarming holiday atmosphere. Don’t miss the spectacular Christmas Drone & Light Show, featuring 250 color-changing drones and a fireworks finale. Watch Santa take flight during the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony, stroll through the mesmerizing Musical Frosted Forest, and so much more!

Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Now until Sunday, Jan. 5, 2024; Admission: $34.99 for Children, $39.99 for Adults

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights - Atlanta Botanical Garden

Get ready to be dazzled at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, returning for its 14th spectacular year! This enchanting exhibition is brighter than ever, with the world’s largest synchronized light and sound display, Nature’s Wonders, lighting up the night. Explore giant plant sculptures from Alice’s Wonderland Returns, including the towering White Rabbit and the mischievous Cheshire Cat. Navigate the garden with an interactive GPS map and get real-time updates, so you won’t miss a single twinkle!

Location: Midtown - 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE; Website: atlantabg.org; Dates: Now until Sunday, Jan. 12; Admission: $26.95+ for Children ages 3-12, $29.95+ for Adults

Cookies with Santa - Zoo Atlanta

Have a jolly good time at Cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta! This festive event kicks off Santa’s holiday tour, offering families a chance to meet the big man himself and snap a professional photo to remember the moment. While you wait for your visit with Santa, enjoy delicious cookies, hot chocolate, holiday crafts, and plenty of merry photo ops. It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories and get into the holiday spirit.

Location: East Atlanta - 800 Cherokee Ave. SE; Website: zooatlanta.org; Dates: Saturday, Dec. 7 - Sunday, Dec. 8; Admission: $35+, Free for kids 2 and under

The Nutcracker - Cobb Energy Centre

Step into a winter wonderland with “The Nutcracker,” presented by Atlanta Ballet, and let this beautiful production sweep you away into a magical world. From falling snowflakes to twirling flowers and spinning stars, this reimagined performance brings Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life with breathtaking visuals and live music from the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Set against larger-than-life sets and stunning video projections, each moment is a feast for the eyes, with discoveries waiting for you at every turn.

Location: Cumberland - 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy.; Website: atlantaballet.com; Dates: Saturday, Dec. 7 - Thursday, Dec. 26; Admission: $30+

Frozen: The Musical - Byers Theatre

Prepare to be transported to the enchanted world of Arendelle with “Frozen: The Musical”! This dazzling production promises an unforgettable experience, featuring a fresh take on the beloved Disney classic. With brand-new songs, plus iconic hits like “Let It Go,” this musical is a frosty, fun-filled adventure for all ages. Join Elsa, Anna, and the gang for a thrilling ride full of magic, laughter, and heartwarming moments.

Location: Byers Theatre - 1 Galambos Wy.; Website: cityspringstheatre.com; Dates: Friday, Dec. 13 - Sunday, Dec. 29; Admission: $27 - $50

The Hip Hop Nutcracker - Fox Theatre

Break it down this holiday season with “The Hip Hop Nutcracker”! A fresh twist on the classic tale, this high-energy production blends Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with electrifying hip-hop moves. The vibrant show features an all-star cast of dancers, a live DJ, a violinist, and legendary MC Kurtis Blow. Full of love, community, and holiday cheer, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is the perfect family-friendly spectacle that will have you dancing in your seat!

Location: Midtown - 660 Peachtree St. NE; Website: foxtheatre.org; Date: Thursday, Dec. 26; Time: 7 p.m.; Admission: $42.50+

Noon Year’s Eve - The Hotel at Avalon (Alpharetta)

Ring in 2025 with a balloon drop at Avalon’s Noon Year’s Eve event! This family-friendly celebration is packed with fun for all ages, featuring live music from DJ Willy Wow, face painting, crafts, and a countdown to noon. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, a bubbly bar, and a photo booth. Tickets go on sale Dec. 3, so don’t miss out on this festive, noon-year celebration to remember!

Location: Alpharetta - 9000 Avalon Blvd.; Website: experienceavalon.com; Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31; Admission: $20, Free for Kids under 2