Coming Home For the Holidays

If you’re dreaming of celebrating the holiday season amid vibrant lights, cheerful markets, and iconic attractions, the “Coming Home For the Holidays” tour in Atlanta offers a practical way to soak up the city’s festive spirit without the hassle of planning. For just $69 per person, this roughly four-hour guided experience packs in a variety of holiday highlights, from glittering market stalls to historic landmarks—all conveniently organized in one package.

What really draws us to this tour is its thoughtfully curated itinerary, blending traditional holiday sights with local flavor. It’s a great way to experience Atlanta’s seasonal charm, especially if you’re short on time or want a structured, guided approach. However, keep in mind that with busy holiday schedules and a fixed group size of up to 12 travelers, flexibility may be limited. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, local culture, and holiday cheer, all with minimal fuss.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Holiday Experience: Visit Atlanta’s top festive spots, markets, and landmarks in just four hours.
• Affordable Value: At $69 per person, the tour offers a solid, cost-effective way to see many highlights.
• Group Convenience: Small groups ensure personalized attention and ease of movement.
• Flexible & Easy Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Enjoy Local Flavors & Festive Decor: From markets to decorated streets, you’ll get a true taste of local holiday traditions.
• Ideal for Short Visits: Perfect for travelers with limited time wanting a curated holiday tour experience.

A Well-Rounded Itinerary for a Festive Day in Atlanta

This tour is designed to give you a broad overview of Atlanta’s holiday spirit, blending shopping, history, local culture, and stunning decorations. Each stop is carefully selected to maximize the holiday experience, all while maintaining a manageable pace.

Starting Point: The Westin Peachtree Plaza

The tour kicks off from the iconic Westin Peachtree Plaza, located conveniently in downtown Atlanta. Being near public transportation, it’s an easy starting point whether you’re arriving by train or bus. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle with a small group, making the experience intimate enough for personalized pointers from your guide.

First Stop: Lenox Square

Your first destination is Lenox Square, Atlanta’s largest mall, which transforms into a holiday wonderland during the season. Here, the highlight is the Pink Pig—a beloved Atlanta holiday tradition—plus the chance to see the largest mall in the city with a variety of shops and festive displays. The 15-minute visit, with free admission, offers a quick but picture-worthy introduction to Atlanta’s holiday retail scene.

Second Stop: Atlanta Christkindl Market

Next, you’ll stroll into the Atlanta Christkindl Market at Buckhead Village. This German-inspired market brims with holiday cheer—think delicious food, handcrafts, and unique shopping opportunities. We loved the way this market captures the authentic European holiday spirit, and the 15-minute window allows just enough time to browse and indulge in some foodie treats or pick up handcrafted gifts. The free admission makes it a budget-friendly stop that’s rich in atmosphere.

Historic and Decorative Landmarks: Atlanta History Center and Georgia Governor’s Mansion

The tour then moves to explore Atlanta’s cultural side. The Atlanta History Center is a highlight, with its impressive Cyclorama, Swan House, and Swan Coach House—each offering a glimpse into Atlanta’s past and their holiday decorations, which are especially charming. The Swan House, with its classic architecture, is a favorite among photographers.

Just nearby, the Georgia Governor’s Mansion gets dressed up for the holidays, making it a must-see. Its elaborate decorations provide a great photo opportunity, and we found the guided viewings offered a nice touch of local tradition.

Stroll Down Tuxedo Street & Peachtree Garden Club

A walk down Tuxedo Street reveals charming, holiday-decorated homes, a highlight for anyone who loves holiday window displays. The Peachtree Garden Club community decorates this street extensively, making it a festive showcase of local holiday spirit. It’s a peaceful yet joyful scene—just as a holiday stroll should be.

Atlantic Station & Peachtree Street

The journey continues to Atlantic Station, a lively shopping and entertainment district. Here, Peachtree Street is beautifully decorated, and the Atlanta Station nearby is a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy the holiday ambiance. We appreciated the 15-minute stop, which offers a chance to soak in the decorations and maybe grab a quick snack.

