Author: Alex Delaney
November
When: Nov 1-3; Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Expo Center North; 3650 Jonesboro Rd SE, Atlanta, GA
Get your holiday shopping out of the way! This event has over 400 quality booths selling crafts, gifts, decor, jewelry, clothing and more, including Bath & Body! Held at the Atlanta Expo Center at 3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Rd. Free parking, $3 admission.
When: Nov 1-3
Where: Cumberland Mall; 2860 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta, GA
Another holiday shopping tradition at the Cumberland Mall featuring everything on your shopping list!
Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp Chili Cook-off and Bluegrass Festival
When: Nov 2; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The friendly neighborhood of Cabbagetown opens its arms again for this annual event. Over 65 vendors, mountain music, 5k run and so much more!
When: Nov 2-3; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Chastain Park
Fine arts and crafts with 185 artists and artisans, gourmet food trucks and acoustic musicians provide a lovely, free afternoon in Chastain Park.
2019 Home for the Holidays Showhouse
When: Nov 14-Dec 8
Where: 4825 Woodvale Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
This event is benefitting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta! Architectural designer Frank Heery of Harrison Design—and nearly 20 interior designers—will transform a modestly-sized 1950s-era Saltbox at the end of a long drive on a nearly four-acre forested lot in Sandy Springs.
When: Nov 16 through Jan 11th
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Experience the beauty of the season at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Nature’s Wonders, featuring an incredible curtain of synchronized light and sound. Check out the Ice Goddess, the Tunnel of Light, and so much more!
When: Nov 17th through Dec 29;10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Botanical Express will take your children for a ride through the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Great Lawn every Saturday and Sunday through the holiday season. $5.
Disney Junior Holiday Party
When: Nov 19th at 7 p.m.
Where: Fox Theatre; 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30365
Let your little ones enjoy a dazzling musical wonderland at the Fox Theatre. Singing and dancing with their favorite Disney characters!
The Elf on the Shelf – A Christmas Musical
When: Nov 23
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre; 12 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Live for the first time ever! Enjoy a special invitation to Santa’s North Pole and see how the magical Scout Elves live. A magical event that will make even the most skeptical believe. Held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
When: Nov 30-Dec 1st; Saturday: 4 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sunday: 2 p.m.
Where: Fox Theatre
This family holiday spectacular is a Broadway musical and Cirque experience rolled into one for an amazing holiday experience for the entire family.
December
When: Dec 5th; 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Incredible, breathtaking performances by the world’s greatest entertainers, set to holiday music.
WhenL Dec 5th; 5 p.m.
The Horizon Theatre is proud to present this Madeleine Christmas Adventure.
When: Dec 6-23
Where: Shakespeare Tavern, 499 Peachtree St. NE
This Dickens classic has been adapted by J. Tony Brown. Tickets from $15.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
When: Dec 6th and 7th; Friday: 8 p.m., Saturday: 8 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall
This film follows the King of Halloween Town who gets bored until he discovers Christmas Town and decides to stir things up for the holiday season. Enjoy the Worlds of Puppetry Museum before the show. Location: Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St NW. $12.50 general admission.
Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
When: Dec 6-8th; Friday: 8 p.m., Saturday: 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sunday: 3 p.m.
Classic holiday carols and hymns with special guests Timothy Miller and the Gwinnett Young Singers! Location: Atlanta Symphony Hall at Woodruff Arts Center.
The Children’s Christmas Parade
When: Dec 7th; Begins at 10:20 a.m.
Where: Parade starts at 16th Street and ends at Peachtree and 5th Streets
Get into the holiday spirit at the largest holiday parade in the southeast! Visit with Santa at the Four Seasons Hotel, then sit back and enjoy the parade! Huge floats, amazing balloons, marching bands and more! The parade starts at 10:20 at Peachtree & 16th Street, ending at Peachtree and 5th Street.
A John Waters Christmas – Filthier and Merrier
When: Dec 12th; 7pm
Where: Variety Playhouse; 1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Legendary filmmaker, the People’s Pervert, John Waters, is at it again, this time at the Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave NE, and no subject is off-limits in this one-man show!
When: Dec 14; 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Trees Atlanta; 225 Chester Ave SE, Atlanta, GA
Great fun to benefit the ALS Association. This year’s focus is on sneakers. So dress up in your best formal black attire, but don your favorite kicks! $25 in advance, $35 at the door.
Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas with The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
When: Dec 14; 8 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall; 1280 Peachtree St.
“Experience the magical sound of Celtic Woman this holiday season. Celtic Woman is the most successful all-female group in Irish history, with a legacy of 12 consecutive Billboard number ones, 10 million album sales and an incredible 1 billion online streams to date. This is a rare opportunity to hear Celtic Woman’s angelic harmonies with the thrilling live sound of a full symphony orchestra in an intimate concert setting.”
