Check out all the BRIGHT spots this holiday season in your area and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Wishing everyone the BEST for 2023!!
City of ACWORTH:
- Smoot Family Christmas Light Show
What is it: Over 70K Commercial LED Christmas Light Show with all donations going to The Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter.
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated!
When: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: 3699 Autumn View Drive NW, Acworth, GA 30101
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SmootFamilyChristmasLightShow/ - Hrockin Hranicky Christmas Light Show
What is it: Christmas lights synchronized to music using Light-O-Rama LOR programming with all donations going to the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated! (donations: money, blankets, towels, toys, and food for both cats and dogs)
When: 6:00 – 10:00pm on Sunday’s – Thursday’s, 6:00pm – 11:00pm on Friday’s & Saturday’s
Where: 3848 Rivers Run Trace NW, Acworth, GA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/HrockinHranickyChristmasLights/
City of ATLANTA:
- Chanukah Celebrations & Grand Menorah Lightings
What is it: Families head to the corner of N. Highland and S. Charles place for a Hanukkah celebration featuring music, treats, dreidels and of course the menorah lighting.
Cost: Free
When: December 18th, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where: North Highland Park, 780 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306
Where: Atlantic Station, 241 20th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363
Website: https://chabadintown.org/events/chanukah-2/ - Atlanta Station Menorah Lighting
What is it: Celebrate on the Atlantic Green with festivities and concluding with the lighting of the menorah.
Cost: Free
When: December 20th, 6:00pm – 7:15pm
Where: North Highland Park, 780 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306
Where: Atlantic Station, 241 20th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363
Website: https://chabadintown.org/events/atlantic-station-menorah-lighting-2/ - Atlanta Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
What is it: Yuri Possokhov’s production uses striking costumes, immersive video projections, and bold sets to provide a magical night of this holiday classic.
Cost: $30+
When: now thru December 26th, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
Website: https://www.atlantaballet.com/performances/nutcracker - Buckhead Village Holidays in Technicolor
What is it: Celebrate the merriest time of year at Buckhead Village’s weekly Holidays in Technicolor events held 12pm-6pm every Saturday November 26 through December 17Enjoy an open-air dining and shopping experience with special activities and crafts for the whole family, roaming performances, live music, appearances from Stylish Santa, s’mores by our fire pits, in-store events, and more.
Cost: Free
When: now thru December 17th, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Buckhead Village, 3035 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Website: https://www.buckheadvillagedistrict.com/happenings/holiday-2022 - Atlanta Christkindl Market
What is it: The Atlanta Christkindl Market features holiday items, as well as German food, treats, drinks, and more set in an authentic German marketplace.
Cost: Free
When: now thru December 24th, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Buckhead Village, 3035 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Website: https://christkindlmarket.org/ - IllumiNights at the Zoo
What is it: Atlanta’s newest holiday tradition is back and better than ever! Zoo Atlanta partners with Hanart Culture to bring this one-of-a-kind light experience back to Atlanta! Vistas of illuminated wildlife and awe-inspiring sights await in a nighttime wonderland celebrating the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The lighted works of art are more stunning than ever this year, featuring many NEW lanterns and scenes!
Cost: $20.99 – $24.99 for ages 12+, $17.99 – $19.99 for ages 3-11, free for ages 3 and under
When: now thru January 15th 2023, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Website: https://zooatlanta.org/event/illuminights/ - Winter Wonderland at Fernbank
What is it: During the holidays at Fernbank, museum visitors experience decorated trees, giant snow globes, and a sock skating rink! More details to be released.
Cost: included with cost of regular admission for non-members, and members are free
When: now thru January 8th 2023, check calendar for more details
Where: Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30307
Website: https://fernbankmuseum.org/experiences/exhibits/special-exhibits/winterwonderland/?fbclid=IwAR2VYHy12fXu_nLhm0MCGXm_k883BB4_XAvYnAm7mLlfiKf-pcJwrgnfgdE - Skate the Station at Atlantic Station
What is it: Atlantic Station welcomes families to skate under the stars at Skate the Station.
Cost: $15 includes admission and skate rental
When: now thru January 16th 2023, check calendar for times and other details. Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day too!
