ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The 2022 holiday season is upon us and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate around metro Atlanta! The sheer amount of things to do this holiday season can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help you out.

Check below for holiday events happening around Atlanta!

Santa Sightings

Cookies with Santa

WHAT: Personal visit and photos with Santa.
WHEN: Dec. 3 and 4
WHERE: Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta

Storytime with Santa

WHAT: Gather around for holiday stories read by Santa Claus inside Pottery Barn. Proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity of NW Atlanta.
WHEN: Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23; 4 and 5 p.m.
WHERE: Avenue East Cobb, Marietta

Santa’s Arrival Event

WHAT: Evening full of giveaways, balloon artists, photo opportunities and holiday entertainment.
WHEN: Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Town Center at Cobb, Kennesaw

Holiday traditions at the Avenue West Cobb

WHAT: Photos with Santa, selfies with holiday characters and special Christmas concerts featuring Atlanta Christmas Extravaganza and local carolers.
WHEN: Wednesdays between Nov. 30 and Dec. 21 (Photos with Santa), Dec. 3, 9 and 17 (Selfies), Dec. 14 (Atlanta Christmas Extravaganza) and Dec. 4, 10 and 18 (carolers)
WHERE: The Avenue at West Cobb

Photos with Santa

WHAT: Photos with Santa, including pajama and ugly sweater days.
WHEN: Nov. 10 through Dec. 24
WHERE: Mall of Georgia, Buford

Holiday Traditions at the Avenue Peachtree City

WHAT: Photos with Santa, selfies with holiday characters and special Christmas concerts featuring Atlanta Christmas Extravaganza and local carolers.
WHEN: Mondays between Nov. 28 and Dec. 19 (Photos with Santa), Dec. 4, 10 and 18 (Selfies), Dec. 5 and 19 (Christmas Concert by Gracepoint Church) and Dec. 3, 11 and 17 (carolers)
WHERE: The Avenue Peachtree City

Holiday events at Lenox Square

WHAT: Photo opportunities, Christmas carolers and ballet performances.
WHEN: Nov. 17 to Dec. 17
WHERE: Lenox Square mall, Atlanta

Photos and Sweet Moments with Santa

WHAT: Photo opportunities and coloring activities with Santa.
WHEN: Nov. 11 to Dec. 24
WHERE: Town Center at Cobb, Kennesaw

Santa Paws

WHAT: Special free photo opportunity for pets.
WHEN: Dec. 1, 8 and 15, 4 p.m.
WHERE: The Battery Atlanta

Oglethorpe County Fire Rescue

WHAT: Santa visits various towns in Oglethorpe County.
WHEN: Dec. 17
WHERE: Oglethorpe County

Performances and Movie Nights

Christmas Canteen

WHAT: 27th year of iconic Christmas revue.
WHEN: Thursdays through Sundays Nov. 25 to Dec. 23
WHERE: Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

WHAT: Faithful puppetry adaptation of the 1964 Rankin-Bass classic. The original Santa and Rudolph puppets will also be on display.
WHEN: Nov. 9 to Dec. 31
WHERE: Center for the Puppetry Arts, Atlanta

Shrek the Musical JR.

WHAT: Adaptation of the award-winning Broadway musical performed by the Roswell Youth Theatre.
WHEN: Dec. 2 and 3
WHERE: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, Roswell

The Grinch Remixed

WHAT: “Family-friendly dance production” of the Dr. Seuss book performed by Roswell Dance Starz.
WHEN: Dec. 17
WHERE: Roswell Cultural Arts Center, Roswell

Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus 42nd Holiday Concert

WHAT: Concerts featuring pieces such as “A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Not in Our Town.”
WHEN: Dec. 2, 8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta

Movie Night with Newnan Police

WHAT: Pictures with the Grinch and screening of The Grinch
WHEN: Nov. 11, 4 p.m.
WHERE: 1 Joesph Hannah Blvd., Newnan

Holiday Cheer at the Roswell Arts Center

WHAT: Performances by the Atlanta Vocal Project, Atlanta Dance Theatre, Frisch Marionettes, singer Katie Deal and puppeteer Lee Bryan.
WHEN: throughout December
WHERE: Roswell Arts Center

Winter of Wonders

WHAT: Atlanta Women’s Chorus holiday show.
WHEN: Dec. 17, 2 and 7 p.m.
WHERE: Cascade Midtown United Methodist Church, 458 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

