Atlanta Bites: Holiday events, specials and meals and more | December 2024
ATLANTA - From festive feasts with renowned chefs to cookie decorating, hot chocolate competitions, and holiday brunches with Santa, there's something for everyone this December. Explore unique dining experiences, seasonal menu offerings, and ways to give back to the community. Don't miss details on closures of long-time local favorites and exciting new openings. Here's the latest in restaurant news from around metro Atlanta.
EVENTS
Tio Lucho
Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Coastal Peruvian-inspired hotspot will transform into a holiday haven, featuring vibrant music, handcrafted cocktails, and plenty of festive cheer. Special menu featuring Pan con Chicharron and fried pork belly and shrimp sandwiches served with crispy plantain chips. DJ Eazydoesit will keep the energy high all night long. Cost is $25, which includes 2 signature cocktails. More info.
HOLIDAYS
Epicurean Igloo Experience
Nov. 29-Jan. 1
Reverence, Epicurean Atlanta, 1117 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta
Dine inside a twinkling, decked-out, life-size igloo. Menu includes charcuterie, hot cocoa, Thai roasted buts, Brussel sprouts, burgers, pasta, chicken and salmon. Starting at $95 per person. Reserve here.
BrewDog Atlanta
Through Jan. 12
BrewDog Atlanta has private igloos for guests looking for an unforgettable drinking and dining experience during the holiday season. Reserve here.
Holiday Brunch with Santa
Sunday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Enjoy brunch, cookie decorating, and Santa photos at Northside Drive restaurant near Bobby Jones Golf Course. Reserve here.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL MENU ITEMS
- Carrabba's Italian Grill: Cannoli Cream Cake ($64) and Strawberry Cheesecake ($51). Order here.
- Duck Donuts: Thin Mints®-themed donuts and a $25 gift card promo. Details here.
- Goldbergs Fine Foods: Gingerbread bagels, cranberry cream cheese, and Hanukkah catering. Details here.
- La Madeleine: Holiday pastries including sugar cookies, Linzer cookies, and creme brulee, and 2025 refillable tumbler promo. Learn more.
- Snooze Eatery: Hot Cocoa Pancakes, mocktails, and seasonal cocktails. See menu.
- KFC: Festive Feast Deals and holiday merch. Shop here.
- Rreal Tacos: All locations have transformed into holiday wonderlands offering a curated Christmas cocktail menu. More info.
- Shake Shack: Anyone can enjoy a FREE Shake Shack burger through Dec. 24 with a $10 minimum purchase using the code BURGERBLITZ via the Shake App or at one of their 350+ U.S. locations. A different burger is offered each day. More info.
CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY MEALS
By George: Four-course menu featuring lobster bisque, quinoa salad, choice of cacio e pepe, braised ossobuco, or harissa-glazed cauliflower steak, and olive oil cake. Reserve here.
Capolinea at Signia by Hilton Atlanta: Christmas Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 21 is just for adults. Dress to impress and revel in an afternoon of timeless elegance, accompanied by live music, stunning décor, and festive photo opportunities designed to create unforgettable memories. Reservations required. More info.
Kona Grill Alpharetta: Traditional turkey, baked glazed ham, sushi tacos, prime rib with garlic shrimp skewers, pumpkin pie, Santa's eggnog and holiday cocktails. Reserve here.
Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails: Prix-fixe menu featuring classic holiday dishes ($75 adult, $32.50 child). Take-home options: prime rib with tangy pink peppercorn horseradish sauce, spiral ham with bourbon orange glaze, and applewood smoked turkey. Details here.
Aria: A la carte menu and seasonal tasting specials. Reserve here.
Chido & Padre’s: Holiday tamales ($9) and Champurrado ($6) for Christmas Eve. Details here.
Cozy Coop: Offering homestyle Southern favorites, including fried chicken and wings, mac & cheese, collard greens and more, for the holidays. Open Christmas Eve for in-person dining and to-go order pickup. More info.
The Farmhouse at Serenbe: Cauliflower bisque, winter vegetable tart, Chilean sea bass, wagyu tenderloin, and seasonal desserts. Reserve here.
Four Seasons Atlanta: Brunch buffet with food stations, festive treats, hot chocolate station, Santa appearance, and gifts for kids. Reserve here.
Gypsy Kitchen: Duck confit with Tunisian-spiced carrots and delicata squash and grilled lamb chops with a festive twist. Reserve here.
Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails: Southern Benedict, steak and eggs, shrimp and grits, and winterberry splash cocktail (Crown Royal, pomegranate liqueur, Coca-Cola reduction, lime, and vanilla). Reserve here.
Nan Thai Fine Dining: Limited holiday menu featuring fan-favorite dishes for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Details here.
The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill: Crab deviled eggs, clam chowder, smoked salmon Benedict, hearty seafood pasta and red velvet cake among holiday specials. Reserve here.
Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar: Beef Wellington and crab-stuffed jumbo shrimp appetizers. House-made donuts for dessert. Reserve here.
Marcus Bar & Grille: Christmas buffet with pineapple-glazed ham, coconut curry chickpeas, candied yams, and sweet potato cake. Reserve here.
Ocean & Acre's: Braised short rib pot roast with Yukon Gold potato puree or pan-seared halibut with butternut squash risotto. Lunch and dinner menus. More info.
