If "unusual" isn't your thing, check out Atlanta's classic holiday events in our Christmas Activities and Holidays Guide for Atlanta Kids, as well as the Mommy Poppins calendar bursting with family-friendly and fun activities this season. 

Hope there's fish in that gift box, for the sake of this sea lion! Photo courtesy Georgia Aquarium

Unique Christmas and Holiday Activities in Atlanta

1. Holidays at Georgia Aquarium – Downtown

Santa not only delivers toys, but he also likes to scuba dive! Watch “Scuba Claus” swim among marine life every weekend during Holidays at Georgia Aquarium. You can also catch the daily holiday-themed animal presentation and 40-foot Christmas tree lighting. And on select days, Santa will be available to pose for pictures.

2. Yule/Tide Surf Party – Sandy Springs

The Georgia Ensemble Theatre at Act3 Playhouse presents a twist on traditional holiday music. Surf rock and holiday music meet at Yule/Tide Surf Party, delighting fans of the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, and more.

3. Holiday Spirit at Oakland Cemetery – Grant Park

Take a guided tour of the mausoleums at Historic Oakland Cemetery, decorated for the season. During this two-day festival, families can also shop at the holiday market, participate in family activities, and pose for pictures with Santa.

4. Disco Santa: Beanies + Beats at The Works – Upper Westside

Families flock to The Camp at The Works, the family-friendly urban green space, for a DJ dance party with Santa Claus. During the event, guests can decorate a beanie while supplies last.

5. Pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Alpacas - Douglasville

For holiday photos with a twist, head to L&R Alpaca Haven Farm. Take pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the adorable alpacas while shopping at the holiday market.

6. Botanical St. Nick – Midtown

Your kids can pose with a horticultural version of Santa when visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden this season. Botanical S. Nick adorns his head with a garland of fresh greenery and wears a green suit, instead of red.

7. Holiday Oddities Market – Downtown

Why purchase mass-produced gifts when you can shop for one-of-a-kind items at the Holiday Oddities Market? Held at the Masquerade on Sunday, December 7, from 1-7pm, the market features 30 local vendors, holiday-inspired cocktails, live music, photo ops, and an Ugly Sweater Contest.

8. Merry Mighty Mo and More - Midtown

Your family can sing Christmas songs along with "Mighty Mo," the famous Moller organ at the Fox Theatre. Other activities include watching Olaf’s Frozen Adventure and taking photos with Santa. While free, you must register for tickets in advance.  

9. Igloos on the Roof at Ponce City Market – Old Fourth Ward

Book a heated igloo for up to six family members to experience views of the Atlanta Skyline. The Skate the Sky Igloos include sweet treats, unlimited games at Skyline Park, and ice skating for kids and adults ages five and up. The 9 Mile Station Igloos allow guests to dine from the full menu with an option to add Skyline Park and ice skating for an additional fee.

10. Colony Square Winter Squares – Midtown

At the Plaza at Colony Square, families can relax by one of 12 fire pits (or squares) on a first-come, first-served basis. You can dine on food ordered from Politan Row Food Hall and other restaurants on-site, including Chick-fil-A, Brown Bag Seafood, and more. Check the website as the complimentary winter squares are unavailable during special events.  

11. Winter Family Flicks at Aurora Cineplex – Roswell

Since little ones can get overwhelmed by all the holiday activities, parades, and visits with Santa, watching a holiday movie is a great way to get much-needed downtime. Better yet, Aurora Cineplex offers showings of Polar Express and Happy Feet during winter break for only $3!

12. Make Pizza with Santa – Downtown

Sign your kids up to make a 12-inch pizza with St. Nick at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. In addition to lunch and a hot chocolate bar, children will receive a special gift and pose for photos with Santa.

13. Holiday Magic Show with Arthur Atsma – Roswell

Instead of attending a typical holiday performance such as The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, treat your kids to a holiday magic show. Arthur Atsma will delight kids and adults alike with his holiday-themed tricks and illusions.

14. Santa Tuck-Ins at The Hotel at Avalon - Alpharetta

It’s one thing to pose for pictures with Santa, but quite another to have him tuck your child into bed after sharing a snack! You can reserve this sweet time with Santa and Mrs. Claus when staying as a guest at the Hotel at Avalon.

Visit The Select for a wacky, topsy-turvy holiday pop-up! Photo by author

Atlanta’s Christmas and Holiday Pop-ups

15. Home Alone PopUp at Marietta Meltyard – Marietta

Marietta Meltyard is fun year-round, thanks to its cool vibe, comfort food, and pinball arcade. However, families will flip over the Home Alone-inspired décor, special menu items, and holiday cocktails during the holiday season.

16. Westside Sleigh Ride at Westside Motor Lounge – West Midtown

Bring the family (and pets) to this indoor/outdoor restaurant decked out in a winter paradise. The Westside Sleigh Ride pop-up offers holiday-themed crafted cocktails, firepits, live music, and family activities.

17. Holiday Fun at Amore e Amore – Inman Park

You’ll be transported to the North Pole when you dine at Amore e Amore this season. Balloon artists, entertainers, and face painters will be on hand to entertain everyone of all ages. For a special treat, book reservations on select nights when Santa visits!

18. Christmas Bar at Rreal Tacos – Multiple Locations

All 10 locations of this street-taco restaurant are decked out to the max with holiday lights, Christmas trees, and inflatables. The special menu includes Christmas Birria Ramen with green noodles, Christmas Birria tacos with red tortillas, and holiday cocktails. Kids will want to try the decadent hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and whipped cream!

19. Ski Chalet Pop-up at Hobnob – Halcyon location only

Next time you find yourself at Halcyon, enjoy tableside s’mores next to the fireplace at Hobnob’s ski-resort pop-up. You can also order chili, grilled cheese dunkers, and poutine, as well as holiday cocktails.

20. Winter Wonderland at The Select – Sandy Springs

Let’s face it, even Santa’s helpers (aka Mom and Dad) need a date night. The Select goes all out with upside-down Christmas trees suspended above the bar and a festive holiday cocktail menu. Come early as this popular spot gets crowded!

21. Chrismukkah Bar at Daily Chew – Morningside

The popular coffee shop/café features an after-hours bar celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah traditions. Wear festive attire and try handcrafted beverages and special menu items like latkes and caviar.

22. Santa Social at Mercantile Social – Alpharetta

This pop-up decked out for the holidays with twinkling lights, live music, and a late-night DJ is friendly for families on Sundays. Holiday cocktails include Run Run Brewdolph, Down the Chimney, and Mrs. Clausmopolitan.

Catch the inflatable baseballs that drop New Year's Eve at The Battery! Photo by Bill Leffler

Unusual & Underrated New Year’s Events Near Atlanta

23. Tallapoosa Possum Drop – Tallapoosa

While most cities celebrate New Year’s Eve with a ball drop, Tallapoosa (an hour west of Atlanta) features a possum drop. Watch Spencer, the stuffed possum, descend from the sky at the stroke of midnight. The early drop for kids at 9pm includes carnival rides and fireworks.

24. Perry Buzzard Drop – Perry

Families love heading to Perry's Buzzard Drop featuring “Bob the Buzzard,” face painters, balloon artists, live music, fireworks, and more. For younger kids, the Kiddie Countdown occurs at 9pm.

25. NYE Bash (Early Innings) at Battery Atlanta - Cumberland

Home to the Atlanta Braves, Battery Atlanta will drop inflatable baseballs at the Early Innings New Year’s Eve party from 6-8pm. The kid-friendly countdown also includes live music and family-centered activities.