The BeltLine Holiday Magic: Where to Eat, Explore & Sparkle in ATL

When winter drifts in and the city starts to glow, the BeltLine hums with a different energy. Cozy lights. Rooftop cheers. Aquarium wonders. And that crisp Atlanta chill that makes a hot drink feel like a hug. This year, we’re wrapping up 2025 with style, and we want you along for the ride.

Dive Into Winter Wonder: Underwater Lights & Holiday Cheer

There’s something enchanting about holiday lights reflecting off aquarium glass, and no place does it better than Georgia Aquarium. This season, it transforms into a winter wonderland: a towering 40-foot live tree, festive music echoing through the atrium, holiday-themed dolphin and sea-lion presentations, and even Santa 🧑‍🎄 for photos. 

Every day feels magical, and you don’t have to wait until December to feel it. Whether you’re with family, friends, or planning a date night with a twist, this “sea-sonal” glow is a must-see.

Pro tip: For an extra vibe, check out one of their adults-only nights. Think “Sips Under the Sea,” DJ beats, cocktails, and underwater glow. It’s holiday magic beneath the waves.

A Walk Through Pure Magic: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Nothing says “happy holidays, babe” like a stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden wrapped in millions of twinkling lights.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights turns the entire garden into a neon fairytale, glowing tunnels, illuminated forests, sparkling sculptures, and the famous “Nature’s Wonders” curtain that feels like stepping inside a snow globe.

Running Nov 15 – Jan 11, it’s the perfect post-dinner activity, festive friend night, or date night wrapped in a scarf and good vibes.

Pro tip: Go on a weeknight for the most peaceful, romantic version of the experience.

From Rooftops to Igloos: BeltLine Holiday Vibes IRL

If you want skyline views and winter magic, the PCM rooftop goes all-in every year.

Up top, you’ll find:

✨ Holiday Social Bar: over-the-top cocktails + decked-out décor

✨ MixMas at 12 Cocktail Bar: cozy, moody, and serving festive sips all December

✨ Igloos on the Roof: heated, glowing bubbles overlooking the ATL skyline

✨ The Rink: yes, actual rooftop ice skating

It’s a whole holiday playground in the sky, the kind of thing you “accidentally” spend three hours enjoying because it’s too cute to leave.

Snowfall & Ski Goggles (Yes, Really): Yeppa 69 Lodge

If you haven’t done Yeppa’s Après Ski Winter Storm Parties, you’re missing out on the BeltLine’s most chaotic-in-the-best-way holiday vibe.

Picture this:

Fake snow flurries dusting over the patio.

DJ spinning like it’s Aspen meets Atlanta.

Ski goggles.

Cocktails that hit harder than a double black diamond.

Everyone leaning fully into winter glam.

Every Friday at 5 PM, Yeppa turns into a mini ski lodge, complete with warm lighting, faux snow, and that “mountain nightlife” energy… but, like, cuter.

It’s the warmest energy in the coldest season, and hands down one of the most fun holiday happenings on the entire BeltLine.

Festive Nights Out: Westside Sleigh Ride at Westside Motor Lounge

Westside Motor Lounge said “holiday bar but make it Atlanta,” and delivered.

From Nov 28 – Dec 31, they transform into Westside Sleigh Ride, a winter pop-up with:

✨ Firepits

✨ Silent discos

✨ Festive cocktails

✨ Funky Santa nights

✨ Tons of photo ops

✨ Outdoor spaces lit up like a beer-garden North Pole

It’s outdoorsy, cool, vibey, and perfect for holiday hangs with friends, especially paired with Westside’s food trucks and live programming.

If PCM is the polished holiday moment, Westside Motor Lounge is the cozy, laid-back one with a side of chaos and mulled wine.

Holiday Tree Tour: Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum

Want something wholesome and very “BeltLine native”?

Trees Atlanta hosts their Holiday Tree Tour from Dec 1 – 26, starting at Inman Park Coffee and ending at PCM.

You’ll stroll the arboretum, spot tiny doors, hear BeltLine stories, and learn how the city’s green spaces work, it’s the perfect walk for visiting family or chill weekend mornings.

And it’s free, which we love for obvious reasons.

Festive Food: Rreal Tacos Holiday Menu

Rreal Tacos is doing a full holiday takeover, festive drinks, extra seasonal bites, and a whole holiday bar transformation.

If you’re hungry + feeling jolly, this one’s a must-stop.

Buena Vida Tapas Bar: The Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up You Have to Try

Buena Vida said “holiday cheer but make it SPICY,” and honestly? They delivered.

Their limited-time Holiday Pop-Up (running now through January 4) is shaking up some of the most creative seasonal cocktails on the BeltLine, and every drink is as cute as it is delicious.

✨ Grinch Margarita

Tequila, pomegranate liqueur, beet juice, orange juice, cinnamon sugar rim, and a tiny Grinch card. Mean girl energy, sweet finish.

✨ Mistletoe Mojito

Rum, cranberry juice, mint liqueur, lime, fresh mint, cranberries — topped with a candy cane. A whole holiday mood in a glass.

✨ World’s Best Cup of Coffee

Coconut tequila + coffee liqueur + cold brew + butterscotch whipped cream + gold dust. Buddy the Elf levels of joy.

✨ East Atlanta Santa

Peach brandy, eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, fortune cookie and a mini Santa hat. This one’s pure chaos in the cutest way.

Holiday season tastes way better here, trust.

Got a BeltLine-Area Holiday Spot We Should Know About?

Holiday pop-ups. Ice skating + cocktails. Festive eats. If you’re running something winter-y and wonderful in the BeltLine radius, we’ve got a spot for you. Email us your details and we’ll plug you into our BeltLine Holiday Guide. Because local magic deserves all the love.