This season, Atlanta comes with a brand new and fresh event calendar with new immersive sights, night markets and a new form of New Year’s Eve. With everything so ‘new,’ there needs to be plenty of things that can deliver enjoyment. Let’s look into it.
JOIE’s Debut
JOIE is the debut this season that stands out the most with its one month long show event from December 5 till January 3. It will be held in Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and is expected to have acrobatics, vocals and talents that are purely wondrous.
Layers of JOIE
When you enter, you’ll be going through a courtyard mainstage show. There will be interactive characters and lower levels that are filled with puppets. You then step outside to a light forest which holds magnificent fire performers and more events and activities.
A Very Special Froggy Guest
10% of every ticket sold in this event will be supporting local arts education and Atlanta profits. The longtime performer behind Kermit the Frog and Ernie also joins the cast and that is definitely an addition to the nostalgia.
Passport to the Holidays Night Market
Atlanta International Night Market holds global food stalls with artisan vendors and live performances. This festive event is Atlanta International Night Market held by Lillian Webb Park and is hosted on December 12 and 13.
Battery Atlanta: New Year’s Eve Bash
The Battery will hold the New Year’s Eve Bash this time as well and is free to enter. A point to note is that it provides flexible options to people with their parties. Now this is because the event holds two parties in its premises with one being early in which kids can enjoy before their bedtime, and a later one which has live music, pyrotechnics, aerial fireworks, all at midnight.
Sensitive Santa for Quiet Kids (and Adults)
At a normal Santa visit, there are loud kids, loud people, immeasurable crowds and a load of immeasurable crowds. Many such elements can overwhelm a lot of kids and here’s where Sensitive Santa comes in. Its run from December 14 to 21 for children with special needs and sensory issues. It feels like a quiet retreat for adults as well to be honest.
Cirque du Soleil’s Festive Twist
Beloved in Atlanta, Cirque du Soleil comes to the Fox Theatre Dec. 2-13 for ‘Twas the Night Before ($125 and up).
Stone Mountain’s Million-Light Classic
Stone Mountain Christmas features over two million lights ($ and more). Also: The outdoor Christmas Drone & Light Show ($).
Free Traditions Worth Keeping
From free admission Winter Fest at Atlanta History Center Dec. 5, with a Santa-led Jingle Parade and photos with the Pink Pigs, to Holiday Parade in Virginia-Highland, Atlanta is replete in seasonal traditions. Also: Callanwolde’s Winter House and Holiday Illuminations on The BeltLine.
Smart Ways to Plan Ahead
Popular attractions like JOIE and the Cirque du Soleil production at Fox Theater offer limited tickets for certain days because weekend showings tend to sell out, so it’s best to get your timed entries ahead of time and always purchase tickets through the official sites. If traveling with a larger group or party, consider using MARTA to avoid traffic. And with chilly temperatures, leave plenty of time to enjoy the sights and bundle up in layers. Double-check hours before heading out.