When: Dec 21 – 22; Saturday: 8 p.m., Sunday: 3 p.m.
Where: Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University
This event features Irish, Welsh, Scottish and Appalachian dance and music in a soul-warming performance.
When: Dec 28-29
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Come join the fun at one of the largest college sporting events! The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is celebrating its 51st anniversary.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Night at the AquariumWhen: Dec 27; 4 – 8 p.m.
Where: Georgia Aquarium
“Celebrate Bowl Week at the most unique football event in Atlanta! Georgia Aquarium is offering football fans the opportunity to be surrounded by millions of gallons of waters, thousands of aquatic animals and fellow football enthusiasts at Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Night.”
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade Presented by Lions Club International
When: Saturday, Dec 29
Where: Downtown Atlanta
“Long regarded as the official kickoff for game day, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade presented by Lions Clubs International spreads football festivity throughout downtown Atlanta. This free event concludes at FanFest in the Georgia World Congress Center.”
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest Presented by Tyson
When: Dec 29; 8 a.m. – noon
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Building C
PrimeSport MVP Tailgate
When: Saturday, Dec 29
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, NCR Lounge
Zoo Atlanta’s Winter Break Safari Camp
When: Dec 27 (Color Craze) & Dec 30 – Jan 3rd (Creature Quarters)
Keep your kids engaged during the winter school break at Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. Kids aged 5-11 will participate in hands-on activities that teach about wildlife and conservation. $280, or $224 for members.
Atlanta Brew Year’s Eve
When: Dec 31; 8:30 – 1:30 a.m.
Celebrate the New Year in Atlanta’s laid back style with the finest beer brewed in the South! Price includes an assortment of beer and wine. Group rates are available.
Atlanta NYElectric 2020 – New Year’s Eve Countdown
When: Dec 31 – Jan 1; 8:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Where: Westin Peachtree Plaza
Back for its 5th year, this New Year’s celebration offers an open bar, 4 top area DJs, and 3 areas on two floors for plenty of mingling!
“Atlanta NightlifePresents… The 5th Annual Atlanta NYElectric 2020 at Westin Peachtree Plaza 5Hour Open Bar 4Top Atlanta DJs 3Areas to Mingle 2Floors of Excitement 1 ElectricCountdown! If you’re looking for the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience in Atlanta, then there is nothing better than NYElectric 2020 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Downtown Atlanta. This mega hotel sits 73 stories up and has 2 amazing ballrooms that will host the biggest and best NYE Countdown in the Atlanta area.”
Kids New Year’s Eve at Snow Mountain Park
When: Dec 31st; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is hosting an early New Year’s Eve celebration for families with snowfall and an early countdown at 8:59 pm. Events include costumed characters, dance-a-longs and fireworks!
January
When: Jan 16 – 19
Where: Georgia World Congress Center – Hall C
Learn about boat repair and maintenance, boating techniques and tools, fishing and diving and all things boat! Demonstrations and question and answer sessions.
Celine Dion’s Courage World Tour
When: Jan 11; 7:30 p.m.
Where: State Farm Arena
Get your tickets to see the wonderful Celine Dion.
When: Jan 31- Feb 2
Where: The Atlanta Marriott Marquis; 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Seishun Con X’s Winter Anime Convention is back for its tenth year. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in anime. Enjoy a weekend full of panels, guests, vendors, contests and much more.
February
When: Feb 2; 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: Atlantic Station; 1381 Market St NW
Child-free, pet-free zone with 150+ beers, 25+ wines and ciders and live music with a DJ.
When: Feb 7-9
Where: Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce de Leon Ave.
Great family fun at this delightful 42nd annual festival that includes jugglers, unicyclists, hoopers, kendama, live music and family fun for all ages. You can even learn to juggle! Admission is free except for Cabaret night.
When: Feb 10 – 27
This 18-day festival includes over 70 international documentaries and narratives from more than 24 countries. The diverse films cover human rights, religion, women in film, and so much more! Check the website for venues and pricing.
When: Feb 11 – 16
Where: Fox Theatre
This well-loved musical is back! After rave reviews on Broadway, Hello Dolly is making its way around the country and now it is coming to Atlanta! Fasten your seatbelts. You are in for a ride!
Gordon Lightfoot 80 Years Strong Tour
When: Feb 18; 8 p.m.
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Gordon Lightfoot is celebrating his 80th birthday performing music from his 50 years as a musician.
2020 Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival
When: Feb 27 – Mar 2, 2020
Where: Westin Peachtree Plaza
The Southeast’s biggest Latin Dance Party. If you love salsa or any dance, this is the place for you!
On-Going:
Fernbank Museum: Traveling the Silk Road
When: Sept 28, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
Travel the legendary Silk Road as it appeared a thousand years ago. The greatest trading route in history is recreated with all the wonders of the age, including artifacts, life-sized models and plenty of hands-on activities.