Ice skating, watching a beautiful ballet, walking through the botanical gardens at night, it really is a winter wonderland here in Atlanta. Make sure to take advantage of it before school starts up again!

1. Ice Skating at Centennial Olympic Park

Maybe you’ve been to Avalon’s ice skating rink one too many times, or you’ve never been and you’ve just heard how crowded it is. Here’s the solution: Centennial Olympic Park is bigger and better with less people (usually) and always a blast for the whole family.

2. Ponce City Market

If you’ve never been to Ponce, the way I would describe it is a nice mall with gourmet food and industrial decorations. It’s more of an experience than a place to shop- there’s a rooftop that anyone can go up on before 5:00pm, and after that you must be 21 or over. The rooftop overlooks Atlanta’s skyline and they have refreshments to offer as well. Outside Ponce, there’s the belt line, one of the prettiest and longest trails in Atlanta.

3. Go see Nutcracker at the Fox Theatre

Ah, the perfect holiday ballet for everyone to enjoy. The Atlanta Ballet puts on a unique version of the Nutcracker that is both comedic and beautiful.

4. Seeing the Lights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Perfect Instagram photos. That’s really all you need to know.

5. Go have brunch/dinner in the Georgian Terrace Hotel

This beautiful and vintage hotel right across from the Fox Theatre is perfect for a fancy night out with family or a significant other. They also offer good options for a New Years Eve meal for all ages and the hotel is wonderfully decorated for the holidays.