Sean Pavone Getty Images/iStockphoto
Atlanta, Georgia, USA downtown city skyline.
Just a short drive from Charleston, Atlanta has unexpectedly been named one of the best cities in the country for celebrating the holiday season (WalletHub, 2024). It’s a perfect weekend getaway as we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year with sports, new restaurants, seasonal experiences, and festive shopping.
Where to Eat:
Pendolino – Cozy up for a family-style festive meal at Atlanta’s newest Italian-inspired restaurant with Southern flair. From housemade pastas and shareable antipasti to inventive cocktails, it’s the perfect spot for a holiday gathering with friends or family.
Little Sparrow – A chic yet welcoming French brasserie ideal for a winter night out. Guests can warm up with French onion soup, classic chicken schnitzel, and signature fries paired with festive cocktails at the adjoining Bar Blanc.
NFA Burger – Skip the formalities and savor Georgia’s best burger—served out of an unassuming gas station. A fun, no-frills stop for a holiday break from shopping or light-viewing drives.
Owens & Hull – For a hearty holiday feast, head to this beloved barbecue destination where pitmasters serve Texas-style barbecue smoked over Georgia oak wood—perfect for a cozy, smoky twist on your seasonal meal traditions.
Marcus Bar & Grille – Talk about soul food! This Old Fourth Ward favorite serves up flavor-packed Southern fare and a Toasted S’mortini - a decadent, fireside-ready sip that tastes like grown-up s’mores in a glass.
South City Kitchen - A true Atlanta staple for over 30 years, South City Kitchen brings timeless Southern cuisine and warm hospitality to four locations across the city - Midtown, Buckhead, Vinings, and Avalon - making it a go-to for a classic holiday meal or celebratory brunch.
Where to Shop:
Weezie Towels – Gift your loved ones (or yourself) plush, custom-embroidered towels from this Atlanta-based brand—perfect for personalized holiday gifting.
Beltline & Beyond – Knock out your holiday shopping list while exploring Atlanta’s most festive retail spots, from local boutiques along the Beltline to the decorated halls of Ponce City Market and Buckhead Village.
Atlanta Christkindl Market – Experience the magic of the holidays with German-inspired treats, artisan gifts, and festive décor at this seasonal market in Buckhead Village.
What to do:
Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights – Wander through millions of sparkling lights for one of the city’s most dazzling holiday traditions.
Festive Pop-Ups – Sip spiked cocoa or holiday cocktails at Atlanta’s best pop-up bars, like Drawbar at Bellyard or The Blind Pig, both transformed into twinkling winter wonderlands.
Afternoon Tea with Santa at The St. Regis – A timeless holiday tradition perfect for families, complete with elegant treats, photos, and plenty of holiday cheer.
The Nutcracker at the Fox Theatre – See the city’s most beloved holiday performance for a night of classic magic and nostalgia.
Ice Skating at Atlantic Station – Glide into the season at this outdoor rink surrounded by festive lights, shopping, and dining.
Holiday Light Drive – End the night with a drive through Atlanta’s most stunningly decorated neighborhoods like West Paces Ferry, where twinkling displays transform homes into storybook scenes.