Skating, caroling, snow falling, and frozen ponds. It’s 65 degrees in December. Even though it gets a little cold here in the South, we never get to fully experience those full on days of a winter wonderland. So we must create our own magic. Whether you are into Christmas in-your-face with cocktails or skating on man made ice, we found a few places to get into the holiday spirit.

Miracle Holiday Pop-Up

The Magic of Miracle is back for a fourth year in Atlanta with three locations in which to delight in the season. Each location has a Christmas-themed menu with cocktails like the Snowball Old Fashioned Kris Kringle Colada, and Sippin’ Santa. You feel like you have stepped into the North Pole itself with wall-to-wall décor and your favorite sing along holiday songs at every location. Following Thanksgiving, Miracle is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. During the week of Thanksgiving, Miracle on Monroe and Sippin’ Santa will be open Monday to Friday (except Thanksgiving). Miracle on Highland opens on Black Friday.

Miracle on Monroe (931 Monroe Drive, in Tapa Tapa)

Miracle on Highland (240 North Highland Avenue NE. in The Brasserie and Neighborhood Bar at PARISH)

Sippin Santa (674 Myrtle Street SE in Bon Ton)

Skate the Sky-The Roof at Ponce City Market

This rooftop winter dreamland ten stories high boasts 3500 square feet of ice. The covered space is aglow with holiday lights, “over-the-top” décor, and panoramic views of Atlanta’s skyline. Sip hot toddies while you cuddle under blankets near cozy fire pits. There is even a private igloo experience you can book with a group of friends. Beer garden Nine Mile Station is steps away with seasonal soups, meat and cheese boards, and sandwiches. Or take the elevator downstairs for an assortment of dining options—meatballs and Italian wine at Bellina Alimentary, seafood bowls and oysters from W.H. Stile’s Fish Camp, burgers and fries at H&F, or Indian street food from Botiwalla. 

Ice skating is $15 per person, including skates ($8 for children 5-12). Hours: Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday - Wednesday 3:00 to 10:00 p.m., Thursday to Friday 3:00 – 11:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 21+ after 5 p.m. Skate the Sky (675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE., skylineparkatlanta.com/skate-the-sky)

The Rink at Park Tavern

Located in Atlanta’s 200 acres of midtown green space, Fire and Ice Rink at Park Tavern is an immersive and enchanting Victorian environment. It is 85 feet long and 40 feet wide, with plenty of space for swizzles and tizzles on ice for 200 skaters (and learners). With skyline views, you can roast s’mores over stone fire pits or drink homemade hot chocolate next to the Beltline in private cabanas. Warm up with bang bang shrimp, sushi, tacos, or burger sliders at adjacent Park Tavern. Another choice nearby is Sean’s Harvest Market with healthful sandwiches like the killer Holy Guacamole Chicken Salad, soups, and smoothies. You can also grab a chocolate chip cookie as big as your head. $15 skate all day, including skates (non-peak), $20 peak season days. Hours: Monday to Friday 4:30 p.m. to midnight, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

Park Tavern (500 10th Street NE; 404-249-0001, parktavern.com)