Atlanta Magazine’s December 2023 Issue

December means it is time for our 44th annual Best of Atlanta issue! We always enjoy serving this list to our readers each year because it reminds us of just how much this city continues to evolve and excite. This year, we were able to see how old favorites have weathered the test of time as well as discover new businesses that will surely make a mark on Atlanta. We invite you to read our editors’ selection of the city’s best things to buy, eat, drink, and do from 2023. Also, don’t forget about the Reader’s Choice selection where we asked all of you to tell us your favorites in dozens of categories. You answered the call because we received over 200 winners and are thrilled to share them in this issue.

Challenges to school library books is definitely not new; however, in recent years, it has become part of the larger discussion on how we tell the story of America to children. Many books have been banned from public school libraries in the last year, particularly those featuring LGBTQ+ characters or topics of racism and assault. While Georgia has seen fewer book bans than other states, there is still plenty of controversy over who reads what. In this issue, we dive into the latest fight over books in Georgia schools.

As the holidays are approaching, many are getting excited to participate in yearly traditions. A beloved tradition for many is seeing The Nutcracker, performed by the dancers of Atlanta Ballet. In this issue, we go beyond the stage and focus on the dancers that bring the magic to life. This includes listing initiatives the company is taking to promote diversity and detailing how these athletes fuel their performances through the food they eat.

While this exciting issue is packed full of content, we want to heavily emphasize the true meaning of the holiday season: giving. The city of Atlanta is full of organizations doing exceptional work to improve lives and make a difference. We have included a collection of these organizations within our issue in honor of our annual GIVE Atlanta special section. We invite our readers to learn more about these organizations and possible ways to give back this year.