Glowing giant mushroom sculptures in the woods at night

WildWoods AGLOW at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia

6 Ways to Extend the Holiday Magic in Georgia

After the holiday season winds down, the magic doesn’t have to fade. In Georgia, winter offers a delightful extension of holiday cheer with a host of activities that blend Southern charm with frosty fun. From enchanting winter-themed pop-up bars and cozy restaurants to thrilling ice skating and snow tubing adventures, there’s plenty to do to keep spirits bright. 

Stroll through dazzling light displays, immerse yourself in vibrant winter festivals, and add a touch of modern wonder with multimedia experiences that captivate the senses. Here are six ways to keep the joy glowing all season long in the Peach State.

Jump to:

  1. Pop-up Bars and Themed Restaurants
  2. Ice Skating and Snow Tubing
  3. Lights and Light Shows
  4. Winter Festivals and Events
  5. Live Music
  6. Unique Experiences

interior of a yurt at Osteria Mattone in Roswell, Georgia
Yurt experience at Osteria Mattone in Roswell, Georgia

1. Georgia Pop-up Bars and Themed Restaurants

Alpine Village at The Lost Square in Savannah

Through January 26, 2025, gather in a cozy yurt, complete with fur blankets and warm drinks, all while surrounded by twinkling lights at the Alpine Village at The Lost Square rooftop bar high atop The Alida hotel. Enjoy festive cocktails and shareable plates with friends and family.

Yurt Experience at Osteria Mattone in Roswell

Through February 28, 2025, savor fine Italian cuisine, wine, and seasonal ambiance in a cozy yurt outside Osteria Mattone. Reserve your table for up to six people, and enjoy a meal of Roman specialties in a magical wintry setting.

People ice skating on the rink at Avalon in Alpharetta
Avalon on Ice in Alpharetta, Georgia

2. Ice Skating and Snow Tubing in Georgia

Avalon on Ice in Alpharetta

Through January 20, 2025, glide on the monumental Rockefeller-inspired ice skating rink surrounded by shops and restaurants at Avalon on Ice. Reservations are recommended, and admission includes skates.

Sweetland on Ice in LaGrange

Through February 8, 2025, skate on the covered, open-air ice skating rink at Sweetland Amphiteatre. Rent skates or bring your own. On select nights, watch a movie on the outdoor screen while you skate.

The Rink at Chateau Elan in Braselton

Through February 15, 2025, glide on the ice under a canopy of twinkling lights, surrounded by rolling vineyards and cozy fire pits at The Rink at Chateau Elan in Braselton. Entry includes a one-hour skate rental, and you won't want to skip the addition of a warm beverage like spiked hot chocolate or hot cider and s'mores.

License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands in Buford

Through February 23, 2025, glide down one of North America's longest snow tubing slides, ice skate, enjoy carnival rides, and stroll through the dazzling Lakeside Lights Spectacular.

Find more places to go ice skating in Georgia

Blue dragons at IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta
IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta

3. Lights and Light Shows in Georgia

IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta

Through January 19, 2025, explore a nighttime wonderland of brilliantly illuminated hand-painted lanterns celebrating wildlife at Zoo Atlanta. Warm up with hot cocoa and signature cocktails while roasting marshmallows by the fire.

Lake Lanier Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands in Buford

Through January 20, 2025, walk through amazing light displays that range from traditional holiday displays to high-tech images and Margaritaville-themed scenes at Lake Lanier Lakeside Lights Spectacular. Enjoy festive music, and grab a cocktail, hot cocoa, or a sweet treat to enjoy along the way.

WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta

Through February 23, 2025, become immersed in the wonders of nature through a blend of the outdoor environment and glowing displays that highlight native flora and fauna at WildWoods: AGLOW. Artistic, glowing scenes such as larger-than-life incandescent mushrooms and native plant species are accompanied by original music compositions. Inside the museum, unwind in the AGLOW Lounge with light snacks and beverages.

Four people posing behind an ice sculpture
Blue Ridge Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff in Blue Ridge, Georgia

4. Georgia Winter Festivals and Events

Jan. 17-19, 2025: CastleFaire in Helen

Wear your cloaks, capes, and coats to this outdoor Winter Renaissance Festival at Uhuburg in Helen. Enjoy performances of medieval, shanty, folk, and Celtic music; combat demos and workshops; living history; and an artisan market. Don your fantasy finest for the separate ticketed Realms of Winter Fantasy Ball on Jan. 18, 2025.

