Winter date ideas to make the holidays brighter in metro Atlanta

The Roof at Ponce City Market will feature private igloos, an ice skating rink, and more.
crystal.villarreal@coxinc.com

Prepare to shake things up this holiday season and dazzle your partner with some festive and creative date-night ideas. The holidays are a fantastic time for unique activities, with so much to discover and experience in all the merry fun Atlanta has to offer. Whether you’re seeking to get a little competitive or warm and cozy, we’ve compiled a great list of entertaining ideas that will make your date night even brighter this winter.

Candlelight Concert: Holiday Special featuring ‘The Nutcracker’

For your next date night, the Candlelight Concert Series invites you to immerse yourself in a beautiful musical experience under a glistening candlelight glow for a truly stunning and intimate setting. Check out their other themed concerts here.

Location: Guardian Works - 775 Echo St NW; Website: feverup.com

Skate the Sky - The Roof at Ponce City Market

Get ready for a fun-filled evening of ice skating at Skate the Sky and their cozy, private igloos on the rooftop of Ponce City Market. Grab a pair of skates and take strides on the ice hand-in-hand with your partner while admiring the skyline views. Don’t forget to reserve their heated igloos for food and beverages to round off the evening after enjoying the ice skating and attractions at Skyline Park.

Location: East Atlanta - 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE; Website: poncecityroof.com

Location: Porter Hall at Pullman Yards - 225 Rogers St NE; Website: feverup.com

Saving Christmas Escape Room at Time to Escape

This is your chance to team up with your significant other to beat the clock and save Christmas! In this 45-minute Saving Christmas escape room adventure from Time to Escape, you must assist Santa Claus in recovering his sack from the mischievous elf just in time for Christmas. Good luck!

Location: Downtown - (Time to Escape) 231 Peachtree St. NE; Website: itstimetoescape.com

The Grinch Pop-Up Bar at Mercantile Social

Happy Wholidays! Take a trip to Whoville at this Grinch-themed bar in Alpharetta’s Mercantile Social. Enjoy Who-Libations with their creative holiday cocktails like the Grinch-er Bread Espresso Martini and Grinch-themed food from their Wholiday Feast menu. The atmosphere and decor will undoubtedly put you in the holiday spirit, making for a fun and memorable date.

Location: Alpharetta - (Mercantile Social) 20 N Main St.; Website: mercantilesocial.com

Movies at Starlight Drive-In Theatre

Watch a film under the stars at the Starlight Drive-In Theater for a romantic and cozy date night. The Starlight Drive-In offers the ultimate movie experience from the comfort of your car. Be sure to bring a blanket, pillows, and your favorite snacks and beverages. Check out some of their brand-new holiday releases, including “Silent Night” or “Thanksgiving.”

Location: South Atlanta - 2000 Moreland Ave. SE; Website: starlightdrivein.com

Tree Lighting Shows at Colony Square

Dive into FREE holiday cheer in Midtown! Witness enchanting nightly tree lighting shows from December 2-25, sparkling with lights and festive tunes at the top of every hour, Monday to Sunday, from 5-8 p.m.

Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com

Rockin’ Around the Urban Tree at Urban Tree Cidery

Drinking cider during the winter with wonderful company has a special charm. Atlanta’s Urban Tree Cidery has transformed into a festive destination with decked-out decor and creative Christmas-themed cocktails that will make you feel merry this season. You can play games, take holiday pictures, enjoy karaoke and more while you’re there on your next date.

Location: Northeast Atlanta - 1465 Howell Mill Rd. NW; Website: urbantreecidery.com

Polaris at Hyatt Regency Atlanta

Polaris, the renowned revolving restaurant and lounge at the Hyatt Regency, serves up all the romantic vibes. Make reservations for your special date-night dinner at this Downtown Atlanta landmark, which provides breathtaking panoramic city views as you indulge in their delicious menu and craft cocktails.

Location: Downtown - 265 Peachtree St. NE; Website: hyatt.com/regency-atlanta

Spend a romantic weekend in Helen, GA

Last but not least, why not escape for a romantic and joyful weekend in Helen? This enchanted, German-inspired mountain town in North Georgia transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holidays. There is plenty to see and do here, including spectacular hiking, touring vineyards and breweries, and unwinding in a charming cabin or bed and breakfast by the mountainside. If you’ve ever dreamed about being in your own Hallmark Christmas movie, this is the perfect getaway for you.

Location: Helen, GA; Website: helenga.org

Avery Newmark of Access Atlanta contributed to this story.

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