Locals and visitors will find a full slate of holiday happenings at Atlantic Station this season. Through January 20, they can Skate the Station on the 10,000-square-foot ice rink. Stop by Santa’s Cottage for a visit and photo with the jolly old elf. And from December 22 through December 30, enjoy the lighting of the Great Menorah on the corner of 18th Street and District Avenue to celebrate Hanukkah. Check the website for full schedule and any related fees.

On December 7, the 39th annual Children’s Christmas Parade hits the streets of Midtown at 10:20 a.m., beginning at the intersection of Peachtree and 16th streets. Held light rain or shine, the parade will include a variety of floats, giant balloons, and marching bands that’ll march their way down to the intersection of Peachtree and Fifth streets.

This is a free event for spectators; however, parking will be at a premium and will require a fee. MARTA is highly recommended for all attendees. 

Celebrating its sixth year, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia returns bigger and brighter than ever with more than 1 million LED lights, 14 fully immersive walk-through areas, more than 30 rides, a variety of live shows, and plenty of photo ops scattered throughout that would be perfect for next year’s holiday cards.

Open select days through January 5, tickets vary based on age and date. See website for exact pricing and to purchase tickets.

This young annual tradition returns for its third year to City Springs on December 8 at 5:30 p.m. with the inaugural Sparkle Sandy Springs Holiday Parade, which will conclude with a tree lighting at City Springs. Following the parade, the lights will come to life on the decorated 6-foot-tall wooden houses. Attendees also can enjoy food trucks, a snow machine on the Green, and hot chocolate.

The free wooden house display will be open to the public throughout December. 

A beloved Atlanta tradition, The Pink Pig is now running at Macy’s at Lenox Square through January 5. For more than 60 years, this holiday favorite has taken kids and kids-at-heart for a spin, ever since its inception at the downtown Rich’s department store.

Individual rides cost $3 each; multi-ride tickets are $5.50 for two rides and $7.50 for three rides. Closed Christmas Day.

On December 14, don your favorite Speedo or holiday-inspired swimwear for a one-mile run along the Beltline’s Eastside Trail to raise funds for Bert’s Big Adventure. Now in its 11th year, this annual event kicks off with a pre-party at Pour Taproom at noon before participants take to the course. Following the run, return to Pour Taproom for the after-party.

NOTE: All participants must be at least 21 years old.

Through December 24, Stone Mountain Christmas invites residents and visitors alike to experience some of the park’s top attractions all decked out for the season. See an abbreviated 4-D version of The Polar Express, take a ride on the Scenic Railroad as you sing carols, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and have your photo made with holiday characters Rudolph, Clarice, and Bumble from Rudolph, The Red-nosed Reindeer.

Through February 23, visitors can hit the tubes on Snow Mountain as they race through this snow-filled winter wonderland. Be sure to tackle the new Dare Devil Plunge dark-tunnel ride and stay after dark to experience the Galactic Snow Tubing with lasers, lights, and music,

Ticket prices vary based on age and date; see website for exact pricing and tickets. 

On December 15 from 2 to 6 p.m., head to the Chattahoochee Nature Center for a fun-filled day of holiday-themed programs. Think reindeer games, story time, winter crafts, and face-painting. Visitors also can explore the new Enchanted Woodland Trails exhibit, which features more than 30 fairy houses and gnome homes.

Admission is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors ages 65 and older and for students ages 13 to 18; $6 for children ages 3 to 12; and free for children younger than 2 and all members. 

Enjoy Christmases past at the Atlanta History Center during the special holiday evenings of December 13 and 20 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Stroll the wooded trails by candlelight, visit with Santa, shop the Holiday Market, and enjoy holiday music.

Tickets are $20 for the public; $10 for children; and $15 for members. 

On seven nights in December from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., The Rock Ranch welcomes visitors to experience Country Christmas Nights—especially those looking for a day trip an hour south of Atlanta. On these evenings, guests can ride through the Christmas light display in tractor-pulled covered wagons, visit with Santa, participate in activities at Santa’s workshop, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.

General admission starts at $8, which includes the tractor ride. Santa’s Workshop activities are $12 per person, and rides on the Christmas Express Train are $8 per person. 

Grab the family, and head to The Battery Atlanta for free digital and printed photos with Santa every Thursday through Sunday, as well as on Christmas Eve. On December 8 and 15, bring the family pet for Santa Paws Night. There’s even a special low-sensory Santa experience for special needs guests on Sundays (registration required).

Hours vary by date; see website for full schedule. Reservations for Sensitive Santa sessions are available at bit.ly/SensitiveSanta2018.

Also, on December 14, join the Jingle Bell Run, a holiday-themed 5K race with all reigstration fees and fundraising efforts benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. Register at http://bit.ly/JingleBellRunATL.

Throughout the month of December, Ponce City Market is hosting a wide array of events as part of its 2019 Holiday Spectacular. These include a tree lot with King of Pops, visits with The Grinch and Santa Claus, and ice skating and themed igloos on the rooftop.

On December 23, PCM and Chabad Intown will host a traditional menorah lighting ceremony on the Yard at 6:30 p.m. Times and ticket prices vary by day and event, so review the website for full details. 

Returning after a memorable kickoff last year, Santa’s Fantastical is a whimsical indoor wonderland featuring immersive visuals and innovative technology. Running through January 5 at Perimeter Pointe in Sandy Springs, the event features last year’s favorite attractions plus such new installations as Santa’s Parlor, the North Pole Village, and Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen.

Tickets vary by date and time slots available and must be purchased online. See website for full details.

Put a twist on your traditional holiday celebrations with a terrifying night at NETHERWORLD Haunted House. On December 14, gear up for a yuletide takeover of “Night of the Gorgon,” a holiday midway, a gift shop, and a special laser tag event called “Mutant Madness.” On December 28, take the first-ever guided Lights on Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at this popular haunted house’s scary haunts.

Tickets for A Haunted Holiday are $25.95 online and, if available, $28 at the door. Tickets for Mutant Madness are $15 each. Tickets for Lights on Tour are $100 each. See website for full details.