Cool Things To Do in December in Atlanta

A full 2025–2026 guide to holiday events, cultural experiences, sports matchups, and festive celebrations throughout Atlanta.

December in Atlanta feels like a season of its own — a mix of holiday sparkle, major sporting events, cultural performances, outdoor festivities, and family-friendly traditions. Whether you’re looking for light shows, holiday markets, New Year’s Eve plans, or indoor experiences to escape the chill, the city offers endless ways to celebrate the final month of the year.

This fully updated guide highlights the biggest and best events happening across Atlanta this December so you can plan your outings with ease.

FIFA Final Draw Party – Buckhead

The excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues to build, and Atlanta is marking the moment with a free live viewing party hosted by the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee. Watch the official drawing of team matchups outside Fadó Irish Pub in Buckhead.
Date: Dec. 5 • Time: 11 a.m. (announcement at noon)
Where: Buckhead, outside Fadó

_{Photo Credits To Mercedes-Benz Stadium}

Sporting Matchups

SEC Football Championship

A December staple at Mercedes-Benz Stadium that brings college football fans together from across the South.

Cricket Celebration Bowl – Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Cricket Celebration Bowl returns Dec. 13 at noon, featuring the champions of the MEAC and SWAC conferences.
Surrounding events include:

• Champions Circle Showcase Dinner Reception – Dec. 11

• SWAC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Dec. 12

• Guardian of the Games Awards Dinner – Dec. 12

• Red Lobster Band of the Year – Dec. 12

• Coca-Cola Fan Experience (game day) from 8:30–11:30 a.m. at International Plaza

Holiday Experiences & Cultural Events

Sushi Class at Bully Boy — Updated Shorter Version

Join Executive Chef and Sushi Chef Wendy Roman at Bully Boy for an immersive sushi-making experience that goes far beyond the basics. During this hands-on class, guests will learn how to craft three of the restaurant’s signature sushi rolls, with Chef Roman demonstrating proper rolling techniques, ingredient selection, and flavor pairing.

The evening also includes a curated sake tasting, featuring three carefully selected pours designed to complement the dishes you’ll create. Chef Roman will guide you through each tasting, sharing insights into sake profiles, brewing methods, and how each one enhances the sushi experience.

This popular event offers a fun and educational night out — perfect for food lovers, date nights, or anyone interested in learning a new culinary skill. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as the class has sold out in previous years.

Date & Time:
December 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Holiday Light Displays & Outdoor Magic

IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta

A mile-long trail filled with glowing wildlife lanterns, global scenes, warm cocoa, and holiday cocktails.
Dates: Nov. 21–Jan. 18, 2026
Where: Zoo Atlanta

Miracle on Peachtree – Buckhead

With the theme “Buckhead Shines Bright,” this year’s celebration includes:

• Santa & MiguElf riding the Buc Shuttle – starting Dec. 5

• Holiday Tree Lighting – Dec. 6 from 7–8 p.m.

• Hot Chocolate Crawl – Dec. 6 at Buckhead Village & Dec. 13 on Peachtree Rd.

Christkindl Market – Lawrenceville Lawn

Now hosted at its new home on the Lawrenceville Lawn, the Christkindl Market brings a festive European flair to Metro Atlanta. Visitors can stroll through rows of charming vendor stalls offering traditional German and international holiday foods, warm mulled cider, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats. Families can snap photos with Santa, enjoy live entertainment, and take in the view from the impressive 50-foot Ferris wheel. With extended hours throughout December and free admission, the market offers a cheerful and cozy way to experience the magic of the holidays.

Open: Weekly through December (Wed–Sun) • Last day: Dec. 24

The Nutcracker – Atlanta Ballet

Experience a magical performance of this holiday classic with live music by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.
When: Dec. 6–27
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

A Christmas Carol – Alliance Theatre

A beloved Atlanta tradition that tells Dickens’ timeless story of transformation.
Runs: Through Dec. 24
Recommended for: Ages 6+

A Christmas Carol – Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

A more intimate, classic rendition running Dec. 4–23 with afternoon and evening shows.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Center for Puppetry Arts

A stop-motion inspired performance based on the iconic TV special.
Runs: Through Dec. 28

Light Up the Holidays – Rodney Cook Sr. Park

A downtown tree lighting celebration with a Kids Zone, arts & crafts, karaoke, cocoa, and Santa.
Date: Dec. 7 • Time: 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Mele Kalikimaka – Trader Vic’s

A festive holiday luau-style event featuring live DJ music, food stations, wood-fired meats, seafood, and signature Mai Tais.
Date: Dec. 13 from 4–8 p.m.

Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

A musical tradition featuring classic carols and performances by the ASO Chorus and Morehouse College Glee Club.
Dates: Dec. 11–14

WildWoods: AGLOW – Fernbank Museum

An immersive after-dark experience blending art, sound, and nature.
Runs: Through February 2026

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights – Atlanta Botanical Garden

Featuring all-new music and choreography for “Nature’s Wonders” and vibrant displays throughout the garden.
Runs: Through Jan. 11, 2026
Note: Advance purchase required

Stone Mountain Christmas

A full park celebration with 2+ million lights, parades, drone shows, and holiday entertainment.

Winter Fest – Atlanta History Center

A season celebration with crafts, story time, historical holiday traditions, and professional Santa photos.
Date: Dec. 6 • Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Callanwolde Winter House

Explore the historic Candler estate decorated for the season with art installations, workshops, children’s activities, photos with Santa, and more.
Open Dates:
Nov. 29–30 • Dec. 4–7 • Dec. 11–14

Exploring Atlanta this winter and thinking about making a move?
I’d love to guide you through the city’s neighborhoods, upcoming developments, and real estate opportunities.

Q&A 

Q1: What are the best family-friendly December events in Atlanta?

IllumiNights, Rudolph at the Center for Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain Christmas, and Callanwolde Winter House are top choices.

Q2: Do holiday events require advance tickets?

Many popular experiences (Botanical Garden, Nutcracker, Sushi Class at Bully Boy) require advance booking.

Q3: What’s free to attend in December?

The FIFA Final Draw watch party, Miracle on Peachtree tree lighting, and the Callanwolde open-house days are free.

Q4: What is the best outdoor holiday light display?

Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights and Zoo Atlanta’s IllumiNights are the most popular.

Q5: Is Atlanta busy in December?

Yes — between sports events, holiday tourism, and family activities, expect higher-than-usual traffic and crowds.

If you’re exploring Atlanta neighborhoods, moving for work, or curious how this growth impacts real estate, I’m here to help guide you.

I’m Nadine Lutz, one of Atlanta's top Realtors and a trusted Atlanta, Georgia Real Estate Agent with Compass Buckhead, and Atlanta has been home to my family since 2003. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to help so many neighbors achieve their real estate goals, and I’m honored to be recognized with the Phoenix Award and as a Multi-Million Dollar Club Life Member with the Atlanta Realtors Association.

Awards aside, what matters most to me is guiding people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives with honesty, care, and local expertise. If you’re ready to explore Atlanta homes for sale or make your next move, I’d be grateful for the chance to help.

📧 [email protected]
📞 770-713-5449
🌐 nadinesellsatlanta.com