7 minute read
Holiday Happenings
Cobb Life Events Holiday Happenings
Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre
NOV. 25 – NOV. 27
Jennie T. Anderson Theatre - Cobb County Civic Center 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta Information: georgiametrodance.org Get ready for visions of sugar plums, waltzing flowers and dancing snowflakes. In its 65th season of dance, GMDT is proud to present its annual production of the captivating classic, “The Nutcracker.” The show will once again feature the brilliant sets, costumes and special effects that spark awe and wonder alongside Tchaïkovsky’s timeless music. GMDT’s “The Nutcracker,” also welcomes back professional dancers D. Patton White as Godfather Drosselmeyer and Raul Peinado as Sugar Plum Cavalier. Rehearsals begin in September for the cast that will perform in six shows the weekend after Thanksgiving.
The Georgia Ballet
DEC. 1-4
Jennie T. Anderson Theatre - Cobb County Civic Center 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta Cost: $15 to $40 Information: www.georgiaballet.org/ season or 770-528-0881 The Georgia Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a holiday classic and season favorite. Each year, the ballet continues to grow and evolve. This timeless ballet is perfect for the whole family to enjoy as it’s full of magic, action and beauty. Start a new holiday tradition with the family and Georgia Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”
Compiled by SKYLER HEATH
Atlanta Ballet
DEC. 9-26
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta Cost: $45 to $101 Information: www.atlantaballet.com Atlanta Ballet’s newest version of “The Nutcracker” will be performed at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in December of 2022. This production premiered in 2018 and features state-of-the-art technology combined with lavish sets and costumes creating an immersive fantasy world befitting the most popular ballet of all time. Based on the original book by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the story takes Marie and her magical nutcracker doll away from a family Christmas Eve party and into a fantastical realm, led by a mysterious inventor.
Described by ArtsATL as “layered with imagery and so packed with visual details, it’s impossible to take it all in at once: Audiences can return year after year and make new discoveries,” this innovative production features larger-than-life sets and bold costumes enhanced by striking video projections.
Hip Hop Nutcracker
DEC. 13
Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta Cost: $31 to $81 Information: www.foxtheatre.org A holiday mash-up for the whole family, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” returns to the stage for its seventh season on tour. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, 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. “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
Just like the original, in “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
Metropolitan Ballet Theatre
DEC. 16-18
Blessed Trinity Catholic High School Theater 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell Information: metropolitanballet.org Celebrate 21 years of holiday tradition with us and come see Metropolitan’s fabulous full-length Nutcracker production with all the music, all the color and all the exquisite ballet
brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s original. Book early for the best seats, and don’t forget our special matinee event ticket: Sugarplum Storytime — a pass that includes a matinee performance and souvenir storytime with the famous fairy and all the characters from the Land of Sweets!
Tree Lightings
Smyrna
NOV. 29, 5 TO 8 P.M.
Smyrna Community Center 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna Information: www.smyrnacity.com The Big Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony happens with Santa and lots of holiday festivities to enjoy. Catch the spirit of the season and don’t miss the annual arrival of Santa and the very special way he lights the giant Christmas Tree in Smyrna, kicking off the holiday season of lights.
Marietta
DEC. 1, 6 P.M.
Marietta Square Information: winterwonderlandmarietta.com The City of Marietta’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be in conjunction with the arrival of Santa Claus in Glover Park on Marietta Square. The event begins at 4 p.m. with performances by local school choruses. Santa makes his grand entrance at 6 p.m. followed by the lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree.
Powder Springs
DEC. 2 6:30 P.M.
Thurman Springs Park 4485 Pineview Drive, Powder Springs Information: www.cityofpowdersprings.org After our break last year we’re excited to bring the Christmas Parade back to Powder Springs. There is no fee to participate. Following the Annual Christmas Parade head down to Thurman Springs Park, Home of the Hardy Family Automotive Amphitheater to see the town’s beautiful Christmas tree come to life.
Acworth
DEC. 2, 5:30 TO 8 P.M.
