Festive fun: 13 kid-friendly holiday activities in metro Atlanta

If you’re looking for fun and festive activities to enjoy with your kids this holiday season, we’ve got you covered. There is so much to discover around metro Atlanta, from gift-making workshops and ice skating to The Nutcracker, various light displays and more. Check out some of the events listed below to spread holiday cheer and make this season even brighter for your little ones!

CHECK OUT: Your guide to holiday lights around metro Atlanta

Christmas on the Farm - Southern Belle Farms

Drive down to McDonough for Southern Belle Farm’s Christmas on the Farm celebrations, which are packed with exciting activities the whole family will enjoy. From farm animals and a gnome scavenger hunt to the reindeer express, ornament making, a gem mine and much more, there will be something for everyone.

Location: McDonough -  1658 Turner Church Rd.; Website: southernbellefarm.com/christmas; Contact: 770-288-2582; Dates: Now - Dec. 18; Admission: $14.95

Lights of Life University

At Life University’s “Lights of Life,” the entire family can ride through a spectacular light display. Not only do they offer a magical drive-through light display, but they also have a petting zoo, pony rides and a train ride for a fun night.

Location: Marietta - 1269 Barclay Cir.; Website: life.edu/lights-of-life; Contact: 770-426-2600; Dates: Now - Dec. 31; Admission: $10 per car

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Center for Puppetry Arts

Spend an afternoon seeing the Christmas classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the Center for Puppetry Arts. This delightful puppet show will bring holiday joy to the audience with its heartwarming story, joyous music and masterfully made puppets.

Location: Midtown - 1404 Spring St. NW; Website: puppet.org/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer; Contact: 404-873-3391; Dates: Now - Dec. 31; Admission: $36

Winter Wonderland - Fernbank Museum

Fernbank invites everyone to explore their annual holiday exhibit, “Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World.” Kids and families can immerse themselves among the magnificent decorations and trees that local cultural partners have decorated to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah and to highlight traditions, cuisine and visual arts from various cultures.

Location: Druid Hills - 767 Clifton Rd.; Website: fernbankmuseum.org/winterwonderland; Contact: 404-929-6300; Dates: Now - Jan. 6, 2023; Admission: $22.95 for ages 3-12, $24.95 for ages 13+

IllumiNights at the Zoo: Chinese Lantern Festival - Zoo Atlanta

In collaboration with Hanart Culture, Zoo Atlanta presents their most unique light experience, IllumiNights. It is a wildlife-illuminated nocturnal wonderland that celebrates the wonder and beauty of the natural world and will surely impress even the youngest of visitors.

Location: East Atlanta - 800 Cherokee Ave. SE; Website: zooatlanta.org; Contact: 404-624-5600; Dates: Now - Jan. 15, 2023; Admission: $17.99 for children ages 3-11, $20.99 for ages 12+

Ice Skating - Park Tavern

This holiday season, take the whole family ice skating at Park Tavern. Located in Piedmont Park, the Park Tavern ice skating rink is a winter destination that will get everyone in the festive spirit. Guests will have unbeatable views of the Midtown skyline, making for an unforgettable experience.

Location: Midtown - 500 10th St. NE; Website: parktavern.com/the-ice-rink; Contact: 404-249-0001; Dates: Now - Jan. 16, 2023; Admission: $15 Mon - Thurs, $20 Fri - Sun

CHECK OUT: Shop local at these independent toy stores in metro Atlanta

Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker - Cobb Energy Performance Center

Take the kids to the Atlanta Ballet’s newest version of The Nutcracker for a fantastic show that is packed with amazing visuals, costumes, sets and cutting-edge technology. Your entire family will have a wonderful time, and you’ll want to return again year after year.

Location: Cumberland - 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy.; Website: atlantaballet.com/nutcracker; Contact: 770-916-2800; Dates: Dec. 9 - 26; Admission: $30 - $100+ (Prices vary depending on day/time)

Winterfest - Virginia Highland

“Winterfest” in Virginia Highland is a two-day holiday event for people of all ages. Families can explore some of the most vibrantly decorated homes during the Tour of Lights on Friday night while listening to carollers sing classic Christmas songs. Then on Saturday, there is a two-mile Jingle Jog in the morning (a great way to get the kiddos active), then a holiday parade where you’ll see plenty of festive characters as well as an Artist Market that will feature an assortment of vendors, including local high school students, that will sell their goods and crafts.

Website: virginiahighlanddistrict.com/winterfest; Dates: Dec. 9 and 10; Admission: $30 for adults, kids under 12 are free

Kids Holiday Tech Festival and Toy Drive - KITT Labs

Hosted by Kids Next Code, this free event is a great opportunity for kids and parents to check out a variety of STEM-related games and activities. There will be STEM and gaming trucks, music, food and giveaways on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun, tech-filled day. Toy and monetary donations are encouraged. All toys will be donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and all monetary donations will go towards Kids Next Code’s laptop and scholarship funds for Georgia’s underserved youth.

Location: Northwest - 640 North Ave. NW, Suite 200; Website: eventbrite.com/kids-holiday-tech-festival; Contact: 404-414-252; Date: Dec. 10; Admission: Free

Coca-Cola Caravan - World of Coca-Cola

On Saturday, Dec. 10, the Coca-Cola Caravan will make a stop in front of the World of Coca-Cola as part of its 25th-anniversary tour. Come take part in the festive games and photo opportunities. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and former Atlanta Falcons players Harry Douglas and DJ Shockley will all be in attendance. Click here to see where else the caravan is spreading holiday cheer throughout Atlanta.

Location: Downtown - 121 Baker St. NW; Website: coca-cola.com/holiday/caravan; Contact: 404-676-5151; Date: Dec. 10; Admission: Free

Merry Little Christmas - Downtown Lawrenceville

Enjoy Lawrenceville’s holiday season cheer with their Merry Little Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 10, in downtown Lawrenceville. Kids will have fun posing with Santa, checking out the Christmas lights and singing along to Christmas music. Best of all, it is a free event.

Location: Lawrenceville - 210 Luckie St.; Website: downtownlawrencevillega.com; Contact: 678-407-6653; Date: Dec. 10; Admission: Free

Celebrate Hanukkah: A Cultural Exploration - Children’s Museum of Atlanta

On Sunday, Dec. 11, celebrate Hanukkah at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta with guest Michael Levine, who will give a special musical performance. All age groups will enjoy the interactive songs and stories about Shabbat, holidays and Jewish traditions.

Location: Downtown - 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW; Website: facebook.com/event; Contact: 404-659-5437; Date: Dec. 11; Admission: $19.95

Gift Making Marathon - Clubhouse Kid and Craft

If your little one enjoys being creative, bring them to Clubhouse Kid and Craft’s full-day Gift Making Marathon event for ages 5-7 and 8-12 to get their holiday juices flowing. As they get into the festive spirit, they will craft handmade gifts for loved ones all day long while drinking hot cocoa and singing Christmas carols. Candles, lanterns, lip balm, jewelry, ornaments and other gifts will be crafted.

Location: Decatur - 533 W. Howard Ave.; Website: clubhousekidandcraft.com/classes; Contact: 470-355-8305; Dates: Dec. 19 - 22; Admission: $108 (Full day, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)