Atlantic Station Welcomes Santa Back for a Holiday Season of Magic, Memories and Giving
Friday, October 30th, 2026
Santa is making his grand return to Atlantic Station to kick off the festivities… and this year, he’ll be staying through Christmas Eve! The Midtown destination is bringing the magic back to the heart of Atlanta with its annual tree lighting, a festive Santa arrival parade, the return of Santa’s House for a full season of photo opportunities and a community-wide giving initiative benefiting local children.
Holiday festivities begin Nov. 5 with an all-new Holiday Lights display at Ellipse Park, followed by the Holiday Passport Experience, Santa’s arrival parade and the annual tree lighting on Nov. 21. Beginning Nov. 22, families can visit Santa at his house through Christmas Eve, making room for a new holiday tradition or a return to a favorite one.
Atlantic Station is also teaming up with The Salvation Army for Atlanta Gives at Atlantic Station, an initiative aimed at fulfilling 1,000 children’s holiday wishes and providing 3,000 gifts through the organization’s Angel Tree program.
Whether families are gathering for the tree lighting, capturing a photo with Santa, checking off their holiday shopping lists or helping make the season brighter for children in need, Atlantic Station is bringing the best of the holidays together in one walkable Midtown destination.
Atlantic Station’s 2026 Holiday Lineup
Holiday Lights at Ellipse Park
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 4–6 p.m. | Ellipse Park
The holiday season kicks off with a free, family-friendly celebration at Ellipse Park, located at the corner of 17th Street and Village Street. In its inaugural year, the event will feature festive light displays, seasonal decorations and photo opportunities for guests to enjoy with family and friends. The celebration will also include a food drive in partnership with Backpack Buddies, an organization that provides weekend meals to food-insecure children across Metro Atlanta. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to benefit local children in need.
Skate the Station
Saturday, Nov. 14 – Tuesday, Jan. 19 | Times Vary
Lace up, Atlanta. Skate the Station is back! Metro Atlanta's largest outdoor ice rink returns to District Avenue from Nov. 14 through Jan. 19. Guests can enjoy skating under twinkling lights with the Midtown skyline as a backdrop, then make an evening of it with dinner, shopping and holiday festivities at Atlantic Station. The seasonal attraction offers a festive outing for families, friends and couples. For hours, ticket information and special event details, visit here.
Screen the Green
Thursday, Nov. 19 | 6 p.m. | Atlantic Green
Fair warning, a certain green someone has been spotted near Atlantic Green! On Thursday, Nov. 19, Screen on the Green kicks off the holiday season with a free showing of The Grinch, including a special appearance by the Grinch himself. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy themed treats from Kilwins, created especially for movie night. Bring the family for a festive evening under the stars.
Holiday Passport Experience
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 4–6 p.m. | Atlantic Station
Guests can kick off the evening with Atlantic Station’s Holiday Passport Experience, an opportunity to explore participating retailers and enjoy special holiday offers. Guests can pick up a passport at the Concierge Booth, collect stamps as they visit participating retailers and receive retailer-specific giveaways or bounce-back offers. Completed passports can be returned to the Concierge Booth for a raffle entry. Participating retailers currently include Kilwins, illy, LA Fitness, Museum of Illusions, Dillard’s, Candleporium Fragrance House and Art Station ATL, with additional retailers to be announced.
Santa’s Arrival Parade & Light The Station: Annual Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 6–7 p.m. | Atlantic Green
He’s back! Santa makes his grand entrance during a festive arrival parade beginning at 6 p.m., followed by Atlantic Station’s annual tree lighting at 7 p.m. on Atlantic Green. A signature community tradition, the celebration brings families and neighbors together to welcome the season in a glow of holiday lights and cheer.
Santa’s House
Sunday, Nov. 22– Thursday, Dec. 24 | Next to H&M
Consider this Santa's official Midtown home for the holidays. For the first time in years, Atlantic Station will offer a full-season Santa photo experience, welcoming families from Nov. 22 through Christmas Eve. From a little one's first visit to the annual family portrait, Santa's House gives guests plenty of time to make a holiday memory — without having to squeeze it into a single weekend.
Special photo sessions include Furry & Bright pet photos on Dec. 1 and 15 from 5–7 p.m. and Calm & Bright sensory-friendly photos on Dec. 6 and 13 from 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Spots are limited, so reserve your ticket today at here.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree
Monday, Nov. 23– Saturday, Dec. 5| Atlantic Station Concierge
Atlanta can help make the season brighter for children in need. Through Atlanta Gives at Atlantic Station, guests can visit the Concierge to adopt an angel through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and purchase gifts to help fulfill a child’s holiday wishes. Atlantic Station’s goal is to fulfill 1,000 angels’ wishes and provide 3,000 gifts to local children, turning the spirit of giving into meaningful action for families across the community.
Clear the Tree
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 1–4 p.m. | The Fountain near Atlantic Green
The season of giving takes center stage at Clear the Tree, a community celebration hosted by Atlantic Station and The Salvation Army. Bringing together neighbors, local businesses and visitors, the event celebrates the collective impact of the Angel Tree initiative and the power of a community coming together to help ensure more Atlanta-area children have gifts to open this Christmas.
Make a Day of It at Atlantic Station
The holiday magic doesn’t stop with the festivities. Families can turn a visit into a full day of shopping, dining and entertainment, with retailers including Dillard’s, Sephora and Nordstrom Rack offering plenty of inspiration for holiday gift lists. From a seasonal shopping trip to dinner with friends or an evening out with family, Atlantic Station makes it easy to celebrate, shop and savor the season in the heart of Midtown.
Additional holiday experiences and event details will be announced throughout the season. For the latest updates, visit atlanticstation.com and follow @AtlanticStation on social media.