Where: Atlantic Station, 241 20th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363
Website: https://atlanticstation.com/event/skate-the-station/ - A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theatre
What is it: The Alliance Theatre’s beloved production A CHRISTMAS CAROL returns to The Coca-Cola Stage with its stunning new adaptation, featuring a brilliantly reimagined set design and striking new costumes. Described as “high art of the season… a nostalgic feast for the eyes,” by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, audiences will be transported to the streets of London to revisit the timeless redemption story of Ebenezer Scrooge, told with beautiful live music and an all-star cast. Join the Alliance Theatre for one of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday traditions.
Cost: $30+ for adults, $21+ for children, seat locations determine final price-points
When: now thru December 24th
Where: Alliance Theater, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Website: https://my.alliancetheatre.org/overview/135023 - Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
What is it: One of Atlanta’s favorite holiday light displays returns featuring Nature’s Wonders, the largest curtain of synchronized light and sound in the world. Explore 30 acres of the garden covered in lights. The full garden of exhibits is open for exploring.
Cost: Prices vary by dates so be sure to check calendar. (some prices range between $25 – $45)
When: now thru January 14th 2023, check calendar for times and other details – open every night including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve too!
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30309
Website: https://atlantabg.org/plan-your-visit/atlanta-garden-calendar/garden-lights-holiday-nights/ - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Puppet Show
What is it: Children delight in seeing this classic tale played out in puppet form at the Center for Puppetry Arts this holiday season. Kids can also participate in the Create-a-Puppet Workshop!
Cost: $21 – $36
When: now thru December 31st, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Springs Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Website: https://puppet.org/programs/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/ - Ballethinic Dance Company presents Urban Nutcracker
What is it: A truly Atlanta-inspired version of the classic story that takes place on Sweet Auburn Avenue in the 1940s. The Chocolatier and Bubblin’ Brown Sugar escort Clara to a magical land of Sweets. Along the way, Clara meets Reggae Rag Dolls, Black Russians, Mother Spice and her Spice Drops, and the bubbly Coca-Cola Pas de Six. Urban Nutcracker includes classical ballet, modern, jazz, and tap for a unique version of the Nutcracker story!
Cost: starting at $40+
When: December 9th – December 11th
Where: Morehouse College’s MLK Jr. International Chapel, 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/urban-nutcracker-2022-1302049 - The Hip Hop Nutcracker
What is it: This touring show comes to the Fox Theatre for one night only and features the same traditional Nutcracker story with a hip hop flair. Families will enjoy this vibrant take on the beloved tale through upbeat dance, a DJ, and a violinist.
Cost: starting at $49+
When: December 13th, 7:30pm – check calendar for more details and updates
Where: The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30338
Website: https://www.foxtheatre.org/events/detail/the-hip-hop-nutcracker-2022 - Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
What is it: Parents and kids are treated to a special rendition of The Nutcracker for two special performances. Featuring an international cast (including stars of the Ukraine ballet), the show has puppets, acrobatics, and dazzling costumes.
Cost: starting at $34+
When: December 23rd, check calendar for times and other details
Where: The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30338
Website: https://www.foxtheatre.org/events/detail/nutcracker-magical-christmas-ballet
City of BLUE RIDGE:
- Holiday Express at Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
What is it: Families head north to the mountains for this one-hour holiday train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, featuring the story, The Night Before Christmas. Riders are also treated to holiday music, an activity packet, a candy cane, and a jingle bell. Parents can purchase snacks and hot chocolate while on board.
Cost: $40.99 ages 2-12, $52.99 ages 13+
When: now thru December 23rd
Where: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Website: https://brscenic.com/
City of CANTON:
- Holiday Lights at Veterans Park
What is it: A two-mile drive through Christmas light show.
Cost: $20 per vehicle
When: 6:00pm, open nightly through December 31st
Where: 7345 Cumming Hwy, Canton, GA 30115
Website: https://www.facebook.com/HolidaylightsatVeterans/
City of CARTERSVILLE:
- Pettit Creek Farms Christmas Lights
What is it: From beautiful Christmas lights to pictures with Santa AND his REINDEER at Santa’s cottage, a Nativity, petting zoo, christmas trees, campfires and more!
Cost: Drive-Thru $30 Car (1-8 people), $35 Van (9-15 people), $45 Bus (16-22 people), $3 for each additional person over 22yrs. Hayride $10 per person age 2yrs & up
When: check website for days/hours scheduled for the season
Where: 337 Cassville Road, Cartersville, GA 30120
Website: https://pettitcreekfarms.com/a-country-christmas-final/
City of DULUTH:
- Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’
What is it: Now in its 41st season performing The Nutcracker, Gwinnett Ballet’s rendition of this favorite is an Atlanta tradition. With over 100 professional and student dancers, audiences will get the full Nutcracker experience when this company takes the stage.
