Holiday Cheer in Atlanta

‘Tis the season for shopping and enjoying cocktails with friends and family. With the Holidays approaching, Atlanta is getting in the swing of things with seasonal pop-ups markets and unique pop-up bars designed to get patrons in the festive spirit.

Sponsored by the GAC-Foundation, Centennial Olympic Park will host the Atlanta Christkindl Market. The non-profit organization focuses its efforts in the Southeast to support education of the German language and culture. The market offers a plethora of German products, a taste of traditional German food and beverages, and hosts events and activities for the whole family. The market kicks off with an opening day celebration on November 21 and wraps up on Christmas Eve.

If you’re looking for off the beaten path gift ideas, the Indie Craft Experience is the place to be. In its fifteenth year, the holiday market hosts vendors offering vintage items and homemade crafts for a weekend shopping extravaganza. Workshops, palm readings, gift wrapping, and even chiropractic adjustments are also available for an additional fee. Located at the Georgia World Congress Center, the event is November 23-24 and is open from 11am to 6pm both days.

On Sunday, December 8, the Jewish Community Center will host a Hanukkah market highlighting vendors and businesses local to the community. Artisanal crafts, books, and gifts are available as well as tasty treats from local delis and bakeries.  The market is very family friendly and even has magic shows, jugglers, and a children’s art yard for entertainment.

Once the sun goes down, pop-up bars light up with festive Holiday decorations and tasty craft cocktails. Leading the charge are restauranteurs Eric Simpkins and Darren Carr of The Lawrence and Bon Ton notoriety. The duo has organized three pop-up concepts, Miracle on Monroe at Tapa Tapa, Miracle on Highland at Parish, and Sippin’ Santa at Bon Ton. With Holiday themed cocktails and kitschy, tacky décor, the concepts aim to be as over the top as possible, garnering large crowds and often hefty wait times. Word spreads quickly with bar-goers posting pictures of their over the top experiences on social media, bolstering attendance and creating free publicity for the restaurants.

Sure to make your season bright, these pop-ups are not to be missed. For a one of a kind gift or a one of a kind experience, be sure to add these events to your calendar this Holiday season.