5 Spots To Explore in Atlanta This Winter

It’s hard not to feel the holiday spirit when experiencing an Atlanta, Georgia, winter. The city’s fusion of southern charm and urban energy creates a magical atmosphere that locals and visitors can’t help but be enchanted by. From November through Christmas and into the New Year, there are several things to do in Atlanta in the winter that promise unforgettable experiences.

In this blog from Absolute Storage Management, we’ll provide you with the top five spots in Atlanta to include in your winter itinerary. Whether you’re a longtime Georgian looking for a new way to appreciate your city or a first-time visitor ready to explore, these popular destinations are sure to make your winter truly special.

Georgia Aquarium

A holiday excursion in Atlanta would not be complete without visiting the Georgia Aquarium. Recognized as one of the world’s largest aquariums, it provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with marine life. From the adorable waddling penguins to the awe-inspiring whale sharks, each exhibit promises to leave you fascinated.

While it provides year-round fun, the Georgia Aquarium becomes a magical place during the winter season. The entire venue transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, and the annual Festival of the SEAson features an impressive light and music show that fills the space with holiday cheer. You also won’t want to miss the tree lighting ceremonies that kick off the season and lead to special appearances by Santa and Scuba Claus. If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta in the winter with kids, this may be your best bet!

Holiday-Themed Pop-Ups

Atlanta’s food and drink scene is renowned for its flair and vibrancy, and the winter season only makes it better. Numerous holiday-themed pop-up bars in Atlanta emerge every year, offering unique dining and drinking experiences perfect for anyone looking to celebrate the season in style.

Ponce City Market

Enjoy scenic views and rooftop ice skating at Ponce City Market beginning in late November. The “Skate the Sky” ice rink provides an experience you can’t find anywhere else in Atlanta. They also offer igloo dining options that are delicious and festive.

Live! at the Battery Atlanta

One of the top entertainment venues to visit in Atlanta in winter is Live! at the Battery. Starting after Thanksgiving, this sports bar and concert venue transforms into Tinsel Tavern—a winter wonderland in Atlanta that offers holiday cocktails, festive eats, and an unbeatable ambience.

Westside Motor Lounge

Located downtown near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Westside Motor Lounge decks the halls for ATL Yule starting late November. This restaurant and bar will provide holiday cheer while you watch the college football playoffs, meet with friends before a night out, or just dine in.

Tre Vele

This beloved Italian restaurant overhauls its rooftop patio every year to become a winter paradise called Jingle Bar. You can find delicious holiday-themed appetizers and other bites here, in addition to beautiful decorations and Christmas vibes.

Blind Pig Parlour Bar

One of the most popular holiday pop-up bars in Atlanta is the Blind Pig Parlour Bar, which transforms into the Blind Elf Holiday Pop-Up Bar. In addition to self-described “over-the-top décor,” this spot offers numerous options for festive eating and drinking.

Buckhead Village District

The Buckhead Village District creates an immersive Apres Ski All Day experience every Saturday beginning in late November. You can explore several weekly events and offerings that can provide the whole family with a boost of holiday cheer, including story time with Santa, various vendors, and an all-day street festival with a DJ and food trucks.

Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting

For beer enthusiasts, there are a couple of Atlanta winter beer fests to explore after the new year. The first is the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting, an absolute must-attend event held every January. This event promises a unique experience, offering the chance to sample more than 50 rare, cask-conditioned ales from the United States and the U.K.

What truly sets this event apart is its focus on beers brewed using traditional methods, allowing attendees to savor the rich and complex flavors these techniques yield. It enables you to appreciate the craft, understand the brewing process, and immerse yourself in the world of cask ales. It’s an enjoyable experience for beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival in February

Another must-visit event for food and drink enthusiasts is the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival in Atlanta. This annual event is a celebration of some of the best things in life, including delicious food, refreshing drinks, and good music!

The festival features a day packed with beer sipping, bourbon tasting, and barbecue eating. Visitors can enjoy live music throughout the day, attend seminars in the tasting theater, and explore various vendors offering unique products.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is one of the top outdoor destinations near Atlanta throughout the year, but it takes on a special kind of beauty in winter. During the annual Stone Mountain Christmas event, the park is adorned with more than two million lights, transforming it into a dazzling winter wonderland.

The highlights of Stone Mountain Christmas include a nightly Christmas parade that fills the park with holiday cheer, live performances that captivate audiences, and showings of classic Christmas movies. Best of all, there’s a fantastic fireworks display at the end of each night. With so much to see and do, Stone Mountain Park offers a winter experience you won’t want to miss.

Rent Self-Storage From Absolute Storage Management

As the winter weather sets in and you spend more time indoors, you may wish you had some additional space around your home or workplace. If that’s the case, consider investing in self-storage in Atlanta with Absolute Storage Management. We have a handful of storage facilities in Atlanta in our network with options for climate-controlled storage, vehicle storage, and more that can be of assistance. Find the closest facility to you to get started today!

Not sure how much storage space you need? Use our unit size guide to visualize what size unit is best for you. You can also explore our storage types page and list of frequently asked questions for more information.