Looking for a little magic this holiday season? Atlanta is the place to be. If you want to get some great Christmas family photos with Santa or in front of gorgeous Christmas trees, check out our recommendations! Here are great places to take family holiday photos in Atlanta.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a great place to take family holiday photos because of the beautiful scenery and decorations. They go all out with holiday decor! The gardens offer an enchanting atmosphere, with lights hanging from every tree, giving off a warm glow. It’s also a great place for photos with Santa and his elves!

The Garden’s holiday lights are highly distinctive, and the official event page describes Garden Lights, Holiday Nights as a seasonal exhibition with synchronized light and sound, illuminated tree sculptures, and timed ticketing. https://atlantabg.org/plan-your-visit/atlanta-garden-calendar/garden-lights-holiday-nights/

Scottsdale Farms Enchanted Christmas Tree Forest

Scottsdale Farms is located in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Enchanted Christmas Tree Forest boasts more than 120 decorated trees, all decorated by local churches and schools. They have an actual forest filled with brightly lit trees for a unique family photo opportunity.

The official page describes a continuously stocked Enchanted Christmas Tree Forest with fresh-cut trees, wreaths, garlands, flocked trees, and multiple tree varieties. https://www.scottsdalefarms.com/enchanted-christmas-tree-forest/

Winter Wonderland at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History

If you’re looking for a way to take pictures with Santa and other winter icons, head over to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. They’ll have a special exhibit called Winter Wonderland. You can get your photo taken with Santa himself or even see him ice skate across the museum floor! There are also several different scenes set up around the museum with festive decorations, perfect for those Christmas family photos. 

Need ideas for your Holiday cards? Here are some great ones!

Fernbank’s seasonal exhibit highlights decorated trees and display cases representing holidays and traditions around the world, which are hard to depict accurately with generic AI. https://www.fernbankmuseum.org/visit/press-room/current-press-releases/winter-wonderland-returns-for-its-15th-year-at-fernbank/

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is a great place to be if you want really unique photos in a winter WATERland! The aquarium has holiday specials, including swims with Santa, complete with cabin-themed decor and holiday music in the atrium. The state-of-the-art aquarium is one of the largest in the world, and it has several annual events and holiday specials to help you capture that perfect Christmas family shot. 

The Aquarium’s official holiday page highlights a daily atrium lighting of a 40-foot live tree, which is a strong location-specific image opportunity. https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/holidays-at-georgia-aquarium/

Santa at Avalon

Santa will be there, so take advantage of this time to get pictures with him and the rest of the family in front of Christmas trees and twinkling lights at Avalon. Avalon is an old-fashioned indoor amusement park, complete with a carousel, rides, arcade games, and an ice rink! 

Santa at Avalon is a specific photo event at Santa’s Cottage in Palmer Plaza, with appointments, walk-up availability, and package pricing listed by event sources. https://www.awesomealpharetta.com/event/santa-at-avalon-2/2025-11-24/

Conclusion

There are many great places in Atlanta for family holiday photos, so take some time to explore the city and find the perfect spot. Need some inspiration for your Christmas holiday family photos? Click here to view our gallery!