With so many events canceled this year, it’s always wonderful to be able to carry on with family traditions, like our annual trip to the Stone Mountain Christmas Festival. This year, for 2020, they’ve had to change some of the activities and events due to COVID restrictions, but you’ll still find all the family favorite activities you’ve come to except. Here’s our guide to the Stone Mountain Christmas Experience 2020.
Stone Mountain Christmas 2020
Stone Mountain turns the park into a magical winter wonderland even if it is 70 degrees outside. As the sun goes down the fun heats up, showcasing millions of lights, favorite Christmas characters, and new and classic activities that leave the kids breathless with wonder.
Favorite Classic Attractions
Mistle Tales– Gather around (6-feet apart) Mrs. Claus as she shares her heartwarming holiday tales.
Frosted Fables– Candy, Santa’s favorite baker, dons her mask and tells the story of everyone’s favorite Christmas cookie.
Sing-a-long Train and the Gift story– This is a 40-minute Christmas-carol filled sing-a-long around the park in one of Stone Mountain’s classic trains. The train stops briefly at Pebble Ridge for the telling of the gift, a story of the birth of Jesus. Note: There are new protocols for riding the train this year. The wait for the train ride is longer than normal.
Santa’s Office Window Visit- While the kids usually gather in Santa’s workshop to sit in his lap, this year they can talk to him (from a safe distance) through the window of his workshop. Letters to Santa can be dropped off in his mailbox outside the workshop.
A Christmas Carol– Dicken’s Classic tale is shortened and retold for all ages. They even managed to bring in a reference to staying 6-feet away in this year’s version.
The Polar Express 4-D Experience- The classic children’s story, narrated by Tom Hanks, and shown in the 4-D theater. Due to new COVID regulations, expect a longer than normal wait time to see the movie.
The Musical Frosted Forest- Walk through this forest of twinkling lights that are synced with favorite Christmas carols.
A Wish for Snow- Learn the story of Angelina the snow angel and perhaps be chosen to appear in the show.
The Enchanted Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony- Usually held in the town square, the tree lighting has been moved to Memorial Lawn. Special guest Santa arrives in his sleigh after the tree is lit. Note: To view the Christmas tree lighting and the new Christmas Laser Show, head to Memorial Lawn, bring a blanket, and sit in one of the social distanced squares.
The Snow Angel’s Christmas Parade and Fireworks Finale– End your evening with a parade led by Angelina, the snow angel herself, and her friends, Rudolph, Clarice, Herbie, and more.
The Tinseltone Carolers- Enjoy performances of your favorite carols sung by Victorian-costumed carolers. It a scene straight from A Christmas Carol.
Special Guest Appearances– from “elves riding reindeer” to the bubble man who amazes the kids with his bubble creations.
New Attractions
A Jurassic Christmas– Dinosaurs love the holidays! Dressed with festive Santa caps and surrounded by presents, these dinosaurs know how to celebrate. Walk through the exhibit to learn dinosaur facts, stop at the dino-stations to stamp your dinosaur pass, and watch as the dinosaurs move and roar. After dark, stroll through again to catch the glowing dinosaurs.
The Skylights Spectacular– A musical walk-through immersive light show with beautiful trees, twinkling lights choreographed to music, and the chance to see “snow” in Georgia.
Aaron Radatz: The Magic of Christmas– Award-winning magician and Las Vegas headliner Aaron Radatz, along with the help of April Radatz, brings the joy of Christmas magic and illusions in an all-new show.
The Christmas Laser Show– This fun 10-minute laser show features lights and fireworks choreographed to favorite Christmas carols. Critter, along with other kids sitting in their socially distanced squares, were enthralled with this program.
James Maltman: Elfin’ Around: Jimmy, Santa’s favorite Elf, shows visitors what elves do in the workshop when they are not making toys. Hint: It involves juggling and clowning around.
The Polar Express Outdoor Event– Come sit in one of the socially distanced squares on Memorial Lawn for the film, The Polar Express, narrated by Tom Hanks, shown on a giant screen.
What You Need to Know Before You Go:
- Due to COVID regulations, there are a limited number of people allowed on the Summit Skyride. Make reservations in advance.
- Due to the limited number of people allowed in the downtown area for the Christmas celebration, it is strongly recommended to make reservations in advance.
- Masks are required in attraction areas, although not required in natural areas of the park, for ages 3 and up.
- Temperature checks are taken before entering the downtown and attractions area.
Have you attended a Stone Mountain Christmas? The celebrations are held from 2 PM until 9 PM on weekends and on school holidays until January 3rd.
What fun! I’m looking for somewhere safe to take my grandkids. I don’t think it’s very far for me.
This year Christmas will be different for sure! Thank you for sharing these ideas! We still need to make Christmas special!
This reminds me of a place that my parents used to take us each year when I was little. We don’t have anything similar to this near my house. But we always celebrate each year by hosting a polar express movie night at the house. Usually, extended family and friends are invited but not this year.
That looks like a great place to bring my family in. Classic and my kids would love this. We’re excited for Christmas and we would love to go there.
I’m glad you can still continue your holiday tradition safely. It seems like Stone Mountain had made a lot of good adjustments to help keep people healthy.
That looks like an amazing place. I always loved visiting places like this for the holidays. I know most are drive thru now for us, but it’s still nice they’re allowing visitors.
They’ve done such a great job to give it a festive look. Love it, it must have been great to go see x
Never been there. I do love checking out places during Christmas. And that place looks magical.
Such a great place for family’s night out,oh time flies so fast.
I would love to go check this out. There is a place near me that has an awesome Christmas display.
This place feels the presence of Christmas perfect for family bonding awesome photos!
That looks like so much fun! It’s nice to know that there are still a few things left that haven’t been cancelled.
This looks like a lovely holiday activity. We miss our usual haunts – usually great adventure.
That looks like such a great place to visit! I can’t wait until we are able to do things like that again.
Oh my goodness this looks like the most amazing place to go for the Christmas season. I would love to visit myself.
Stone Mountain sounds like a really awesome place to visit. I would love to go during Christmas!
Everything about this place looks like fun! This just reminds me of a place that would be a family tradition to visit!
Everything about this is absolutely gorgeous. It really does not get more Christmas than this. I think my family would love it.
Now that’s what I call a classic Christmas. I would love to take my family there. I think it would be an amazing experience.
New normal Christmas…but we have to think that we have to celebrate it no matter what..we must enjoy it and feel the spirit of Christmas