20 best things to do in Atlanta this Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and there are many magical activities around Atlanta this holiday season.

Whether you already have special traditions or are looking to make some new ones, here is our ultimate guide to the holidays in Atlanta. Cross all of these events and actitivities off of your holiday to-do list and you're sure to have a holly jolly season. You won't want to miss a thing

Visit live nativity scenes. Slow down for a spell and immerse yourself into a live and interactive nativity scene.

Have some snowy fun. A white Christmas is within grasp, even in the Deep South.

Ride the Macy's Pink PigFor more than 50 years, the Macy's Pink Pig has marked the beginning of the holiday season for Atlantans. Ride through a life-sized storybook filled with friends and fun under the signature 170-foot, 1950s-themed Pink Pig Tent.

Go ice skating. Glide on Atlanta open-air ice rinks for a winter experience like no other, even if it isn't below freezing just yet.

See the Nutcracker. Ride the nostalgic wave that is the Nutcracker and feel like you're a kid all over again.

Take a hike. Cooler weather and dazzling leaf colors make fall one the most popular seasons for hiking. Head to one of these great north Georgia trails to soak up some classic autumn beauty.

Light the night. Enter a world of dazzle and wonder by exploring the many holiday lights shows around metro Atlanta.

Enjoy beautiful music at a classical Christmas concert. Classical holiday performances are all about tradition and familiarity. Every year, the Spelman-Morehouse Christmas Carol Concert will be riveting, and performances of holiday favorites by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will invoke a twinge of nostalgia. Learn about these and more.

See A Christmas Story: The Musical at the Fox. Atlanta is one of eight stops for the national tour. The stage version is based on a much beloved Christmas movie.

Stand on the sidelines of a holiday parade. In a season chock full of parades, you need a comprehensive guide as to not miss the party.

Enjoy a new holiday tradition close to home. Choose from Christmas events in Gwinnett CountyDeKalb CountyNorth Fulton CountyCobb County.

Go on a romantic holiday date night. Looking for a special evening designed for two? You needn't look any further for some great holiday-inspired ideas for a romantic night out.

See a holiday movie. Catch a familiar classic guaranteed to warm the heart, or watch a new festive film to be cherished for holidays to come.

Watch Christmas tree lightings around metro Atlanta. Christmas tree lightings are an important symbol that mark the beginning of the season. Start your holiday off right by attending one of these special ceremonies.

Go to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (and the parade). There's something for everyone this season, including the passionate football fan. Head downtown to see the parade

Buy a local Christmas treeYour Christmas tree lives with you for a month out of the year, so it should be the perfect one to compliment your home.

Escape to these magical destinations close to home. Sometimes we need to get out of town to appreciate the spirit of the season. You need not travel far to find serene landscapes that capture what the holidays are all about.