Atlanta's holiday spirit is happening big-time this weekend, from sports and holiday lights to concerts and family-friendly outings all around the city. Whether you're chasing holiday magic or just looking for some fun, here's a curated list of standout events happening December 12-14. We've focused on a mix of free and ticketed options across neighborhoods—grab your scarves and dive in! Atlanta Weekend Events: Friday, December 12 Jungle Bells 2025 — Night 1 of a big winter drum-and-bass party, at The Masquerade / Underground Atlanta. Get tickets. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden (starts at 5:00 PM) — festive lights, holiday-themed displays, garden strolls after dark. IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta — Holiday lantern festival at Zoo Atlanta, nightly through the season starting at 5:30 PM. The 85 South Show The comedic ensemble The 85 South Show comes to State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta on Friday, Dec. 12. Get tickets. Catch a live concert/show — for example, check line-ups at local venues via general event listings for concerts and music in Atlanta. Browse seasonal holiday-market vibe — December in Atlanta tends to have holiday markets, pop-ups, and festive shopping (keep an eye on local event calendars). 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium The Celebration Bowl — pitting the champions of MEAC vs SWAC — kicks off Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon. Game-day festivities begin early with fan activations, high-school and college marching-band jamborees, and vendor booths starting around 8:30 a.m. Great pick for college-football fans, families, or groups wanting a festive stadium experience. Holiday Lights, Skating & Seasonal Magic Photo credit: Visit Sandy Springs Lanterns, light displays, and a mile-long illuminated trail make this a magical nighttime activity for families, friends, or date night. Running through January 18, 2026 — prime time for festive vibes during the weekend. Ice Skating & Holiday Pop-Ups Try the rooftop ice-skating rink at Skate City in Sandy Springs or Ponce City Market — a classic ATL winter activity for locals. Plenty of holiday-themed pop-up bars, cozy lounges, and seasonal cocktails are also around if you’d rather skip the cold. Love to glide on the ice? Read our guide on Skate the Station. Holiday Performances & Concerts Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra — shows at Atlanta Symphony Hall on Dec. 11, 13 (3 & 8 p.m.), and 14 (3 p.m.). A festive mix of carols, hymns and holiday spirit. A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theatre — part of its 2025–26 holiday run (Nov 15–Dec 24). A theatrical classic and a great holiday outing. For a lighter, fun night out: check if comics/stand-up shows at venues like The Tabernacle or other concert halls align with your schedule — December is packed with seasonal entertainment. Community & Neighborhood Holiday Events Virginia‑Highland Winterfest & Holiday Tour of Homes — scheduled around Dec. 13–14. Includes a 5K Jingle Jog, kids’ activities, holiday parade, local gift-market, and beautifully decorated homes open for viewing. Casual strolls through Midtown or Buckhead to check out neighborhood lights, holiday market pop-ups, or festive restaurants — especially enjoyable if you like a laid-back vibe. March of the Toys Parade in Ball Ground A wholesome holiday kickoff just north of Atlanta: Watch festive floats, marching bands, and Santa roll through town at 7 p.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots to join the giving spirit—totally free and full of cheer.Location: Ball Ground, GA (20-min drive from Atlanta) Atlanta Weekend Events: Saturday, December 13 IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta — evening lantern & light-festival experience again, 5:30–9:30 PM. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden — evening hours 5:00–10:00 PM. Botanical Santa at Atlanta Botanical Garden — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. A good daytime family-friendly holiday outing. Season of Light by Atlanta Women's Chorus — 7:00 PM at Church at Ponce & Highland: a candlelight choral concert full of holiday music and spirit. Christmas with the ASO — matinee at 3:00 PM and evening show at 8:00 PM by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Community holiday-home tour: Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes — a neighborhood tour + artist market that evening (tour of decorated homes) as a festive, local-community option. Consider live music, nightlife or smaller events — check local nightlife calendars / event sites, often updated with seasonal shows & concerts. Winter Fest at Atlanta History Center Buckhead's history hub turns festive with crafts, storytelling, and Santa photos from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Included with $24.50 admission—hands-on fun for history buffs and little ones alike.Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta Atlanta Weekend Events: Sunday, December 14 Christmas with the ASO — 3:00 PM performance by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus. A sweet, classic holiday-concert option. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights — still running at Atlanta Botanical Garden; typically open evenings, so you can catch festive lights even Sunday night. Depending on listings: live shows, concerts, or theatre performances — keep an eye on event-calendar websites for anything special Sunday. Explore local holiday markets / seasonal shopping & browsing — many markets or pop-up events happen around weekends in December. Family-friendly or light-hearted options — museums, winter strolls, local events (if any listed) — good for a relaxed Sunday. (Check updated local guides closer to the day.) Caring Santa at Lenox Square (Sensory-Friendly) Quiet photos with Santa in a low-stimulation setting at 10 a.m.-noon. Free for families with special needs—heartfelt and inclusive.Location: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta Traffic tip: Use MARTA for Midtown spots. What's your pick? Drop us a line in the comments! Stay tuned for more updates. SEE MORETHINGSTODOON A SUNDAY INATLANTA [mc4wp_form id="2016"] Immerse Yourself InYourAtlanta Atlanta is for tourists, but it's also for locals. If you want to explore Georgia's largest city,doit on your terms and check out the fun, cool and newthingshappening inAtlanta thisweekendand even on the weekday. You can start downtown, andgetit crackin' inBuckhead. Check out thenewest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you've only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience! 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