20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in January

From ice skating to book discussions to houseplant management, there’s plenty to learn and do in Atlanta as the new year gets rolling. Here are our recommendations for getting out and about as crisp weather and resolutions hold sway.

First day hikes

There’s nothing like a cold-weather hike to get your blood flowing and your year started out right. State parks all over Georgia will be hosting first day hikes on Jan. 1. Rangers will be on hand for guided hikes that vary in difficulty and distance from wheelchair-accessible routes to kid-friendly trails to rigorous hikes. Find one near you, or make it a fun day trip!

Location: Locations vary; Dates: Dates vary; Time: Times vary; Website: gastateparks.org/FirstDayHikes

Countdown over ATL

Atlanta’s New Year’s celebration has undergone changes over the past several years. This year brings another shift with a city-wide fireworks display. A drone peach countdown will be viewable for Midtown and downtown viewers, replacing the city’s iconic Peach Drop.

Location: city wide; Dates: Dec. 31/Jan. 1; Time: Just prior to midnight; Website: atlantaga.gov

Brew Year’s ME Day Dance Party

Groove to DJ Sunshine and kick off your year right with this family-friendly community event. Enjoy a dance floor, giveaways from sponsor SweatHouz Roswell and nonalcoholic drink options alongside the brewery’s regular drink menu.

Location: City Gate Brewing; Date: Jan. 1; Time: noon-4 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Ice skating at Blackburn Park

Get in some late-season ice skating while you still can! Rudolph’s Rink at Blackburn Park in Brookhaven is open until Jan. 4. Register for free 45-minute sessions online; walk-ups are permitted in limited numbers.

Location: Blackburn Park; Dates: Jan 2-4; Times: 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Website: brookhavenga.gov

Riverside EpiCenter 12-year celebration

This events venue is celebrating a milestone with offerings for the whole community. You’ll find a free cardio dance class, the Cobb Works Career Fair and a free basketball camp for kids ages 6 to 11. Among the numerous other offerings are a free volleyball clinic and a vendor marketplace.

Location: Riverside EpiCenter; Date: Jan. 3; Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

IRIS Family Appreciation Show

See Destroy with Lasers and Laser Assasins among others at Believe Music Hall, a former church repurposed to be a fantastic concert venue. Enjoy two full stages, two outdoor terraces and a mezzanine in this 15,000-square-foot facility as part of the events promoter IRIS appreciation event.

Location: Believe Music Hall; Date: Jan. 3; Time: 10 a.m. to Jan. 4 at 3 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

Paws, Claws & Tracks

This Free First Saturday event at the Dunwoody Nature Center will have you examining scat, tracks, markings and nests to understand animal evidence. A guided hike through the nature center will let you look for these things in real life; the program is recommended for participants ages four and over.

Location: Dunwoody Nature Center; Date: Jan. 3; Times: 11 a.m. to noon; Website: dunwoodynature.org

Wimberly Center Winter Market

Take a little drive out to Winder and peruse the offerings from local vendors at this January-to-March market. Find fresh and canned foods, baked goods and handmade items.

Location: Wimberly Center; Dates: Jan. 3 and 17; Time: 8 a.m. to noon; Website: facebook.com

Frosty Fun - Duluth

Downtown Duluth’s winter activities wrap up Jan. 4 with the Frosty Finale. Catch family-friendly activities like story times, crafts, bubbles, live music and more.

Location: Downtown Duluth; Dates: Jan. 4; Time: 3-6 p.m.; Website: duluthga.net

Animated film festival: ‘Piece by Piece’

See the life of Pharrell Williams portrayed in Lego animation in “Piece by Piece.” This is part of an ongoing exploration of animation at the library.

Location: Fulton County Library Buckhead Branch; Date: Jan. 9; Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Website: fulcolibrary.bibliocommons.com

Beltline tree tour

Get a dose of local history and horticulture with the city skyline as a backdrop on this guided tour on the Beltline Eastside Trail. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly for this .8-mile walk.