Cost: prices start at $22+
When: now thru December 18th, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Gas South District, 6400 Sugarload Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097
Website: https://gwinnettballet.org/nutcracker/
City of DUNWOODY:
- Holiday Artists Market at Spruill Gallery
What is it: Spruill Gallery hosts its annual Holiday Artists Market, offering unique decor and gifts from local artists. Shoppers can choose from one-of-a-kind items this holiday season!
Cost: Free
When: now thru December 23rd
Where: Spruill Center of the Arts, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Website: https://www.spruillarts.org/holiday-artists-market - Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park
What is it: Families love this free event at Brook Run Park. See 85,000 sugarcoated lights, complete with a chocolate volcano, candy castle, ice cream land, and more!
Cost: Free
When: now thru December 31st, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Brook Run park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody
Website: https://www.dunwoodyga.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4651/10129?curm=12&cury=2022
City of KENNESAW:
- Lights of Joy
What is it: “The largest residential Christmas light display in Georgia.” (also seen on ‘ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight’)
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated!
When: 6:00pm – 11:00pm, until January 1st 2023
Where: 1510 Ben King Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Website: https://www.lightsofjoy.net/ - Calumet West Christmas House
What is it: Each year the Calumet West Subdivision features the Christmas House as a way to raise money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Cost: Free, but visitors are encouraged to make the suggested donation of $10 per car, but any amount is much appreciated!
When: 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Where: 1010 Token Way, Kennesaw, GA - Riley’s Rockin’ Christmas Lights
What is it: A residential light display with over 60,00 LED lights synchronized to music from the warmth of your car by tuning in to 101.3 on your radio. Accepting donations this year for the Children’s Burn Foundation.
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated! (donations can be left in the red Santa’s mailbox located to the right side of the driveway)
When: 6:00p – 10:00pm, but check website for any schedule updates
Where: 2008 Palladium Drive, Kennesaw, GA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/RRXmas/
City of LAWRENCEVILLE:
- Christmas Canteen
What is it: Audiences love Gwinnett’s longest-running theatrical holiday tradition. The revue includes Christmas magic, songs and comic sketches, and is perfect for all ages.
Cost: starting at $30+
When: now thru December 23rd, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Aurora Theater, 128 East Pike Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Website: https://www.auroratheatre.com/productions-and-programs/view/canteen/ - A Christmas Carol at Aurora Theatre
What is it: Back for its 16th year, Aurora Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol is quickly becoming a classic. Audiences become immersed in the familiar story and characters, combined with state-of-the-art-technology.
Cost: starting at $40+
When: December 8th – December 23rd, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Aurora Theatre, 128 East Pike Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Website: https://www.auroratheatre.com/productions-and-programs/view/a-christmas-carol-2022/
City of MARIETTA:
- Christmas on Bolingbrook Drive
What is it: Christmas Light Display in East Cobb Marietta GA
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated and a different charity is chosen annually
When: 6:00 – 10:00pm
Where: 4151 Bolingbrook Drive, Marietta, GA, United States, 30062
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BolingbrookChristmas/
- Reindeer Road World of Illumination
What is it: “The world’s largest holiday drive-through animated light show”
Cost: $39.99+ per vehicle
When: Open nightly, check website for details and ticket info/purchases
Where: 250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062
Website: https://www.worldofillumination.com/marietta-georgia - Lights of Life
What is it: A magical light display, pony rides, petting zoo, train rides, concession stand
Cost: $10 all cars/trucks, $20 all buses
When: open daily
Where: 1269 Barclay Circle Marietta, GA 30060
Website: https://www.life.edu/lights-of-life/
City of ROSWELL:
- Be sure to check out the city of Roswell’s website for updates to their events calendar!
https://www.roswellgov.com/government/departments/recreation-parks-historic-cultural-affairs/news-events/winter?fbclid=IwAR3yO18KSHUi6uTUlB-XsIlPtUgtTTCCDqpiajOZMzCLjS7Q1tezT8KKQbI - Santa’s Village
What is it: Family friendly Christmas display for all to enjoy while benefiting Toys For Tots.