Harp for the Holidays

WHAT: An evening of holiday favorites for harp ensemble and new classical works by BIPOC composers.
WHEN: Dec. 2, 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta

Children’s Museum of Atlanta On Stage

WHAT: Celebrate the holidays with Mrs. Claus storytime, Hanukkah celebrations, traditional Mexican dancing and more!
WHEN: throughout December
WHERE: Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Morehouse and Spelman College 96th Annual Christmas Carol Concert

WHAT: Performances by the Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs.
WHEN: Dec. 2 and 3 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel (Dec 2 and 4); Sisters Chapel Dec. 3

Allatoona Jazz Band performances

WHAT: Holiday classics courtesy of the Allatoona High School Jazz Band.
WHEN: Dec. 2 and 9, 5:30 p.m; Dec. 15, 5 p.m.; Dec. 16, 5 p.m.
WHERE: The Georgia Power Pavilion Stage, The Battery Atlanta

A Christmas Carol

WHAT: Anthony Rodriquez’ one-man A Christmas Carol returns for a 16th year.
WHEN: Dec. 8 to 10, 15, 17 and 21 to 23 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18 and 23 at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bartow & Leslie Morgan Cabaret, Lawrenceville

Blitzen’s Reindeer Games

WHAT: The only public performance from the Reindeer Games performance group.
WHEN: Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
WHERE: PSFCU Studio, Lawrenceville

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

WHAT: Piccadilly Puppets presents a brand-new take on the classic holiday poem penned by Clement C. Moore more than 100 years ago.
WHEN: Dec. 3, 10 and 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Metro Waterproofing Mainstage, Lawrenceville

The North Pole Fa-La-La-La Follies

WHAT: Talented residents of the North Pole bring holiday hilarity for the whole family in the North Pole’s annual talent show!
WHEN: Dec. 10, 10 and 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Metro Waterproofing Mainstage, Lawrenceville

Holiday Juggling Show

WHAT: Using toys from Christmases past, Ron Anglin presents a hilarious juggling show that will entertain children of all ages.
WHEN: Dec. 17, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Clyde & Sandra Strickland Grand Stage, Lawrenceville

‘Twas the Twilight Before Christmas

WHAT: Screenings of the Twilight film series.
WHEN: Dec. 2 to 6
WHERE: Cinemark Tinseltown 17 and XD, Fayetteville

Christmas Concert Gala

WHAT: Concert benefitting the IGNITE College Park Resource Center.
WHEN: Dec. 11, 6 p.m.
WHERE: 120 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE, Atlanta

Urban Nutcracker

WHAT: Adaptation of the Christmas classic.
WHEN: Dec. 9 to 11
WHERE: Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, Atlanta

Holiday Concert with the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble

WHAT: Performance of Latin American music and other Christmas classics on the harp.
WHEN: Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Charles R. Drew Charter School Auditorium, 300 Eva Davis Way, Atlanta

Pop-up Bars

Tinsel Tavern

WHAT: Pop-up bar featuring holiday-inspired cocktails and small bites, photo moments and themed nights.
WHEN: Dec. 1
WHERE: The Battery Atlanta, Marietta

The Blind Elf

WHAT: Pop-up bar featuring cocktails and appetizers.
WHEN: Now to Dec. 30
WHERE: The Blind Pig, 128 East Andrews Dr., Atlanta

The Office Bar

WHAT: Special holiday cocktail selection.
WHEN: Now to Jan. 1
WHERE: Epicurean Atlanta, Atlanta

Winter Wonder Bar

WHAT: Pop-up bar serving festive cocktails
WHEN: Nov. 20 to Dec. 31
WHERE: Bocado, 2820 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta

Ugly Christmas Bar Crawl

WHAT: Bar crawl featuring Eclipse di Luna, Hobnob and CT Cantina Taqueria that benefits pancreatic cancer charity Purple Pansies.
WHEN: Dec. 15, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Halcyon, Alpharetta

Holidaze in Little Five Points

WHAT: Bar crawl at Wrecking Bar and Krampus Krawl.
WHEN: Dec. 3
WHERE: Little 5 Points, Atlanta

Tree lightings

Christmas Tree lighting

WHAT: Christmas tree lighting followed by a screening of The Grinch.
WHEN: Nov. 26
WHERE: The Battery Atlanta, Marietta

Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting

WHAT: Christmas Tree lighting with ornament decorating, a live puppet show, and photo opportunities with Santa.
WHEN: Dec. 1, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Vinings Jubilee at Tower Stage, 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. SE, Atlanta

Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHAT: Lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree followed by an hour-long holiday celebration in the park with Atlanta’s beloved Pink Pigs.
WHEN: Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Atlanta History Center, Atlanta

Macy’s 75th Great Tree Lighting

WHAT: Private tree lighting ceremony of a 56-foot tall with 45,000 multi-color sparkling LED lights.
WHEN: Nov. 16, 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Rooftop of Macy’s Lenox Square, 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta

Light Up Brookhaven

WHAT: Christmas tree lighting with food, music, and the arrival of Santa via helicopter.
WHEN: Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Blackburn Park, Brookhaven

Tree Lighting at the Forum

WHAT: Tree lighting with performances, face painting and holiday crafts.
WHEN: Nov. 18, 6 p.m.
WHERE: 5155 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners

The Lighting of Avalon

WHAT: Celebration of the beginning of the Christmas season.
WHEN: Nov. 20, 1 p.m.
WHERE: 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta

Uptown Columbus presents Broadway Holiday

WHAT: Tree lighting followed by performances from local school choirs.
WHEN: Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Broadway, Columbus

Stockbridge Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Event

WHAT: Tree lighting event with an appearance by Santa.
WHEN: Dec. 1, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Stockbridge Amphitheater, Stockbridge

East Point Tree Lighting

WHAT: Tree lighting event with performances by Richmond Punch and the Tri-Cities High School Marching Band.
WHEN: Dec. 2, 5 p.m.
WHERE: East Point City Hall Lawn, East Point

Forest of Christmas trees

WHAT: Help decorate trees that will be delivered to all Atlanta Fire Rescue Stations.
WHEN: Dec. 3, noon
WHERE: Buckhead Ave., Buckhead Village

Stonecrest Holiday Tree Lighting

WHAT: Third annual holiday tree lighting celebration featuring the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and a music performance by J. Cordell.
WHEN: Dec. 10, 4 p.m.
WHERE: Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Rd., Stonecrest

Tours and displays

Georgia Festival of Trees

WHAT: Yearly holiday event with Christmas trees, activities and photos with Santa.
WHEN: Nov. 19 to 27
WHERE: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

Winter WonderLights

WHAT: A half-mile trail with light-up creatures, a tunnel of multicolored lights and a holiday market.
WHEN: Nov. 23 to Jan. 8
WHERE: State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens

IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival

WHAT: More than 80 Chinese-style lanterns created by Hanart Culture.
WHEN: Nov. 21 to Jan. 15
WHERE: Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta

“Home for the Holidays” House Tours

WHAT: Guided tours of the historic home of author Joel Chandler Harris located in Atlanta’s West End.
WHEN: Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 17 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: The Wren’s Nest, Atlanta

Victorian Christmas

WHAT: West End mansion decked in gorgeous period holiday decor, and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from reenactors in period dress.
WHEN: Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17
WHERE: Hardman Farm Historic Site, Sautee Nacoochee

Victorian Holiday

WHAT: Unique seasonal open house with decorated mausoleums, a wreath sale and a pop-up shop at the bell tower.
WHEN: Dec. 3, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta

Neighborhood Christmas Train

WHAT: One of Atlanta’s largest model Christmas Train displays including over 300 homes, shops and churches along with mountain-top chalets, diners, Home Depot, and an amusement park.
WHEN: Weekends in December through Dec. 18
WHERE: 3135 Reps Miller Rd., Norcross

Winter West Wonderland

WHAT: Lighted displays of student-built sculptures, a holiday market and a photo opportunity with Kris Kringle and Winter Wolfie, the University of West Georgia mascot.
WHEN: Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, 4:30 to 9 p.m. nightly
WHERE: 302 West Georgia Dr., Carrollton

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

WHAT: Millions of brilliantly-colored LED lights and displays, including new sculptures from French artist Cédric LeBorgne.
WHEN: Nov. 12 through Jan. 14, 2023
WHERE: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Coca-Cola Caravan

WHAT: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and former Atlanta Falcons football players DJ Shockley and Harry Douglas will welcome attendees for photo ops, festive games and more.
WHEN: Dec. 10, 11 a.m.
WHERE: World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta

Coca-Cola Christmas around the World

WHAT: Exhibit featuring “historic, holiday-themed Coca-Cola artifacts.”
WHEN: throughout December
WHERE: World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta

Ice skating rinks

Skate the Sky

WHAT: Ice skating rink, party igloos, New Year’s Eve celebration and more at Ponce City Market.
WHEN: Nov. 25 to Dec. 31
WHERE: Ponce City Market, Atlanta

