For some, Christmas is synonymous with tradition. The same tree-lighting rituals, the same Bing Crosby songs, the same cookies baked to leave out for Santa and his reindeer.
Then there are others who want to throttle the Starbucks clerk if they hear Crosby’s “White Christmas” one more time and reject any vestiges of predictable Christmas activities.
Many of you probably fall somewhere in the middle -- a little Bing is OK, but so is some Bieber or Buble.
For those deciding whether to go the traditional or contemporary route with your holiday outings this year, we’re giving you some options. But we take no responsibility for the fallout.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, “A Very Merry Holiday Pops”
Though there are six holiday-related events featuring the ASO (including one with singer/"Real Housewife" Kandi Burruss), the program led by principal pops conductor Michael Krajewski sounds like a blissful collection of conventionally cool selections. “Memphis” star -- and Tony Award nominee -- Montego Glover and singer-pianist Tony DeSare will make appearances, as will a dancing Santa and a drum line.
8 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 17. $22-$59. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Celtic Woman, “A Celtic Christmas”
Atlanta is obviously a prime market for the Irish phenoms. After sold-out shows at the Fox Theatre in February and September -- the latter filmed for a PBS special -- the lasses return next month for their first-ever symphony tour. Expect a slew of Christmas songs -- and if you need a primer, check out their versions of “Carol of the Bells” and “The Wexford Carol” on 2006’s “A Christmas Celebration” -- specially arranged with the ASO.
8 p.m. Dec. 20. $35-$90. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Atlanta Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
The dreamy fantasy buffered by Tchaikovsky’s indelible suite is as associated with the holidays as candy canes and endless airings of “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.” But the forever-classy ballet staffed with a sugar plum fairy, Mouse King and the curious Clara continues to delight young ones and their families. This year’s Atlanta rendition is choreographed by John McFall.
Dec. 8-24. Times vary. $20-$88. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Also performing "The Nutcracker: Northeast Atlanta Ballet, accompanied by the Gwinnett Community Symphony Orchestra. Nov. 25-27. Times vary. $13.50-$19.50. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, which will feature a 30-piece orchestra for eight of its 11 performances. Dec. 3-17. Times vary. $19.50 -- $29.50. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Urban Nutcracker Wonderland
For the 18th year, Atlanta’s Ballethnic Dance Company is breaking out its creative rendering of “The Nutcracker,” which retains the traditional story but sets the action in the "land of sweet Auburn Avenue" and incorporates African and ethnic dance into the classical ballet. The Wonderland version showcases Act II of "The Nutcracker" -- and includes the Ballethnic Youth Ensemble as performers -- and also situates guests in a "wonderland" of trees and animated dolls, likely welcoming them on the way down the block to the studio.
3 and 5 p.m. Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Dec. 18. $15 (general admission), $10 (children, seniors and groups of 10 or more). Ballethnic Dance Studio, 2587 Cheney St., East Point. 404-762-1416, www.ballethnic.org.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
It doesn’t get more traditional -- or, really, adorable -- than shy Rudolph hiding his glowing nose from the luminous Clarice and his disapproving father, battling the Abominable Snowman and visiting the woebegone Island of Misfit Toys. All are represented on the puppet stage in an adaptation crafted by Jon Ludwig, artistic director at the Center for Puppetry Arts. And of course there will be a holly-jolly singalong.
Nov. 25-27; Nov. 28-Dec. 18; Dec. 20-31. Times vary. $16.50 (children under 2 are free). Ticket includes admission to Create-A-Puppet Workshop. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org.
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical”
The ultimate Scrooge brings his song-and-dance routine to the Fox for his first Atlanta engagement after breaking records on Broadway in 2006-07. Max the Dog narrates the tale of the greenie meanie with a heart “two sizes too small” who tries to steal Christmas from the Whos. Songs include “Welcome Christmas” and the slinky anthem, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
Nov. 29-Dec. 4. Times vary. $28-$58. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
“A Christmas Carol”
The show returns for its 22nd season at the Alliance, and Atlanta actor Chris Kayser reprises his role as Scrooge for the 19th time. Though Scrooge might still be searching for the true meaning of Christmas, what’s your excuse for not yet experiencing Kayser’s renowned turn in the heartwarming Dickens classic? This year, the show is adding a surprise element that might involve singing.
Nov. 25-Dec. 24. Times vary. Family days, which include choirs and family photographs, take place Dec. 8, 15-16, 21-22. $17.50-$50. Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000, www.alliancetheatre.org/carol.
“The Santaland Diaries”
It's hard to believe that David Sedaris’ uproarious play about life as a Macy’s elf is turning 13 -- and it’s still as delightfully sardonic as ever. Also for the 13th year, Harold M. Leaver plays the role described by Sedaris in his “Holidays on Ice” book. Don’t expect any fuzzy-wuzzy Christmas platitudes here (in fact, the show is recommended for those 16 and older). But if you want to de-stress from the holiday bustle and laugh along with Sedaris’ wry, honest wit, this is the one to catch.
Nov. 25-Jan. 1. $25-$45; $40-$60 (VIP, which includes reserved seating and a cocktail); $100 (platinum VIP, which includes holiday treats and front-row seating). Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave. N.E, Atlanta. 404-584-7450, www.horizontheatre.com.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Handel’s “Messiah”
There might not be a more recognizable piece of Christmas music than Handel’s “Messiah.” Norman Mackenize, director of choruses, along with the Chamber Chorus, fill in the vocal lines to “Hallelujah,” while the ASO will also tackle Bach’s “Magnificat.”
8 p.m. Dec. 1 and 3. $29-$59. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Nearly 13 years ago, musician Paul O’Neill had the brainstorm to wed the orchestral elements of Christmas music with the squealing guitars, excessive drumming and laser-heavy production values of an arena rock show. The result is a series of rock operas, the most popular being the opus "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” and “Wizards in Winter.” Subtle? No. Ideal escapism? Most definitely.
8 p.m. Dec. 2. $29-$56.50. Philips Arena, One Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
