It’s the most wonderful time of the year, y’all! That’s right; the season for sleigh bells, Santa Claus, and FA LA LA LA LA’s is right around the corner. But, if you’re like me you can’t wait until December 25th to celebrate Christmas. I mean why wish upon a star when you can jump start your holly jolly right now! Luckily there are tons of tinsel-inspired happenings around town to help you feel more festive. Cause Christmas aint gonna celebrate itself, amiright?! So in the spirit of Old Saint Nick, I made a list, and checked it twice, to find out who’s got the holiday vibes just right.
Whether it’s family fun, date night, or girls night out, check out these cool Christmas inspired adventures that are sure to keep you in a merry mood until Santa arrives.
Santa’s Fantastical
Immerse yourself in an interactive wonderland of excitement at Santa’s Fantastical. Completely reimagined for 2019, Santa’s Fantastical is a family-friendly holiday destination full of art, technology, and nostalgia, where the season comes alive through interactive experiences, live performances, state-of-the-art technology, and Instagram- worthy moments. Take an epic adventure to the North Pole (less the flight time of course) and visit Santa’s Fantastical!
DATES: Now through Jan 5, 2020
MORE: https://santasfantastical.com/
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Experience the glow of the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual electrical extravaganza, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Hailed as the ATL’s fave holiday spectacle, this larger-than-life experience is all about the holiday vibes. Reindeer, elves, and everyone else looking to light up their imagination, should stop by this incredible outdoor exhibit. Make your spirits AND your nights brighter at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
DATES: Nightly through Jan 11, 2020
MORE: https://atlantabg.org/plan-your-visit/atlanta-garden-calendar/garden-lights-holiday-nights/
Skate the Station
Skate your heart out beneath the stars and skyscrapers at Skate the Station at Atlantic Station. The largest outdoor ice rink in the Southeast, Skate the Station is the perfect place to show off your ice skating skills. Lace up and take some laps around the 10,000-square-foot ice rink decked out in dazzling lights.
DATES: Now through Jan 20, 2020
MORE: https://www.atlanticstation.com/skatethestation
Atlanta Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Take a thrilling journey through space and time, where everyday objects grow in extraordinary size and the pages of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story come alive before your very eyes. Add some splendor and world-class enchantment to your family’s holiday with Atlanta Ballet’s reimagined production of The Nutcracker. FYI, this is the productions final run at the Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta, so don’t miss this magical event before it’s gone.
DATES: Dec 7 through Dec 24, 2019
MORE: https://www.foxtheatre.org/events/detail/the-nutcracker
The Lighting of Avalon
Celebrate the season and get in the holiday spirit with the annual lighting of Avalon in Alpharetta. From the opening of Avalon on Ice to the magnificent lighting of the festive 40 foot tree, and even an appearance from Jolly Old Saint Nick himself, there’s plenty of excitement for the entire family.
DATE: Sunday, Nov 24 from 1pm – 8pm
MORE: https://www.experienceavalon.com/events/eventitems/the-lighting-of-avalon/
TFTI Experience
Immerse yourself in the ultimate pop-up photo experience at TFTI! Located at Lenox Square in Atlanta and just in time for the holidays, this larger-than-life exhibition is everything!!! Fun up your IG feed and explore over 12+ creative rooms — ranging in theme from an Upside Down X-mas Room to Pillow Fight, Mirror Room to Cloud Room — and tons of varied photo activations that provide the perfect backdrop for fun snaps. Whether looking for a new jaw-dropping selfie, or a fun and quirky family portrait, TFTI is the experience that dreams are made of!
DATE: Now through Jan 5, 2020
MORE: https://www.tfti.com/
Afternoon Tea with Santa
Skip the long lines at the mall and mosey over to the St. Regis hotel for a tea-rific experience with Santa. Pinkies up people cause Santa’s coming to make all your brunch wishes come true!!! Both kids and kids at heart get a chance to mix, mingle, and make lasting memories with the big man himself over tea and special treats. Santa’s little helpers also hang out to chat about whatever wishes your kiddies (or you) can conjure up. Mrs. Claus even stops by for a little storytime fun!
DATES: Nov 29 through Dec 24, 2019
MORE: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/details-1/atlxr-the-st-regis-atlanta/
12 Days of Crowne Plaza
For 12 consecutive days, Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia is ho ho hosting a fabulous holiday experience featuring themed activities. Each day is a new exciting adventure that would make the Grinch green(er) with envy. Holiday inspired activities like Sips with Santa, Merry & Bright Movie Night, Roast & Toast S’mores, Holiday Bourbon Tasting, Martini’s & Mistletoes Cocktail Class, and Ugly Sweater Night are just a few of the festivities in store for guests. There’s even a day where your pooch can partake in a little holiday fun!
DATES: Dec 6 through Dec 17, 2019
MORE: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CrownePlazaATLRavinia/events/
AR Workshop
If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience for the holidays, you should seize a day to do something festively fun at the AR Workshop in Smyrna. Join any of their scheduled workshops for the most memorable DIY experience you can imagine. There’s something for all ages and skill levels just in case your crafting skills aren’t up to par with Santa’s elves.
DATES: Now through Dec 23, 2019
MORE: http://www.arworkshop.com/smyrna/
Skate the Sky
Get reeeally close to Santa’s sleigh ten stories above the city and Skate the Sky at Ponce City Market. Overlooking the Atlanta BeltLine and Old Fourth Ward with views of Atlanta, the rooftop terrace at Ponce City Market is magically transformed into a holiday dreamland where guests can lace up their ice skates and sip cocktails with the skyline as their backdrop. Take your holiday hanging-out to new heights way above the city — guests can even cozy up in life-sized themed igloos alongside the rink. Snuggle in the Cuddle Up, giggle with pals in the Group Chat, and pretend you’re camping out in Glamping. Who knows, Santa just might drop by to toast a holiday cheers.
DATES: Opening Nov 29, 2019
MORE: https://poncecityroof.com/skate-the-sky
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So don’t wait for those sleigh bells to start jingling, ring-ting-tingling on Christmas day. Grab your Santa squad, load up the sleigh (or car) and get yo festive fix before Santa stops by!
