Three Ways to Give Back at Winter Wonderland This December
Winter Wonderland is about more than skating and photos with Santa. Alongside the rink, the igloos and the holiday marketplace at Grant Park on December 11, 12 and 13, 2026, the festival is running giving programs that help families across Metro Atlanta have a brighter holiday. Whether you want to give, ask for help or nominate someone who could use a lift, there is a way to take part.
Toys for Tots: bring a toy, make a kid's day
The festival has partnered with Toys for Tots, the long running program that puts toys in the hands of children at the holidays. The ask is simple. Pick up a new, unwrapped toy and drop it off in one of the gift boxes placed around the city, or bring it with you to the festival, where Marines will be collecting donations. Choose something a child would be excited to open, and keep it unwrapped so it can be matched to the right age group.
If you are already planning a trip to the park, this is the easiest way to give. Tuck a toy in the car before you head out, hand it off at the entrance and enjoy your day knowing it is on its way to a child who will love it. Families with kids can turn it into a small tradition by letting the children pick the toy themselves.
Christmas Wishes: for families, neighbors and donors
Christmas Wishes is a gift program with a goal of reaching at least 300 children, and it works in three directions. Families who could use help can request gifts. Neighbors, teachers, coworkers and friends can nominate a family they know is going through a hard season. And donors can fund a gift so that a child's wish becomes real.
If you are requesting or nominating, take a few minutes to share clear, honest details so the team can understand what would help most. If you are giving, even one funded gift matters to a family that receives it. You can find every step on the Christmas Wishes page at awwinthepark.com/christmas-wishes.
Santa's Special Delivery: a full wish list, fulfilled
Santa's Special Delivery goes one step further. Three families will have their full wish lists fulfilled. To be considered, apply with a letter to Santa. There is no RSVP needed for this one, so you can focus on telling your story. Details live at awwinthepark.com/santas-special-delivery.
A letter to Santa works best when it is specific and kind. Tell the team about your family, what the season has been like and what would make a difference at home. Parents can write it with their children, and neighbors who nominate someone should check with them first.
Make giving part of your festival weekend
Here is an easy way to plan it. Decide which program fits you best, set a small budget if you are donating, and put a reminder on your calendar before the festival so the toy or the form does not slip your mind. Then come enjoy the weekend, because the experiences around the giving are a big part of the fun: skating under the lights, Santa's Village, the Winter Igloo Village, the Holiday Spirits Garden and the main stage, with doors open from 12 PM to 10 PM each day.
If you run a business, a team or a school group, giving together can be even more fun. Collect toys in the office, invite friends to chip in on a funded gift, or make it a family project for the weekend. Kids learn a lot when they help choose a gift for another child.
Ready to join in?
Secure your free RSVP today at awwinthepark.com/tickets, then visit the giving pages to find the program that fits you. Come to Grant Park on December 11, 12 and 13 and help make this a holiday that reaches more families across Atlanta.