Skating Rink and Maker’s Market

WHAT: Skating rink, Christmas celebration and fashion show among other celebrations.
WHEN: Nov. 18 to Jan. 2
WHERE: Atlantic Station, Atlanta

Ice Skating Rink

WHAT: Ice skating rink, $15 for adults and $12 for kids 5 & under, including rental skates.
WHEN: Nov. 23 to Feb. 15
WHERE: Pullman Yards

Athens on Ice

WHAT: Public ice skating rink.
WHEN: Nov. 25 to Dec. 31
WHERE: Classic Center, Athens

Festivals and markets

The Astor Chalet

WHAT: Chalet designed architect Keith Summerour housing a pop-up by Lucy’s Market. Events include sip and shop, Christmas Day brunch and Tea with Santa
WHEN: Nov. 25 through Dec. 24
WHERE: The St. Regis Atlanta

Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas

WHAT: Variety of Christmas-themed events in Dahlonega.
WHEN: Nov. 25 to Dec. 31
WHERE: Dahlonega

Christkindl Market

WHAT: German market as well as ballet performances.
WHEN: Nov. 26 to Dec. 24
WHERE: Buckhead Village, Atlanta

Snow Day at Alpharetta City Center

WHAT: A meet-and-greet with llamas, live music and craft stations.
WHEN: Dec. 10, noon to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Alpharetta City Center, Alpharetta

Holiday Happenings at the Outlet Shoppes

WHAT: Festival Fridays featuring a light show, games and goodies. tree lighting event and Santa Sundays.
WHEN: Fridays and Sundays from Nov. 11 to Dec. 18. Tree lighting event Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.
WHERE: The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Woodstock

Christmas with the Cops Festival

WHAT: Holiday celebration with 80 vendors, photo backdrops for your holiday photos, a petting zoo and more.
WHEN: Nov. 11, 4 p.m.
WHERE: 2083 Fairburn Rd., Douglasville

Deck the Hall

WHAT: Family-friendly activities and Christmas carols of college football fans’ favorite fight songs.
WHEN: Dec. 1 through 14
WHERE: College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta

Holiday in the Park

WHAT: Holiday celebration at Six Flags Over Georgia.
WHEN: Nov. 16, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell

East Point Coat Drive

WHAT: Coat drive for Silver Star Chapter No. 1 and the Jencare Senior Medical Center.
WHEN: Dec. 1, 2 p.m. Donation deadline is Nov. 24, 5 p.m.
WHERE: JenCare Senior Medical Center-East Point, 2084 Headland Dr., East Point

46th annual College Park Christmas Parade

WHAT: Parade with “Parading Through the Decades” theme.
WHEN: Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: College Street and Yale Avenue, College Park

Christmas in Carrollton parade

WHAT: Christmas parade through Carrollton.
WHEN: Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bradley Street and Minden Avenue, Carrolton

Jackson County Jamboree

WHAT: Performances by Jackson County schools with dinner provided by Chick-fil-A.
WHEN: Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: 85 Washington St., Jefferson

Jingle Jam

WHAT: Toy giveaway and hot chocolate party.
WHEN: Dec. 3, 11 a.m.
WHERE: 2628 Marketplace Blvd., East Point

Christmas at the Creek

WHAT: Christmas tree decorating, Photos with Santa and a Jingle Bell Hayride
WHEN: Dec. 9 and 10
WHERE: Wind Creek State Park

Egg Nog and Poundcake Holiday Reception

WHAT: Reception with Atlanta Councilmember Julian Bond
WHEN: Dec. 5, noon
WHERE: Atlanta City Hall, 2nd floor

Community Christmas Event

WHAT: East Point Councilmembers and a “special celebrity guest” will hand out toys, clothes and food to 500 pre-registered youth. Registration is closed.
WHEN: Dec. 21, noon
WHERE: East Point City Hall, 2757 East Point St., East Point

Festival of Lights

WHAT: A menorah lighting, Hanukkah songs performances, and free hot chocolate doughnuts
WHEN: Dec. 20, 5 p.m.
WHERE: The Marcus Jewish Community Center, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody

Ways to celebrate the holidays in metro Atlanta | 2022

Santa Sightings

Performances and Movie Nights

Pop-up Bars

Tree lightings

Tours and displays

Ice skating rinks

Festivals and markets

Alexandra Parker

Peachtree TV

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