Gone are the days of waiting until after Thanksgiving to unleash your Christmas cheer. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to hear holiday music in public spaces just after Halloween. It doesn’t take long for Santa Claus to begin making his rounds, either.
Santa obviously has a busy travel schedule around this time of year, but he’ll still have time to meet with families and make sure their holiday wishes are considered. The generous North Pole-dweller is already visiting several places within metro Atlanta this month, and he’ll be around through the end of the year.
From Six Flags to Avalon, here are a few places where you can hand deliver your wish-list and take photos with Santa.
MORE ON AJC.COM: Holiday fun: 16 things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend
Stone Mountain
Santa Claus is making one of his earliest appearances in metro Atlanta at Stone Mountain.
Stone Mountain Christmas boasts “millions of dazzling lights,” festive events such as the 1800s-inspired “A Victorian Christmas,” familiar shows such as “A Christmas Carol,” unique holiday merchandise and more.
Nov. 11-Dec. 24. $24.95-$35.95, parking is $20. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 1-800-401-2407, stonemountainpark.com.
Holiday in the Park
Six Flags is making sure Santa feels right at home by recreating the North Pole for visitors during its annual Holiday in the Park festival. Journey to Santa by taking a ride on The North Pole Express. Mrs. Claus will also be onsite, preparing food in Santa’s Soup Kitchen.
Before you leave the park, be sure to visit Mistletoe Mansion and immerse yourself in more than 100,000 lights and, of course, mistletoe, or make s’mores over fire pits at S’mores Village.
Select days, Nov. 24-Jan. 5. $51.99-$71.99. 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770-739-3400, sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
Breakfast with Santa at Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium knew Santa would be busy from all of his holiday traveling, so they’ve graciously extended their facility as a resting ground. During select three mornings, families can visit the aquarium and having breakfast with Santa.
The buffet-style breakfast will be provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Admission to the aquarium is not included.
9-10:30 a.m. Nov. 23, Dec. 7, Dec. 14. $18.95-$39.95. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000, georgiaaquarium.org.
Avalon
Spend 15 minutes with Santa for free by scheduling an appointment at experienceavalon.com. Photo packages range from $35-$45.
In addition to taking photos with Santa, Avalon visitors will get to spend time with him doing a host of activities. Story Time with Santa has nearly sold out, but pets are encouraged to get in on the holiday cheer on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. Santa will also be available for breakfast at Chick-fil-A from 8-10 a.m. on Dec. 14, as well as breakfast at Oak Steakhouse from 9-11 a.m. on Dec. 15. Prices vary.
Nov. 25-Dec. 3. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000, experienceavalon.com.
Mall Santa
An obvious fan of shopping, Santa will make his rounds at a number of malls in the metro Atlanta area. Lenox Square, Mall of Georgia and Town Center at Cobb will all host Santa from now until Dec. 24. Additionally, Autism Speaks has partnered with each of the three malls to offer a sensory-friendly environment for children with all spectrums of needs during select times on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 (Town Center at Cobb only).
Families will also have the opportunity to bring their pets to visit Santa at any of the three locations on select dates. Visit simon.com for additional information.
Southwest Atlanta residents can find Santa at Greenbriar Mall from Nov. 23-Dec. 24. Visit shopgreenbriar.com to make sure Santa Claus isn't on break before you go.
About the Author
