8 fun activities to explore in Atlanta this winter

People head down the 400-foot tubing hill at Snow Mountain in Stone Mountain Park. Credit: Steve Schaefer

People head down the 400-foot tubing hill at Snow Mountain in Stone Mountain Park. Credit: Steve Schaefer

Atlanta isn’t surrounded by ski and snowboard slopes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a ton of cold-weather activities.

From tubing and ice skating to museum exhibits and theater shows, the city offers a variety of fun for people of all ages.

So grab your scarf and gloves, and gear up for lots of happenings that will likely keep you busy all winter long.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags is back for the fifth year. Check out S’mores Village for a roasted snack, take a ride on the Candlelight Carousel or stick around for the Bad Bob Humbug comedy show.

Various hours through Jan. 6. $69.99 for adults, $49.99 for children under 48 inches tall. Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell. 770-739-3400, sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park

Love playing in the snow? Head to Stone Mountain Park to go tubing. Race your buddies in the daytime or even when the sun sets for an immersive nighttime experience that features club music, laser beams and high-powered LED lights. Be prepared for a thrill, because you’ll be zooming down a 400-feet hill for the ride of your life.

Various hours through Feb. 24. $39.95-$79.95. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-879-9900, stonemountainpark.com.

Ice skating

Take the entire family out for some fun on the ice. Luckily, there are several spots throughout the city to choose from, including Avalon on Ice, so lace up your skates and hit the rink.

3 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m Saturday, 12-7 p.m. Sunday. Through Jan. 21. $18 for adults, $14 for children ages 9 and under. Avalon on Ice. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-1000, experienceavalon.com.

Garden Lights, Holiday Lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden to enjoy the hundreds of dazzling lights throughout the site. Don’t forget to stop at some of the most popular exhibits, including “Imaginary Worlds” and “Nature’s Wonders.”

5-11 p.m. nightly through Jan. 6. $14.95-$39.95. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859, atlantabg.org.

‘The Snow Queen’

From the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale that inspired the film “Frozen,” “The Snow Queen” is back for a fifth season. The whimsical show tells the story of two playmates who are swept away by the Snow Queen. Although her heart is icy, she is ultimately warmed by the little ones.

Various hours through Jan. 6. $13-$30. The Natural Playground at Serenbe Playhouse, 9110 Selborne Lane Suite 210, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110, serenbeplayhouse.com.

Winter Wonderland at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Make your way to the Fernbank Museum for its Winter Wonderland display. It features beautifully decorated trees showcasing celebrations from around the world. Spectators will view a variety of cultural objects and learn about various holidays and traditions.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Jan. 6. $8-$27. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org.

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

Lanier Islands is celebrating the winter season again with a snow play area, ice skating and snow tubing. But that’s not all. You can also enjoy carnival rides, roast marshmallows at the fire pit and stuff your bellies with food from some popular eateries.

Various hours through Feb. 24. $19.99-$34.99. Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 770-945-8787, lanierislands.com.

Atlanta Christkindl Market

Drop by the Atlanta Christkindl Market to learn about the culture of German-speaking countries. It provides a huge selection of traditional German products, craftsmanship and gourmet street food. You’ll be able to purchase goodies like nutcrackers, incense smokers and ornaments of all sizes, materials and colors. There’s also daily entertainment and events.

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 12 p.m-7 p.m. Sunday. Dec. 23. Free admission. Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta. 706-457-5799, christkindlmarket.org.