Location: Beltine Eastside Trail (meet at Inman Perk Coffee); Dates: Jan. 10; Time: 9-10:30 a.m.; Website: beltline.org

Beginners Guide to Houseplants

Take in the fundamentals of houseplant management from watering to choosing the right placement and light. You’ll be all set to provide a healthy environment for houseplants! Workshops take place at Pike Nurseries locations throughout the city and metro area.

Location: Pike Nurseries Acworth, Buckhead, Cumming, East Cobb, Holcomb Bridge, Johns Creek, Lindbergh, Marietta, Milton, Peachtree City, Roswell, Suwannee, Toco Hills, Towne Lake, West Cobb; Date: Jan. 10; Times: 10-11 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com

2026 King Holiday Observance Kickoff

Gather in reflection and celebration of the life of one of the nation’s most recognizable historical figures: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities include the Empowerment Fair with partners in clvii engagement, economic justice, and health education; food trucks; art murals; interactive storytelling; and Love in Action NV365 Trainings. There will also be a screening of “Hoops, Hopes & Dreams” from 6-8 p.m. with a conversation to follow.

Location: The King Center; Date: Jan. 12; Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Website: events.com

Beloved Community Children’s Book Reading

Authors Kimberly P. Johnson and Bernice A. King will present a reading of the youth book “Amora.” Children will have the opportunity to meet the authors, ask questions, and interact with a puppet Amora in a fun and engaging Q&A..

Location: The King Center; Date: Jan. 14; Times: 10 a.m. and noon; Website: events.com

Library gaming session

Come in out of the cold for a good, old-fashioned gaming session at the library! All ages are welcome, and it’s the perfect way to pass a winter evening at the Fulton County Library Dr. MLK Jr. Branch.

Location: Fulton County Library Dr. MLK Jr. Branch; Dates: January 15, 22 and 29; Time: 4-5:30 p.m.; Website: fulcolibrary.bibliocommons.com

West Atlanta Water Shed Alliance Mozley Park volunteer opportunity

Come out to Mozley Park for a day of cleanup with the West Atlanta Water Shed Alliance via Hands On ATL in recognition of MLK Day weekend. Join other Atlantans who care as they work to beautify this scenic spot. It’s just one of Hands On ATL’s opportunities to volunteer during the MLK Day of Service.

Location: Mozley Park; Date: Jan. 17; Times: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Website: handsonatlanta.org

U.S. Air Mail history walking tour

Explore the history of U.S. Air Mail with this walking tour in Hapeville. Hosted by the Hapeville Depot Museum, this is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the city on foot for an hour.

Location: Hapeville Depot Museum and Visitor Center; Date: Jan. 17; Times: 1-2 p.m.; Website: hapevilledepot.org

The High Museum Access for All

Drop in during the High’s Access for All event. Enjoy performances and organized conversations and make your own art. Pre-registration is required with a five-ticket maximum.

Location: High Museum of Art; Dates: Jan. 21; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: high.org

‘The Flower Bearers’: Rachel Eliza Griffiths and Susana M. Morris in conversation

Celebrated author Rachel Eliza Griffiths will speak about her newest book, “The Flower Bearers,” with prominent scholar Susana Morris, a Georgia Tech professor, at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in an event hosted by Charis Books & More. The event is free, but a $5 to $20 donation is encouraged.

Location: Auburn Avenue Research Library; Dates: Jan. 26; Time: 6:30 p.m. (doors - 6 p.m.); Website: eventbrite.com

Georgia Arbor Day Art Contest

The last day of January is also the last day for Georgia Arbor Day Art Contest submissions through Trees Atlanta. Participants must be in grades kindergarten through 12, and should work in this year’s theme, “Oh, The Places You’ll Grow,” in the medium of their choice. This year’s prizes for participants and their teachers are sponsored by Amazon and Scraplanta.

Location: Online; Date: Jan. 31; Time: All day; Website: treesatlanta.org