Quick Answer
Make Ponce City Market your festive home base: skate the rooftop rink, browse holiday markets and workshops, and stroll the BeltLine into Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and Buckhead. Catch Garden Lights, IllumiNights, and Stone Mountain Christmas, then unwind in cozy, pet friendly rentals from Atlanta Luxury Rentals.
The best place to stay for the holidays is Ponce City Market. Here, twinkling lights, an open-air ice rink, and a rooftop skyline turn an ordinary evening into a magical experience. However, the city’s holiday magic stretches beyond Ponce City Market, across Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and Buckhead.
Georgia’s capital pairs its historic charm with fresh entertainment every December. Travelers who book cozy accommodations and build an itinerary around noteworthy holiday activities in Atlanta can turn a short visit into memories that last well past the season.
Ponce City Market ranks among the biggest draws for holiday visitors, and it’s easy to see why. Wherever you turn within the historic building, a festive touch waits around the corner.
Each winter, the market’s rooftop transforms into a sparkling wonderland set against the open skyline. From 10 stories up, you can skate above the city while taking in views that stretch across the BeltLine and Old Fourth Ward. On a clear night, you can look down at the city, like you would gaze at a snowglobe, and notice the rooftops and lit windows framed against the wider skyline.
However, the magic doesn’t stop at the rink. Ponce City Market offers much more once you step off the ice.
Ponce City Market’s holiday programming goes beyond the ice rink, with exciting markets, workshops, and festive events. Because the lineup can shift from year to year, it’s worth checking the holiday event calendar before finalizing plans. Some events to look out for:
Staying close by makes all of this accessible on any evening. Ponce City Market itself has short-term rentals tucked within the building, meaning you can step right into the winter wonderland without a commute. Rather than visiting holiday events, you live inside them.
When you step outside Ponce City Market, the holiday season continues into the surrounding areas. Some of the best things to do in Atlanta during the holidays unfold across Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and Buckhead.
Enjoy a walk on the BeltLine Eastside Trail, a connective thread locals use to move between neighborhoods. In December, local artists and community groups decorate the BeltLine Arboretum with seasonal displays.
You might also be able to take a tour on Boxing Day and enjoy the trail with others. Trees Atlanta typically organizes a Holiday Tree Tour, which starts near Inman Park and ends at Ponce City Market.
Midtown serves as the city’s arts and performance hub, especially during the holidays. The Center for Puppetry Arts offers imaginative, handcrafted productions that appeal to kids and adults alike. Keep an eye out for puppet shows scheduled through the holidays, and consider booking a workshop where you can build a puppet to take home.
Buckhead has a polished, upscale reputation, but loosens up during the festive season. Livable Buckhead organizes the Miracle on Peachtree, an annual, community-rooted tradition that includes a Hot Chocolate Crawl. This sweet family outing is free, though a $5 donation earns you a campfire mug to keep as a souvenir. The season also brings a tree lighting at Charlie Loudermilk Park, occasionally featuring llamas that have appeared in many festive photos.
Among the city’s holiday offerings, three ticketed experiences stand out. Enjoy glittering, sparkling lights at the city’s botanical garden, zoo, and Stone Mountain Christmas.
Thousands of lights set to music transform the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a glowing world after dark. Illuminated trees and larger-than-life installations line every path, with hologram glasses deepening the effect. The event earned national recognition when it won The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC-TV in 2023 — a distinction that’s hard to argue with once you’ve experienced the garden at night.
Some of the zoo’s animals may be asleep after dark, but their glowing counterparts come alive along a mile-long trail. Hundreds of handcrafted lanterns celebrate the magic of nature, each delicately illuminated to bring wildlife to life after dark. Firepits scattered along the route give visitors a place to warm up between stops.
This family event features more than two million lights strung across the park. An evening drone and light show sets holiday songs to choreographed aerial displays, layered projections, and a closing fireworks finale. Earlier in the evening, the Christmas Parade brings Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a host of other holiday figures through the streets. Santa soars overhead in his sleigh immediately afterward, during the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony.
A few practical questions come up often when planning a holiday visit to the city.
Yes, many properties across the city are pet-friendly. However, it’s worth confirming details before booking, since policies can vary by property.
Yes. The ice rink, food hall, and courtyard events all take place within the building or on its grounds, so there’s no need to commute. Ponce City Market also connects directly to the BeltLine Eastside Trail for seasonal outdoor strolls.
When searching for cozy holiday rentals in Atlanta, many visitors want a warm, comfortable home base. A unit with a view lets you watch the skyline glitter after dark, while a fully equipped kitchen makes holiday cooking possible. In-unit washers and dryers help longer stays run smoothly, and thoughtfully decorated living spaces set the mood for festive memories. High-speed internet and available cleaning services round out a comfortable stay.
Enjoy a cozy home base this festive season with Atlanta Luxury Rentals. Our guests enjoy the comforts of a fully furnished apartment paired with seamless customer service, all in the heart of the city’s festivities. Short-term stays start at two days, with options in Ponce City Market and other central locations across the city.
Traveling with a dog up to 40 pounds? Bring your furry friend along, and contact the team for details on the full pet policy. Ready to settle in for the season? Book your holiday stay today with Atlanta Luxury Rentals.
