10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend

Christmas trains run at Atlanta Botannical Garden on November 17, 2022
Brandon McKeown

With Christmas just 12 days away, the holiday spirit is in full swing! Don’t miss out on the festive vibes this weekend and explore all that Atlanta has to offer.

Whether you’re shopping for last-minute gifts at a cultural night market, joining an ugly sweater crawl with friends, or immersing yourself in one of our carefully curated events, the weekend is set to be a memorable one.

Friday Jazz

Indulge in festive vibes at the High Museum on Friday night! Sip on cocktails, savor light bites, groove to live jazz organized by Michole Briana White, and dive into art with docent-led tours.

Location: High Museum of Art - 1280 Peachtree St NE; Time: 6-10 p.m.; Date: Friday, Dec. 15; Admission: Members are free, not-yet-members $30; Website: high.org

Mercado de la Noche

Also on Friday night is Pullman Yards’ Mercado de la Noche, where attendees can dive into Hispanic culture with art, crafts, delicious bites, and beats by Ralo and Adore. The market is free and fun for all ages!

Location: Pratt-Pullman Yard - Rogers St NE; Time: 6-11 p.m.; Date: Friday, Dec. 15; Admission: Free; Website: eventbrite.com

DreamHack Atlanta

Get ready for the ultimate gaming expo! DreamHack Atlanta is back at the Georgia World Congress Center for a thrilling weekend of cosplay, tournaments, panels, workshops, tech exploration, and special appearances, including T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Gaming. Don’t miss out on your favorite gaming experiences — check the festival’s schedule now!

Location: Georgia World Congress Center - 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW; Date: Friday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 17; Admission: $32+, children under 12 free; Website: dreamhack.com

Inman Park Christmas Market

Discover holiday magic this weekend at the Inman Park Christmas Market! Browse 30+ local vendors, enjoy live music, indulge in festive treats, and catch Santa on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Location: Trolley Barn - 963 Edgewood Ave NE; Time and Date: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com

Eventide Brewing’s Letters to Santa Party

Celebrate the festive season with Eventide Brewing’s Letters to Santa Party on Saturday! Join the gingerbread house competition, write letters to Santa, enjoy Santa photo ops, shop local gifts, savor exclusive brews, groove to live music, and relish a Cuban Christmas feast. It’s a holly-jolly celebration with FREE entry.

Location: Eventide Brewing - 1015 Grant St SE; Time: Noon to 6 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Dec. 16; Admission: Free; Website: eventidebrewing.com

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl: Roswell

Show off your most festive ugly sweater at Roswell’s Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl this Saturday! Enjoy the festive journey through Canton Street with drink deals at top spots like The Standard Roswell, Gate City Brewing, Mac Mcgees, and more. Try to make it to the end; there’s a holiday-themed giveaway at the official after-party!

Location: Downtown Roswell - 43 Magnolia St, Roswell, GA 30075; Time: 2-9 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Dec. 16; Admission: $20; Website: events.accessatlanta.com

Holiday Movie on Camp Street

Snuggle up on Camp Street at The Works for a festive outdoor movie! Watch the hilarious chaos unfold in “Christmas with The Kranks,” and sip on complimentary hot beverages from La Dolce Vita Mobile Bar. Free fun for the whole fam!

Location: The Works - 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW; Time: 2 and 3:30 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Dec. 16; Admission: Free; Website: theworksatl.com

CBS Sports Classic

Hey, basketball fans — score big at the 10th annual CBS Sports Classic this weekend in Atlanta! Catch thrilling doubleheader matchups as Ohio State battles UCLA at 3 p.m., followed by North Carolina taking on Kentucky. Don’t miss the premier event, live at State Farm Arena, on The CBS Television Network and Paramount+.

Location: State Farm Arena - 1 State Farm Dr; Time: 3 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Dec. 16; Admission: $125+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com

Yacht Rock Holiday Special

On Saturday night, catch smooth-sailing vibes as Atlanta’s Yacht Rock Revue grooves through seasonal hits. The band always puts on a spectacular, feel-good holiday show, blending Dad’s soft rock and festive flair.

Location: Coca-Cola Roxy - 800 Battery Ave SE #500; Time: 8 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Dec. 16; Admission: $55+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com

Winter Wonderland at Monday Night Brewing

Celebrate the season at Winter Wonderland at Monday Night Brewing Garage! Savor festive brews, ride the holiday train through the Upside Down, and capture memories with Santa — a family-friendly December delight.

Location: Monday Night Garage - 933 Lee St SW; Time: Noon to 4 p.m.; Date: Sunday, Dec. 17; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com

Next:Winter date ideas to make the holidays brighter in metro Atlanta
Prepare to shake things up this holiday season and dazzle your …