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Winterfest, PAW Patrol, and More Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend with Kids

Winterfest is bringing the holiday spirit (even with the Grinch's arrival) to Virginia Highland this weekend! Photo courtesy Virginia Highland
Winterfest is bringing the holiday spirit (even with the Grinch's arrival) to Virginia Highland this weekend! Photo courtesy Virginia Highland
12/11/24 - By Elsa Simcik

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend! 

Get into the seasonal spirit this weekend with the Virginia Highland Winterfest—a FREE festival in one of Atlanta's beloved neighborhoods, featuring a parade, holiday shopping, and kids' activities. OTP families enjoy another fun, free event with Snow Day at Alpharetta City Center. Kids can play in a winter wonderland filled with snow flurries, eat holiday-themed treats, and pose in a festive photo booth. Catch the Nutcracker Ballet and more holiday shows this season, with wonderful productions in Duluth, Roswell, and Atlanta this weekend. 

Beyond holiday fun in Atlanta, there's even more event goodies happening! The PAW Patrol Experience at CAMP Atlanta debuts this weekend, and artsy kids will love painting at the Neon Brush Kids Workshop. Get more details about these Atlanta events and more by continuing below!

More Things To Do in Atlanta This Week With Kids

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Best Things To Do This Weekend in Atlanta With Kids

Cirque du Soleil's "'Twas the Night Before" at The Fox

Midtown
Final weekend! Through Sunday, December 15
Cirque du Soleil reimagines a Christmas classic in ‘Twas The Night Before..., a family show perfect for the holiday season! READ MORE

Christmas on the Farm at Southern Belle Farm

McDonough
Final weekend! Through Sunday, December 15
Southern Belle Farms invites families to celebrate Christmas in the country at the farm. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor activities and take free pictures with Santa on the weekends.  READ MORE

Roswell Winter Puppet Series

Roswell
Select dates through December 21
Kids love the Roswell Winter Puppet Series because of the funny characters, colorful puppets, and entertaining stories.  READ MORE

Christmas with the ASO

Midtown
December 12-15
Ring in the holidays with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Christmas concert. The chorus and musicians perform holiday carols, hymns, and more, as well as welcome additional ensembles and special guests. READ MORE

Lawrenceville Lights

Lawrenceville Lights- FREE!
December 12-14 & 19-21
Lawrenceville Lights (or LV Lights) is a popular free drive-thru light display, wowing visitors at the campground of Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church (just outside of downtown Lawrenceville). This year it runs for two weekends!  READ MORE

Virginia Highland Winterfest

Virginia Highland - FREE
December 13 & 14
Winterfest in Va-Hi kicks off with a ticketed Tour of Lights on Friday night. Families stroll around the historic neighborhood and receive beverages and treats at participating homes. On Saturday morning Winterfest starts with a Jingle Jog followed by a parade and a huge holiday market. READ MORE

Holiday Artisan Market at Cobb County Civic Center

Marietta - FREE!
December 13-15
This festival will feature retailers and artists and will showcase handmade goods, fine arts, musical performances, visits from Santa, free kids crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Atlanta Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker

Roswell
December 13-15 & 19-22
Over the holidays, families look forward to a full-length Nutcracker performance at Roswell Cultural Arts Center. READ MORE

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

Duluth
Select dates, December 13-22
Gwinnett Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker is an Atlanta tradition. With over 100 professional and student dancers, audiences will get the full Nutcracker experience when this company takes the stage at Gas South District.  READ MORE

PAW Patrol Experience at CAMP

Dunwoody
Opening weekend! December 13, 2024 - May 4, 2025
Parents and kids will run, jump, laugh, and play in a series of guided obstacle courses, games, and activities — they might even become honorary members of the PAW Patrol in this PAW Patrol Experience at CAMP Atlanta.  READ MORE

Snow Day at Alpharetta City Center

Alpharetta - FREE!
Saturday, December 14
Families descend on the Town Green to experience a winter wonderland  with snow flurries plus family-friendly activities, a photo booth, and holiday-themed treats.  READ MORE

Hot Chocolate Competition at Ponce City Market

Midtown
Saturday, December 14
Ponce City Market hosts a friendly Hot Chocolate Competition among select restaurants in their Central Food Hall, and the public is invited to participate and vote.  Proceeds from the event will go to the Hot Chocolate Competition winner’s charity of choice. READ MORE

North Pole Fa La La La Follies Puppet Show

Lawrenceville
Saturday, December 14
Get ready for holiday hijinks as the North Pole puts on a talent show! North Pole Fa La La La Follies follows funny fruitcakes, dancing deer, yodeling yetis and more as they get ready for the big day. Bring the whole family and see what Santa’s crew gets up to when they’re not making toys!  READ MORE

Pancake Breakfast with Santa in Milton

Milton - FREE!
Saturday, December 14
Families enjoy delicious breakfast foods, including pancakes, served by Milton firefighters at this festive event at Station 44's bay. Other activities include balloon animals created by one of Santa's elves, a raffle, and even a visit by the Grinch (after its heart grew)!  READ MORE

Holiday PJ Party & Festival of Trains at Tellus Science Museum

Cartersville
Saturday, December 14
Kids can wear their favorite pajamas and join the Tellus staff for a party. Enjoy hands-on activities, photos with Santa, and science demonstrations by the Tellus elves. READ MORE

Krog Holiday Market

Atlanta
Saturday, December 14
Come find the perfect gift for your family and friends at The Krog District’s own holiday market. Shop 35+ vendors representing Atlanta’s finest in vintage, handmade, and crafted arts. You might even get a chance to meet the big man himself! READ MORE

Ballethnic Dance Company presents Urban Nutcracker

Downtown
December 14 & 15
Ballethnic Dance Company presents Urban Nutcracker, a truly Atlanta-inspired version of the classic story, at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College.  READ MORE

Neon Brush Kids Workshop

West Midtown
December 14 & 15
At Neon Brush, parents and kids discover the magic of neon painting in a one-of-a-kind art experience. With paints that glow in the dark, stencils to spark imaginations, and family-friendly tunes to set the mood, guests will be painting, laughing, and creating unforgettable memories together. Everyone leaves with a colorful creation that’s uniquely yours.  READ MORE

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