Five Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Atlanta at Historic Oakland Cemetery
Spooky season is behind us, and the holidays will be here before we know it! Here at Oakland, we’re trading in our pumpkins for festive greenery as we prepare to welcome the community to celebrate with us and prove once and for all that a cemetery can indeed be cozy and festive! If you live in Atlanta and are searching for family-friendly holiday activities and unique seasonal events, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to learn five ways to celebrate the holidays at Oakland Cemetery, including fun for families, date nights, history lovers, and anyone looking for something magical and timeless this season. And because it wouldn’t be an Oakland event without a hint of Victorian flair, many of these celebrations draw inspiration from seasonal traditions that go back centuries, adding a historic charm you won’t find anywhere else in Atlanta.
1. Bring the Whole Family to Holiday Spirit
Holiday Spirit, our free, family-friendly celebration, returns December 5–6 and is one of the best Atlanta holiday activities for families.
Enjoy a cozy holiday market, professional photos with Santa, carolers, festive drinks including hot cocoa and themed cocktails, food trucks, and more. Kids will love holiday crafts, games, and even frolicking in the snow!
Admission is free, but paid reservations are highly recommended for Santa photos.
2. Join Us for Our First-Ever Community Tree Lighting
We’re taking our holiday festivities to new heights this year with our inaugural community tree lighting on December 5 at 6:30 PM.
Santa will light the beautiful evergreen tree outside the Oakland Visitor Center, officially kicking off the holiday season in Atlanta.
This is a perfect outing for families seeking classic seasonal magic, plus an exciting chance to be the first to experience a brand new neighborhood tradition.
This event is free and open to the public.
3. Purchase Fresh Wreaths and Greenery
Looking to deck the halls while supporting your favorite historic cemetery?
Order a fresh Fraser fir wreath or greenery bundle from our annual wreath sale to deck the halls or honor a loved one’s resting place at Oakland before December 1. For a fee, we can place the wreath or greenery directly on your family’s lot.
All proceeds support Oakland Cemetery’s gardens, keeping this historic Atlanta landmark beautiful year-round.
4. Get Creative and Make Your Own Wreath at Our New Workshop
New this year, we’re offering a themed wreath-making workshop on December 4 — the perfect holiday date night or friends’ outing in Atlanta.
Enjoy drinks, light bites, festive music, and everything you need to create a beautiful, customized wreath. Choose from a variety of decorative elements and create a one-of-a-kind wreath to proudly display in your home or give as a gift.
This hands-on experience blends creativity with a touch of Victorian-inspired holiday charm. Registration is filling fast, so sign up today!
5. Take a Spirit-Filled Tour of Eternal Homes
History lovers, this one’s for you. Join us for Tours of Eternal Homes, where mausoleums are decorated with greenery inspired by Victorian holiday traditions.
On this guided tour, led by a costumed and spirited guide, you’ll learn the stories of families buried at Oakland, along with the symbolism and meaning behind the Cemetery’s architecture and historical holiday customs.
Choose from candlelight tours on December 5 or daytime tours on December 6.
Whether you're planning a festive family outing, a romantic holiday date in Atlanta, or an enlightening walk through history, Oakland Cemetery offers some of the city's most memorable family-friendly holiday events. We hope you’ll celebrate with us!
