There are many things to do in Atlanta with your family all year round. But it’s especially special during the Holiday Season and Christmas. Thanks to my friend from Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau who provides us with a great list of ways to create meaningful memories for families in Atlanta without breaking a budget.
Here are Top 10 Family-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Christmas & Holiday Season in Atlanta
1. The Nutcracker
The famed Holiday ballet continues to deliver year after year. For many families, it’s not Christmas without a trip to the Fabulous Fox Theatre for The Nutcracker, performed by the Atlanta Ballet—the oldest continually operating ballet company in the country. Make up for cuts in school art programs by exposing them to a wonderful holiday tradition.
2. Christmas via Puppet
Instead of watching the old claymation version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, why not watch it live? The Center for Puppetry Arts is the largest museum in the country dedicated to the art of puppets. The museum will have live shows based on the Christmas Special starting November 18.
3. Pink Pig
Kids need a little recess every now and then. That’s where the Pink Pig comes in. There aren’t many places where a pig symbolizes Christmas, but in Atlanta it wouldn’t be Christmas without a ride on the Pink Pig. The kid friendly roller coaster has been delighting families at the Macy’s store at Lenox Square since the 50’s.
4. Ice Skating
Like P.E. or playing on a sports team, there’s nothing like bonding over a little physical activity. There are a number of places to take the family ice skating in downtown Atlanta, including the St. Regis hotel and Centennial Olympic Park.
5. A Tree to Remember
“Yes son, that’s a real tree.” Imagine a 60 foot tree glowing with thousands of tiny lights. You can see Atlanta’s very own giant Christmas tree at Lenox Square Mall. They flip the switch Thanksgiving night.
6. Snow Mountain
How about science? Learn how snow is made (and play in it too). For the third year, Stone Mountain is turned into Snow Mountain, where families can play in 240 tons of the white fluffy stuff. USA Today called it “a perfect day for a girl from below the Mason-Dixon line.” Go tubing, try your hand in the Snowball Shooting Gallery, or get warm around the campfire while scarfing down S’mores. Snow Mountain opens December 11.
7. Gone to the Dogs
Don we now our Fido attire! It’s the 3rd annual Reindog Parade. Take your best friend to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a day of fun including a Doggie expo and warm refreshments. December 11 is the only day the Atlanta Botanical Garden is open to dogs.
8. Tea with Santa
Stay warm with afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton. Who better way to throw this party than Santa Clause? He’ll be there along with the Dickens singers to keep “Bah! Humbug!” at bay.
9. Feast on Gingerbread
The culinary arts are on display at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, where some of Atlanta’s best chefs create a delicious world. The Gingerbread Village is only up for 12 days, so you’d better hurry to see it. Then on December 12, you can buy one of the Gingerbread houses to take home.
10. See the World
Learn about Holiday traditions from around the globe at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Their “Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World” starts November 17.
