Top things to do in and around Atlanta this week

Too Fast, Too Festivus

Dad’s Garage and Horizon Theatre take on the holidays in Atlanta with scenes, songs and laughs to get audiences through the festivus season. Those who previously loved Y’allmark Christmas or The Santaland Diaries at Horizon Theatre won’t want to miss this new merry mayhem. Dad’s Garage’s award-winning ensemble members have handmade this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy that lovingly pokes fun at the holidays in Atlanta and serves up the city’s quirks with a festive twist.

Select nights in Dec. & Jan.

Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta

Discover Atlanta’s Ultimate Holiday Tradition: IllumiNights at the Zoo! This holiday season, Atlanta’s beloved festive event returns bigger and brighter than ever, transforming the Zoo into a dazzling nighttime wonderland. Experience hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns and captivating displays that celebrate the beauty and magic of nature after dark.

Now-Dec. 24

Marietta Square Winter Wonderland 

Kick off the holiday season with a favorite annual tradition, the Marietta Square Winter Wonderland. Glover Park transforms into a winter wonderland for the entire month of December with festive trees, lights and displays showcasing the spirit of the season. 

Now-Dec. 27

The Nutcracker

As the grandest production of The Nutcracker ballet in the Southeast, the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will perform the Tchaikovsky score, bringing the beautiful and intricate dance work to life. Atlanta Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker has been lauded as one of the most technically advanced versions of the holiday classic, transporting audiences to a charming yuletide German city for its whimsical story involving an unexpected gift, a mysterious journey and two acts of enchantment.  

Now-Dec. 31

Tour of Trees

Join the Blairsville Chamber for their annual Tour of Trees! Explore over 50 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths, each created by local businesses and organizations. Stroll through this winter wonderland and enjoy a whimsical Gingerbread Village. Open throughout December, it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

Madeline’s Christmas

Madeline’s Christmas returns to Horizon Theatre for its 15th joyous year, spreading cheer. A collaboration between Horizon Theatre and Atlanta Children’s Theatre, this heartwarming musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved classic continues to delight audiences of all ages with its timeless charm, catchy tunes and holiday spirit.

Now-Dec. 28

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph soars back into town with this faithful adaptation of the 1964 stop-motion animated special. This celebrated holiday classic follows Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hermey the Elf, two misfits on the run. The unlikely friends set off on a merry and heartwarming adventure of acceptance and self-discovery, even with Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster on their trail. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday adventure that speaks to the misfit in all of us!

Now-Jan 25

Cirque du Soleil

Take a journey into the colorful and fantastical world of LUZIA, set in a make-believe Mexico, where you will be treated to stunning visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances.

Now-Feb. 28

Wildwoods AGLOW

On select nights from November 14, 2025, through February, 28, 2026, Fernbank comes alive with nighttime museum hours indoors and WildWoods: AGLOW outdoors.

Dec. 12 - 28

City Springs Theatre Company‘s The Wizard of Oz

City Springs Theatre Company invites Atlanta-area audiences to journey “over the rainbow” with the exciting stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, December 12 through 28 at the Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs.

RELATED: SEE MORE THINGS TO DO AROUND ATLANTA