What Are the Best Things to Do with Kids Between Christmas and New Year's in Atlanta?

After the gifts are open and the anticipation of Christmas has worn off, it's still the holiday season in Atlanta. Most seasonal attractions stay open through at least New Year's Day. Ice Skating rinks run through mid January, some into February. Put the kids in those new sweaters grandma gave them for Christmas or Hanukkah, and hit the ice at cool places like Ponce City Roof, Avalon on Ice in Alpharetta or High Street Skate (new for 2025) in Dunwoody. 

The World of Coca-Cola goes all out for the holidays, including beautiful decor and themed drinks. Photo courtesy of World of Coke

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Atlanta

• Take advantage of lighter crowds. With so many people traveling, this week is actually an ideal time to explore Atlanta’s popular attractions. 
• Dress in layers. Atlanta can be freezing in the morning and warm and sunny by afternoon. 
• Buy tickets online. Some places require online purchases and either way, it just makes everything smoother. 
• Check holiday hours. Many places operate on modified schedules this week, so always confirm hours before you go.
• Plan around peak times. Mornings tend to be quieter everywhere, from museums to playgrounds to indoor play spots.

More Family Holiday Guides for Atlanta

• Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Atlanta Kids 
• Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights Displays around Atlanta
• Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels Near Atlanta That Will Blow Your Mind

Ice skate at Avalon in Alpharetta every day of winter break! Photo by author

Top Family Events and Activities in Atlanta During Winter Break

1. License to Chill Snow Island - Buford

Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands becomes a frosty paradise in the winter, with snow hills, carnival rides, an ice skating rink, and a fire pit with s'mores, through February 22, 2026. 

2. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge - LaGrange

In addition to the massive indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge, guests enjoy seasonal arts and crafts, games, visits with Santa, the Frosty Fest Dance Party, and more, through January 6, 2026. 

3. Stone Mountain Christmas - Stone Mountain

This popular event continues through January 4, 2026, and includes music, lights, live performances, and visits from familiar holiday friends.

4. Winter Wonderland at Fernbank - Atlanta

Fernbank is transformed into a winter wonderland with decorated holiday trees and giant snow globes through January 11, 2026. 

5. Winter Family Flicks at Aurora Cineplex - Roswell

Enjoy $3 Winter Family Flicks at Aurora Cineplex running through various days through January 1, 2026.

6. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights - Midtown

Visitors to the Atlanta Botanical Garden can explore 30 acres of illuminated gardens in one of the largest synchronized light and sound shows in the country. The event continues through January 11, 2026.

7. Holidays at the Georgia Aquarium - Downtown

In addition to the 40-foot tree, visitors enjoy performers, dolphin presentations, Scuba Claus, and more, through January 2, 2026. 

8. A Country Christmas at Pettit Creek Farms - Cartersville

This cute farm in Cartersville will still be hosting guests for holiday fun through December 30, 2025. Guests enjoy a petting zoo, campfire, s'mores and more.  

9. Cirque du Soleil Luzia - West Midtown 

You can never go wrong with Cirque du Soleil, and LUZIA mezmorizes audiences by incorporating water into the acrobatic presentation. Catch the show on select dates at Atlantic Station through January 25, 2026. 

Are There Holiday Light Shows and Outdoor Attractions Still Open After Christmas in Atlanta?

10. Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights - Pine Mountain

This Callaway Garden holiday event happens through January 4, 2026. In addition to the seven-mile drive through the Enchanted Forest, families should visit the Christmas Village and Celebration Lake with 30 dancing trees.

11. IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta - Grant Park

IllumiNights is a Chinese lantern festival of lights happening nightly through January 18, 2026. 

12. Noel Magic Light Show - Hampton

Head to Atlanta Motor Speedway for twinkling holiday lights in one of the coolest settings, through January 4, 2026. 

