Is it just us or is there a little extra jingle in our steps this holiday season? If you’re feeling festive and are ready to fill your calendar with performances that will make you downright jolly, keep reading for shows in Atlanta to put on your calendar, now.
A Christmas Carol
The Alliance Theatre’s beloved production A CHRISTMAS CAROL will return to the Coca-Cola Stage this year with an exciting new adaption, including a completely reimagined set design and stunning new costumes. Audiences will be transported to the streets of London to revisit the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to redemption, told with beautiful live music and an all-star cast.
On December 4, 5, 11, and 12 before the 2:30 p.m. performances, families are invited to enjoy a fun lobby activity before the performance. There will be a craft-making activity, and a photographer that will take your family's souvenir photo against a set backdrop from the show (souvenir photo is an additional fee).
Show runs Nov. 12-Dec. 24, ticket prices vary by seating
1280 Peachtree St. NE
Midtown
Purchase Tickets: alliancetheatre.org
The Nutcracker
One year past its intended Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre debut, Atlanta Ballet will make its long-anticipated return to the theatre stage to present Yuri Possokhov’s The Nutcracker. Described as “one of the most entertaining [Nutcrackers] out there” by The Washington Post following the Company’s 2019 Washington D.C. debut at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, this innovative production features larger-than-life sets and bold costumes enhanced by striking video projections, created by a world-class creative team that includes Tony Award-winning and -nominated designers.
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway
Cobb County
Purchase Tickets: cobbenergycentre.com
Christmas Canteen
Aurora Theatre's annual Christmas Canteen, which showcases a medley of festive tunes and vignettes that cover all the Christmas classics, will be held for the first time on the sparkling new 500-seat Grand Stage Theatre of the Lawrenceville Arts Center. This stunning revue is an explosion of Christmas magic brimming with songs, comic sketches and trips down memory lane making The Most Wonderful Time of the Year an unforgettable experience.
Catch the Canteen from Nov. 26-Dec. 23; Tickets start at $25
128 East Pike St.
Lawrenceville
Purchase Tickets: auroratheatre.com
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
In this version of Clement C. Moore's classic holiday poem, performed with hand puppets, children will get the real story of that night from a mouse who was an eyewitness to the whole affair. It’s a merry tale with lots of silly twists and turns to entertain and amuse children of all ages. Aurora Children's Theatre creates performances about 45 minutes in length, perfect for the young attention span, and fun for the whole family.
128 East Pike St.
Lawrenceville
Purchase Tickets: tickets.auroratheatre.com
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Adapted and directed by Jon Ludwig; this puppet show is based on the classic television special, and has become an Atlanta holiday tradition. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer soars back into town for this faithful adaptation that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
Nov. 10-Jan. 2 on select days.
1404 Spring St. NW
Midtown
Online: puppet.org
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Light up your holidays at The Fox Theatre with Chevy Chase live on stage plus audience Q&A following a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. After the showing of the holiday classic on the big screen, the celebration will continue with actor Chevy Chase (Clark Griswold) sharing stories from his career and the making of his classic movies and legendary television programs. Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. Midtown Online: foxtheatre.org
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
This holiday season, the beloved tradition that has captured the hearts of families everywhere returns to the live stage at The Fox Theatre. The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical is the thrilling spectacle of music and dance that transports audiences to the North Pole to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.; tickets start at $29.95 660 Peachtree St. Midtown Online: foxtheatre.org
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Re-discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Originally conceived by the three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien, the whimsical world of Whoville features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Dec. 7-12; tickets start at $40 660 Peachtree St. Midtown Online: foxtheatre.org
Hip Hop Nutcracker
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to the stage for its seventh season on tour. This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovksy’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. Midtown Online: foxtheatre.org
—Shelley Massey