Don’t miss the illuminations at the drive-thru Glow Light Show. Photo by Bruce Johnson

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 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 fun places like Ponce City Roof or (new this year) High Street Skate in Dunwoody. 

Head to the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds to walk through an outdoor maze of over 1,000 illuminated Chinese lanterns. Additional activities include a bounce house, illuminated swings, and lots of photo ops. Through January 5, 2025.

2. 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 12, 2025.

3. Glow Light Show - Lawrenceville

This Christmas light display features synchronized music from your car radio. Since visitors don't leave vehicles, this is perfect for cold winter nights and for little ones who may fall asleep early.   

4. Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights - Pine Mountain

This Callaway Garden holiday event happens through January 4, 2025. In addition to the seven-mile drive through the Enchanted Forest, families should visit the Christmas Village and Celebration Lake with 30 dancing trees.

5. IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta - Grant Park

IllumiNights is a Chinese lantern festival of lights happening nightly through January 19, 2025. 

6. Noel Magic Light Show - Hampton

Head to Atlanta Motor Speedway for twinkling holiday lights in one of the coolest settings!

7. Christmas Light Displays - Various locations

Families will also enjoy Lights of LIFE at Life University and Holiday Lights of Hope at Hobgood Park in Woodstock.

RELATED: Tasty Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta

Lace-up your skates and take a spin on the ice at Skate the Station. Photo courtesy of Atlantic Station

Tips for Enjoying Winter Break in Atlanta

• Enjoy the 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.

Families can head to the outdoor skating rink at City Springs. Reserve tickets online, which include one hour of skating and skate rental, through January 20, 2025. 

9. Skate the Station - Midtown

The Southeast’s largest outdoor rink is located in Atlantic Station, open with fun theme nights. Skate rental is included with admission. 

10. The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill - Snellville

This outdoor ice rink is open through February with skate rentals, skate aids, and helmets available.

11. Avalon on Ice - Alpharetta 

For those who live north of Atlanta, spend the day on the ice at Avalon. It is open daily with extended hours during the holiday break.

12. Olde Town on Ice - Conyers

Spend the holiday winter break on this partially covered rink -- perfect if the weather outside is frightful. 

RELATED: Best Outdoor Ice Skating Near Atlanta 

Spend a day enjoying winter activities at License to Chill at Snow Island. Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Lanier Islands 

 More Family Holiday Guides for Atlanta

• Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Atlanta Kids 

• Polar Express Train Rides near Atlanta

• Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights Displays around Atlanta

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.

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.

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. 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. 

6. Winter Family Flicks at Aurora Cineplex - Roswell

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

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

24. Holiday Popups - Multiple locations

Get into the holiday spirit at super festive holiday popup shops and restaurants. Make sure to check details at each location as some popups are 21+ during evening hours.

25. Horizon of Khufu VR Experience - Old Fourth Ward

Journey to ancient Egypt with the Horizon of Khufu VR Experience at the Illuminarium. Other shows include Tonight with the Impressionists and the dino-focused Life Chronicles.

26. Sloomoo Institute Atlanta - Buckhead

If your kids love playing with slime, check out Sloomoo Institute Atlanta for a super sensory experience. At the end of the timed visit, guests create their own slime concoction to take home. 

27. PAW Patrol Experience at CAMP Atlanta - Dunwoody

The new PAW Patrol Experience kicks off in December at CAMP Atlanta, featuring fun games, activities, and more.

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

Head to the Children's Museum of Atlanta for a fun snow-themed exhibit featuring sock skating and crafts. Snow Days goes through January 2, 2025. 

29. Holidays at the Georgia Aquarium - Downtown

In addition to the 40-foot tree, visitors enjoy carolers, animal presentations, photos with Santa, Scuba Claus, and more. 

30. World of Coca-Cola - Downtown

What kid wouldn’t love visiting the World of Coca-Cola, with its new Beverage Lab and a chance to meet the Coke polar bears?!

