Looking to make new memories this holiday season without too much hustle and bustle? Want that small town cozy feel, but don't know where to go? This season, we decided to visit Dunwoody, Georgia for the holidays. As a premier hub for holiday shopping and dining, and just 10 miles north of Atlanta, it was a perfect destination. Dunwoody transforms into what they like to call “Your Holiday Haven” during the month of December. They offer a variety of virtual and socially distanced in-person events, so you can feel safe while enjoying the holidays.
Fun Holiday Activities:
- Get classic photos with Santa at Perimeter Mall, which has implemented a variety of health precautions to ensure children can still safely experience the magic of the season
- We have visited Santa at Perimeter Mall several times over the years, and boy do they do it right. The set up is beautiful and festive, and the pictures have always turned out great. He is very popular, so make sure to reserve a time or be prepared to wait.
- Participate in Gingerbread House Decorating at Vino Venue, where the whole family will have a blast seeing who can decorate the most creative gingerbread house, which can then be taken home as a sweet souvenir
- We booked seating for 4, with 2 houses to decorate. This way, we could work together with the kids to help them design their dream gingerbread house. They provide the standing structure (which is the hardest part if you ask me), as well as an assortment of items you can decorate with (sprinkles, icing, fondant, cereal, candies, gumdrops, and more). Their staff lets you be creative, but walks around offering tips and help when needed. These were the best looking gingerbread houses we have ever made!
- Start the morning with Santa himself, at Atlanta Marriott Perimeter’s Breakfast with Santa event
- Enjoy a warm holiday treat at a selection of the destination’s delicious restaurants and bakeries such as Café Intermezzo, which features an extensive menu of hot chocolates and desserts
- Walk through Brook Run Park at night to view the Holiday Lights
- This is a great twist to viewing holiday lights. You can get out and wander around the park, listening to Christmas music on your stroll. Parts of the path can be a little dark, so just make sure to keep your little ones close.
- Explore the 27th Annual Holiday Artists Market at Spruill Gallery
- The exhibits are from emerging artists, established artists and the artwork created at the Education Center. It is known as one of the best places to buy locally-made items in metro Atlanta.
- Get outside and explore the Dunwoody Nature Center
- This ended up being a surprising favorite for my technology loving kids. They loved it so much, that they begged to go back the next day.
- The park is open to the public daily from sunrise to sundown, and is free of charge. The whole family can spend time exploring the creek, hiking trails, and playing on the playground.
- And more!
Great Local Restaurants
- Café Intermezzo
- quaint cafe with pastries, food, and drinks
- Village Burger
- tasty local burger joint with indoor and outdoor seating, and homemade custards!
- Vino Venue
- hand crafted foods and a large wine selection (more for adults)
- Alon’s Bakery
- cozy place to get brunch, pastries, and international specialties
- definitely a huge hit with the locals, it was always busy when we visited
- Novo Cucina
- delicious and authentic Italian cuisine
- Porter BBQ and Brewery
- relaxed environment with a large beer selection and special live music performances
Accommodations
Dunwoody has eight modern, yet cozy hotels you can choose from on your visit. Each is just a short distance from food and fun. We stayed at the Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter, right in the center of Dunwoody.
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