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Here's where you can celebrate the holidays in metro Atlanta 2023 | List

Whether that's joining along a holiday Christmas carol or playing in the "snow" in the metro, getting into that holiday fun can be joyous for friends and family.

ATLANTA — Season's greetings! With the year coming to a close in a few weeks, people are getting into the holiday spirit with adventures around metro Atlanta. 

Whether that's joining along a Christmas carol or playing in the "snow" in the metro, getting into that holiday fun can be joyous for friends, family and loved ones. 

Here's a guide to how you can break out those jingle bells with these events.

Ice skating

Skate the Station at Atlantic Station

Skate the Station is back as an Atlanta staple! It will be in season until Jan. 15.

Families will need to keep an eye on the station's social media sites or check your 11Alive local weather forecast before going to the skating rink since it is weather-permitting. 

For a list of the rink's peak times, click here to avoid the rush.

Skate the Sky at Ponce City Market

It's time to Skate the Sky at the Ponce City Market rink. Residents can overlook Ponce De Leon Avenue, the BeltLine and the historic Old Fourth Ward on the rooftop.

Those who enjoyed Skyline Park or Nine Mile Station will not need to buy tickets and can walk on over.

Click here to buy tickets.

The Rink at Park Tavern 

A Winter Wonderland is right in Midtown with The Rink at Park Tavern. 

Residents can not only enjoy a leisurely ride on their skates but can also get skating lessons. Guests will be able to enjoy the views of Piedmont Park and the skyline. 

The rink will be open Mondays through Fridays from 4:30 p.m. until midnight and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until midnight. 

Guests will need to buy tickets to enter the rink. Click here to learn more.

Avalon on Ice

This rink lives in a shopping experience in Alpharetta. Officials said that the rink is Rockefeller-inspired. 

Those who want to attend should book a time slot ahead of time, even though walk-ups are welcome. 

The rink is open on Mondays through Fridays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

It will be open until Jan. 15. Click the link here and enjoy a live camera of guests skating at the rink.

License to Chill Snow Island

Not only can you ice skate at Lake Lanier, but you can also enjoy the "snow" at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. 

It will be open up until February, according to its online calendar.

Instead of driving up north to get the snow, residents can take the drive to Buford and go snow tubbing, enjoy throwing snowballs and ride amusement rides. Learn more here.


Christmas light displays

IllumniNights at Zoo Atlanta

It's a holiday tradition loved by many! Zoo Atlanta will be showcasing its illuminated wildlife while residents view the animals. 

There are also some holiday activities like roasting marshmallows around the fire and drinking some hot cocoa to warm the holiday spirit. 

Zoo officials said that they will feature new lanterns and experiences this year. The holiday lights will be up until January 14, 2024.

All guests have to do is buy tickets to the zoo to live in the jolly experience.

Illuminariam 

The exhibit, located in the historic Old Fourth Ward, offers two Winter Wonderland experiences for its guests. 

Officials said that guests will be transported to Santa's luxurious winter palace on their 360-degree displays and see a show of the glowing Northern Lights. 

Guests will also be able to enjoy a selfie with Santa, live holiday music and more. Click here to learn about the experience.

Six Flags - Wonderland of Lights

Tis the Season to be jolly! Six Flags Over Georgia is back with its round of holiday fun and it's happening until January 3, 2024! 

“With dazzling lights and decorative displays, exhilarating rides and a variety of seasonal delights, we aim to create cherished memories for our guests that will last a lifetime," said Park President David Zellner. 

Officials with the amusement park said several new live shows and offerings will be in the works for the magical wintertime event. 

Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is in it's 13th year of presenting the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. 

Each year, the garden takes its fan favorites and new installations-- and illuminates the displays in lights. 

Garden officials said the exhibit will shine nightly through January 14, 2024. 

Click here to learn about tickets and available dates.

Holiday pop-up bars

The Blind Elf 

Atlanta's popular holiday bar is back with its over-the-top décor, twinkling lights and more!

Residents can enjoy festive cocktails or mocktails with some holiday bites. The bar is open on Wednesdays until Thursdays from 5 p.m. to midnight. 

The bar is also open on Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m. Guests can reserve and walk in for the experience. 

Over the Top Burger Bar at Tinsels 

This burger joint has a different themed holiday pop up bar every year. Located in Buford, residents can enjoy a burger and some holiday fun.

The pop-up bar will be open from Dec. 1 until Dec. 31.

Guests can also enjoy holiday music and much more. Learn more about the bar here.

Merry Grinchmas pop-up bar at Mercantile Social

The Grinch stole Christmas at the Mercantile Social holiday pop-up bar! The restaurant has drinks inspired by the green creature in Alpharetta.

Mercantile Social said a few dishes and drinks could make your heart grow a few sizes bigger. 

The pop-up bar is open now at the restaurant. For the hours, click here.

The Blitzen Room at Biltong Bar

Biltong Bar is getting into the Christmas spirit by honoring one of Santa's reindeer. 

The bar is only taking walk-ins but residents can enjoy the pop-up starting at noon every day.

Wonderland at Willow Bar

Guest can visit a snowy winter getaway at the Wonderland at Willow Bar to Tis' the Season!

The bar will feature ski lodge-inspired igloos, lights and more, according to the owners. 

Food and cocktails are also inspired by the ski lodge theme. Learn more here.

Christmas Tree Farms 

Tradition Trees

An online and in-store Christmas tree shopping experience! If you are one of those who are finally putting up their holiday trees and want a real tree, this shop, located on Briarcliff Road could help.

Tradition Trees also offers services for crews to dazzle residents' homes with lighting specialists.

Little Rob's Christmas Trees

Little Rob celebrates 31 years in the Christmas Tree business. According to its website, selling Christmas Trees started as a way to fund a rock climbing trip and became a metro Atlanta tradition. 

It is located near the former site of the Buckhead Saloon, which burned down remains are still standing. It will be open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. until Christmas Day. 

The business is offering Fraser Fir Christmas Tree this year. It provides seasonal updates on its Facebook page.

Big John's Christmas Trees

Big John's has three locations in Buckhead, Brookhaven and Roswell. Families can find a tree and decorations to make it more festive at the business, according to the owner. 

The family-owned business celebrates 74 years in the Atlanta Christmas tradition. 

They also different wreaths and services, including tree delivery and installation, if you sign up for the service.

Each of their locations are open daily from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Click here to learn more about the family-owned business trees. 

Credit: neirfy
Photo: Thinkstock

Yule Forest Christmas Tree Farm

The farm, located in Stockbridge, offers more than tree shopping to give an ultimate holly experience. 

Their website states families can enjoy hot apple cider, Santa visits, farm friends and a fun zone for kids.

Farmers have a variety of trees that residents can choose from, including Blue Ice Cypress, Virginia Pines and more. They also snow-flocked trees. The farm will be open until Dec. 16, with hours on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and weekend hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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