A Christmas Carol / Photo courtesy of Alliance Theatre

Holiday Best Bets

Holiday Shows

Now through December 24

A Christmas Carol 

Alliance Theatre 

Join the Alliance Theatre for one of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday traditions: the beloved production of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story “A Christmas Carol.” Get tickets at alliancethatre.org.

Now through December 18 

Christmas Dearest 

Out Front Theatre Company 

It’s 1953, and Joan is desperate to reignite her career with the new film “Oh, Mary!” a splashy musical adaptation of the life of the Virgin Mary — and it’s turning her into a tyrant. She learns the true meaning of the holidays when she’s visited by three ghosts who show her the error of her ways. Get tickets for $30 at outfrontheatre.com. 

Now through December 23 

A Christmas Carol 

2:30pm and 8pm 

Aurora Theatre 

Aurora Theatre Co-founder Anthony Rodriguez’s unforgettable one-man performance of “A Christmas Carol” returns for its 16th year with a twist you won’t want to miss. Buy tickets at auroratheatre.com. 

Y’allmark Christmas 

Horizon Theatre 

Deck the halls with Dad’s Garage and Horizon Theatre this season with this improvised holiday “movie” led by Atlanta playwright and bonafide Hallmark move screenwriter Topher Payne. This show takes tried-and-true holiday tropes, audience suggestions, a rotating cast of three veteran improvisors from Dad’s Garage, and a different daily guest Horizon actor to create an all-new, live, onstage holiday “movie” from scratch every night. Buy tickets at horizontheatre.com.

December 15, 16, and 18 

Christmas with the ASO 

8pm on the 15th and 16th, 3pm and 7pm on the 18th

Atlanta Symphony Hall 

Director of Choruses Norman Mackenzie leads the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in an evening of holiday carols, hymns and more. Learn more at aso.org.  

December 16 through 18 

Libby’s Annual Christmas Cabaret: “Ho, Ho, Home for the Holidays and A Connie Sue Day Christmas” 

7:30pm 

Actor’s Express 

She’s back! Atlanta cabaret legend Libby Whittemore reprises her annual holiday show at Actor’s Express. Buy tickets at actors-express.com. 

December 17 

Winter of Wonders with the Atlanta Women’s Chorus 

2pm and 7pm 

Cascade Midtown United Methodist Church 

The Atlanta Women’s Chorus holiday show brings the joy and awe of the season in full view. Focusing on songs that elicit the feelings of winter and the joy of the holidays, this program is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Learn more at voicesofnote.org. 

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony 

8pm 

Atlanta Symphony Hall 

Celtic Woman is the most successful all-female group in Irish history, and this event a rare opportunity to hear Celtic Woman’s angelic harmonies with the thrilling live sound of a full symphony orchestra in an intimate concert setting. Buy tickets at aso.org. 

Holidays On Stage and Screen with Atlanta Freedom Bands 

8pm 

Church at Ponce and Highland 

Ring in the season with your favorite music from theater, television, and film. Atlanta Freedom Band’s annual holiday production hauls out the holly with selections from the stages of Broadway, cinematic classics, and the heart-warming television specials of our childhood. Learn more at atlantafreedombands.com. 

December 20 

Mighty Mo & More! 

7:30pm 

The Fox Theatre 

Ring in the holidays right with this free holiday event, presented by Georgia Natural Gas. The lineup includes appearances by Santa, musical performance by President and CEO Allan Vella and The Grits, and Miracle on 34th Street. Guests are encouraged to “bring their socks to the Fox” to support Project Live Love’s mission to clothe the needy this winter. Learn more at foxtheatre.org. 

December 21 

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra 

Holiday Concert 

11am and 12:15 pm 

North Avenue Presbyterian Church 

Learn more at aso.org. 

December 22 and 23 

Motown Christmas 

8pm 

Aurora Theatre

Who says Christmas can’t be smooth? ‘Tis the season for a night of Christmas cheer featuring all your Motown favorites. This cabaret-style show features the classic you love with the  Motwon flavor you can’t beat. Buy tickets at auroratheatre.com. 

