It's officially the happiest time of year and we’re thrilled to share the many ways you can max out your merriment here on the Southside of Atlanta! Consider this your guide to all things holly and jolly in the ATL Airport District. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get updates on the "Twelve Days of Holidays in the District," and check back here as we add all the details in one convenient place.
Day 1 | Hapeville Holiday Events Round-Up
Nov. 18
BAM Artist Market – Sip on craft beers from Arches Brewing and enjoy live music, food trucks, and the BAM market featuring remarkable goods and artwork from local artists. You may find the perfect gift for that person on your list who already has “everything!”
Nov. 21
Hapeville for the Holidays – Hapeville’s annual tree-lighting event filled with festive carols, sweet treats, and visits with Santa will take place in Jess Lucas Park from 5:30 - 8:00 PM.
Dec. 1-10
Gifts of the Magi – The Academy Theatre tells the classic Christmas story in musical form! (Check out Academy Theatre's multiple holiday-themed Sunday Variety Series shows on their calendar!)
Dec. 9
Free Art Hapeville – Treat yourself to a gift from local artists, hug a llama, and have your aura photographed at this unique exhibit funded by Hapeville’s Main Street. The event will take place from 4:30 - 7:30 pm in Arts Alley and includes live music! Make it an evening in Hapeville and head over to the following event after collecting your art and llama hug.
Dec. 9
Holiday SpecTACKYlar by Douglas Dewey Creative – this drag comedy show at Arches Brewing will have you laughing all the way, ha ha ha! Tickets to the show are $20 - buy yours today before they sell out.
Day 2 | College Park Holiday Events Round-Up
Nov. 27
Light up the City & Tinsel Trail – This College Park tradition is a favorite on the Southside! Trees decorated by the community will be lit along the Tinsel Trail, illuminating your night and bringing you closer to the Christmas spirit! Join us for live performances, holiday refreshments + visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 🎅
Nov. 27 - Dec. 17
Tinsel Trail voting - take a stroll along the Tinsel Trail and vote for your favorite by donating a dollar through the QR code links on site. Proceeds will be split among the youth groups that performed at the Light Up the City event. The winning tree will be announced on Dec. 18 on the @ mainstreetcollegepark!
Dec. 2
47th Annual Christmas Parade – Local schools, businesses, and organizations will fill the streets of College Park with their creative floats, carriages, and sleighs at this beloved parade starting at 9:30 am! As an added bonus, this year’s grand marshall is not-to-be-missed 2 Chainz & the Tru Foundation.
Dec. 3
Pictures with Santa at Delta Flight Museum - Santa is flying in from noon to 3pm with his merry elves for holiday photos! Just pay the cost of admission and bring your own camera for your chance to tell jolly St. Nick what's on your wish list this year.
Day 3 | Shop Small in the District
Knock out some holiday shopping in the District at any of our small businesses, because where you spend your money matters! Here are a few locally owned spots to check out this season:
Head to the Hapeville Hub to browse and shop all kinds of cycling selections including new and used mountain bikes, electric bikes, road bikes and city bikes! (Shopping appointments available via email and phone).
This elevated clothing brand creates made-to-order pieces from the best selection of suits, trousers, coats, footwear, pocket squares and more! (Shopping by appointment only).
The dance-wear boutique that caters to all skin tones, genders, ages and sizes for all performing art genres. Shop in store or online for the perfect gift for the dancer in your life.
Beer Girl, Growlers & Bottle Shop
With a vast selections of imported and craft beer, cider, mead, wine and sodas (available by the package, by the growler, or by the glass), you can bring the good times home for the holidays.
Day 4 | Open House + Holiday Art Market at the Atlanta Printmakers Studio
Mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec. 3. From 2 to 5 pm. for a fun and festive afternoon of gallery exhibitions, printmaking demonstrations, and shopping at the Atlanta Printmakers Studio Open House + Art Market in Hapeville. It's the perfect opportunity to find a unique gift for the art lover on your list. As an added bonus, complimentary treats and apple cider will be offered to keep you feeling jolly!
Day 5 | Ways To Give Back
With the season of giving underway, here are a few ideas for where to volunteer or donate locally:
City of Hapeville
Project Angel Tree - Hapeville’s new toy drive needs your help in providing gifts to children in need this holiday season. Purchase new, unwrapped toys suitable for children of various age groups or pick an ornament off the tree at the Hoyt Smith Recreation Center (3444 N. Fulton Ave.) The deadline to donate is Dec. 8.
City of College Park
Toys for Tots - Drop off unopened and unwrapped toys to the Wyatt Recreation Center (2300 Godby Rd.) to help make a child's holiday season brighter. Collections are taking place now through Dec. 20.
Nearby
Host a food/fund drive for Atlanta Community Food Bank. Or get some loved ones together to volunteer your time sorting donations! Simply visit their website, browse the many ways to get involved, and they’ll lay out everything you need to get started.
Day 6 | Catering in the District
Want to be the hostess with the mostess this holiday season and still have time to enjoy your festive gathering? Get a little help in the food department with catering from one of the excellent District establishments below!
Café Belli
Make all the other hors d'oeuvres jealous with a beautiful charcuterie board from Hapeville's chicest coffee and cocktail spot.
