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:
- Pop-up Bars and Themed Restaurants
- Ice Skating and Snow Tubing
- Lights and Light Shows
- Winter Festivals and Events
- Live Music
- Unique Experiences
1. Georgia Pop-up Bars and Themed Restaurants
Alpine Village at The Lost Square in Savannah
Through January 25, 2026, 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, 2026, 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.
2. Ice Skating and Snow Tubing in Georgia
Avalon on Ice in Alpharetta
Through January 19, 2026, 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 7, 2026, 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.
License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands in Buford
Through February 22, 2026, glide down one of North America's longest snow tubing slides, ice skate, enjoy carnival rides, and play in the snow in Snowball Alley.
Find more places to go ice skating in Georgia
3. Lights and Light Shows in Georgia
Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort in Buford
Through January 4, 2026, drive through six miles of amazing light displays that range from traditional holiday displays to high-tech images at Magical Nights of Lights. Enjoy festive music while you drive, and stop at Game Changer for cocktails and a festive menu, outdoor fire pits, fun and games.
IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta
Through January 18, 2026, 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.
WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta
Through February 28, 2026, 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.
4. Georgia Winter Festivals and Events
January 16-18, 2026: 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.
January 31, 2026: 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.
February 6-7, 15 & 17, 2026: Mardi Gras in Kingsland & St. Marys
Embrace the festive charm of this beloved tradition in Kingsland and St. Marys. 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 on February 6 & 7. Then, on February 15, join the St. Marys Mardi Gras Jubilee at St. Marys Waterfront Park, featuring family-friendly games and entertainment. On February 17, don't miss the Illuminated Parade & Party in the Park.
February 6-8, 2026: 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.
February 7-8, 2026: 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.
February 14, 2026: Blue Ridge Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff and Craft Beer Festival
Head to Blue Ridge for live music, ice sculptures, amazing chili, and craft beer at the Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off and Craft Beer Festival. 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.
February 14, 2026: Fasching (German Mardi Gras) in Helen
Dress in your favorite costume and celebrate with music, dancing, and fun at Fasching in Helen. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
February 14 - March 1, 2026: 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.
February 18 - March 15, 2026: 26th 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.
March 6-7, 2026: 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.
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.
February 6-8, 2026: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" 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 2" while the entire film plays in high definition on a 40-foot screen.
6. Unique Experiences in Georgia
SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond at Illuminarium Atlanta
Take an extraordinary journey across the galaxy at Illuminarium Atlanta's "SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond" experience through January 31, 2026. Fly through a technicolor nebula, kick up dust on the moon, see Saturn's rings up close, and weave through an asteroid belt in a 360-degree immersive show.
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience in Doraville
Through January 31, 2026, surround yourself with a surreal and colorful world of bubbles in the immersive Bubble Planet Experience at Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center in Doraville. Navigate more than 10 themed rooms and fantastical landscapes, including an LED room, a bubble bath pit, and an infinity room. With oversized bubbles, balloons, soap, and more, this sensory universe will give you the chance to see the world in a whole new way. VIP tickets include a virtual reality experience and a surprise souvenir.
André Leon Talley: Style is Forever at SCAD FASH in Atlanta
Through March 1, 2026, browse a curated selection of nearly 70 looks from the personal collection of distinguished editor and cultural icon André Leon Talley at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta. See wardrobe items by designers like Tom Ford, Manolo Blahnik, and Dapper Dan along with mementos and artworks from friends such as Diane von Furstenberg and Karl Lagerfeld.
