Stone Mountain Park, located on the outskirts of Atlanta, is the place to visit any time of year if you’re looking for outdoor activities. Christmas, however, is a special time at the park. That’s when they celebrate “Atlanta’s Most Heartwarming Holiday Tradition;” Stone Mountain Christmas. This year the party is in full swing from November 16th until January 5th.
We attended a media day with Stone Mountain, but all opinions are our own.
Stone Mountain Park Christmas
With millions of lights, Crossroads Village comes alive at night. Don’t let this stop you from visiting during the day. There’s plenty of attractions to keep you busy from opening to closing. Start with a visit to the Skyride Summit. This short ride to the top of the mountain in an enclosed Swiss cable car provides stunning views of the park and the surrounding skyline. If you prefer to hike, stop at the Summit walk-up trail and take the 1-mile trail. It’s a workout!
On top of the mountain, visitors can stroll around and enjoy the picturesque views, stop in the cafe for a snack, or read about the wildlife and botanical species that can be found here. Fun Trivia Fact: It’s not really a “mountain.” It’s really the largest exposed piece of granite in the world reaching 825 feet above the surrounding countryside.
View from the summit.
Christmas at Crossroads Village
When you’ve finished exploring the summit, visit Crossroads Village for the daytime fun. Stop by Mrs. Claus’ Cookie Decorating to make your own cookies or take in one of the shows. The Littlest Christmas Tree, about the smallest tree on a lot, is a fun family tale that includes lots of forest friends. Christmas in the City is a musical performance that highlights the spirit with festive songs popular around the country. If you’re in the mood for a comedy, stop by their revised version of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Who knew Dickens’ could be so funny?
The Littlest Christmas Tree
The kids will find plenty to do in the Crossroads. They can drop-in for a visit with Santa or Mrs. Claus, see some of their favorite characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, or visit with Angelina the Snow Angel. There’s not much snow in Georgia, but Angelina is able to make it snow each night.
It’s easy to have your picture made with this Santa, but arrive early to see the real Santa. The line gets longer as it gets later in the day!
Crossroads Village After Dark:
While the lights are on during the day, they are hard to see. After dark, the park sparkles with the magic of Christmas. The Christmas tree in the center of the park is lighted and Santa flies in on his sleigh. New attractions this year include The Snow Angel’s Parade and the Musical Frosted Forrest. And, of course, no one wants to miss the Sing-Along Christmas Train with a special stop in Pebble Station for a presentation of “The Gift.”
Snow Mountain:
Want to experience the fun of snow without the hassle and inconvenience? Snow Mountain, available until February 20th, has all the activities you enjoy without the annoying black ice. Try your hand at snow tubing in double or single tubes on the Tuberunners slope. If you’d prefer to experience tubing as a family, Avalanche Hill is the place to be. This 400-feet hill has tubes that hold 10 people at once. Bunny slopes are available for the littlest tubers.
Guests can make their own snowmen (or snowwomen) in Snowman Valley or create their own building in Igloo City. Nighttime fun begins at 5:30 pm with Galatic Snow Tubing. You’ll enjoy the same activities but with the extra fun of lasers, lights, and music.
Things to Know Before You Go:
*A parking fee is charged. While this does not include the all-attractions pass, it allows you to take advantage of the recreational activities available throughout the park. This includes the hiking and nature trails, the Walk-Up trail, the Grist Mill and Covered Bridge, the playground, and the waterfront. If you plan to visit often, purchase a yearly pass. It will pay for itself in two visits.
*An All-Attractions pass is needed to enjoy the activities in the Crossroads Village. This pass also includes rides on The Summit Skyride, the Dinotorium play center for kids, the Stone Mountain Museum, the Historic Square and the historic square farmyard, the scenic railroad, and the Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf.
If you’ve been looking for Mistletoe, you’ll find it here! They have a large ball and a sign so you won’t miss it.
*If you plan to visit Snow Mountain, this is an additional charge and is not included in the All-Attractions pass. Plan to dress for snow as the attraction is chilly!
*A combination All-Attractions pass and Snow Mountain pass is available.
*Reservations are required after 5 pm for the Sing-Along train. These are free with the All-Attraction pass and can be made at the train depot.
Have you visited Stone Mountain during their Christmas extravaganza? Do you have a favorite Christmas activity?
I’d be going to see Santa. I love that they have other characters, like Rudolph, to visit too. 🙂
Sounds like such a neat place to visit during the holidays. I hadn’t heard of this before and it would be fun to go with the family.
I have never been there before, but I wouldn’t mind visiting there someday with my family. I’ll definitely have to visit there during the holiday season!
That is such a beautiful place. What fun that would be for the whole family. I know my family would have loved it there. I love how festive it is.
This place looks like so much holiday fun for the entire family! That large slide looks absolutely epic!
We’ve never been there, but I’d love to go especially at Christmastime because of how festive it looks. Thanks for the tips!
I live in SC and I’ve never heard of this place but I am definitely going to make plans to remedy this as soon as possible.
This is a total WOW! I can’t wait to visit Stone Mountain Park. The place is simply outstanding and looks realy magical. Perfect for Christmas!
Stone Mountain seems like a wonderful holiday experience for the entire family! My kids would love an opportunity to go tubing and I always want to decorate cookies.
Stone Mountain sounds like an amazing place to take the family. Going this time of year would be a great experience!
This looks like a fun event for the family. I spy some cute instagram worthy photo spots.
This looks like such a beautiful destination. The village sounds like an awesome place to explore. Christmas is my favorite time of year.
I have not been to Stone Mountain since I was a little kid. It looks like it has changed a lot. I would love to go explore this place at Christmas.
This looks like such a fun place! I know my kids would love it here. I’d want to do the tubing.
I never knew they had snow down south but this Park seems to have it all. I would love to go on that cable car ride it looks so amazing.
What a great place to visit! I love that skyliner across the granite mountain! Thanks for sharing!
Mitch
This sounds like such a great time to visit Stone Mountains Park! Anytime would be great, but I love all the decorations.
oh my gosh how awesome- we used to venture to stone mountain in college ha such a magical time this year 🙂
I have never been to Stone Mountain but it is on my travel bucket list. Looks like going at Christmas would be a great time!