Atlanta Winter Guide

Credit: Courtesy of the Americano

These metro Atlanta restaurants are open on Christmas Day

Here are 15 metro Atlanta restaurants open on Christmas Day 2025, including Atlas, Brassica and Marcus Bar & Grille.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

From Marietta to millions, ‘The Elf on the Shelf’ turns 20

A Marietta family 20 years ago created a brand-new tradition with Elf on the Shelf, a Christmas miracle in a day and age where nostalgia rules the airwaves and gift shops.

Credit: Jenni Girtman for the AJC

Atlanta’s New Year’s Eve Peach Drop replaced by fireworks, drone display

Last year’s Peach Drop, which featured concerts by Big Boi and Neon Trees, cost $630K. A city spokesperson said this fireworks and drone show will cost no more than $250K.

Credit: Courtesy of William Close

Atlanta holiday show to be performed on record-breaking 1,000-foot earth harp

SCADshow will transform into a giant, resonating chamber as William Close and the Earth Harp Collective stretch 1,000-foot harp strings from the stage to the rafters.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Dad's Garage

The holidays, Atlanta get zinged in new comedy ‘Too Fast, Too Festivus’

A new holiday sketch comedy show from Dad's Garage with a distinctive Atlanta flavor, “Too Fast, Too Festivus” is onstage at Horizon Theatre starting Dec. 12.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Alpharetta City Center

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Our list of 15 family-friendly doings in metro Atlanta for Dec. 12-14 includes winter festivals, holiday theater and music and Snow Day in Alpharetta

Credit: (Courtesy of The Bloom Effect)

Athens punk band Five Eight kicking off the holidays with an eye toward 2026

Preview: Playing Friday at Smith's Olde Bar, Athens band Five Eight and Atlanta singer-guitarist James Hall have collaborated on a new holiday song, “Christmas Without You."

Holiday things to do

Credit: Photo courtesy of Dad's Garage

The holidays, Atlanta get zinged in new comedy ‘Too Fast, Too Festivus’

A new holiday sketch comedy show from Dad's Garage with a distinctive Atlanta flavor, “Too Fast, Too Festivus” is onstage at Horizon Theatre starting Dec. 12.

Credit: Photo courtesy of Alpharetta City Center

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Our list of 15 family-friendly doings in metro Atlanta for Dec. 12-14 includes winter festivals, holiday theater and music and Snow Day in Alpharetta

Credit: (Courtesy of The Bloom Effect)

Athens punk band Five Eight kicking off the holidays with an eye toward 2026

Preview: Playing Friday at Smith's Olde Bar, Athens band Five Eight and Atlanta singer-guitarist James Hall have collaborated on a new holiday song, “Christmas Without You."

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More holiday things to do

Credit: Courtesy of the city of Kennesaw

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Our list of 15 family-friendly doings in metro Atlanta for Dec. 5-7 includes holiday parades, a free Ludacris concert and the Dr Pepper SEC FanFare.

Credit: Photo courtesy of World of Illumination/Tim Peluso

7 drive-through light shows that pledge to holly jolly your holiday spirits

A million lights is not enough to power many of these eye-popping Christmas light displays in metro Atlanta and beyond.

Credit: Six Flags Over Georgia

Six Flags Over Georgia closes this weekend, cutting Holiday in the Park

For the first time since 2013, Six Flags over Georgia won't be open over the holidays for pass holders to enjoy the lights, music, Christmas tree and visits with Santa Claus.

Credit: Courtesy of Atlantic Station

12 things to do around metro Atlanta to get you in the holiday spirit

Christmas markets, light displays, 'The Nutcracker,' Buddy the Elf, Rudolph, Santa Claus (and Scuba Claus) are among the holiday things to see and do coming to metro Atlanta.

Credit: Dan Lax

Traditions reign at Atlanta holiday concerts

Take in some of the performances from choral groups, jazz artists and classical musicians this holiday season in Atlanta.

When to start planning each part of your Thanksgiving feast

The holiday can be stressful, but this schedule might help you get organized and enjoy the day

Credit: Grapefruit Photo

Georgia Festival of Trees shines light on human trafficking

Family-friendly annual event raises money for Street Grace.

Drink genetically engineered to eliminate ‘rough mornings after drinking’

Can pregaming probiotics help a hangover? ZBiotics claims it helps prevent the worst parts of a hangover, so here's what we know about it.

How to chill your NYE Champagne the right way

If you forget to put that bottle of bubbly in the fridge, we have tips to get it cold quickly

The scientifically proven best foods and drinks for a hangover

If you celebrate too much this New Year’s Eve, try one of these remedies to feel better