Holiday Party Venues for Rent in Atlanta

Even though you wouldn’t call Atlanta a Winter Wonderland, as this part of the country rarely gets any snow, the atmosphere is still no less than magical. The city is flooded with colorful lights and the holiday spirit is ever present. Macy’s Great Tree lights up Lenox Square. The roof at Ponce City Market turns into a rink, where you can skate and admire views of the skyline. There are festive pop-up bars, Christmas markets, and countless events to get you into the festive mood.

But it’s not just ice skating, wandering the streets with an apple cider in hand and admiring the light displays. The time leading up to the holidays can get a bit hectic, with people rummaging through the shopping malls for gifts for their loved ones, planning their festive gatherings and stressing about getting everything right. If you’re one of those people – well, we can’t help you with the shopping bit, but we’re about to show you that organizing an event doesn’t have to be stressful at all.

Want to make your family gathering special by changing the scenery and renting a beautiful venue? Or, maybe you’ve been tasked with finding the perfect space for your corporate holiday party? With us, you’ll nail the job! We’ve combed through the city in search of party spots that will help you sprinkle that extra bit of joy on your guests, so check our listings! And should you need some tips and advice, keep reading.

What kinds of holiday party venues can I find in Atlanta?

Depending on what type of party we’re talking about – a classic, sit-down dinner, a fun night out or maybe even a combination of the two – Atlanta abounds in different kinds of event spaces ready and willing to accommodate all sorts of holiday celebrations! Check out some of the most popular venue types below, then hop on our platform to book your perfect Atlanta venue!

• Private dining rooms – One of the most popular options for holiday parties, they enable you to enjoy a little bit of privacy and solve the question of “what to eat?”. All you have to do is pick the menu – no need to worry about booking external vendors or preparing everything yourself.

• Full restaurant/cafe buyouts – If you’re planning a larger event, you can rent an entire restaurant, cafe or other venue for your exclusive use. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have your favorite locale all to yourself? Of course, not all venues offer this option, so ask the manager whether it’s a possibility!

• Bars – And how about a holiday cocktail party with some festive holiday drinks? Enjoy trusted classics such as creamy eggnog or mulled wine, or try something entirely new! Atlanta’s bars are ready to surprise you with their inventive beverages. Some venues also feature private or semi-private areas.

• Clubs – Maybe you want to hit the dance floor and move your body to some festive tunes? If so, explore the city’s nightlife spots. Buckhead, Downtown or Westside are packed with amazing venues ready to rock your world this holiday season!

• Outdoor holiday party venues – If you fancy an outdoor holiday party, why not? Atlanta’s mild winters should allow for open-air festivities. Still, if you choose this option, remember to layer up! Many outdoor venues, such as restaurant patios, will also offer heaters to keep you warm and cozy.

• Lofts and converted warehouses – Typically, they offer a lot of space and an industrial setting that can be transformed with lights and festive decorations. They could be a great choice for large-scale events, such as company-wide holiday parties.

• Ballrooms, halls and function rooms – These can be typically found in hotels or event centers, however, some restaurants and bars also feature function rooms for rent. They can range from super chic and elegant to more casual.

Remember that there are no hard rules about what shape a holiday party should take. So, be as traditional or as unconventional as you like! All of these suggestions can work equally well for a casual gathering with friends or a corporate holiday party. Just know who your guests are and what the general vibe is to avoid a potential faux pas.

What should I consider when booking a holiday party venue in Atlanta?

Now, let’s get to the planning part. If you want to find the perfect venue to host your festivities, there is a list of things to think about. Figuring out these details will guide you in your search, so grab a piece of paper (or your phone, or whatever is the most convenient) and take some notes!

• Budget – One of the most important things to consider is the size of your budget. How much money can you spend on the holiday party? If you prefer, you can set separate budgets for venue rental, catering, decorations, etc. Once you know what part of your funds can go toward renting an event space, Tagvenue makes it easy to filter venues by price and only view those that fit your range.
  

• Catering – Delicious food is definitely high on the list of holiday party essentials. But before anyone can enjoy the mouth-watering treats, there are a couple of decisions to be made. For example, are you looking for a venue that provides in-house catering? Or would you rather organize this bit yourself? If you choose the latter, make sure you check whether your venue allows external catering. Some venues will have a list of preferred vendors, while others may give you a free hand.
  
  Another thing to consider: in what form do you want to serve the food? Depending on the style of your holiday party, you could have a traditional sit-down dinner or a buffet table with bite-sized snacks.
  
  And, of course, let’s not forget the drinks! If you plan on serving alcohol, make sure your venue has a license. If you want to save some money and buy in bulk from an external vendor, choose a venue with a BYOB policy and keep in mind that you’ll likely be asked to pay a corkage fee.
  
  Remember to also consider the needs of your non-drinking guests and those with special dietary requirements.
  

• Location – When picking a location for your holiday party in Atlanta, first and foremost consider its accessibility. Many of the city’s neighborhoods are very walkable, so perhaps you could find a nice venue within walking distance? The walk could be an attraction in itself, giving you the chance to check out the light displays and decorations. If you or your guests have to commute, don’t forget to factor in the city’s dense traffic – in fact, expect the roads to be even busier during the holiday season. Check whether there are any public transport links.
  

