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Things to Do in Atlanta this Weekend with Kids: Lantern Festival, Photos with Santa, Holiday Lights

Celebrate the spirit of the season at Stone Mountain Christmas. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain
Celebrate the spirit of the season at Stone Mountain Christmas. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain
11/20/19 - By Katie

The holidays are getting into full swing this weekend. Embrace it with holiday lights and photos with Santa - or check out the lantern festival for something different.

As the days get shorter, colorful lights are here to bring some cheer in the darkness. This weekend, explore the Chinese Lantern Festival at Centennial Olympic Park - part of the park's Winter Wonderland or check out the Botanical Garden's annual Garden Nights, Holiday Lights display. On Saturday night, visit Atlantic Station for its annual light parade and tree lighting ceremony, and see the Macy's Tree Lighting at Lenox Square Mall on Sunday.

Elsewhere, there's free Photos with Santa at the Battery, or check out some shows. Christmas musical The Elf on the Shelf comes to town on Saturday and the PJ Masks super hero adventure is on Sunday.

Read on for our top picks of things to do with kids in Atlanta this weekend, and sign up for our new Atlanta newsletter to stay in the know!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns in 2019 with new features and crowd favorites! Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns in 2019 with new features and crowd favorites! Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Things to Do All Weekend

Atlanta Chinese Lantern Festival

Atlanta
As part of the International Winter Wonderland, the 2019 Chinese Lantern Festival features more than 25 lanterns in Centennial Olympic Park. READ MORE

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta
One of Atlanta’s favorite holiday light displays returns to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Expect new music and choreography with more vertical lights than ever.  READ MORE

Santa's Post Office at The Battery

Atlanta
Let your kids deliver their wish list to the big man himself at Santa’s Post Office. Conveniently located in the Truist Community Corner at The Battery, snap pictures while Santa interacts with your youngsters at this free experience. READ MORE

SE Railway Museum Festival of Trees

Duluth
Community businesses and organizations bring Christmas to the museum with the Festival of Trees. Groups create trees based on individually selected themes.  READ MORE

Skate the Station

Atlanta
The largest outdoor ice rink in the Southeast is back at Atlantic Station in time for the holidays. Skate the Station is offered daily through January 20, 2020, weather permitting. READ MORE

Stone Mountain Christmas

Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park celebrates the magic of Christmas with music, lights, live shows, and visits from familiar holiday-season friends.  READ MORE

Things to Do on Saturday

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical

Atlanta
Kids get to see the familiar Elf on the Shelf truly come to life in this live musical, at The Fox Theatre. The show is one-night only so interested families should purchase tickets quickly as it is expected to sell out.  READ MORE

Atlanta Gladiators vs Jacksonville Iceman - Minor League Hockey Game

Duluth
The Atlanta Gladiators take on the Indy Fuel. READ MORE

Things to Do on Sunday

Macy's Great Tree Lighting at Lenox Square Mall

Atlanta
Macy's Lenox Mall is home to the 72nd Great Tree Lighting ceremony at Lenox Mall at 7:00 pm. READ MORE

PJ Masks Live! Save The Day

Atlanta
A Super-heroic adventure heads to the Atlanta Symphony Hall. This live musical show features Catboy, Owlette and Gekko- the PJ Masks trio that kids love- in a new story complete with brand new songs and show favorites. READ MORE

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