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated! (money and new unwrapped toys)
When: 6:00pm -9:00pm nightly through New Years. Train rides are given on Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evenings.
Where: 405 Waverly Hall Drive, Roswell, GA
Website: https://www.christmaslightsetc.com/sw/people/santas-village-outdoor-christmas-display - Adaptive Holiday Dance
What is it: Part of our Adult Social Club! This is a social group for ages 18 and up. The goal of this program is to help facilitate friendships while exploring recreation and leisure activities. Dance events include dinner.
Cost: $20 for residents, $30 for non-residents
When: Dec. 7th, 6:00pm
Where: Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell
Website: https://www.roswellgov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/14978/2552 - Candy Cane Hunt
What is it: We will begin the evening with a pizza dinner and then it’s off to hunt for all types of candy canes! Be sure to bring your flashlight and something to gather your candy canes in! Both parents and children must register to attend.
Cost: $12 for residents, $18 for non-residents
When: December 9th, 6:00pm
Where: East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell
Website: https://www.roswellgov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/14976/2552 - Together Always Exhibit
What is it: Together Always is an exhibit and sale with works from students of Roswell’s quarterly art programs. The show will feature paintings, drawings and works in glass.
Cost: Free and open to the public
When: December 9th – January 13th (see calendar for more time and date details)
Where: Visual Arts Center, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell
Website: https://www.roswellgov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/15006 - Photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
What is it: Mr. & Mrs. Claus will make an appearance at Roswell Town Square just in time for the holidays! Stop by the square to take photos with the Christmas couple.
Cost: Free
When: December 10th and 18th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Town Square, 610 Atlanta Street, Roswell
Website: https://www.roswellgov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/14980/2552 - Senior Holiday Luncheon
What is it: Holiday Luncheon featuring Roswell New Horizon Band and a catered lunch. ARC LIFE/Rambler membership must be current in order to attend.
Cost: $18
When: December 14th, 11:30am
Where: Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell
Website: https://www.roswellgov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/14982/2552 - The Nutcracker by Atlanta Dance Theatre
What is it: Atlanta Dance Theatre (ADT) has been a fixture in our area for over 40 years. Over the holidays families look forward to their full-length Nutcracker performance.
Cost: varies from $24.50 – $32.50
When: December 9th – December 11th, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell
Website: https://www.atlantadancetheatre.org/ - Roswell Winter Puppet Series
What is it: Kids love this seasonal series because of the funny characters, colorful puppets, and entertaining stories. Choose from ‘Trouble in Toyland with Lee Bryan that Puppet Guy, The Frisch Marionettes presents Holiday Punch, or enjoy both!
Cost: $10 (but children 2 and under have free admission)
When: December 15th – December 22nd, check calendar for times and other details
Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell
Website: https://www.roswellgov.com/discover-us/cultural-arts-center/puppet-series#shows
City of STONE MOUNTAIN:
- Stone Mountain Christmas
What is it: Celebrate the magic of Christmas with music, lights, live shows, and visits from familiar holiday-season friends. The festivities begin each evening with the Enchanted Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (watch for Santa flying overhead!) followed by the Snow Angel’s Christmas Parade and then the world’s largest Christmas Light Show!
Cost: $39.95 for ages 12+, $34.95 for ages 3-11, free for ages 3 and under
When: now thru January 1st 2023
Where: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Website: https://www.stonemountainpark.com/Activities/Events/Stone-Mountain-Christmas
City of WOODSTOCK:
- Holiday Lights of Hope
What is it: A huge walk-through Christmas light display with more than 2,000,000 lights, Santa, children’s activity area, seasonal concessions, music and more! It’s the New Christmas Tradition for kids of ALL ages!
Cost: Kids 14 and under are FREE! All others are $10 per person. We accept cash or card.
When: 6:00pm nightly
Where: 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock, GA 30189 in Hobgood Park
Website: https://www.facebook.com/HolidayLightsOfHope/
Website: https://holidaylightsofhope.com/?fbclid=IwAR049arseHRXws1FxYlWSmR9By6G7Iur0jEEfIryXpBQgIRzhcWJXxAoLUc
Author
Carrie
If you're in the North Atlanta area on a weekday, odds are you may find Carrie camped out at a local coffee shop. Having lived in the area since 1985, she knows all the hot spots and enjoys supporting local businesses while conducting business of her own.