These Atlanta experiences make the perfect holiday gifts

Let’s face it: some of the best gifts are intangible. They may not be able to be held or seen physically, but they can be experienced and remembered forever. Atlanta offers many hands-on experiences and events that serve as great gifts for the loved ones in your life. Instead of wrapping up clothes and socks this holiday season, consider putting a bow on show tickets, nature, and many other interactive experiences that we’ve gathered below.

Cirque du Soleil presents ECHO

Now through Jan. 21, 2024, Cirque du Soleil is back under the Big Top in Atlantic Station. Your gift of Cirque du Soleil tickets will be sure to steal the limelight this holiday season.

Location: Midtown - 221 20th St; Admission: Starting at $43; Website: cirquedusoleil.com/echo

Delta Flight Museum

If you know a future pilot, let their dreams take flight this winter with a gift to the Delta Flight Museum’s Flight Simulator, which simulates a Boeing 737-200 that will make them literally feel like they are flying in the air and through the clouds.

Location: Hapeville - 1060 Delta Blvd; Website: deltamuseum.org; Contact: 404-715-7886

Fox Theatre

Gift the gift of theatre this holiday season at the Fox, Atlanta’s iconic venue in Midtown. Some upcoming shows on the Fox Theatre lineup include Disney’s “Aladdin”, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s Restless Leg Tour, “Hamilton,” and more.

Location: Midtown - 660 Peachtree St NE; Website: foxtheatre.org; Contact: 855-285-8499

Garden Nights, Holiday Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

It’s okay to gift date nights, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual Garden Nights, Holiday Lights exhibit is not one to miss. Sip on spiked hot chocolate while meandering through the lighted sculptures with your date, and then complete the night at Longleaf, where you can dine amongst the lights and flowers. Open through Jan. 14, 2024.

Location: Midtown - 1345 Piedmont Ave NE; Admission: Starting at $24.95; Website: atlantabg.org; Contact: 404-876-5859

Georgia State ParkPass and Historic Site Pass

If you know a wilderness explorer in your life who loves hiking and history, consider gifting them a Georgia State ParkPass and Historic Site Pass combo, which provides access to more than 60 parks and attractions across the state of Georgia, valid for a year.

Website: gastateparks.org/ComboPass; Cost: $85

Zoo Atlanta

Gifting Zoo Atlanta tickets for Christmas is a unique and memorable gift that combines the magic of the holiday spirit and the animal kingdom. Tickets begin at $24.95, or go above and beyond with a membership (starting at $129) for year-round fun.

Location: Grant Park - 800 Cherokee Ave SE; Admission: Starting at $24.95; Website: zooatlanta.org; Contact: 404-624-5600

Illuminarium

Illuminarium is an immersive 4D experience that will awaken all the senses and makes a great experiential gift for your loved ones. Current interactive adventures include Space After Dark, which takes guests on a journey through the galaxy.

Location: East Atlanta - 550 Somerset Terrace NE; Admission: Starting at $35; Website: illuminarium.com/atlanta; Contact: 404-341-1000

Splatter Studio

Perfect for those who would love to explore their inner artist (or even for those who could use a little bit of destressing), Splatter Studio provides a blank canvas to unleash creativity. It’s an excellent interactive gift that can be proudly displayed in the home afterward!

Location: Northeast Atlanta - 792 North Highland Avenue NE; Admission: $35+; Website: thesplatterstudio.com; Contact: 404-487-3820

Porsche Experience Center

Vroom, vroom. Speed right into the holiday season by getting tickets to the Porsche Experience Center for the special race car driver in your life. Test drive Porsche cars on the 1.6-mile test track full of twists, turns and other surprises.

Location: Southwest Atlanta - One Porsche Dr; Admission: Starting at $450; Website: porschedriving.com/atlanta; Contact: 888-204-7474

Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party

Sure, you can come to this whimsical Candler Park shop to grab a tea, coffee or pastry and sit down to do work, but take it one step further by gifting a literal High Tea Party (just not underwater). Friends and family can gather in a private room and patio and enjoy pastries and tea on vintage china trays surrounded by eclectic decorations.