See what to do during winter in Atlanta and prepare your itinerary accordingly.
What is winter like in Atlanta?
During the winter, Atlanta experiences lower temperatures and shorter days. From December to February, the averages vary between 0°C and 10°C. The city enjoys a mild climate, with occasional rain and sometimes light snowfall. This period is perfect for exploring the city’s museums and art galleries, which feature cultural exhibitions.
In addition, locals and tourists alike can enjoy indoor events such as live music concerts and theater performances, offering a variety of entertainment for the colder days.
Below we’ll give you some tips on these activities, check them out:
1. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden
During the winter, a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a magical experience. The “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” event transforms the garden into a light show. You can stroll along the illuminated paths, admiring the lights and enjoying the festivities. There are several areas of the garden, each decorated in a unique way.
In addition to the lights, the Botanical Garden offers activities such as live musical performances and winter markets. You can also warm up in the on-site café while enjoying the view of the garden.
2. Explore the Fernbank Natural History Museum
The Fernbank Natural History Museum is an ideal destination for cold winter days. You can spend hours checking out the permanent and temporary exhibitions covering a range of topics, from dinosaurs to the natural history of Georgia.
The interactive exhibits are perfect for all ages, providing an educational and entertaining experience. In winter, the museum also offers a series of special events, such as astronomy evenings and IMAX movie screenings.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to Atlanta, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
3. Visit the Christmas Markets
Another winter outing in Atlanta is to visit the Christmas markets. They usually focus on the German Christmas Market in the city center, where you’ll find stalls selling handicrafts, Christmas decorations and delicious local treats.
In addition to shopping, Christmas markets often offer live entertainment, such as Christmas choirs and musical performances. You can sample typical dishes such as bratwurst and pretzels while enjoying the festivities.
4. Watch a show at the Fox Theatre
In addition to the tours mentioned above, a good alternative is to see a show at the Fox Theatre. This historic theater offers a variety of shows, from Broadway musicals to concerts and ballets. Attending a performance at the Fox Theatre is an incredible experience, thanks to its beautiful architecture and acoustics.
During the winter season, the Fox Theatre often presents special productions, such as “The Nutcracker” by the Atlanta Ballet.
5. Ice skating at Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is one of the best places to go ice skating in Atlanta during the winter. The outdoor skating rink offers a fun activity for all ages and is a great way to enjoy the weather.
After skating, you can explore the stores and restaurants of Atlantic Station. There are plenty of shopping options and cozy places to enjoy meals and drinks.
How to save on tickets to paid attractions in Atlanta?
There are many, and great, free tours in Atlanta, but there are also some paid tours – such as museums, amusement parks etc. The good news is that you can buy tickets for all of Atlanta’s attractions much more cheaply.
The best way is to buy your tickets online, always BEFORE you travel. Tickets are always cheaper than at the box office, and you can travel with them safely without running the risk of them being sold out. The cheapest place we’ve found so far is this website.
It’s the largest ticket and tour website in the world. In other words, it has all the amusement park tickets, tours, excursions and even transfers. It’s the cheapest and most reliable place we’ve found to date.
Save money on your trip to Atlanta:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Atlanta cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Atlanta. You will find out the best areas, as well as tips on how to find the best hotels.
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