Jan. 25, 2025: Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee

Sample the best Brunswick stew in the nation at the Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee in Brunswick. In addition, enjoy live music, a pooch parade, arts and crafts, and a classic and antique car show.

Jan. 25-26, Feb. 1-2 & 8-9, 2025: Lunar New Year Festival at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain

This Asian-inspired Lunar New Year Festival at Stone Mountain Park pays tribute to the culture and New Year traditions of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other countries that follow the lunar calendar. It features a special Lunar New Year Drone and Light Show on the largest screen in the world, a lighted parade, cultural craft activities, live entertainment, and other cultural elements.

Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2025: Savannah Irish Festival

Celebrate Irish culture and community at the Savannah Irish Festival, featuring Celtic bands, Irish goods, and unique crafts. Learn about Irish heritage and cultural traditions from local Irish societies.

Feb. 7-9, 2025: Athens Wine Weekend

Sip and sample incredible wine and cooking artistry during the Athens Wine Weekend in downtown Athens. Enjoy wine and food pairings featuring chefs from favorite local restaurants, wine-tasting classes, a gourmet dinner, and a sparkling wine brunch.

Feb. 15, 2025: Blue Ridge Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff

Head to Blue Ridge for live music, ice sculptures, amazing chili, and craft beer. Sample the competition and vote for the People's Choice Award. See an amazing display of ice sculptures and ice carving demonstrations in the park.

Feb. 15, 2025: Fasching (German Mardi Gras) in Helen

Dress in your favorite costume and celebrate with music, dancing, and fun. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Feb. 19-March 6, 2025: 25th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Immerse yourself in a spectacular lineup of international films on the big screen at venues across Atlanta during the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF). Each year, AJFF brings the world's most outstanding Jewish films to Atlanta, presenting a diverse and compelling program of narratives, documentaries, and shorts.

Feb. 28, 2025: KBAY Mardi Gras in Kingsland

Embrace the festive charm of this beloved tradition in Kingsland. With a lively atmosphere, dazzling costumes, and an abundance of fun activities, the KBAY Mardi Gras Festival is the perfect way to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Feb. 28-March 1, 2025: Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival in Tifton

This FREE event includes a barbecue competition, a car show, more than 100 vendors, live music, and fun for the whole family.

Candlelight concert in a church
Candlelight Concert in Decatur, Georgia. Photo by Milan Johnson

5. Live Music in Georgia

Candlelight Concerts in Atlanta, Athens, Macon, and Columbus

Taking place in various spectacular locations on various dates, Candlelight Concerts feature a wide variety of themes and genres: classical, jazz, pop, and movie soundtracks, among others. Every location is carefully chosen to elevate the listening experience. Whether under the stars or in a venue with beautiful architecture, the surroundings will sweep you off your feet. Professional musicians will leave you speechless with their skills, and thousands of candles will illuminate the venue, creating a serene atmosphere that will enhance your listening experience.

Feb. 7-9: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" in Concert at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Justin Freer will conduct the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in performing Alexandre Desplat’s incredible score live from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

Virtual reality experience of people with dinosaurs
Life Chronicles in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Eclipso Entertainment

6. Unique Experiences in Georgia

Titanic: An Immersive Voyage in Atlanta

Through January 31, 2025, Titanic: An Immersive Voyage tells the story of the RMS Titanic like never before, featuring more than 300 artifacts, dramatic room recreations, never-before-seen 3D views, video animations, and cutting-edge technology. Witness the ship's construction, walk the glorious halls, come face-to-face with the iceberg, and experience its dramatic final moments in the immersive galleries.

Life Chronicles in Atlanta

Through March 30, 2025, put on a virtual reality headset and explore the major evolutionary stages of the planet since its origins and the living organisms that inhabit it at Life Chronicles. Take a trip to the past to admire the landscapes and meet spectacular animals such as immense centipedes, marine reptiles, and dinosaurs. Accompanied by a virtual guide, get up close to various inhabitants of Earth.

Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 in Atlanta

Through March 30, 2025, wear a virtual reality headset and step into the atmosphere of the first Impressionist exhibition. Meet Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and other famous painters when they were still young artists. Discover an extraordinary collection of Impressionist masterpieces showcased together for the very first time at Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874.

Dining in the Dark at Commerce Club Atlanta

On select dates through March 2025, dine while blindfolded to heighten your senses of taste and smell at Dining in the Dark. Discover an adventurous three-course menu, including an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Enter a realm of sensory delight where an intimate setting invites you to break away from routine and relearn how to use your taste buds.

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