10 Attractions to Visit this Winter in Atlanta

By Joleen Pete

Published December 8, 2022
Last Updated February 7, 2023

Atlanta attractions light up in winter with festive exhibits and activities. From light displays to ice skating and beloved holiday performances – there’s so much to see and do with this guide to the top attractions to visit this winter in Atlanta.

1. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden is a virtual fantasyland of lights spread throughout the gardens from Nov. 12 through Jan. 14, 2023. See lit up sculptures and light displays accompanied by a Holiday Garden Shop for selecting the perfect holiday gift. 

2. Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center offers up a variety of programming for all seasons. This winter you can catch Winter Wonderland stories for toddler time on Dec. 7 from 10 to 11:40 a.m. in addition to educational programming from a variety of authors and artists all winter long. In February, look for the 1980’s Prom.

3. Georgia Aquarium

The largest aquarium in the country is welcoming back Winter Waterland this year including photos with Santa, Scuba Claus, holiday themed presentations with the dolphins and so much more. Check their website for all the details through Jan. 2, 2023. 

4. High Museum of Art

It’s fun to visit the High Museum any time of the year and winter is no exception. There are art classes for kids, a holiday mixer for young professionals and family programming for all ages. Exhibitions include “Rodin in the United States”, featuring 70 drawings and sculptures including some of his best known works like “The Thinker” and “The Kiss”. In addition, view the photography of Deana Lawson, an exhibition by designer Stephen Burks, and the stunning mirrored works of Iranian artist Monir Farmanfamaian. Take a day to explore all that the High and The Woodruff Arts Center have to offer.

5. Illuminarium Atlanta

Illuminarium is changing the way people experience exhibitions and art. The immersive experiences are a mash up of digital art and music creating a unique and memorable experience. This winter, you can choose from a variety of family-friendly experiences including SPACE: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond, Waking Wonderland (an Alice in Wonderland themed experience), Wild: Safari Experience and the Live Sports (21+ Monday Night Football in a way you’ve never experienced.)

6. Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Lovers of the magical world of Harry Potter will love a visit to this ground-breaking immersive exhibition. See original props and costumes from the films in addition to interactive technology, story-telling and more as you experience the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts.

7. Six Flags Over Georgia

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia returns with over a million lights, decorated Christmas trees, holiday entertainment and special seasonal food and drink to help visitors of all ages ring in the season. (Select days Nov. 19 through Jan. 1, 2023)

8. Stone Mountain

Find your favorite holiday characters as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus during Stone Mountain Christmas. Enjoy the attractions, dazzling lights, holiday shows, music, shopping and more on select days from Nov. 12 through Jan. 1, 2023. On Dec. 31, join the kid’s early New Year’s Eve Celebration at 9 p.m. Stone Mountain will ring in the New Year early with a magical snowfall and early countdown to fireworks. Available during Stone Mountain Christmas and included with a daily Christmas Attractions Pass or annual Mountain Membership. 

9. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Find two floors of decorated holiday trees and displays to reflect a variety of world cultures and celebrations as part of Winter Wonderland at Fernbank through Jan. 6, 2023.. While Christmas and Hanukkah are represented, so are regional arts and crafts like traditional Mexican wood carvings, Peruvian retablos, and hand-made straw ornaments.

10. Zoo Atlanta

IllumiNights returns to Zoo Atlanta with larger than life animal sculptures illuminated throughout the park from Nov. 21 through Jan. 5, 2023. 

For more things to do this winter, check out our ultimate guide to the holidays in Atlanta and our recommendations for things to do this weekend.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.