MARIETTA
White Elephant Party at Battle & Brew
This video game restaurant and bar is plugged in for a holiday-themed event. They’ll be putting down the game controllers for a white elephant gift exchange. But this doesn’t mean the competition will be any less ruthless. Guests are asked to bring an inexpensive wrapped gift, be it wacky or practical. Participants take turns picking a present, but watch out. If the next person in line fancies your gift, they can snatch it from you. Then it’s back under the tree to choose another one, and the turn passes. The game ends when all of the gifts get opened. Save your energy, because Battle & Brew has local area network gaming. It offers PC and Xbox 360 games on massive televisions, a laundry list of discerning beers and a selection of pub grub.
8 p.m. Dec. 22. Free. Battle & Brew, 279 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta. 678-560-1500, www.battleandbrew.com.
NORCROSS
Home for the Holidays Super Pet Adoption at North Atlanta Trade Center
Does the idea of having a new pet under the Christmas tree have you purring with delight? Atlanta Animals Alive hosts this pet adoption event, which gives you the opportunity to choose from more than 200 adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Each comes from local rescue groups and shelters, so you’d be doing a good deed in the process, which is a good way to land on Santa’s “Nice” list. Pet-related vendors display their products and services. Pet microchips and rabies vaccines will be available on site. If your pet is friendly and vaccinated, feel free to bring him or her along. Guests can have their pets’ picture taken with Santa Paws, while kids can experience face painting and other activities.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 22. Free. North Atlanta Trade Center, 1700 Jeurgens Court, Norcross. 770-279-9899, www.northatlantatradecenter.com.
SANDY SPRINGS
‘ESPMprov 2: The Reindeer Games’ at Act3 Playhouse
The gloves and mittens are off as groups of improvisers duke it out in this off-the-cuff competition, this time with a holiday theme. Audience members offer their suggestions for scenarios, and the teams whip up their best improvisational scenes right then and there. Which team will emerge victorious? As guests watch for the outcome, others are invited to get involved in the action for the opportunity to win prizes. Special guests include Gina DeLise, Rachel Biddle and Aubrey Turnbull, and each will be belting out seasonal songs.
7 p.m. Dec. 22. $10; $8 students and seniors; $5 ages 12 and younger. Act3 Playhouse, 6285-R Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 770-241-1905, www.act3productions.org.
