The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Atlanta – 2019 Edition

When the holiday season starts, it seems that everything speeds up. There are gifts to buy, people to see, and parties to attend. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but don’t worry! Atlanta has you covered. This city is full of holiday activities for everyone to enjoy, great stores to buy your gifts, delicious restaurants to have a nice sit-down meal, and you’re near farms to get your Christmas Tree. Let’s start with the events happening in Atlanta!

How Can You Celebrate the Holidays in Atlanta?

Shows, lights, concerts—you can find it all in Atlanta. The city has so much happening, you’re going to want to start scheduling now so you don’t forget anything and can start making plans.

• Callaway Gardens Christmas: Fantasy in Lights. The Fantasy in Lights display is on National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays. The entire family can enjoy the wonderful displays from November 15-January 4.
• Skate the Station. Finally, winter is here and it’s time for fun winter activities— and who doesn’t love ice skating? You can skate at Atlantic Station from November 15-January 20 on the largest outdoor ice rink in the southeast.
• Snow Mountain. Speaking of winter sports, you may want to head to the slopes. Those who ski, snowboard, or love to go tubing should get a pass at Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park for November 16 until February 23.
• Stone Mountain Christmas. Starting November 16 and ending on January 5, you can make the most of the season and enjoy the holiday magic with music, light displays, and shows.
• Enchanted Garden of Lights. From November 22-December 23, and December 25-January 4, you can go see Rock City’s holiday tradition. There will be live music, treats, and the best decorations in town. Make sure to get your tickets!
• Santa’s Cottage at Atlanta Station Grand Opening. Santa has arrived! Come visit Santa on November 23 from 12-5 p.m. at Atlantic Station. If you cannot make that date, don’t worry—Santa will be in his cottage until Christmas Eve.
• The Nutcracker Ballet. See the gorgeous ballet of the Nutcracker performed by Atlanta Ballet starting on November 27 and playing on select days throughout December. Check out their schedule so you can plan when you’re going to see the show.   
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Live Christmas music is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. See what the ASO is performing in late November and December. Their schedule is full of holiday shows.  
• Blue Ridge Santa Express. All aboard! Who wants to embark on a train ride with Santa? You can take this scenic train ride from November 29-December 23. Listen to ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, sing carols, and more!
• Christmas at Callanwolde. The fine arts center has an exciting Designer Show House & Holiday Market from November 29-December 7. Make sure to check it out.
• Children’s Christmas Parade. The Children’s Christmas Parade is put on by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. See the floats, hear the music, and enjoy the parade on December 7 from 10:20 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Fernbank After Dark: Holiday Party. On December 13 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., you enjoy the activities, music, and movies the museum has to offer. Check out the displays, or the Festivi-trees, and don’t forget they’ll be serving craft beer, cocktails, and small plates for a small fee. This event is strictly 21 and over.
• Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity 2019. See the Nativity Story through the lens of African-American dance and gospel. The show is on December 13, 14, and 15.
• Candlelight Nights at Atlanta History Center. See the gorgeous decorations, stroll through the Christmas Market, and learn about the history of Christmas. These events are on December 13 and 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Atlanta History Center.

Now that you know where to go for holiday fun in Atlanta, you can focus on the other major part of the season: gift-giving.

Atlanta Can Help You Complete Your Holiday Shopping List

There’s always one or two people on the list that stumps the buyer each year. It can seem like you have no idea what to get them. Check out these unique Atlanta stores—there’s something for everyone here.

• Seed Factory. Are you buying for little ones or someone who has little ones? Seed Factory has plenty of clothes and baby books that are sure to be a hit!
• Young Blood Boutique. You can find goods made by artists from all over the country. Quality and craftsmanship are displayed and respected here.
• Junkman’s Daughter. This alternative store is full of unique and bizarre items. There are bound to be finds here that will become treasured possessions for the person you buy them for.
• The Beehive. Supporting small boutiques and local artists is important, especially during the holidays. The Beehive has everything you could want: clothes, home goods, candles—you name it, they got it.
• Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. Another local toy store with a wonderful selection. The best part about this store is their focus on unplugged toys. These allow children to use their imagination and something new will be possible each time they play with the toys.

You can breathe a sigh of relief that your Christmas shopping is done. It’s time to catch up with friends and family. A nice night out is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the company of those you love most.

Where Can Families and Friends Gather for a Meal in the City?

There isn’t a shortage of food options in Atlanta. Here are some restaurants that will have something good for even the pickiest of eaters:

• Staplehouse. This restaurant has a menu subject to change. Combining factors like the time of year, the fresh food that’s available, and what inspires the cooks that day all come together to form a dynamic menu that will always have something interesting and delicious.
• Local Three Kitchen & Bar. Located on Northside Parkway, this restaurant offers lunch, brunch, and dinner. They also have an extensive whiskey menu.
• Proof Bakeshop. If you’re busy in the evening, don’t worry, you can make earlier plans at Proof Bakeshop. You can get breakfast, lunch, and select from the abundance of baked goods available.
• Kimball House. Have anyone adventurous in your group? Check out Kimball House to try absinthe and raw oysters. They have a happy hour Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• ASW Distillery. Get a group together and do a distillery tour. Enjoy drinks of all kinds and have a fun night at a local distillery.
• Monday Night Brewing. You can tour a brewing company with a large selection of beer that will have something for everyone. Monday Night Brewing also offers tours.

Spending quality time with family and friends is one of the best parts of the season. We hope you take full advantage of all the great spots in the city to bring everyone together as much as possible.

Finding the Finest Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees Near Atlanta 

Having a perfect Christmas tree is often the pinnacle of a successful holiday season. These farms near Atlanta are sure to have the tree best suited for you:

• Big John’s Christmas Trees. You’ll be sure to get a lovely tree for your family from Big John’s! They will be celebrating their 70th anniversary in Atlanta, so be sure to check out their numerous retail locations.
• Tree Elves. A farm close to Atlanta, Tree Elves offers a unique experience. They have trees of all different sizes and can deliver you tree if necessary. What sets them apart is their elves will deliver your tree.
• Yule Forest Christmas Tree Farm. Get your fresh cut tree, wreaths, and garlands at Yule Forest. They have a wide selection of trees and are about a half hour out of Atlanta.

The smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree solidifies the holiday season’s presence and it’s time to enjoy. Get your lights and ornaments on the tree and start looking forward to the gifts that will be under it!

Enjoy the Holiday Season from Bey & Associates

Bey & Associates hopes everyone in Georgia has a happy and safe holiday season. We’re excited to celebrate this time where we’re encouraged to be merry and look forward for what the new year will bring. Happy holidays!