Free and Cheap Holiday Fun for Atlanta Families

Holidays in Norcross

Don’t break the bank this holiday season—here are our ideas for holiday fun for $10 or under.

For more free fun, check out these Christmas parades, find free photo opportunities with Santa here, and check out these venues for a seasonal movie night. Find more festivities here.

Movie Nights at Lawrenceville Arts Center

Watch classic Christmas movies for free on this stage. Dec. 10 and 17.

Bonfire + Marshmallow Roast at Decatur Square

Roast yourself a marshmallow for a wintery treat at this giant bonfire. Dec. 11.

Christmas at Piedmont Church Arts and Crafts Show

Snow Day at ACC at Alpharetta City Center

Enjoy a winter wonderland with snow flurries, activities, holiday-themed treats and a photo booth.  Dec. 13.

Holly Jolly Play Day at Gwinnett County Public Library Lilburn Branch

Celebrate winter with a hot cocoa station, games, cooking demonstrations and more. Dec. 13.

Holiday Whobilation at Lenora Park

Visit the Who village craft market with s’mores, a kid’s zone and more, and dress in your best attire to win the title of Holiday Cheermeister. Dec. 13.

Holiday Juggling Show at Aurora Theatre

Watch performer Ron Anglin juggle holiday mementos from global cultures past and present. Dec. 13.

Holiday Harmony with Atlanta Opera at Phipps Plaza

Listen to a heartwarming performance of holiday favorites. Dec. 13.

Posada Navideña Celebration at Plaza Fiesta

Celebrate the holiday spirit with this Mexican tradition featuring dancing, piñatas, clowns, food and more. Dec. 14.

Atlanta Concert Band at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church

Enjoy a concert of holiday music. Dec. 14.

Lawless Family Concert Series at Michael C. Carlos Museum’s Ackerman Hall

Help welcome Old Saint Nick as he shares some of his favorite classical music pieces and leads a holiday sing-a-long. Dec. 14.

Winter House at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Enjoy twinkling lights and delicious treats in this historic mansion filled with holiday magic and cheer. Through Dec. 14.

Carriage Rides in Downtown Norcross

Experience the magic of the season with a carriage ride. Through Dec. 19.

Pop-in for Family Fun at Marietta History Center

Explore the Center and make holiday crafts. Dec. 20.

Christmas on Clairemont at First Baptist Decatur

This annual concert features a chorus of local voices, a full orchestra, an organ, piano and handbells. Dec. 21.

Tea Party with Mrs. Claus at Milton City Hall

Celebrate the holiday with a fancy and festive party featuring delectable treats, delicious beverages and stories and photos with Mrs. Claus. Dec. 22.

Festival of Trees at Museum of Aviation

Walk through a collection of beautifully decorated trees for immersion in the holiday spirit. Through Dec. 28.

Lights on the Loop at Alpha Loop

Walk this spectacular light display along a one-mile stretch, and visit on themed weekends for live entertainment. Through Dec. 31.

Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park

This light show features 100,000 lights for a walkable display. Through Dec. 31.

Lights of Life at Life University

Drive through tons of holiday lights on display around the campus. Through Dec. 31.

Deck the Square at Roswell Town Square

View a display of community-decorated trees. Through Jan. 2.

Reindeer Scavenger Hunt in Powder Springs

Santa’s reindeer have gotten loose! Help him find them using clues to retrieve a special treat. Through Jan. 4.

Past events:

Emmanuel Cantata at Gas South Theater

Celebrate with music that uplifts and inspires. Nov. 25.

Snow Day Movie Matinee at Heritage Building

Celebrate winter with a showing of “Frozen,” meeting the characters, a snack bar and more at this event for children with disabilities and their families. Dec. 3.

PuppetStop: The Gingerbread Man at Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

Watch this puppet presentation, and after the show, make your own puppet and enjoy hands-on activities. Dec. 6.

Holiday STEM Workshop at Fernbank Science Center

Hands-on activities explore STEM. Dec. 6.

Deck the Hall in Duluth

Play in the snow, visit with Santa, and enjoy lots of kids’ activities. Dec. 6.

Trouble in Toyland at Aurora Theatre

Follow a disastrous holiday season, as the toys aren’t finished, the elves are on strike, Santa’s lost his laugh, and Rudolph has a runny nose. How will Christmas be saved? Dec. 6.

Historic Norcross Christmas Village in Downtown Norcross

Step into a winter wonderland with photos with Santa, face painting, Christmas carolers, carriage rides and more. Dec. 6.

Back to Nature Holiday Market at Chattahoochee Nature Center

Christmas Traditions at Buford Community Center

Celebrate the holidays with photos with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, treats, crafts and a Christmas movie. Dec. 6.

Grinch on the Green: A Cozy Holiday Takeover at Phipps Plaza

Enjoy an outdoor movie with a showing of “The Grinch,” and take photos with the star himself.  Dec. 4.

A Sugarloaf Ballet Christmas at Gas South Theater

Watch a presentation of The Nativity Ballet with 60 dancers from Sugarloaf Youth Ballet and Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Dec. 7.

Noche De Velas at Lawrenceville Arts Center

Carols by Candlelight at First Baptist Church Marietta

Kick off the Christmas season with this concert. Dec. 7-8.

Holly Jolly Block Party at Johns Creek City Hall

Mark the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the city’s 40-foot Christmas tree, music, Santa visits, live llamas, activities and more. Dec. 5.

Holiday Spirit at Oakland Cemetery

Explore mausoleums decorated for the holidays, shop wreaths, enjoy photo opportunities with Santa, make crafts and more. Dec. 5-6.