December 23 

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet 

3pm and 7pm 

The Fox Theatre 

Gather friends and family to relive your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Tickets start at $34 and can be purchased at foxtheatre.org. 

 

Holiday Parties

Friday, December 16 

A HOT MESS CHRISTMAS 

10pm to 3am 

The Basement 

It’s like a Christmas bar, but fun! Dance the night away with Kimber (who promises at least one play of “The Mariah Song”), enjoy more lights and tinsel than you can handle, sip on holiday drink specials, and don’t forget your free pic with Santa! Tickets start at $10 on Eventbrite. 

Dirty Elf 

10pm to 3am 

The Heretic 

Have a jolly good time at the annual Medusa Dirty Eld event with DJ Paulo Fragoso. Come dressed naughty or nice.

Tickets at hereticatlanta.com.

Saturday, December 17  

ATL “Naughty or Nice” 

10pm to 3am 

The Heretic 

Presented by Deviant Events. Tickets at hereticatlanta.com. 

Sunday, December 18

Come Unwrapped: The 2022 Holiday Party  

3pm to 6pm 

The T 

It’s that time of the year: time to help out Santa and gather toys for the kids of Chris180. Bring a new, unwrapped gift for children of all ages to get entry — and enjoy an open bar from 2 to 3pm. No toy is too small or too big! 

Ugly Sweater Party 

3pm to 6pm 

The Hideaway 

Wear your best ugly Christmas sweater, sip on $6 Absolut, and get your photo taken with Santa! Prizes will be given to the best sweater. Learn more at thehideawayatlanta.com.  

Winter Tea Dance 

7pm to midnight 

Future Atlanta 

Guy Scheiman makes his Future debut at this no-cover event – don your best holiday attire and dance the evening away! Get tickets at future-atlanta.com. 

 

New Year’s Eve

Noon Year’s Eve

10am to 3pm 

The Roof at Ponce City Market

Don’t feel like staying up ‘til midnight? Countdown to noon at The Roof’s annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration! Skyline Park will host an all ages, family-friendly celebration for parents and children of all ages to ring in 2023. All-Access tickets include admission and gameplay for $25 for all ages. Add ice skating for an additional $10. Learn more at poncecityroof.com.

New Year’s Eve Bash at The Battery 

6pm

The Battery 

Bring your family to the Early Inning Party, which includes music from Justin Roberts and wraps up at 8pm with an early inflatable baseball drop, or stay later for the Late Innings party, which starts at 9pm with a performance from 12 South Band and concludes with a fireworks display. This event is free. 

A Totally Golden ‘80s New Years 

9pm to 1am

Metropolitan Studios 

Ring in the new year with the Golden Gays: the premier Golden Girls musical drag troupe! Enjoy ‘80s themed drinks and food, Golden Girls trivia, a best Sophia Petrillo costume contest, live musical performances, and dancing! Tickets start at $60 on Eventbrite. 

“Night in Paris” New Year’s Eve Party at Brassica 

8:30pm to 2am 

Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead 

Ring in the new year in luxury at this enchanted black-tie evening. For $350/person, enjoy a five-course tasting menu with pairings at Brassica followed by an evening of entertainment from the Tommy W. Swing Band and unlimited Telmont champagne. Not interested in dinner? Get access to the evening part for $125/person. 

Heretic New Year’s Eve White Party 

9pm to 3am 

The Heretic 

Don your best all-white attire and party the night away with DJ Roland Belmares and host Angelica D’Paige. Tickets at hereticatlanta.com. 

Atlanta Wine Festivals New Year’s Eve 

9pm to 1am 

City Winery 

This all-inclusive party includes a buffet, liquor, beer, wine, live music from Davis and the Love, and a DJ. Tickets start at $109. Buy tickets at atlantawinefestivals.com/new-years. 

Savage Saturday NYE Mega Party 

10pm to 6am 

840ATL

Ring in 2023 at 840ATL with vendors, food trucks, and dancing all night long. Learn more at 840atl.eventbrite.com.