Discover the best holiday events in Athens! Explore all the must-see festive highlights with our guide. Whether you're an Athens regular or a one-time visitor, our guide helps you create lasting holiday memories.
This season, immerse yourself in the enchanting lights at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where the garden transforms into a vibrant, illuminated wonderland. Another highlight is the Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, featuring unique interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages. And the Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Athens
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden (Atlanta)
- Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City Gardens (Lookout Mountain)
- Winter Wonderlights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
- Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
- IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival (Atlanta)
- Stone Mountain Christmas (Stone Mountain)
- The B-52s
- The Nutcracker
- Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds (Hiawassee)
- Gladys Knight
See these and even more events listed below!
Athens Holiday Light Displays
Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays along a fully accessible trail.
Description:
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia transforms into a dazzling display of lights with Winter WonderLights. Visitors follow a half-mile trail through a Winter Wondercave, along Jingle Bell Lane, into the Northern Lights, and through a Cone Tree Forest. Along the way, they can roast marshmallows for s’mores and enjoy hot chocolate or other refreshments.
Where: Athens | More Info: Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Winter Wonderlights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and festive features along a fully accessible trail.
Description:
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia transforms into a dazzling display of twinkling lights and festive features, including a Winter Wondercave, Jingle Bell Lane, and the Northern Lights. Visitors can enjoy roasting marshmallows for s’mores and rich hot chocolate along the half-mile fully accessible trail.
Where: Athens | More Info: Winter Wonderlights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
World's largest curtain of synchronized light and sound.
Description:
The Atlanta Botanical Garden's Garden Lights, Holiday Nights features millions of LED lights and displays, including giant plant sculptures and synchronized light and sound shows. Visitors can explore various themed areas like Woodland Whimsy, Model Train Area, and Nature's Wonders, with dining options available at Longleaf Restaurant.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday lights experience with an all-new Santa experience.
Description:
At Rock City Gardens, the Enchanted Garden of Lights is a spectacular holiday event featuring over a million LED lights, 30 holiday scenes, and an all-new Santa experience. Guests can walk through a winter wonderland, visit Santa in his living room, and enjoy unique photo opportunities. The event is located atop Lookout Mountain, just a quick drive from downtown Chattanooga.
Where: Lookout Mountain | More Info: Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City Gardens
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light show with Christmas music and Santa Claus.
Description:
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, GA, transforms into a spectacular holiday light show featuring Christmas music, arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. Enjoy photo opportunities and a visit with Santa Claus.
Where: Hiawassee | More Info: Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with illuminated wildlife.
Description:
IllumiNights at the Zoo features a mile-long stroll through a nighttime spectacle of hundreds of hand-crafted and hand-painted lanterns celebrating the wonders of nature. Guests can enjoy warm beverages, marshmallow roasts, and rides on the Endangered Species Carousel. The event is wheelchair-friendly and offers a variety of dining options.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival
Athens Holiday Markets and Shopping
Athens Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with diverse local artisans.
Description:
The Athens Academy Holiday Market is a premier event featuring over 85 vendors from across the Southeast, offering a wide range of original, hand-crafted items including jewelry, pottery, artwork, floral arrangements, soaps, and artisanal food.
Where: Athens | More Info: Athens Holiday Market
Atlanta Christkindl Market at Buckhead Village
What to Expect:
Traditional German market with over 50 vendors.
Description:
The Atlanta Christkindl Market at Buckhead Village offers a unique blend of traditional German festivities and Atlanta's vibrant spirit. Enjoy delicious culinary delights, handcrafted treasures, and immerse yourself in an old-world charm intertwined with modern energy.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Atlanta Christkindl Market at Buckhead Village
Athens Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a treasured holiday fairytale that follows a young girl's journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice. Set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, this performance features all your holiday favorites, including "Waltz of the Flowers," "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," and "Waltz of the Snowflakes."
Where: Athens | More Info: The Nutcracker
Irish Christmas in America
What to Expect:
Traditional Irish music and dance celebration.
Description:
Irish Christmas in America is a family-friendly performance featuring lively instrumental tunes and thrilling old-style Irish dancing. Traditional artists from Ireland bring a fun-filled start to the holiday season with rich tradition, humor, and boundless energy.
Where: Athens | More Info: Irish Christmas in America
Christmas with John Berry
What to Expect:
Exclusive pre-show VIP Experience with early access, meet-and-greet, and acoustic performances.
Description:
Join John Berry for a festive evening of classic Christmas songs, including "Little Drummer Boy," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "O Holy Night." The show features a fresh new performance each year, making it an event for the whole family to cherish.
Where: Athens | More Info: Christmas with John Berry
The B-52s
What to Expect:
Iconic rock band performing at their hometown venue.
Description:
The B-52s, one of rock music's most beloved and enduring bands, will perform at the Classic Center Arena. Formed in 1976, they are known for groundbreaking songs like "Rock Lobster," "Dance This Mess Around," and "Love Shack."
Where: Athens | More Info: The B-52s
Gladys Knight
What to Expect:
Legendary singer's live performance showcasing her extensive musical career.
Description:
Gladys Knight is a seven-time GRAMMY Award winner known for her unassailable artistry in Pop, Gospel, R&B, and Adult Contemporary genres. With over 38 albums recorded, she has triumphed in film, television, and live performance. Her extensive career includes solo albums like "Good Woman" and "Many Different Roads," as well as acting appearances in shows like "Star" and films like "Almost Christmas."
Where: Athens | More Info: Gladys Knight
Stone Mountain Christmas
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and live holiday entertainment.
Description:
Stone Mountain Christmas features live shows, millions of twinkling lights, and special events like the Christmas Drone Show and Santa's Big Flight. Enjoy festive music, spectacular shows, and visits from favorite holiday characters amidst the park's decorated attractions.
Where: Stone Mountain | More Info: Stone Mountain Christmas
Athens Other Holiday Activities
Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive characters.
Description:
Join Breakfast with Santa at The Classic Center Atrium for a morning of holiday crafts, a full breakfast buffet, and a chance to tell Santa your Christmas wishes. Enjoy family memories captured by a professional photographer and special appearances by holiday-themed characters, including the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. Children can participate in a Christmas coloring contest to showcase their creative skills.
Where: Athens | More Info: Breakfast with Santa
Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Columbus River Dragons
What to Expect:
Intense hockey action with top rivals.
Description:
The Athens Rock Lobsters face off against the Columbus River Dragons in a high-energy hockey match filled with intense action and heart-pounding moments.
Where: Athens | More Info: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Columbus River Dragons
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Gainesville (35 miles)
- Lawrenceville (35 miles)
- Sugar Hill (39 miles)
- Duluth (44 miles)