From timeless classics to fresh newcomers, Atlanta theater has a ton of shows on tap this holiday season. Whether you’re excited to see dancers twirl and glide across the stage or Ebenezer Scrooge transform from grouch to good-mannered, there’s something available for everyone. Take a look at the merry lineup for a sneak peek of the offerings.
‘The Santaland Diaries’
The holiday comedy stars an out-of-work, middle-aged writer in need of some extra cash for the season. When he finally lands a gig as an elf at a Macy's department store, he goes on a strange and interesting adventure he'll never forget. Enjoy a good laugh with this year's production, which features actor Topher Payne taking over as Crumpet the Elf.
Through Dec. 31. $25. Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta. 404-584-7450, horizontheatre.com.
‘A Christmas Carol’
The Alliance Theatre is returning with the beloved favorite that follows Ebenezer Scrooge on his quest to goodness. On Christmas Eve, the grump is visited by three ghosts, who help him understand the spirit of the holidays. Staged for the first time at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the Broadway-scale production will feature live music and an all-star Atlanta cast.
Dec. 8-24. $14-$75. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org.
‘The Snow Queen’
From the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale that inspired the film “Frozen,” “The Snow Queen” is back for a fourth season. The whimsical show tells the story of two playmates who are swept away by the Snow Queen. Although her heart is icy, she is ultimately warmed by the little ones.
Nov. 30-Dec. 30. $20; $15 for seniors and students. Serenbe Playhouse, 10640 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110, serenbeplayhouse.com.
‘12 Dates of Christmas’
After Mary watches her fiance kiss another woman on live television, her world spirals out of control. But despite her luck, she’s eager to hit the dating scene again in a hilarious attempt to find the man of her dreams. Appropriate for teens and adults, the one-woman show is a contemporary take on the holiday season.
Nov. 25-Dec. 23. $20; $15 for students. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222, auroratheatre.com.
‘Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker’
During the magical, two-act show, young Maria awakens to an army of gigantic toys and mice all ruled by one evil mouse. Luckily, the Nutcracker Prince may be able to help her as the two whirl across the stage. Choreographed by John McFall, check out this version before the company unveils a brand-new "Nutcracker" for 2018.
Dec. 8-28. $21.25-$125.25. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org.
‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’
Based on the 1964 stop-motion animated special, Rudolph and his pals, who are all outcasts, search their winter wonderland for a place that will accept them. In the midst of the voyage, Santa realizes the reindeer’s bright, red nose may not be so troublesome after all. Bring your kids for a fun show that also includes a puppet workshop and admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum.
Through Dec. 31. $11.25-$35. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-3391, puppet.org.
‘Black Nativity’
Originally written in 1961 by poet Langston Hughes, “Black Nativity” retells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The one-act version of the production takes audiences on a journey as the troupe sings and dances through a number of powerful spirituals and anthems.
Nov. 29-Dec. 17. $40; $25 for students and seniors. Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater and Gallery, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta. blacknativityatlanta.com.
‘Another Night Before Christmas’
Karol isn’t looking forward to the holidays. In fact, she’s ready for the season to end. But when she encounters a homeless man on the way home from a party, he appears again in her apartment, and she begins to question whether he might actually be Santa Claus. Is she right?
Dec. 6-17. $28; $24 for seniors. Art Station, 5384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105, artstation.org.
‘Merry Little Holiday Shorts’
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, this special showcase provides a diverse mix of holiday cheer for all. The collection of nine one-act plays features an assortment of scripts written by local and national playwrights. While some reflect on their first-ever Christmas, others remember picking out the perfect Christmas tree. Enjoy the variety of stories during this unique performance.
Nov. 30-Dec. 10. $16. Onstage Atlanta, 2969 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. onstageatlanta.com.
‘A Taffeta Christmas’
In this show set in Muncie, Ind., in the 1950s, the local Dumont Television Network is including the Taffetas — Kaye, Peggy, Cheryl and Donna — on its weekly TV program titled “Hometown Hoedown.” Clap and sing along as the foursome performs some new songs and a few holiday tunes.
Through Dec. 17. $15. Legacy Theatre, 1175 Senoia Road, Tyrone. 404-895-1473, thelegacytheatre.org.
‘Christmas at Sweet Apple’
Written by award-winning playwright Phillip DePoy, this feel-good tale is based on the writings of AJC columnist Celestine Sibley. The stories, told through narrative and song, are inspired by Sibley’s two books, “Christmas in Georgia” and “Especially at Christmas.” The company invites you to “take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday craziness” for the festive affair.
Dec. 1-17. $33; $30 for seniors; $22 for students. Stage Door Players, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-396-1726, stagedoorplayers.net.
‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly’
Are you a fan of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”? The story continues as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy’s middle daughter, Mary Bennet, finds love. Often overshadowed by her sisters, Mary is cast into the spotlight when she meets a suitor who could be a perfect match.
Nov. 30-Dec. 24. $18-$51. Theatrical Outfit, Balzer Theater at Herren's, 84 Luckie St., Atlanta. 678-528-1500, theatricaloutfit.org.
‘The Hip-Hop Nutcracker’
Ballet meets hip-hop in this cool mashup of a holiday tradition. The action takes place on New Year’s Eve instead of Christmas Eve, and the army of mice is replaced by a mouse-ear-wearing gang. It’s up to a nut seller to save the day as he breaks and pops his way to victory.
6:30 p.m. Nov. 26. $25.50-$80. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org.
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