Atlanta offers holiday visitors of all ages wonderful things to do, from time honored holiday traditions to festive performing arts and entertainment, some of the best shopping and dining in the Southeast, and an array of special seasonal events at popular attractions.

12 fun things to do in Atlanta during the 2013 holiday season include:

• Centennial Olympic Park Holiday in Lights and Ice Skating - Enjoy 21 acres of twinkling lights and the seasonal outdoor skating rink in the heart of Downtown Atlanta.
  
  

• The Annual Children's Christmas Parade - Following a route through Downtown Atlanta, this is one of the premier holiday parades in the Southeast U.S.
  
  
• Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker at the Fabulous Fox Theatre - Enjoy this holiday tradition that has been enchanting audiences in Atlanta for over 50 years.
  
  
• Macy's Pink Pig - Ride the ever popular Macy's Pink Pig, Priscilla, through storybook scenes at Lenox Square Mall.
  
  
• A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre - Enjoy holiday carols and stunning stage magic in this Broadway-scale production of the Dickens holiday classic.
  
  
• Atlanta Botanical Garden - Garden Lights Holiday Nights - Featuring a million twinkling lights, the spectacular light displays transform the gardens into a wonderland. Don't miss the the Orchestral Orbs, a unique topiary light show choreographed to holiday music, and enjoy hot beverages, holiday cocktails, beer and wine, available at bars throughout the Garden.
  
  
• Piedmont Park - Season of Magic - Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday lights and ornaments, carousel rides with the Atlanta cityscape as a backdrop, day and night ice skating, rink-side dining and more.
  
  

• Atlantic Station Holiday Festivities - Enjoy over 250,000 twinkling lights, open-air holiday shops featuring handcrafted items, visits and photos with Santa and much more throughout the holiday season.
  
  
• Stone Mountain Park's A Stone Mountain Christmas - This popular annual celebration offers festive fun for all ages.
  
  
• Holiday performances presented by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Choose from several holiday concerts including classical, jazz, gospel, pops, family concerts and more.
  
  
• Visit Stone Mountain Park's Snow Mountain - Opening for the season in late-November, Stone Mountain Park transforms the large Laser Lawn into Atlanta's only snow park.
  
  
• Welcome the New Year - Atlanta Style - From college football mania to mega midnight balloon drops and the famous New Year's Eve Peach Drop, Atlanta offers New Year's Eve fun for all ages.

Atlanta Holiday Travel Planning

• Atlanta Hotels - Check Rates and Reviews
  
  
• Check for Deals and Airfare to Atlanta
  
  
• Top Atlanta Luxury Hotels
  
  
• Mileage and Estimated Driving Time to Atlanta
  
  
• Getting Around Atlanta
  
  
• See: Holiday Travel Packages to find out about several special holiday travel packages in the Atlanta area and other Southeast U.S. destinations
  
  
• The Atlanta CityPASS - Shop Direct an attraction pass that offers close to 50 percent savings on several of Atlanta's top attractions, worth considering if you are planning to visit several of Atlanta's popular attractions during your visit

Additional Information

For more Atlanta area seasonal events, including tree lighting ceremonies, visits with Santa and special events at local attractions, visit:

• Atlanta Travel from About.com
  
• The Atlanta CVB Website