On December 1, the Marietta cocktail bar transforms into “Christmas Vacation” to include an explosion of lights, decor, and movie-themed cocktails on the menu. There’s even a photo booth featuring Clarke Griswald and Uncle Eddie. Look for the return of the annual Not a Hot Toddy cocktail competition on the patio, too.

Starting November 28, the West End brewery and pub brings back its holiday bar Mingle and Jingle featuring a life-sized hugging bear, miles of garland and tinsel, a bow wall with a giant wreath for those Instagram photos ops, and holiday drinks.

Starting November 19, Skate the Station ice skating rink returns to Atlantic Station in Midtown. Tickets are $15 per person. People can also expect a giant Christmas tree lit up for the season, a holiday show on the central green featuring tree lights throughout, and animation on the jumbotron with snow shows every hour, beginning at 5 p.m. daily. Then, pop over to the drive-through holiday lights display set up in the events area just beyond Dillards. Purchase tickets here.

The Buckhead bar transforms into the Blind Elf for the holidays this year. Expect twinkle lights, festive decor, and holiday-themed snacks and cocktails on the menu. Look for boozy sips like hot apple cider infused with whiskey or a rye cocktail with peppermint syrup paired with eggnog shortbread, Mrs. Claus lemon squares, and roasted Bartlett pear and pancetta hand pies. Open now through December. Reserve online. 

Starting November 19, the Grove at Colony Square in Midtown becomes the North Pole, complete with a holiday bar within an igloo serving festive drinks from nearby bar Establishment at the complex. Sorry, this igloo is 21+ and limited to just 50 folks. Check in with the concierge near the Establishment patio. In addition to the pop-up, starting November 19, the Plaza at Colony Square will turn into an outdoor skating rink through the holidays. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Partnering with the German American Cultural Foundation this year, the Christkindl Market returns to Atlanta, this time at Buckhead Village. Opening November 26 and running through January 2, the German holiday market features over 50 retail, food, and beverage vendors. Expect mulled wine and hot chocolate paired with Bavarian pretzels, schnitzel, and brats while shopping for ornaments, wooden toys, and other handcrafted items for the holidays. Be sure to check out the holiday bar Blitzen Room at Biltong Bar for festive cocktails, too, and the Plum Fairy Forest at the Veranda.

Starting November 26, Willow Bar at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Buckhead becomes a holiday winter wonderland. The garden bar will feature igloos channeling ski lodge vibes, twinkle lights and festive decor, and a menu of hot cocktails and themed drinks paired with hearty cold weather snacks.

Miracle on Monroe is back at Tapa Tapa at Midtown Promenade, starting November 26. Atlanta’s original holiday bar includes floor-to-ceiling decorations and lights, seasonal and Christmas movie-themed cocktails, and celebratory light bites and cookies. Look for live music and drag shows here on Friday and Saturday evenings, too. This holiday bar is 21+ and requires proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Two-hour table limit and 20-percent service charge added to each bill.

Flanking North Avenue at Ponce City Market, the Yard offers several fireside pods for up to four people to toast s’mores on weekends over the holidays. Reserve a fire pit pod for an hour, starting in late November.

Beginning November 26, 12 Cocktail Bar on the roof at Ponce City Market fills its cocktail menu full of festive drinks for the holidays, including bourbon-spiked eggnog. Reservations highly encouraged. Dress code. For a more casual affair, check out the decor and drinks at Holiday Social Bar on the Roof, just inside the tower lobby.

Both the Ponce City Market and Buckhead Village locations of Biltong Bar become the Blitzen Room for the holidays, complete with festive decor and cocktails, including the popular chartreuse hot chocolate and frozen eggnog from years past. Opening mid-November.

A tropical-themed holiday bar takes over S.O.S Tiki Bar again this year. “Mele Kalikimaka” includes plenty of rum-soaked holiday cocktails, Christmas tunes ranging from surfer rock to crooner Bing Crosby, and bartenders kitted out in tacky festive sweaters. This bar is covered ceiling to floor with colored string lights and gaudy garland, dancing Santas, and a few plastic reindeer pulling jolly old Saint Nick. Even the alleyway patio can’t escape the over-the-top holiday decor here. Runs November 24 through New Year’s Day. Patio available.

The Alpharetta restaurant on Main brings back its Whoville and Grinch-inspired pop-up throughout the holiday season, complete with movie-themed cocktails, food, and decor.