Downtown Acworth Information: acworthtourism.org/event/santas-arrival The City of Acworth, along with their partner NorthStar Church, is excited to host this year’s Santa’s Arrival. Santa arrives in Historic Downtown Acworth on Center Street on Friday, Dec. 2 Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and Santa is scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m. There will be a host of live performances and activities until 8:30 p.m. to help Santa kickoff the holiday season. Don’t forget to visit Frana Brown Park, where guests can peruse the beautiful Festival of Trees! Bring the entire family to hear
Mayor Tommy Allegood read “The Night Before Christmas,” and watch the lighting of the tree on the Plaza behind Henry’s. Enjoy pictures with Santa, eating candy canes with all his elves and filling the streets with holiday spirit. Pictures with Santa are free each year and begin at 6:45 p.m. There will not be a photographer onsite, so please plan on bringing your camera to capture the special moment.
Kennesaw
DEC. 3, 2 TO 7 P.M.
Downtown Kennesaw and Depot Park Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov Kennesaw will have a Day with Santa. The event will feature a parade at 2 p.m. and the lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree at 6 p.m.
East Cobb Park
spring/summer exhibition, “Origami in the Garden.”
Lights of Life
NOV. 25 - DEC. 31
Life University 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta Cost: Varies by date Information: www.life.edu/lights-of-life Life University introduced the Lights of Life in 1989, as a gift to the local community. It has since grown to be one of the most popular light shows in the Southeast, attracting nearly a half million spectators. Cars, vans and buses can cruise through the campus on a 1.5-mile drive. The event also features photos with Santa, pony rides, trains, a petting zoo and a concession stand.
Lights of Joy
NOV. 28 - JAN. 2, 6 TO 11 P.M.
1510 Ben King Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 Cost: Free Information: www.lightsofjoy.net/ The largest residential Christmas light display in Georgia with 850,000+ lights.
DEC. 4, 6 TO 8:30 P.M.
East Cobb Park 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta Information: www.eastcobbpark.org Mark your calendars for our Holiday Lights Event with live music, outdoor fun, tree lighting and a visit from Santa.
LIGHT SHOWS
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
NOV. 12 - JAN. 14
Atlanta Botanical Garden 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta Information: atlantabg.org While plenty of the show’s fan-favorite features return, guests can expect new twists, including an all-new exhibition in the Anne Cox Chambers Garden by French artist Cédric LeBorgne and three massive sculptures from the
-Theatre and Musical Performances Kennesaw State University’s Holiday Concert
DEC. 3, 2 AND 8 P.M.
Kennesaw State University Morgan Concert Hall 488 Prillaman Way, Kennesaw Cost: $24-30 (Students $5) Information: arts.kennesaw.edu The Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music is proud to present an annual tradition: the inspirational Holiday Concert featuring KSU’s Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and Choral Ensembles. Celebrate the season with Bailey School of Music.
GSO presents Holiday Pops!
DEC. 3, 3 P.M. AND 8 P.M.
Marietta Performing Arts Center 1171 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta Cost: $32 - $40 Information: georgiasymphony.org A Marietta and Cobb tradition, the GSO’s Holiday Pops! is sure to put guests in the mood for the holiday season. And this year, the GSO stocking is stuffed with musical holiday favorites and fun. Joining the orchestra as always is the festive GSO Chorus, and the performance will feature Marietta native Kaycee Grogan-Wallace and a special appearance by the jolly man himself, Santa.
A Christmas Tradition
DEC. 9-11, 16-18, 21-22
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre 117 N. Park Square NE, Marietta Information: earlsmithstrand.org “A Christmas Tradition” will return to The Strand stage for another unforgettable year of sharing the holiday spirit through sparkling song and dance. This hometown favorite holiday revue features costumed singers and dancers performing both traditional and funky Christmas favorites.
Marietta Pops Orchestra
DEC. 10, 7 P.M.
First Baptist Church Marietta 148 Church Street Cost: $20 (Children under 10, free) Information: www.mariettapops.org Fun, traditional holiday music for the whole family.