• Vibe – Besides fabulous food and company, holiday parties are all about that special atmosphere! So, pay close attention to the venue’s ambiance. Do you prefer a bright or dimly-lit room? An open-floor plan or a space filled with intimate nooks? Something minimalist or full of quirks? An interior that boasts some classic chic or industrial vibes? And what about music – loud and dominant or just some background tunes? Think about what would go best with the kind of party you’re planning, then look for a venue that ticks all the boxes!
  

• Decorations – Whether you can decorate a rented space is a question you should ask the venue manager. If you don’t want to have to worry about finding the right decorations, book a space that’s already decorated. Some venues will offer sets of decorations that you can rent. But if you really care for that personal touch, by all means – go for it! (After you get the permission, of course.) Our only piece of advice here is to buy the kind of decorations you will use more than once. Maybe you already have something suitable at home or maybe you can borrow from family and friends? If you really have to use disposables, make sure they’re made from eco-friendly materials (e.g. paper bunting or garlands).

Bonus tip: Get a head start and dive into the planning process early. Remember that the holiday season is a busy time for event venues and everyone else is planning their holiday parties too! The earlier you start looking for the venue, the bigger your chances at securing the perfect spot. When picking the date, remember to consider your guests’ other commitments (they may be attending more than one holiday party).

What is there to do in Atlanta during the holiday season?

Got some time to spare before the party? Or maybe you want to move a little after the festive dinner and are looking for some fun activities across the city? You’re in luck – Atlanta is packed with things to see and try out during the holiday season! Here are some of our favorites:

• Watch the light displays at Atlanta Botanical Garden – Garden Lights, Holiday Nights is an annual light installation at Midtown’s Atlanta Botanical Garden. The garden may not be in full bloom in winter time, but it comes alive with all the colorful, twinkling lights. Sip on some hot cider, join the carolers in singing some holiday tunes and take a stroll through the magical garden.

• Visit the Atlanta Christkindl Market – Nothing awakens the holiday spirit like a visit to a Christmas market! Head to the Buckhead Village District for an annual traditional German market taking place at the Helen Marketplatz. Wander between the stalls, find original gifts for your beloved and try some authentic German food and drinks! You can also catch a live performance and take a festive photo with a beautiful Christmas tree.
• Check out the holiday performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Every year, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs a series of holiday concerts. Reserve from 90 minutes to 2 hours and lose yourself in a cacophony of sounds. This one’s a must on the holiday agenda of classical music lovers!

• Catch a performance of A Christmas Carol – Follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks on a journey within himself, challenged by three ghosts who help him see his past, present and future. You can watch this Christmas classic performed live by acclaimed Atlanta actors from the renowned Alliance Theatre Company. Or, if you’re into Elizabethan theater, check out the Shakespeare Tavern’s adaptation. Apart from talented actors who put up a world-class performance every year, you can also enjoy a British pub menu for a truly authentic experience.

• Have a Stone Mountain Christmas – If you have time for a quick road trip outside of the city, we recommend Stone Mountain, located within a 30-minute ride from Downtown Atlanta. The beloved landmark and one of the most visited tourist attractions turns into a holiday paradise every December. Two million lights adorn the spacious park, setting the scene for a variety of events and holiday-themed productions. Hop on board the Singalong Train and do some caroling, shop for Christmas gifts for your loved ones in the village or see Santa at the nightly parade. But that’s not all! There are many, many more attractions and the scenery itself is enough to get you into a festive mood!

Holiday Party Venues in Atlanta FAQ

How much does it cost to rent a holiday party venue in Atlanta?

Renting a venue for a holiday party in Atlanta can cost you from around $70 to $200 per hour. Some venues charge per session, in which case prices can range from $100 to $5000 per session. Rental fees typically don’t include the costs of catering, so remember to factor that in when planning your budget. Alternatively, look for venues that offer package deals – those usually include food and drinks and run from around $20 to $55 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of Atlanta have the best venues for a holiday party?

You’ll find the best choice of holiday party venues in the very heart of Atlanta. Start your search from the vibrant Downtown area, with its sophisticated restaurants and industrial lofts. Buzzing Midtown is also filled with many fantastic restaurants and amazing bars, while its fancier neighbor, Buckhead, is famed for its nightlife scene, rich in fine dining spots, hotel bars and extravagant clubs. If you’re into hip vibes, definitely check out the venues in Eastside Atlanta, home to cool neighborhoods such as Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points or Old Fourth Ward.

What are some of the best holiday party venues in Atlanta?

Check out some of our recommendations:

• Park 82 – A stylish restaurant located in Whitewater Creek with elegant interiors and up to 188 seats perfect for an intimate cocktail party and a traditional, sit-down dinner.
• Pour Taproom: Midtown – How about a sliver of sophistication? This Midtown-based coktail lounge offers a luxurious escape into the the world of beer and wine. Choose the elegant Cocktail Lounge 3rd Floor, with its 92 taps, or host your celebration in The Mezzanine 2nd Floor, which overlooks the entire space.
• Houck's Grille – And if you’re looking for something truly unique, throw your holiday party in The Patio at Houck's Grille, filled with lush greenery and simple but elegant decor. Choose this Cross Point venue for an enchanted dining experience.

Can I bring my own food to a rented venue?

The generic answer to this question is: it depends. Always ask the manager if they allow external catering. Some venues will have a list of preferred vendors, while others will give you a free hand. If you also want to bring your own drinks, check the venue’s policy on BYOB. When you get a green light from the manager, bringing your own food and beverages to the event can help you significantly cut the costs.