There’s that certain chill in the air—the kind that accompanies the sound of bells ringing, the scent of pies cooking, the sight of bright lights twinkling, and the feel of everything that is holiday cheer. Ah, wintertime.
The holiday season brings festivities and tidings galore. This winter, instead of the humdrum prepackaged gift—give the gift of memories.
Trips to local holiday hotspots are ideal for family members and friends alike. Time spent together can be worlds more rewarding than the traditional gift. Good times come with all the trimmings, serves everyone, and best of all, no assembly required!
There are many ways to wish Happy Holidays this winter. Whether you say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa—however you celebrate the holiday season, be sure it is with good memories that will last throughout the coming year.
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| Holiday elephant |
Holiday Merrymaking
It’s easy to enjoy the holly-days this winter. To create holiday cheer: Combine loads of season’s greetings. Mix in best wishes for the coming year. Sprinkle with laughter. Garnish with a mistletoe. Enjoy and repeat!
The Children's Christmas Parade
Downtown Atlanta
Seal the holiday season with a bow this December, all while supporting a great cause. The festive annual parade takes place in downtown Atlanta and benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. One of the Southeast’s premier holiday parades, this holiday tradition features award-winning marching bands, holiday-themed animated floats, giant helium balloons and even oh-so-jolly Santa Claus himself.
Dec. 5, from 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Fantasy in Lights
Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain
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| Red Holiday Garden. All photos provided by State Georgia Tourism |
A great way to light up the New Year! With 8 million lights and more than a dozen beautiful scenes, Fantasy in Lights is sure to be added to your holiday traditions. The Christmas Village adds a bit of warmth to the holiday celebration with Land of the Nutcrackers, Ornament Forest, Toyland, and plenty of holiday gifts to help you complete any shopping list.
Select dates in November-December.
Stone Mountain Christmas
Atlanta
Over 2 million twinkling lights will illuminate your way around Stone Mountain Park, which has been magically transformed for the holidays. Fun attractions await, like the Polar Express 4-D Experience, two new shows—Sleigh Ride and Simply Christmas, a festive holiday parade, visits with Kris Kringle, roaming carolers, a sing-a-long Christmas train and much more. Be sure to catch the very special Christmas Lasershow, and the Snow Angel Fireworks and Snowfall Celebration.
Select dates in November-December.
Santa Cruise
Savannah Riverboat Cruises
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Olympic Park |
All aboard for a holiday river cruise experience! Parents, bring the children for fun aboard a riverboat while you sightsee and enjoy yummy snacks. Santa Claus will even be on hand for pictures. Kids who bring a new, unwrapped toy get to cruise for free. All toys collected will then be donated to a local children’s nonprofit organization.
Select dates in November-December.
Holiday in Lights
Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta
For the 11th year and running, Centennial Olympic Park’s dazzling Holiday in Lights creates a true winter wonderland with thousands of lights illuminating the night sky. After you stroll through the park, and take in all the sparkle, visit Atlanta’s only outdoor skating rink, which is located in the park. Take a spin and be surrounded by a true holiday spectacle.
Select dates in November-January.
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| Lighted Gingerbread House |
Enchanted Garden Of Lights
Lookout Mountain
A holiday tradition for all generations! The Enchanted Garden of Lights features more than 30 holiday scenes in the award-winning light extravaganza. This nighttime wonderland invites visitors to take a stroll throughout the trails and enjoy live entertainment, all while sipping a cup of hot cocoa. Bring the kids for gingerbread cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, and Sugar Plum Fairy Makeovers—face painting and costumes create a truly enchanting night.
Select dates in November-January.
World of Coca-Cola
Atlanta
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| Cola Bear. World of Coca Cola |
Santa Claus is synonymous with joy for boys and girls of all ages. His image was first brought to life for the well-known soft drink in 1931 when Haddon Sunblom created the first oil painting of Santa Claus for Coca-Cola. Visit World of Coca-Cola this holiday season for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity—the chance to put yourself in one of these iconic paintings!
Select dates this winter.
Southern Lights, a Savannah Holiday Celebration
Savannah
Bring the family for a merry celebration with fun holiday activities, lighted parades, concerts, ballets and children’s activities. Saint Nick even makes a jolly appearance at this family-oriented event, which also features the ceremonial lighting of the community Christmas tree.
Select dates in December.
Before you go, be sure to visit AAA.com/Fun or your local AAA office for discounts on select attraction tickets.