31. Museum of Illusions Atlanta - Midtown

The Museum of Illusions provides families with over 80 logic-defying experiences. Kids enjoy multiple illusion rooms, puzzles, and holograms.  

RELATED: Best Atlanta Museums for Families to Learn and Play

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

32. WildWoods: AGLOW - Druid Hills

Explore the multi-sensory experience of nature lit in a totally new and exciting way before it ends February 23, 2025.

33. Enchanted Woodland Trail - Roswell

If you're feeling outdoorsy, bundle up and head to the Chattahoochee Nature Center with whimsical gnome homes and fairy houses through February 28, 2025.

34. Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park - Dunwoody

Walk around Brook Run Park and enjoy the City of Dunwoody's fantastic light show, running through December 31, 2024.

35. Atlanta BeltLine - Westside

Explore the Atlanta BeltLine when it is less crowded during the winter months. Or explore one of these kid-friendly winter hikes as well.

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

36. Zoo Atlanta - Grant Park

The zoo offers a winter break Safari Camp, where kids 5 to 11 are introduced to wildlife, conservation, and more.

37. Alliance Theatre - Atlanta

Enroll kids in School Break Play Days, December 30 & 31, 2024 and January 2, 3, & 6, 2025. Designed for kids ages 4 through 5th grade, each day features a different theme. 

38. Hi-Five Sports Zone - Alpharetta

Young athletes enjoy a camp filled with team sports like basketball, dodgeball, soccer, and football. The venue offers half- and full-day options. 

39. Young Chef's Academy - Sandy Springs, Marietta, Cumming

If you have a budding chef, sign them up for Culinary Camp at Young Chef's Academy during the holiday break. Morning and afternoon sessions are available for kids ages 5-15.

40. Dunwoody Nature Center - Dunwoody

Get the kids outside during winter break! Dunwoody Nature Center hosts winter break camp sessions for kids ages 4 through fifth grade. Early drop-off and after-care available.  

41. YMCA of Atlanta - Various locations

Check out your local YMCA branch as many offer school break camps perfect for parents who work during the time off.

42. Tutu Camp - Alpharetta

Sign your kids up for Camp Tutu at Tutu School Halycon. Potty-trained kids from ages 3.5 to 8 years old can participate in Nutcracker Camp December 26 & 27 or New Year's Eve Camp December 30 & 31. 

Christmas Vacation in Atlanta: More Things to Do

43. Bowling

When the weather gets cold, you don't have to stay indoors. Gather the family and head to these bowling alleys for some fun, friendly competition.

44. Indoor Play

When little ones want to play inside, venture to one of Atlanta's many indoor play spaces.

45. Indoor Water Parks and Pools

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean kids can't go swimming. Take a dip in these Atlanta indoor pools and water parks for aquatic fun.

46. College Bowl Games

Cheer on your favorite college bowl games at these great spots to watch college football with kids.

47. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl - Downtown

Enjoy the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl festivities, including a parade, FanFest, and the football game.

48. Go Shopping

Buy new stuff, return holiday gifts, or just window shop with your little fashionistas for a day of shopping, especially for those after-Christmas sales. Remember to shop local!

Take part in Winterfest in the historical Virginia-Highland neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Virginia District Association

49. Explore Cool Areas of Atlanta

Check out our neighborhood guides to the historical Virginia-Highland neighborhood and Decatur, both not too far from downtown for a day of family fun. Or, if you want to explore a family-friendly mixed-use development north of Atlanta, head up to Halcyon with cool places to eat and plenty of kid-friendly events. 

50. Take a Day Trip close to Atlanta

If you feel you've taken the kids to do everything in Atlanta and just want to get away for the day, check out these spots for a quick getaway. 

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?
Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Atlanta]?
Q: What indoor activities are open between Christmas and New Year’s?
Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas?
Q: What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Atlanta?
Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Atlanta?
Q: What’s the best day trip from Atlanta during Christmas break with kids?

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 and Elsa Simcik 

16. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park - Various Locations

Kids can challenge themselves on a ropes course, play dodgeball, tackle climbing walls, and get rid of all their extra holiday energy.