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.

Starting November 26 though New Year’s Day, Midtown gastropub Publico becomes Santa’s Pub decked out from floor to ceiling with holiday lights and festive decor. Expect holiday movie-themed cocktails and food here during the season, like Buddy the Elf’s spaghetti breakfast and build-your-own giant gingerbread person. Patio available.

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. 

With the ceiling decked out like a winter wonderland inside a snow globe, the Sandy Springs restaurant is serving a special holiday cocktail menu throughout the season to include drinks like spiked hot chocolate and a coffee and coffee liqueur-laced toasted s’mores cocktails.

Starting November 26, tiki and beach-themed holiday bar Sippin Santa is back again all day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Bon Ton in Midtown with special cocktails and other holiday drinks on the menu. The restaurant’s regular drink menu will not be offered on pop-up days, but the holiday cheer extends into the dining room every day of the week with holiday lights and decorations and Christmas tunes on the sound system. This holiday bar is all ages 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.

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.

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.

Igloo dining and ice skating are both back atop Ponce City Market, starting November 26. The Skate the Sky ice rink transforms the rooftop terrace into a skyline winter wonderland, complete with holiday decor, fire pits, and even igloo dining. Expect drinks like hot toddies, coffee juleps, and boozy hot apple cider here, along with champagne. Ice skating is $15 for adults and children (plus admission). Click here for igloo reservations. Igloos 21+.

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.

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.

Starting November 22, Little Spirit in Inman Park becomes Little Christmas Spirit once again for the holidays. The petite cocktail haunt with its musical patron saints, like David Bowie and Biggie Smalls, plans to serve festive drinks throughout the season, including hot toddies, boozy hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Runs through December 30.

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.