Merry Christmas, Atlanta! We hope your day is full of joy, peace and good tidings. As a religious and cultural holiday practiced among billions of people across the world, Christmas is an annual celebration recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas festivities are celebrated both for Christian religious purposes and as a commercial phenomenon. In America, we are very familiar with our traditions of stockings, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, gift-giving, carols, light displays and more, but other countries around the world maintain diverse, symbolic traditions that share key traits with our own: light, evergreens and hope.
For example, in Norway, the birthplace of the Yule log, the ancient Norse tradition of celebrating the sun’s return at the winter solstice is remembered through fire and popular log-shaped foods. Mexico celebrates Christmas by breaking open piñatas for candy, and the country is responsible for bringing the beauty of the red and green poinsettia flowers to America. Ukrainians cook a traditional 12-course meal, and the youngest child watches for the evening star to appear, which signals that the feast can begin. England is the source of traditions America has adopted, such as Christmas cards, caroling, figgy pudding (a recipe dating back to the Middle Ages) and mistletoe. There are wonderful Christmas celebrations happening around our city. Keep reading to see how you can be part of the festive fun in Atlanta this holiday season!
10th Annual Winter Wonderland – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., through January 12 (closed Christmas Day) at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Prepare to be amazed by over two floors of beautifully decorated trees highlighting celebrations of cultures from across the globe. Decorated by local partners, the trees will pay homage to Christmas, Hanukkah, origami, indigenous art and more!
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights – Nightly, through January 11 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Voted by readers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as Atlanta’s Best Holiday Event for the third year in a row, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights has returned with all new music and motion as well as classic favorites, such as Nature’s Wonders, the largest curtain of synchronized light and sound in the world.
Stone Mountain Christmas – Daily park hours (closed Christmas Day) through January 5 at Stone Mountain Park
Holiday magic has come to Stone Mountain Park! Classic attractions such as the Summit Skyride and Scenic Railroad will be accompanied by dazzling lights, festive music, shows and more.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Click HERE for ticket dates and times (closed Christmas Day), through December 29 at the Center for Puppetry Arts
Based on the beloved 1964 classic, the Center for Puppetry Arts’ director, Jon Ludwig, and talented team of puppeteers put together a show retaining traditional material while adding some unique twists. This puppet performance is an audience favorite every year!
Fantasy in Lights – Click HERE for ticket dates and times, through January 4 at Callaway Gardens
One of National Geographic‘s Top 10 Light Displays in the world, Callaway Garden’s Fantasy in Lights invites you to the Christmas Village to meet holiday characters and to ride through the magical, illuminated forest. Stay overnight at the Callaway Resort & Gardens where you can enjoy cups of cocoa, delicious meals and beautiful accommodations.
We hope you have a Merry Christmas! Read our Holiday Guide for tips and tricks regarding hosting hacks, last-minute gift ideas and holiday activities to enjoy with loved ones.