Thanks to Coca-Cola for contributing to this awesome roundup of Atlanta Activities. No compensation was received, all opinions are my own.
So you’re ready to celebrate like it’s 1999 2017? You’re in luck! There are lots of things to do if you’re itching to get out of the house at the end of the year. Alternatively, if you’re longing for your PJs and a bottle of bubbly instead, you can always turn on the Atlanta New Year’s Eve Peach Drop along with the NYC Ball Drop and be happy as a clam. A great compromise is to take the kids to an early ball drop activity like Marietta’s (see more below) so you can have everyone in bed at their regular time. Which Atlanta New Year’s Eve activity will you choose?
World of Coca-Cola
Not ready for Christmas to end quite yet? Hold onto your holiday cheer at the World of Coca-Cola, where the festivities are still in full swing. New Year’s weekend is your last chance to experience the attraction’s holiday celebration that features special seasonal exhibits, larger-than-life decorations and samples of limited-time Gingerbread Coke® and Chocolate Cherry Coke®. You can get a sneak peek of the attraction-turned-winter-wonderland here.
Roaring Rooftop Bash
Ring in the New Year in style at Ponce City Market’s “Roaring Rooftop Bash.” This extravagant black tie event will feature unlimited bubbly, unbeatable skyline views, and not one but two dancefloors. Guests will also enjoy performances by aerialists, burlesque dancers, acrobats and more.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Night
If you’re visiting for the big game, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Night at the Georgia Aquarium is an event just for you. From 4 – 8 p.m. on Dec. 30, guests can experience all that the aquarium has to offer at a discounted rate of $26.95 per person. Each team’s cheerleaders and mascots will also be in attendance, and a band pep rally is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The museum will host its New Year’s Bubble Bash twice this year with countdowns at noon and 4 p.m. on Dec. 31. This New Year’s party for kids will include bubble-wrap fireworks, a dance party, and some new surprises. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early for this popular event. I love early events like this so you can beat the crowd and get back home!
Marietta’s Winter Wonderland
A fairly new tradition to the square, Marietta’s Winter Wonderland goes from November to February, since the demand for ice skating was so large! Celebrate with a special New Year’s Eve EARLY cow drop for the kids, ice sculptures, live music, family activities and a surprise midnight “drop.” Last year, we took Red for the Early New Year’s Eve drop and it was a great way to ring in the new year!
Centennial Park Ice Rink
Presented by Coca-Cola, the Centennial Olympic Park Ice Rink and the Holiday in Lights display is at the center of the downtown holiday action. The 21-acre park is sparkling with festive lights and is home to Downtown Atlanta’s only ice skating rink. New Year’s weekend is the perfect time to take a long stroll or a spin.
Peach Bowl Parade
Whether you’re rolling with the Tide or howling for the Huskies, you can cheer on your team at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade, which is considered the official kickoff for game day. This football-festive event will begin at the corner of Baker and Peachtree Street and end at FanFest at the Georgia World Congress Center. At night, don’t miss the 13th Annual Downtown Countdown and Official Atlanta New Year’s Eve Party of the 2016 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Attendees can root for their team and kick off the New Year all in one place at this all-inclusive event. Find more information and purchase tickets here.
College Football Hall of Fame
You can’t call yourself a true football fan until you’ve visited the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience. From Dec. 29 through Jan. 1, the attraction will host Fan Days, allowing guests to go back in time in the Hall of Fame, test out their football skills in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl SkillZone, or take a picture with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl trophy, all at a discounted rate.
Peach Drop
Since 1989, the Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta has been the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration of the Southeast – and this year is the site’s last time hosting. Family and friends can enjoy food, fun, and entertainment while watching the 800-pound peach descend as 2016 draws to an end. Find more information on the traditional Atlanta event here.
Stone Mountain’s EARLY New Year’s Eve Celebration
For another kid-friendly countdown that complies with bedtime, take your family to Stone Mountain Park’s Kids’ Early New Year’s Eve Celebration. With more than two million lights, seasonal activities and a 9 p.m. countdown and snowfall, this event is a true family favorite. Plus, Snow Mountain will be open all weekend. Who says it doesn’t snow it Atlanta?!
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Light up your New Year’s weekend at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s sixth annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, now through Jan. 7. In addition to the traditional light exhibits, the Garden has two brand new displays this year. As part of the holiday favorite, kids can enjoy the Holiday Model Train Show, which features miniature trains that travel throughout the garden.
Oh wow the peach drop sounds so interesting! I would totally go down to see that if I lived close enough. I also love Botanical gardens and would see those lights!
What a lot of choices you have! We do, too, in St. Louis but we are sticking close to home at a bar that is in walking distance. Love our walkable neighborhood!
Can you believe I have never been to Atlanta!? Well now I MUST visit! Especially at New Years!! So many fun things to do!
Can you believe I have never been to Atlanta!? Well now I MUST visit! Especially at New Years!! So many fun things to do! Thanks for sharing.
Those are great idea for the new year! I’ve never heard of any of them. Next few years I’ll be wanting to bring my nephew to something Cool! Thanks for sharing!
Wow that is a great list of things to do in Atlanta. The world of Coca Cola sounds like a place my kids would love! Next time i am in Atlanta i will have to check that out.
What fun things to do in Atlanta! I would enjoy the ice-rink and the lights at night! That must be so pretty to see!
Wow, so many options for fun with the family on New Years Eve and day! I think I’d like to ice skate til midnight!
Thanks for the New Year’s Eve ideas. I need to make a plan and wasn’t sure what exactly I should do with the family. Hope you have a Happy New Year!
The Peach Drop sounds so fun! I was born and raised in Pensacola, FL and we drop a pelican on New Year’s Eve. It’s always a blast.
Ah, so much fun! We went to World of Coca Cola a couple of years ago and had a blast. I still have the glass Coke bottle they gave me right here near my desk.
Looks like a ton of fun choices in Atlanta. I don’t feel like there are as many kid friendly things to do in Chicago. We tend to have smaller gatherings with friends which I actually prefer. Happy 2017!
We have one of the outdoor holiday ice skating rinks pop up near us and it’s been a big hit! They are so fun and give southern california a little taste of snow.
I’ve never visited Atlanta, but I definitely want to go. This is a great post, and I just love all these different options! xx Adaleta Avdic
Wow. I’ve never been to Atlanta but feels like so much fun. I’d love to get there next year, with my little girl!
So many great ideas on this list! I went to Atlanta last NYE because of the Peach Bowl and I had a blast! The aquarium and Coca Cola world are awesome places to visit!