Take a trip to Candy Rush Light Show, the world's largest animated drive-through. Photo courtesy of World of Illumination

13. Candy Rush Light Show - Marietta 

Candy Rush Light Show, by World of Illumination, is the world’s largest animated drive-through audio-visual experience, highlighting larger-than-life Christmas characters and confections, running through January 4, 2026. Check out our Candy Rush experience on Instagram! 

14. Glow Light Show - Lawrenceville 

Cozy up in the car and head to Coolray Field for this dazzling drive-thru holiday lights display, running through January 4, 2026. 

15. Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park - Dunwoody 

This one is not only magical, it's free! Walk through the the colorful light displays with the theme Cosmic Wonderland through December 31, 2025. 

16. Lights of LIFE - Marietta 

Always a popular holiday attraction, this light display at LIFE University also offers a petting zoo, a train, and carnival rides. The show welcomes guests through December 31, 2025. 

17. Enchanted Woodland Trail  - Roswell 

Explore the whimsical winter homes of fairies and gnomes at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, December 14 - February 28.  

18. WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank - Druid Hills 

WildWoods: AGLOW highlights nature's hidden wonders using light projections and music. The immersive night-time journey through 10 acres of woodlands includes glowing mushrooms, blooming wildflowers, and nocturnal animals, running through February 28, 2026.   

Stone Mountain Christmas runs now through January 4, 2026. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain Park

What Indoor Activities Can Families Enjoy Between Christmas and New Year’s in Atlanta?

19. Center for Puppetry Arts - Midtown

If your child loves the dramatic arts, check out the Center for Puppetry Arts, where the holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is being performed through December 28, 2025.

20. Snow Days at Children's Museum of Atlanta - Downtown

Head to Children's Museum of Atlanta for a fun snow-themed exhibit featuring sock skating and crafts. Snow Days goes through December 30, 2025. 

21. Holidays at World of Coca-Cola - Downtown

Visit World of Coca-Cola for their holiday promotion, which runs through January 1, 2026. Guests enjoy festive decor, limited-time Freestyle holiday mixes, and of course, the polar bears!

22. FairyTale Village Winter Experience - Alpharetta 

FairyTale Village at North Point Mall is an enchanting indoor experience where learning comes alive through storybook-themed rooms and live actors & puppets designed to spark wonder, creativity, and connection. Running through January 4, 2026.

23. McAllister's Melt Yard Pop-Up - Marietta 

This tasty Marietta restaurant pays homage to all things, Home Alone, with fun decor, clever menu items, and just an awesome time, through January 4, 2026. 

Are There Any New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Weekend Events for Kids in Atlanta? 

Yes! Atlanta attractions and venues offer lots of early New Year's Eve parties, so families can celebrate without staying up until midnight. Some of our faves include Noon Year's Eve at LEGO Discovery Center in Buckhead, Zoo Year's Eve at Zoo Atlanta, and the Early Innings New Year's Eve Bash at The Battery. 

FAQ – Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s in Atlanta

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year’s in Atlanta?
A: Our Atlanta Family Activity Calendar is full of fun events. We update it daily so check it frequently! 

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Atlanta? 
A: Yes! You can actually filter by free events in our calendar. Use our Atlanta Parks and Playgrounds Guide to find free places to burn off energy near you. 

Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year's?
A: So many, like Children's Museum Atlanta, mall play areas, and indoor playgrounds. Find our top picks in this list of indoor play spaces around Atlanta. 

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?
A: Absolutely, almost all of our favorite holiday light shows continue to sparkle after Christmas. 

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Atlanta?
A: Yes! Check the websites before heading out for exact hours and opening times. 

Q: What’s the best day trip from Atlanta during Christmas break with kids?
A: Winter break is a great time for a quick road trip to Helen, Blue Ridge or any of these other wonderful winter day trip destinations near Atlanta. 

Whatever you do, enjoy the Christmas break; you’ve earned it. And happy New Year from your friends at Mommy Poppins Atlanta!

Additional reporting by Rebecca Ruffin Leffler