10 things to do in Atlanta for New Year’s weekend

Looking for something to New Year’s Eve or the long holiday weekend. We’ve got some suggestions for you and the whole family. Thanks to the folks at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl for some of these ideas, as well. It’s going to be a big weekend for party fanatics and football fans in ATL.

1. Raise a glass of Coca-Cola – or any of the 100+ other beverages at the World of Coca-Cola – to the last days of 2015! New Year’s weekend is your last chance to enjoy the attraction’s seasonal celebration, including thousands of lights, giant ornaments, special exhibits and more.

2. On Dec. 30, football fans can spend the evening immersed in underwater fun at Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Night at Georgia Aquarium. Guests can join the Houston and FSU cheerleaders to take in the AT&T Dolphin Tales presentation, watch season highlights on 60-foot tall screens in the Atrium and more.

3. Ring in 2016 in style at events like the Peach Drop, Downtown Countdown, Peachtree Gala (with host Mario Lopez!)  Sweet Tea NYE or Dance Hall Decatur.

4. Rock your way into 2016 with some of the best jam bands in the land – catch Gregg Allman at Atlanta Symphony Hall, Widespread Panic at the Fox Theatre, STS9 at The Tabernacle, The Revivalists at The Buckhead Theatre or Perpetual Groove at Terminal West.

5. Head to Stone Mountain Park for the Kids’ Early New Year’s Eve Celebration to ring in 2016 without missing anyone’s bedtime. When the clock strikes 9, families can celebrate the New Year with fireworks, costumed characters and a wintery snowfall.

6. For mid-day family fun, ring in Noon Year’s Eve at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Visitors to LEGOLAND can help build a giant “2016” with LEGO bricks, and families can dance among the dinosaurs of Fernbank to music provided by a children’s DJ. Both celebrations feature a balloon drop at noon.

7.  Football fans can kick off game day on Dec. 31 at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade before heading to the Peach Bowl FanFest, where they can enjoy interactive games, giveaways, food and a Team Walk and Pep Rally. Also be sure to check out the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience. Through Jan. 3, fans can also celebrate the spirit of giving – by bringing gloves, hats, scarves, socks or slippers to donate to local nonprofit City of Refuge, guests will receive $2 off general admission to the Hall.

8. Head Downtown early to check out the colorful holiday lights and some ice skating at Centennial Olympic Park.

9. Dad’s Garage Theatre Company officially opens in its new home in the Old Fourth Ward on New Year’s weekend. Be sure to check out the full calendar of events.

10. Wake up on Jan. 1 and get your New Year’s Resolutions off to a strong start by joining the Atlanta Track Club for their 2016 Resolution Run. Runners can participate in a 4 Miler, One Miler or 50m Dash.