With gorgeous wreaths beautifying doors and stuffed stockings adorning fireplaces, the holiday season is in full effect.
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However, no Christmas is complete without a visit from Santa Claus. The jolly, big-bellied character is a must-see, and luckily, there are plenty of chances to spot him throughout the metro Atlanta area.
Grab your cameras and dress in your most festive outfits for your photo-op with St. Nicholas.
Greenbriar Mall
Make your way to southwest Atlanta for a glimpse of Greenbriar Mall’s “naturally bearded African-American Santa.” Find out if you are on the naughty or nice list as you capture memorable moments with him. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also register online.
Various hours through Dec. 24. Free admission, various prices for photo packages. Greenbriar Mall, 2841 Greenbriar Parkway SW, Atlanta. 404-344-6611, shopgreenbriar.com.
Atlantic Station
You can catch Santa tucked away in his cozy cottage on Winter Wonder Lane near Dillard’s. Share your wish list with him and take some photos. While reservations aren’t required, they are recommended. You can even skip the line by making a FastPass reservation.
11 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 24. Free admission, various prices for photo packages. Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-410-4010, atlanticstation.com.
Ponce City Market
Bring your own camera for some holiday photo magic with Santa at the Tree Elves Lot on The Yard. As you wait in line, you'll be able to enjoy a rotating roster of choirs, musicians and other entertainers. Be sure to stick around for hot cocoa, cider and frozen pops from King of Pops and warm up around a fire pit.
Every weekend through Dec. 24. Free admission. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-900-7900, poncecitymarket.com.
Stone Mountain Christmas
You can deliver your wish list directly to Mr. Claus during your trip. Mrs. Claus will be on-site, too, where you’ll be able to take pictures with the whole family. There are also plenty of other ways to bring in holiday cheer at Stone Mountain. You can watch the tree lighting ceremony and Christmas parade nightly.
Various hours through Dec. 24. $34.95 for all-attraction pass, free for children 3 and under. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-879-9900, stonemountainpark.com.
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Atlanta Falcons game
Come cheer on the Atlanta Falcons as they take on the Arizona Cardinals. But before you head into the stadium, look for Santa Rick, who will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots and taking free pictures with fans before the game. (Gates open at 11 a.m. Toys for Tots representatives will be on-site for at least an hour before the 1 p.m. kickoff to take toys.)
Dec. 16. Various prices for game tickets. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1414 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 470-341-5000, atlantafalcons.com.
Santa at Avalon
There are several ways to see Santa at Avalon. You can have breakfast with him and his jolly elves at Chick-fil-A. You'll also be able to snap a few shots with him. You can even bring your furry friends for photos.
Various hours through Dec. 24. Free admission, various prices for photo packages and breakfast. Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-1000, experienceavalon.com.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags
Named one of the best Christmas events in Georgia, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags is back for the fifth year. There are a variety of activities for family and friends of all ages. Check out S’mores Village for a roasted snack, take a ride on the Candlelight Carousel, or sing along to some Looney Tunes Christmas songs. And of course, there will be a chance to meet Santa.
Various hours through Jan. 6. $69.99 for adults, $49.99 for children under 48 inches tall. Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell. 770-739-3400, sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
Breakfast with Santa at Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is transforming into a winter wonderland for the season. Join Santa for a yummy morning meal provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering as whale sharks, manta rays and other sea animals swim by. Write a letter to Mr. Claus and bring your camera for some photos with him.
9-11 a.m. Dec. 15. $19.95-$29.95 for nonmembers, $18.95-$26.95 for members, free for children 2 and under. Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000, georgiaaquarium.org.
Town Center at Cobb
Flash your best smile alongside St. Nicholas at Town Center at Cobb. The cheerful old man will be stationed in Center Court for photo opportunities. Not interested in standing in line? Skip it with Santa’s Fast Pass. Reserve your moment online or come in on a whim.
Various hours through Dec. 24. Free admission, various prices for photo packages. Town Center at Cobb, 400 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway NW, Kennesaw. 770-424-0742, simon.com.
Lawrenceville’s Hometown Christmas Parade
Locals will flood sidewalks to watch marching bands and floats parade the streets of Lawrenceville. The affair will also feature live reindeer, fun activities and much more. And don’t forget to stop by the Historic Courthouse Gazebo to visit St. Nick.
7-9 p.m. Dec. 14. Free. Lawrenceville City Hall, 70 S. Clayton St., Lawrenceville. 770-963-2414, events.exploregwinnett.org.
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