When winter settles over Lake Lanier, the fun doesn’t stop—it just moves inside. All around the lake you can trade chilly breezes for warm, lively spaces packed with games, sports and creativity.

Start at Topgolf Atlanta – Buford, where heated, climate-controlled bays keep you cozy while you tee off. Covered hitting bays, HDTVs, and a full restaurant and sports bar make it feel like a winter lodge with a driving range attached—perfect for holiday break outings or a New Year’s get-together.

Over at Lanier Islands, the all-indoor Game Changer takes winter play to the next level. This two-story, 23,000-square-foot entertainment hub features virtual sports suites with 30+ games, axe throwing, duckpin bowling, an escape room, arcade games and on-site dining—an easy way to spend an entire chilly afternoon without ever stepping back into the cold.

Just minutes away, Decoy in Gainesville is a perfect family hangout for the winter season around the lake. Warm, lively, and full of things to do, Decoy offers shuffleboard, darts, billiards, giant Jenga, board games, and kid-friendly favorites that keep everyone entertained. Pair the fun with delicious bites and fun indoor spaces, and you’ve got an ideal spot to escape the cold and make lasting memories together.

If you prefer a quieter kind of winter escape, Hall County’s art scene has you covered. In Gainesville, Quinlan Visual Arts Center and Studio T/M Pottery and Clay offer pottery classes, workshops and studio time for all levels, while Celestial Studios at Lakeshore Mall provides paint-your-own pottery fun for families and friend groups. 

From the glow of heated golf bays and indoor kart tracks to the warmth of a pottery studio, winter around Lake Lanier is the perfect season to play, create and stay cozy inside.