Visiting Atlanta in the wintertime is an opportunity to enjoy more of what the city has to offer. In addition to the usual Atlanta attractions and activities available to locals and tourists, December is a month when there is constantly something going on in the form of special events. The holiday season is busy in Atlanta, and anyone in the area should try to take in at least part of it.
Marching from Peachtree Street all the way to the Centennial Olympic Park, the annual Atlanta Children's Holiday Parade happens each December to the delight of children and parents across the region. Considered the Southeast's premier holiday parade, according to the Atlanta Downtown website, this event features marching bands, holiday floats, parade balloons and Santa. This morning parade typically takes place the first week in December.
The Chick-fil-A Bowl is among the most popular college football post-season games in the nation. The Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta plays host to this football game each year on New Year's Eve.
The conference affiliations have changed somewhat over the years, as has the main title sponsor. As of 2010, the bowl game in Atlanta pits a Southeastern Conference team against an Atlantic Coast Conference team. The game typically sells out long before the game and tickets should be purchased months in advance. The game is also broadcast live on ESPN.
The ball drop in Times Square I New York City isn't the only place where a giant block party happens on New Year's Eve. The Atlanta First Night New Year's Eve Festival features a giant peach that drops at the stroke of midnight to ring in the New Year.
This festival brings thousands into the downtown area for live local music and other entertainment as well as street vendors and performers. The night ends with a massive fireworks display that can be seen all over the city.
The Festival of Trees is a December celebration that takes place each year in downtown Atlanta. The charity event lasts for nine days as area designers decorate more than 200 trees throughout the city for the holidays. These elaborate designs provide Atlanta with a unique holiday atmosphere that sets it apart from other cities with holiday decorations. The Festival of Trees begins during the first week of December.
