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December's Food Scene Gets Cozy: Hot-Chocolate Crawls, Holiday Parties and More

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/28 .. t-chocolate-crawls-holiday-parties-and-more.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 8:49 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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December’s Food Scene Gets Cozy: Hot‑Chocolate Crawls, Holiday Parties and More

As the holiday season rolls into the Atlanta skyline, the city’s culinary map lights up with an array of festive happenings that promise more than just a bite of comfort food. The recent article from The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution titled “Hot Chocolate Crawls, Holiday Parties Headline December Food Events” captures the spirit of the season, detailing a series of events that range from indulgent chocolate tastings to elegant holiday soirees. Below is a comprehensive summary of what the article covers, plus some extra context gleaned from the linked events and the broader food‑culture scene in the city.

1. The Rise of the Hot Chocolate Crawl

At the heart of the article is the “Hot Chocolate Crawl,” a city‑wide bar‑hop that invites patrons to sample creative, artisanal hot chocolate concoctions from some of Atlanta’s most iconic establishments. The crawl is scheduled for the first weekend of December and is organized by a local foodie collective that partners with five different venues:

Participants receive a map and a “chocolate passport” to stamp each stop. The crawl also features a contest where the most creative latte art wins a $50 gift card. The article quotes the event organizer, Marina Alvarez, who emphasizes that “this isn’t just about the drink—it’s about community and shared indulgence in a city that’s usually on the move.”

2. Holiday Parties and Festive Pop‑Ups

Following the hot chocolate crawl, the article highlights a string of holiday parties that cater to both corporate and private guests. These parties are often held in historic venues or at trendy rooftop spaces, providing a mix of classic holiday music and contemporary culinary twists.

• Piedmont Park’s Winter Wonderland: A free outdoor gathering featuring a hot chocolate station, live carolers, and a “DIY gingerbread house” activity for kids.
• The BeltLine Ice Rink Party: A ticketed affair that pairs a hot chocolate bar with a curated wine selection.
• Highland Park Hotel’s “A Holiday to Remember” Gala: A three‑course dinner with a “spiced apple” dessert wine pairing.

The article notes that these events typically include a “chocolate tasting menu” featuring seasonal desserts such as peppermint bark and eggnog truffles. Organizers often collaborate with local chocolatiers—Chocophilia Atlanta and Sweet Temptations—to supply artisanal chocolate for these celebrations.

3. Additional December Food Events

In addition to the hot chocolate crawl and holiday parties, the article provides a concise rundown of other December food events that appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes:

• “Festive Food Truck Fest” at Westside Park: A day‑long gathering of food trucks offering holiday specials (e.g., cranberry‑spiced tacos, gingerbread burritos).
• “Brew‑And‑Bites” at Atlanta Brewing Co.: A tap‑room tasting paired with a chocolate‑infused beer and a hot chocolate “bomb” (a small cup of chocolate poured into a warm drink).
• “Pecan Pie & Chocolate Meringue” Workshop hosted by Atlanta Baking Co.: A hands‑on cooking class where participants learn to combine Southern pecan pie flavors with chocolate meringue for a holiday dessert.

Each event includes a brief overview of the menu highlights and the dates they are scheduled to run.

4. Why Chocolate Is a Holiday Staple

The article provides an insightful exploration of why chocolate—particularly hot chocolate—has become synonymous with winter celebrations in the region. From the historical popularity of chocolate in the Southern United States to modern culinary trends such as “chocolate pairings” with spirits, the article points to the rising interest in “experiential chocolate,” where consumers are not just eating chocolate, but engaging with it through interactive events like crawls, tastings, and workshops.

According to food historian Dr. Elaine Chen, chocolate has always been a comfort food in the South, but its role as a social catalyst is a newer development. “People are looking for shared experiences in a time of isolation, and what better way than to enjoy hot chocolate together?” she says.

5. Practical Tips for Participation

For readers eager to join the festivities, the article offers practical advice:

• Reserve Early: Many events have limited capacity and require pre‑registration.
• Dress Warmly: Especially for the hot chocolate crawl, as it takes place outdoors on chilly evenings.
• Bring a Friend: Many venues offer group discounts for the hot chocolate crawl.
• Check for Allergies: Several hot chocolate options contain nuts or dairy; venues typically provide allergy information on their websites.

6. Community Impact and Sustainability

A recurring theme in the article is the emphasis on community and sustainability. Many of the hot chocolate venues partner with local dairy cooperatives and use organic, fair‑trade chocolate. Some of the holiday parties feature a “Zero‑Waste” policy, encouraging reusable cups and recyclable packaging. The organizer, Marina Alvarez, highlights that the crawl is not only a culinary adventure but also a platform to raise awareness about the environmental impact of food production.

7. The Bottom Line

The article’s core message is clear: December in Atlanta offers an extraordinary blend of tradition and innovation when it comes to holiday food events. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur, a corporate planner, or a family looking for a holiday outing, there’s an event that fits your taste. With the hot chocolate crawl leading the charge, the city proves once again that its culinary community is as vibrant and welcoming as ever.

By covering a diverse array of events—from hot chocolate tastings to sophisticated holiday dinners—the article showcases the city’s creativity and commitment to creating shared, festive experiences. It invites the reader not just to taste the holiday season, but to live it fully, one sip of hot chocolate at a time.