Southern hospitality and earnest cheer warm the winter months in Atlanta, as the city hosts numerous festivities and events. Check out some of our top picks, and learn a little something new about the Big Peach:
The Pink Pig really gets around
For over 50 years (excepting one small gap in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s), Atlanta residents have kicked off the winter season with a ride on the Priscilla the Pink Pig – currently located atop the Macy’s parking garage in Buckhead’s Lenox Square. But did you know that the original Priscilla (and her companion train “Percival”) was a staple of the now-defunct Rich’s department store? The ride began in the toy department at Rich’s before moving to a rooftop track, which was later expanded further – before the entire thing was discontinued in 1995 and donated to the Atlanta History Center. Now back atop the roof at Macy’s, kids of all ages are invited to visit one of Atlanta’s most unique holiday traditions.
Atlanta Motor Speedway lights up the track
Celebrate the holiday season as Atlanta Motor Speedway turns into one of the biggest drive-through Christmas light parks you’ll ever see! The route includes portions of the legendary oval-shaped racing surface. Lit up with more than a million LED lights, experience the track like never before. There’s also a Christmas Village to explore on Friday and Saturday nights; follow up your drive with a cup of hot chocolate and a stroll through the sights.
You can experience a 5K like no other at The Rock Ranch
If you need a break from the big city crowds, escape to the beautiful landscape of The Rock Ranch in the central Georgian community of The Rock. Just an hour south of Atlanta, The Rock Ranch hosts fun activities throughout the autumn months – including a corn maze, hay and pony rides, paddleboats, pumpkin cannons, and much more. But it’s December when things really begin to “shine” here: an extensive, drive-through lights display is showcased throughout the month. What’s more, the ranch hosts an annual nighttime 5K, where participants can run (or walk) through just over three miles of festive lighting.
The Peach drops at midnight
With the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the southeast, locals ring in the New Year with a full day of rides, games, and live entertainment at historic Underground Atlanta. Attendance is free, so there’s no excuse not to swing by and check out the celebrations. The evening culminates with the drop of an 800-pound peach to mark the arrival of midnight, followed immediately by a sky-illuminating fireworks show.
Sweet Auburn Historic District showcases African American culture
After January’s week-long celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the festivities aren’t over. Atlanta’s colorful Black History Month Parade takes place every February, running eastwards from the corner of Auburn and Peachtree Center Avenues towards Jackson Street. View the home city of MLK as it celebrates the diversity of African American culture, history, and accomplishments. We recommend getting there early and exploring the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change on Auburn Ave before the party begins.
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