Stone Mountain Christmas
Stone Mountain Park’s holiday season is on now through Jan 3 (select dates): millions of lights, Santa’s Big Flight, a holiday parade, and a drone and light show with fireworks. Ticketed. Check the link for nightly hours. More info
Johns Creek Mobility for All 5K
A run/walk 5K for all ages in Johns Creek, and dogs are welcome. Registration is $30–$35. Start time and exact location are still to be confirmed, so check the link before you go.
Atlanta Chili Cook Off
Sample 50+ chilis and vote for People’s Choice at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody (DeKalb). Tickets about $18–$45; kids 12 and under free. VIP tier opens at noon with early entry and an open bar. More info
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s signature holiday light show, nightly on select dates through Jan 10. Ticketed; book a weeknight to avoid crowds. Check the link for hours.
Atlanta Christkindl Market
A German-style holiday market on the Lawrenceville Lawn with a 112-ft Ferris wheel, Santa photos and a kids’ play area. Free entry. Open mostly Wed–Sun; closed Thanksgiving. Check the link for hours.
Georgia Festival of Trees
Dozens of decorated trees, Santa photos, cookie decorating and kids’ activities at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. Ticketed; closed Nov 25–26. Check the link for daily hours.
Festive Night of Lights in Olde Town Conyers
Rockdale’s headline holiday event: Santa, kids’ activities, live entertainment, the town lighting and a drone show at dark. Free. Stay after 6 pm for dinner and drinks on Railroad St.
Light Up the Season + Lantern Parade
Piedmont Park’s free holiday kickoff: make a lantern, join the 5 pm parade from Greystone, then watch the lighting of the Great Tree, Menorah and Kinara. Reserve lantern-making ahead.
Gwinnett Gobble Wobble 5K
Start Thanksgiving morning with the annual Gwinnett Gobble Wobble 5K at Little Mulberry Park. Bring a canned good for the food pantry. Race fee applies; start time to be confirmed.
Gwinnett Lighting of the Tree
A Gwinnett tradition: the county’s tree lighting at the Historic Courthouse on Thanksgiving night. Free. The 2026 time hasn’t been posted yet, so confirm before you go.
Shop & Dine Small Saturday
The Saturday after Thanksgiving in Olde Town Conyers: a scavenger hunt through local shops plus Santa photos at the Welcome Center. Free. Date and hours to be confirmed.