Ray’s Restaurants: Full menus available at all locations for Christmas Eve dining. More info.
The Sun Dial: Eight-course menu featuring lobster thermidor, acorn squash risotto, and chestnut and chocolate Mont Blanc. Reserve here.
Tesserae at Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead: Prix-fixe menu featuring chef-inspired dishes including choice of short rib, prime rib, dover sole and butternut squash gnocchi. $80 per person. More info.
Tiny Lou’s: Three-course dinner with duck prosciutto salad, beef Wellington, brioche stuffing, and eggnog crème brûlée. Reserve here.
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead: Five-course tasting menu with truffle potato pavé and sturgeon caviar, Maine lobster bisque, duck roulade, wagyu A5 rib-eye, and smoked swordfish. Reserve here.
NEW MENU ITEMS
Wayback Burgers
Spicy Melt, Garlic Romano Fries, and Mint Chocolate Shake. Details here.
NEW RESTAURANTS
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
New location opening 11 a.m. Dec. 12 at Buckhead Landing. Founded in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1945, the ice cream is made fresh in the store. Giveaways during opening between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. More info.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle is opening 2 new locations in metro Atlanta. The Ellijay location opens Dec. 11 at 124 Highlands Crossing South. The Athens Chipotle opens later this month at 171 E. Broad Street. Both are hiring. More info.
Pizza Hut
A grand opening celebration is taking place Dec. 13 for the new Alpharetta location at 5620 Commerce Boulevard. First 25 people in line receive FREE pizza (restrictions apply). More info.
Roswell Junction
This 12,000-square-foot food hall features 7 stalls, 2 indoor bars, and live entertainment. Learn more.
Le’Zia & Hey Linda’s
Southern-inspired dining with a whiskey, wine and cigar bar at Avenue West Cobb. Hey Linda's offers Mexican cuisine and cocktails. Details here.
GIVE BACK
Chichería & Buena Vida Tapas
5% of sales from Dec. 2–8 go to Presents for a Purpose. Toy donations ($20+) earn free appetizers. Details here.
Goldbergs Fine Foods
Donate a toy and receive a free bagel all locations except airport. Learn more.
Snooze After Dark
Holiday dinner benefiting Giving Kitchen. Enjoy breakfast for dinner. Cookie decorating. Details here.
CLOSINGS
- West Egg Cafe: Closing Dec. 29 after 20 years.
- The Ivy: Hosting a final New Year’s Eve party before closing. Details here.
ALREADY HAPPENED
Talat Market Feast
Sunday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Enjoy a family-style feast by 2024 James Beard finalist Chef Jarrett Wrisley of Shan. The menu features Northern Thai and Southwest Chinese-inspired dishes such as smoked tofu, bison mapo tofu, cumin lamb noodles, and pandan tres leches. Reserve here.
Inside the Kitchen
Monday, Dec. 9, 6-7 p.m.
Interactive session with one of Chattahoochee Food Works’ favorite chefs from La Tropical. Buy tickets
Books and Bubbles at Lucian Books and Wine
Sunday, Dec. 15, 1–4 p.m.
Shop for books while enjoying complimentary bubbles and gift wrapping at this cozy Buckhead spot. Details here.
Savor Community Dinner
6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 19
The Works on Chattahoochee Avenue in Atlanta is hosting its first community dinner, Savor, to showcase the culinary talent at The Works and support Giving Kitchen. Appetizers, cocktails, and a multi-course dinner. Tickets are $75 until Dec. 12, when they will increase to $85. More info
Holiday High Tea at Thompson Atlanta Buckhead
Saturday, Dec. 14, Noon
Led by a tea expert, this high tea includes premium loose-leaf teas and traditional brewing techniques. More details here.
Waldorf Astoria Teas
Weekends starting Saturday, Dec. 7
- Winter Wonderland Tea: Festive bites such as eggnog crème brûlée and cranberry scones.
- Children’s Afternoon Tea with Santa: Kid-friendly tea, cookie decorating, and Santa photos. Reserve here.
Sips with Santa at The Candler Hotel
Thursdays, Dec. 12 & 19, 6 p.m.
Sip on festive cocktails like the Christmas Cosmopolitan and Wish List in a holiday-themed pop-up. Reserve here.
One Night in Colombia at Buena Vida Tapas Bar
Thursday, Dec. 12
An $85 four-course Colombian menu paired with festive cocktails. Enjoy personal stories from the chef and owner about each dish. Details here.
A Taste of Black Gwinnett - Holiday Edition
Wednesday, Dec. 13, Norcross Cultural Arts Center
Sample $5 appetizers and drinks from local vendors, and meet Black Santa for photos (packages start at $30). Tickets here.
Holiday Cookie Decorating Party at NaanStop
Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.
Decorate complimentary chai-spiced sugar cookies with frosting, sprinkles, and sparkles. Learn more.
Holiday Cocktail Class at Lingering Shade
Sunday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m.
Learn how to make three festive cocktails and enjoy a three-course appetizer pairing. Details here.
Hot Chocolate Competition at Ponce City Market
Saturday, Dec. 14, Noon
Taste hot chocolate from Central Food Hall vendors and vote for your favorite. Proceeds benefit charity. More info.