With Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations upon us, now is also the time to think about how to mark Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. We’ve got a roundup of dining and event suggestions for both holidays.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa Activities at the Beach Institute
The Beach Institute, 502 E Harris St., Atlanta, is hosting Kwanzaa activities on Dec. 28, starting at 3:30 p.m., featuring guest speakers, music and performances, and a potluck. Find more information here.
Kwanzaa Celebration Service
On Sunday, Dec. 29 Unity Atlanta Church is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration service. The church is located at 3597 Parkway Lane in Peachtree Corners and starts at 11 a.m. If you aren’t able to visit in person, join online via the live-stream link: https://www.facebook.com/UnityAtlanta. Special music will be provided by Unity Atlanta Church’s Soulful Harmonics Band and Celebration Choir.
Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration
Join the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History for its Virtual Annual Kwanzaa Celebration. This event will take place at the Drew Charter School Auditorium, 300 Eva Davis Way, starting at 3 p.m. The program will feature performances by the All-Sistah Dance Percussion and Vocal Ensemble Giwayen Mata, youth guest artists, and remarks by educator and master of ceremonies, Dr. Chike Akua. More details here.
Celebrate Kwanzaa
The Scott Candler Library, 1817 Candler Road, will host a Kwanzaa event for the whole family on Dec. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will include making crafts suggested by the principles of the Kwanzaa celebration. More details here.
New Year’s Celebrations
2024 Wrapped hosted by Jolene Jolene
Jolene Jolene, the upcoming women’s sports bar, will toast to a successful 2024 at
Bar{n} booze {n} bites in Dunwoody Village on Friday, Dec. 27, starting at 8 p.m. Expect DJ sets, sports highlights, and specialty drinks throughout the evening. Tickets are $10.
Pajama Brunch on Ponce
While beloved breakfast institution Java Jive may be closing after 30 years on Ponce at the end of December, owners Steven Horwitz and Shira Levetan announced they plan to host one last New Year’s Pajama Brunch on Sunday, Dec. 29.
Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta
The New Year’s Eve Peach Drop will return to Underground Atlanta with some big music acts to ring in 2025. The evening will be headlined by Big Boi and feature performances by Neon Trees, RES, and more local artists. Radio and television personality Ryan Cameron will be the emcee for the event. Entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. at Underground Atlanta ahead of the midnight Peach Drop.
THROWING IT BACK TO THE 2000s at Park Tavern
Park Tavern is hosting the best party of year, a Y2K New Year’s Bash! Join other 21 and older guests to turn back the clock and relive the early 2000s. Dress in your favorite Y2K fashion or other festive attire. DJ Doncy will be spinning tunes, and there will be live music from Basement Reces and The Gringos. Get tickets today via this link.
Gypsy Kitchen
A Buckhead classic invites guests to join them on Dec. 31 for their classic Spanish favorites. The celebration includes a DJ, party favors, and a midnight balloon drop. Reservations can be made here.
Johnny’s Hideaway
Iconic Buckhead bar Johnny’s Hideaway rings in 2025 with a holiday menu featuring filet mignon and tuna steak, plus party favors from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. The $60 tickets are available at the bar or by calling (404) 233-8026.
Lucian Books and Wine
Lucian Books and Wine in Buckhead will host an intimate New Year’s Eve dinner with seatings from 5:30 p.m., featuring a five-course menu and welcome champagne for $250 per person. Reservations are available via Resy.
The Southern Gentleman
This elegant restaurant is hosting a $95 four-course fixed menu on Dec. 31 including filet mignon and truffle potato purée. Then, on New Year’s Day guests can enjoy brunch from 12 pm to 7 pm. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
Zoo Year’s Eve at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta’s New Year celebration, Zoo Year’s Eve, is a dynamic event for the whole family. Not everyone is able to stay up till midnight, so Zoo Atlanta has countdowns with DJ Matt on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will also include crafts, a magic show and more. If you can stay until early evening, don’t miss the IllumiNights display of brilliantly illuminated wildlife. Buy tickets and get more details here.
La Tavola
La Tavola in Virginia-Highland will offer a New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinner ($95) featuring slow-cooked duck, steak tagliata, and chocolate budino in a three-course celebration of Italian cuisine. Reservations required.
Marcus Bar & Grille
Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Old Fourth Ward restaurant, Marcus Bar & Grille, rings in 2025 with holiday buffets on both New Year’s Eve ($60 per person; $30 per child) and New Year’s Day ($38 per person; $18 per child). Reserve a seat here.
Westside Motor Lounge
DJs Kemit and Salah Ananse will bring an all-vinyl night to Westside Motor Lounge’s Echo Room for New Year’s Eve, spinning soul, hip-hop, house, and Afrobeats, starting at 8 p.m. The $30 advance ticket includes a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $40 at the door.
Champagne Dreams New Year’s Eve Bash
UP on the Roof, in Alpharetta, hopes you join them to dance the night away and pop champagne bottles when the clock strikes midnight. Buy a ticket at this link before they sell out.
NYE at Your 3rd Spot
Your 3rd Spot is hosting a 21 and over NYE Polynesian Paradise party. There is unlimited access to every game at Your 3rd Spot, dance music with DJ Halftime, photo booths and Polynesian inspired food. Buy a ticket here.
Gatsby’s Penthouse, NYE Party
The Gatsby’s Penthouse is hosting a roaring 20s-themed NYE party. This exclusive New Year’s Eve party will be hosted at Ventanas and features premium drinks, hors d’oeuvres and top Atlanta DJs. You must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets can be purchased here.
Childo and Padre’s
Chef features like lobster fajitas will be available until midnight at Childo and Padres. A DJ, Champagne toast and party favors are available. Reservations are available until 9:45 pm and can be made at this link.
New Year’s Day brunch at Wild Heaven West End
El Tesoro brings Abuelita’s New Year’s Day Brunch to Wild Heaven West End, featuring an all-you-can-eat Mexican feast with breakfast tacos, chilaquiles, and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25.