Yes, December can be a good time to visit Atlanta, United States, even though the weather may be cold. Here are some reasons why:
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Fewer Crowds: December is typically a slower time for tourism in Atlanta, so you can expect shorter lines and wait times at popular attractions. This can be especially beneficial if you are traveling with children or if you prefer to avoid large crowds.
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Holiday Events: Atlanta comes alive during the holiday season with a variety of festive events and activities. These include the Atlanta Christkindl Market, the Ponce City Market Holiday Festival, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concerts, and the annual New Year’s Eve celebration at Centennial Olympic Park.
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Shopping: Atlanta is home to a number of shopping destinations, including malls, outlet stores, and boutiques. December is a great time to take advantage of holiday sales and discounts.
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Arts and Culture: Atlanta has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, theaters, and galleries to explore. The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Ballet.
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Food: Atlanta has a diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants to choose from. You can find everything from traditional Southern cuisine to international fare.
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Outdoor Activities: Although the weather may be cold, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Atlanta in December. You can go for a walk or bike ride in one of the city’s many parks, take a boat tour on the Chattahoochee River, or visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Weather In Atlanta During December
The weather in Atlanta, United States during December is typically mild and damp, with average temperatures ranging from 38°F to 55°F (3°C to 13°C).
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Daytime Temperatures: During the day, the temperature usually reaches a high of around 55°F (13°C). The sun often shines, and the sky is typically partly cloudy.
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Nighttime Temperatures: At night, the temperature can drop to around 38°F (3°C). The sky is usually clear, and there can be some frost on the ground in the early morning.
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Precipitation: December is one of the driest months in Atlanta, with an average of only 3 inches (7.6 cm) of rain. Snowfall is rare, but it can occasionally happen during this month.
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Humidity: The humidity in Atlanta during December is typically high, averaging around 70%. This can make the air feel muggy and uncomfortable at times.
Overall, the weather in Atlanta during December is mild and pleasant, making it a great time to visit the city. However, it is important to be prepared for the occasional cold snap or rain shower.
Things To Do In Atlanta In December
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Atlanta Christkindl Market: This annual Christmas market features over 100 vendors selling traditional German food, drinks, and gifts. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. The market is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, next to Centennial Olympic Park.
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Stone Mountain Christmas: This popular Christmas attraction features a variety of holiday-themed activities, including a live nativity scene, a petting zoo, and a snow play area. You can also take a ride on the Snow Mountain Express Train, which offers stunning views of the park. Stone Mountain Christmas is located about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta.
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Zoo Atlanta’s Holiday Lights Spectacular: This annual event features over 1 million lights illuminating the zoo’s animals and exhibits. You can also enjoy live music, holiday shows, and a visit from Santa Claus. Zoo Atlanta’s Holiday Lights Spectacular is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and see the zoo in a whole new light.
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Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: This dazzling light display features over 1 million lights illuminating the garden’s plants and trees. You can also enjoy live music, holiday shows, and a visit from Santa Claus. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights is a great way to experience the beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden during the holiday season.
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New Year’s Eve Celebration at Centennial Olympic Park: Atlanta’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration features live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display. The event is free and open to the public. Centennial Olympic Park is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
Tourism In Atlanta, United States During December
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Holiday Festivals and Events:
- Atlanta Christkindl Market: A traditional German Christmas market held in the heart of downtown Atlanta, offering a festive atmosphere, authentic German food and drinks, handmade gifts, and live entertainment.
- Stone Mountain Christmas: A month-long celebration at Stone Mountain Park, featuring festive decorations, live shows, a snow tubing hill, a Christmas parade, and a visit from Santa Claus.
- Zoo Atlanta’s Holiday Nights: The zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with festive light displays, holiday-themed animal encounters, and special events throughout the month.
- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts: Enjoy festive holiday music performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at various venues across the city.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: Ring in the New Year with fireworks, live music, and festivities at Centennial Olympic Park and other locations downtown.
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Holiday Shopping:
- Macy’s Great Tree Lighting: Experience the annual lighting of the iconic Macy’s Great Tree at Lenox Square Mall, featuring a spectacular light show and live entertainment.
- Holiday Markets: Visit local holiday markets, such as the Ponce City Market Holiday Market or the Atlanta Holiday Market, to find unique gifts, handmade crafts, and festive treats.
- Shopping Districts: Explore popular shopping districts like Buckhead, Midtown, and Atlantic Station for a wide range of holiday shopping options, including department stores, boutiques, and specialty shops.
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Holiday Dining:
- Christmas Dinner: Enjoy a special Christmas dinner at one of Atlanta’s many renowned restaurants, offering festive menus and holiday-inspired dishes.
- Holiday Buffets: Indulge in a delicious holiday buffet at various hotels and restaurants across the city, featuring a spread of festive dishes, desserts, and drinks.
- Christmas Brunch: Start your Christmas morning with a delightful brunch at a local restaurant or hotel, offering a festive selection of dishes and drinks.
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Cultural Attractions:
- Atlanta History Center: Learn about Atlanta’s rich history and culture through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and special holiday programs.
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Explore the natural world through engaging exhibits, including dinosaurs, wildlife, and local ecosystems.
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights: Discover the history of the civil rights movement and its impact on Atlanta and the nation.
- Aquarium of the Pacific: Dive into the underwater world at the Atlanta Aquarium, showcasing a variety of marine life, interactive exhibits, and special holiday events.
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Holiday Shows and Performances:
- The Nutcracker: Attend a performance of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” at the Atlanta Ballet or other local theater companies.
- Holiday Concerts: Enjoy holiday-themed concerts by local choirs, bands, and orchestras at various venues across the city.
- Holiday Plays: Experience heartwarming holiday plays and performances at local theaters and community centers.