Atlanta winters are a time for reflection and… well, not much else. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! In fact, there’s plenty to do in Atlanta this winter if you know where to look. From outdoor activities like walking in the garden and ice skating (yes, ice skating) to indoor activities like visiting museums and watching plays with friends or family members, Georgia’s capital city offers something for everyone during its coldest months.
Explore the Botanical Gardens
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a place to enjoy beautiful scenery, nature and the outdoors. The gardens are open year-round and during the winter the garden lights makes it so whimsical. You can take a walk or attend an event at the garden during any season of the year.
Visit World of Illumination
If you’re looking to get out of the house this winter, there are plenty of places in Atlanta where you can go and enjoy the season. One such place is World of Illumination at Six Flags White Water in Marietta, Georgia. The park has been transformed into a winter wonderland with lights galore!
World of Illumination is open from November 16 through January 1, 2023 and features more than two million lights on over 350 displays, including Christmas trees, angels, reindeer, and penguins, among other things. During your visit, there may be some slight delays as they add more decorations each day, but if you plan on making it here at least once this holiday season, then I would highly recommend going during Christmas week because it will be absolutely packed! You might even get lucky enough to see Santa Claus himself if he makes an appearance!
Enjoy the Ice Rink at Atlantic Station or other ice staking rinks
Ice skating is one of the most enjoyable winter activities and Atlanta has many places to enjoy the ice. Whether you want to go alone or bring friends and family, there are plenty of places to skate in Atlanta.
After you are done skating you can go out to eat, grab a warm beverage, or be entertain by other activities there. The best place to ice skate in Atlanta is Atlantic Station. It has an amazing outdoor rink that is perfect for all ages. Other ice skating rinks in Atlanta include Centennial Olympic Park, Piedmont Park, and Stone Mountain Park.
Check out Stone Mountain Park Christmas
Stone Mountain Park is also open from November 12th through January 1st, and it’s the perfect place to take the kids! This year they’ve decorated over 1 million lights around the park. There are rides, shows, and plenty of food available at Christmas time. In fact, there’s even a Santa Claus photo booth where your whole family can pose with Santa!
So if you’re looking to get away from Atlanta’s hustle and bustle this winter season—or even if you just want to get out and enjoy some fun family activities—Stone Mountain Park is a great place to do it!
Watch a Play at the Fox Theater
The Fox Theater is a historic landmark in Atlanta, Georgia. It has hosted many famous acts and performers since it opened its doors in 1929. The Fox Theater is a great place to catch any play or concert that comes through town. During the winter season you can always expect a holiday show such as the Nutcracker Ballet to be on rotation every year at this historic venue.
Holiday In The Park at Six Flags
This holiday season, Atlanta will host a new tradition: Holiday In The Park at Six Flags Over Georgia. The event will be held from December 1st to 24th and feature Santa’s Village, Holiday Parade, Holiday Show, and more.
Immerse at Illuminarum
Illuminarum is a unique experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired. There are several experiences for you to indulge in, from Walking Wonderland to Sports at Illuminarium. Illuminarium is appropriate for guests of all ages.
The location is open year round making it a great way to get out during the winter. It is located in the Common Ground complex. Tickets range from standard, combination, and all-inclusive. Want to learn more about the next generation of immersive entertainment head over to the website.
Volunteer with an organization to give back
Of course, you can volunteer anytime during the year! Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, and it’s also a great way for you to meet new people and learn new skills. If you’re not sure where to start, there are dozens of organizations in Atlanta that need volunteers. You can even find one on one on Hands On Atlanta or Volunteer Match!
If you’re looking for an organization that allows people of all ages and backgrounds, and interests, check out Big Brothers Big Sisters of Georgia. This non-profit matches youth with adult mentors through its Mentor Program and other programs such as Camp Fire USA; they are always looking for volunteers who want to be part of their mission: “To improve the quality of life for children by providing strong one-to-one relationships between caring adults.”
Have fun and stay warm during Atlanta’s winter months
If you’re not a fan of cold weather, there are plenty of things to do this winter in Atlanta. Here are some fun activities to enjoy during the cold months:
- Plan ahead. You can’t control when the weather will change, but you can plan ahead and prepare yourself. Make sure you have a full tank of gas in your car before heading out on long road trips or hiking expeditions. If you need supplies like extra clothing or first aid items, make sure to pack them before leaving home.
- Stay warm and dry. When snow is falling outside, or it’s freezing cold outside, it can be hard to stay warm and dry while still having fun outdoors—but there are ways around this! One option is wearing layers that allow air circulation between pieces, so each layer doesn’t retain moisture from sweat or snowfall too much; another option is wearing waterproof outerwear (like rain boots) over existing clothes; another option still is bundling up inside an insulated jacket that includes features such as hoods for warmth even when exposed skin isn’t covered (such as when holding an umbrella).
- Have fun!
Hopefully, this list serves as a helpful guide for you to enjoy your time in Atlanta. There are so many things to do here, and it’s hard to pick one or two favorites! Just remember, whatever activity you choose, make sure it is fun and safe.