Ready for the first weekend of 2026? 10 exciting events you can’t miss in metro Atlanta
Happy New Year, Atlanta! If you’re looking to kick off the first weekend of 2026 with some fun then keep reading because metro Atlanta is packed with ways to celebrate. Here are 10 really cool events happening in and around the city.
Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World
Catch this limited and festive exhibit at Fernbank Museum where families can enjoy cultural stories from different cultures, hands-on workshops and more.
Location: Druid Hills - 767 Clifton Rd NE; Date: Now-January 11; Admission: $23.95 and up; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: fernbankmuseum.org
New Year’s Day Brunch
AltaTora is ringing in the New Year with a tasty brunch featuring a wide variety of dishes along with music and great vibes.
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 33 Peachtree Pl NE; Date: January 1; Time: Noon to 4 p.m.; Website: resy.com
New Year’s Day Pajama Party
Put on your favorite pajamas and head to Your 3rd Spot for a family-friendly afternoon of bowling, arcade games and light bites.
Location: Upper Westside - 400 Chattahoochee Row NW; Date: January 1; Admission: Free; Time: 2-11 p.m.; Website: sevenrooms.com
Sugar Bowl Watch Party
Good Game Restaurant and Bar is the perfect place to watch Georgia take on Ole Miss for the Playoff quarterfinal matchup. Reserve a TopGolf Swing Suite for games and food options.
Location: Cobb - 875 Battery Ave SE; Date: January 1; Admission: Free; Time: 8-11:30 p.m.; Website: goodgameatl.com
Magical Nights of Lights
This drive-through light experience at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is a must-visit. Stroll through hundreds of sparkling displays and enjoy family-friendly fun perfect for all ages.
Location: Buford - 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy; Date: January 1-4; Admission: $25 and up; Time: 5-10 p.m.; Website: margaritavillelanierislands.connectngo.com
Placita at Ponce
Spice up your Friday at Placita on Ponce, the ultimate Latin block party lighting up the Central Food Hall at Ponce City Market. El Super Pan and La Metro are bringing the place to life with delicious Latin bites, live music, flamenco performances, free salsa lessons and more.
Location: Old Fourth Ward - 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE; Date: January 2; Admission: Free; Time: 4-9 p.m.; Website: poncecitymarket.com
Marietta Square Art Walk
Marietta Square is turning into a free, open art gallery displaying some of the best local artists and highlighting the businesses in the area.
Location: Marietta - 99 S Park Square NE; Date: January 2; Admission: Free; Time: 5-9 p.m.; Website: mariettasquareartwalk.com
Repticon
This two-day reptile expo is coming back to Gwinnett County Fairgrounds and it’s a playground of fun for everyone. Enjoy live animal encounters, meet dozens of reptiles and learn more from experts.
Location: Lawrenceville - 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy; Date: January 3-4; Admission: $7 and up; Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sat); 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sun); Website: repticon.com
Holiday Ride-on Train
The Holiday Ride-on Train at the Atlanta Botanical Garden gives kids the chance to ride around sparkling lights, festive decor and winter displays.
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 1345 Piedmont Ave NE; Date: January 3-4; Admission: $4 for members, $6 for non-members (in addition to general admission); Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Website: atlantabg.org
‘Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed!’
“Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed!” is a family-friendly show that brings a cast of talented four-legged performers to the stage for a high-energy experience.
Location: Sandy Springs - 1 Galambos Wy; Date: January 4; Admission: $30 and up; Time: Show starts at 2 p.m.; Website: sandyspringspac.com
20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in January