The Green Manor
The historic Union City Southern buffet will not only cater your holiday gathering but host it! Inquire on their website about booking a holiday event for up to 200 of your friends and loved ones in their private event space.
The Main Course Catering
If you were saddened by The Main Course closing their restaurant on College Park's Main Street a couple of months ago, rejoice in learning that they are still in the home-style cooking game! They still offer their soul food favorites, like fried chicken, catfish, homemade soups, and more, as a catering service perfect for your holiday feast.
Day 7 | Heated Patios in the District
Thanks to mild winters, patio season never truly ends here in Atlanta, and al fresco dining remains a popular option year-round in the District with a little electrical assistance. Check out our recent blog post, "Dine Al Fresco All Year Long: Your Guide to Heated Patios in the District," which will keep you enjoying the great outdoors while you dine or raise a glass with friends and family this holiday season.
Day 8 | A District Gift Guide
Still have unchecked items on your gift list this year? Go beyond the ordinary and surprise your loved ones with an experience that will create lasting memories. We’ve put together a list of ideas that are sure to impress.
First up, a ride on the track at Porsche Experience Center Atlanta is perfect for the thrill seeker in your life. If springing for the track experience blows the budget, consider a tour of the facilities and perhaps time in the simulator lab followed by a cocktail at Restaurant 356. Just keep in mind that reservations are required.
For the flight enthusiast, a virtual flying lesson on the Delta Flight Museum's 737 simulator is a unique experience that will leave the person who has everything wowed. Or simply take your loved one for a little quality time exploring the impressive exhibits at the Delta Flight Museum.
A gift card to The Wellness Spot is a great gift for someone who enjoys a little pampering OR moving their body. They offer all of the classic spa services and have a fun rotation of weekly fitness classes that range from yoga to line dancing.
A favorite libation from Beer Girl, Growler and Bottleshop is always a good call. Maybe they'll even invite you to raise a glass with them!
Surprise someone special with new bike or accessory from Outback Bikes Hapeville Hub and make a plan to meet up for a ride around the District!
Make a reservation for a quick round of nine holes at the beautiful Historic College Park Golf Course! Be sure to take advantage of the $70 special that includes a tee time, golf cart, club rental, and balls.
Tickets to a College Park Skyhawks game at the Gateway Center Arena is kind of the perfect stocking stuffer!
Day 9 | A Chance to Win a $50 Gift Card to Café Belli
Hapeville's Café Belli has pulled out all the stops for the most wonderful time of the year, creating a menu of cocktails and a cozy atmosphere that is sure to bring out the holly jolly cheer.
In the spirit of the holidays, we're giving away a $50 gift card to one of our lucky Instagram followers! This is the perfect opportunity to try one (or three!) of their new holiday cocktails or mocktails and enjoy the festive ambiance on display through January 7th. Of course, you can use the gift card any time of year you want and rest assured that the ambiance will be on point even after the tinsel is taken down.
Entering for a chance to win is easy:
1. Make sure you're following the ATL Airport District (@atldistrict) and Café Belli (@CafeBelli) on Instagram
2. Find the Reel announcing the giveaway posted on 12/18 and tap the heart to "like" the post
3. Tag a holiday cocktail-loving friend in the comments
4. Share the Reel on your story for an extra entry (be sure to tag us so we can see it!)
The winner will be announced on 12/26. Best of luck! 🎄
Day 10 | Winter-Themed Drinks
Hot chocolate isn't the only Yuletide beverage that'll keep you warm this season. Might we suggest the hot mulled cider from Beer Girl, Growlers and Bottleshop? Or stop by Virgil's Gullah Kitchen & Bar for a "Hot Shot" - your choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate with a shot of Bailey's, Chocolate Baileys, Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey, Crown Apple, Bulleit Bourbon, or spiced rum added for a special kick.
For those who need their coffee iced all year round, we recommend the Iced Peppermint Mocha drink from Drip-Thru Coffee.
Day 11 | Holiday Self-Care Guide
Feeling the stress of the holiday season? Don't put off putting your well-being at the top of your priority list until January. Here are a few rejuvenating activities to try out as you coast through the rest of 2023:
- A yoga class at Sanskrit Moon Yoga in Hapeville
- A massage at The Wellness Spot in College Park
- A blood-pumping workout at Cycle Gang in College Park
- A pressed juice from Icey Chicks, a new acai bowl, smoothie & juice bar operating out of Chapman’s Drugs in Hapeville
- A healthy lunch at newly opened Salata in Hapeville or Get Fruity Cafe in College Park
Self-care is not selfish, so remember to take care of YOU as much as you take care of the people around you as we close out 2023!
Day 12 | A Game and Free Coffee!
If you're a local or happen to be visiting the District through December 31, 2023, we'd like to gift you your favorite beverage from JPresso Cafe in Hapeville or Drip-Thru Coffee in College Park on us! To "unwrap" your gift, CLICK HERE to be directed to the special District-inspired hidden pictures game. Once completed, you'll be prompted to download (or screenshot) a digital voucher to present at JPresso Cafe or Drip-Thru Coffee for up to $5 off your beverage purchase! The offer is valid through December 31st of this year. No minimum purchase is necessary, and no strings are attached - we promise! We just want to treat you to something tasty to close out 2023.
Have a very happy and safe holiday season, from the entire ATL Airport District CVB team!
