If you’re looking for things to do this weekend in Atlanta, we’ve got you covered. Maybe you’re taking it easy—chilling in the park, catching a movie, picking up some seasonal treats from the farmers’ market and having a night in—but if you’re looking to get out on the town, there’s plenty on tap. From concerts and museum exhibits to after-hours events at local attractions and neighborhood festivals, you can fill your weekend calendar to the brim. And if you haven't shopped for the holidays yet, seasonal events and holiday markets are here for all your gifting needs.
Through Dec. 26 at the Cobb Energy Center
It’s time for Atlanta Ballet's beloved seasonal classic. This performance takes you into a magical winter wonderland of snowflakes, flowers and stars. The larger-than-life sets are enhanced by stunning video projections and visuals that bring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life.
Through Jan. 15 at Atlantic Station
It’s Atlanta’s coolest holiday tradition. Lace up your skates and take a spin around the ice under the stars. Theme nights make skating even more fun, from Ugly Sweater Night and Glow Night to Atlanta Falcons Night and Great Gatsby Night, there’s a theme for everyone.
Through Dec. 29 at Pemberton Place
The holidays are in full swing at Pemberton Place. Wander through the park’s festive holiday decor and sample holiday flavors of Coca-Cola from around the world, then hop aboard the Coca‑Cola Holiday Express train when you visit one of the attractions—World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and National Center for Civil Human Rights. The train, decked out in twinkling lights and festive decor, takes you on a magical journey from the North to the South Pole, with plenty of photo ops along the way.
Through Jan. 31
Cozy up in style at The Shane’s exclusive Snow Shed, a private winter lodge experience that's perfect for a seasonal gathering. With comfy furniture, twinkling lights, snowy vistas, a vintage record player providing the tunes and a punch bowl and apps to share, it’s the ultimate festive escape.
Through Dec. 24 at Buckhead Village
Experience the magic of the holiday season and shop for all your friends and family at the Euro-style Christkindl Market in the Buckhead Village District. There will be traditional German festivities with a dose of Atlanta spirit. This is old-world charm that’s just right for the season, with culinary delights and handcrafted treasures galore.
Dec. 20-21 at Cathedral of St. Philip
As AGMC rightfully boasts, “It just isn’t Christmas until the gay men sing!” Catch them at the Cathedral of St. Philip for their 44th annual concert. All the holiday classics are elevated through powerful performances, a live jazz combo and a gorgeous setting. And, of course, the AGMC will bring its legendary joy and camp to the proceedings.
Dec. 21 at City Winery
This is not your grandma’s BINGO session. The drinks will be flowing, and the fun will be rolling as the legendary Tom Swoope hosts an unforgettable afternoon that blends classic BINGO with all your favorite Hip Hop and R&B hits from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Enjoy drink specials, games and of course prizes.
Dec. 21 at The Eastern
Suki Waterhouse has been busy the past couple years, cranking out hits like To Love, OMG and My Fun, headlining a tour and closing out the Gobi stage at Coachella. She brings her Sparklemuffin Tour to Atlanta at The Eastern.
Through Dec. 29 at the Center for Puppetry Arts
If you love the 1964 stop-motion animated special, you’ll love this puppet production. Follow Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hermey the Elf as they set off on a merry adventure, tailed by the Abominable Snow Monster. It’s a holiday tradition that will warm the hearts of misfits of all ages.
Through Jan. 12 at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Back for its 14th dazzling year, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights glows even brighter with the world’s largest synchronized light and sound curtain, "Nature’s Wonders." This year, the event brings even more magical vibes with new music, new choreography and more lights. Plus, sculptures from Alice’s Wonderland Returns will be lit dramatically, including the towering White Rabbit and the grinning Cheshire Cat.
Through Jan. 19 at Zoo Atlanta
This annual after-hours event at Zoo Atlanta is the wildest lantern festival around. The illuminated animal lanterns—some more than 20 feet tall—celebrate wildlife and the wonders of nature. The zoo animals take the night off, as the lanterns steal the show. Stroll the mile-long path to enjoy the glow, then finish up with a hot cocoa or signature holiday spirits.
Through Jan. 19 at The High Museum of Art
This exhibition presents the world-class art collected by Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys. Guided by a desire to be “artists supporting artists,” they have acquired paintings, photographs and sculptures by canon-expanding artists like Barkley L. Hendricks, Esther Mahlangu, Gordon Parks, Qualeasha Wood and Amy Sherald. Catch these giants of the art world at the High Museum.
Through Feb. 23 at Fernbank Museum
The Fernbank Museum comes alive after hours for the holiday season as WildWoods: Aglow makes its annual return. Glowing displays are installed throughout the natural flora and fauna, creating a magical, zen-like wonderland. Hear original musical compositions as you walk through glowing garden towers, projections of nocturnal wildlife, larger-than-life incandescent mushrooms and more.
Discover Time Out original video