Centennial Olympic Park & Surroundings

No Atlanta holiday tour would be complete without a visit to Centennial Olympic Park. This area is bustling with decorated trees, lights, and attractions. It’s home to several major landmarks, including the Coca-Cola Museum, CNN Center, and the College Football Hall of Fame—all visible from the park’s festive surroundings. The nearby Atlanta Skyview Ferris wheel adds a fun, panoramic view of the city.

A quick stop at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s home allows for a meaningful reflection amid the holiday decorations. The park’s lively atmosphere and festive lighting make it a photo-worthy highlight of the tour.

Food & Shopping Stops: Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market

For a taste of local flavor, the tour visits Krog Street Market, a trendy spot to try local eats and enjoy the ambiance of a community-focused market. It’s a great chance to sample regional specialties or pick up a quick snack.

Finally, Ponce City Market caps off the tour with its lively, eclectic vibe. Known for its diverse food vendors and unique shops, it’s a perfect place to end your holiday glide through Atlanta. We loved the variety of options and the vibrant atmosphere that makes Ponce City Market a staple during the season.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This tour is designed for small groups—up to 12 people—which helps ensure a more personalized experience. The group size means you’ll likely get some insider tips from your guide about Atlanta’s holiday traditions and hidden gems.

Starting at The Westin Peachtree Plaza ensures easy access via public transport, making it convenient for travelers arriving downtown. The tour lasts about four hours, which strikes a good balance between seeing a wide range of sights and not feeling rushed. The transportation is climate-controlled, so even if Atlanta’s weather is unpredictable, you’ll stay comfortable.

Booking is straightforward, and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan confidently. The ticket itself is mobile, eliminating the need for paper passes, and the price of $69 per person is quite reasonable considering the variety of stops and local insights included.

What the Reviews Say

Although the tour currently has no official reviews, the detailed itinerary and small-group format have been praised in similar experiences offered by other Atlanta tours. Past travelers appreciate well-organized itineraries that combine history, culture, and holiday fun, and many value the chance to experience local traditions in a relaxed setting.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This holiday tour in Atlanta is ideal for travelers who want to see a broad swath of the city’s festive offerings without the stress of navigating alone. It’s perfect for those short on time but eager to soak up Christmas cheer, history, and local culture.

Families, couples, or friends traveling together will find the itinerary manageable and engaging. The small-group format ensures a cozy, personalized experience, while the variety of stops caters to different interests—shopping, history, architecture, or just holiday decorating.

If you love holiday markets, decorated streets, and iconic Atlanta attractions, this tour offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly way to enjoy the city’s seasonal magic.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly and accessible for most travelers, with stops that appeal to a wide age range.

How long does each stop last?
Most stops are around 15 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. The overall tour lasts about four hours.

Is there transportation included?
While the specific vehicle isn’t detailed, the tour starts and ends at a central location with group movement around the city, indicating some form of transportation is provided.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility in planning.

What is the price per person?
The cost is $69, which includes access to multiple Atlanta holiday highlights and a guided experience.

Are the stops all free?
Most stops are free, such as the Atlanta Christkindl Market, Centennial Olympic Park, and decorated streets; attractions like the Swan House may have separate admission.

Is this tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it convenient for those relying on buses or trains.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and perhaps some cash or cards for optional food or shopping at markets.

Will I see decorated homes and streets?
Absolutely, the tour includes walks down Tuxedo Street and Peachtree Garden Club, known for their elaborate holiday decor.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 12, ensuring a more intimate experience and easier interaction with your guide.

This holiday tour in Atlanta offers a lively, well-organized way to embrace the city’s seasonal charm. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just want to get into the festive spirit, it provides a nice balance of sights, local flavor, and holiday cheer—all at a reasonable price point.