Theaters throughout Atlanta are determined to get us into a festive mood, and with this assortment of shows — from edgy to traditional — there is really no excuse not to get out there, support the hard work and celebrate the conclusion of 2022. Here’s your definitive list — we’ve checked it twice!
::
A Christmas Carol
at Shakespeare Tavern
December 3-23
You know the story — now, see A Christmas Carol onstage at Shakespeare Tavern, where it has been a holiday tradition for more than 20 years to perform J. Tony Brown’s original adaptation of the Charles Dickens story — directed by Laura Cole, a fan favorite. Cole, who has taught the art of Shakespearean performance to adults and children, has appeared onstage at local theaters such as Actor’s Express and The Alliance. She’s looking forward to sharing new costumes with a Victorian vibe, new songs and even new puppets. Tickets start at $15 and depend on selection.
::
A Christmas Story
at Act1 Theater
December 2-18
Quick — name a table lamp that everyone will recognize as iconic and, well, a little bit ugly. If you said the one from A Christmas Story, you got it — and you’ll probably want to see the musical stage production of everyone’s favorite holiday marathoner at Act1 Theater. The show promises to be exciting for those who have seen the movie a million times and even those who haven’t. Tickets start at $20.
::
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
at Stage Door Theatre
December 2-18
What would you do if Santa Claus skipped over your house? Well, in ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a group of holiday heroes — made up of a mouse, an elf and a little girl — are determined to find out how this happened and why. Written by Ken Ludwig, this 60-minute romp at Stage Door Theatre is ideal for bringing the whole family and features Atlanta theater mainstays such as Irene Polk and Brandy Bell. Tickets start at $35 for adults, with discounts for students and kids available.
::
Y’allmark Christmas
at Horizon Theatre Company
Through December 23
Everyone loves a fun, cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie — but even if you don’t so much, you’re going to love Y’allmark Christmas, a collaboration between Horizon Theatre and Dad’s Garage. According to ArtsATL critic Benjamin Carr, this can’t-miss improvised holiday “movie” includes a rotating cast, special guests, a decked-out set (including a wall of wigs) and “a touch of wacky subversiveness as well.” Tickets start at $25, with discounts available.
::
A Christmas Carol
at Alliance Theatre
Through December 24
Even ArtsATL critic Alexis Hauk, who has seen A Christmas Carol “conservatively a bajillion times,” appreciates the Alliance Theatre’s rendition for its stunning set design, standout performances and how the creative team “continues to find new and fresh ways to bring it to life.” Tickets start at $30 and depend on seating, with discounts available.
::
Christmas Dearest
at Out Front Theatre
December 8-18
We’ve all heard of bridezillas, but here’s a funny, adults-only holiday musical about a careerzilla. In Christmas Dearest, Joan is a 1950s actress who is attempting to revive her A-list status with the musical Oh Mary — yes, kids, it’s a musical within a musical — yet goes through myriad challenges and turns everyone against her with her attitude . . . that is, of course, until she discovers the meaning of the season. Tickets start at $30. Keep an eye out for ArtsATL critic Alexis Hauk’s upcoming review.
::
Christmas Canteen
at Aurora Theatre
Through Dec 23
Featuring a rousing combination of comedy sketches and festive songs, Christmas Canteen, onstage at Aurora Theatre as their longest-running holiday tradition, is sure to become a family favorite. Katie Chambers, who has served as stage manager around Atlanta for Horizon Theatre Company, Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity Theatre and others, is the director for this Aurora Theatre original. Tickets start at $40.
::
Christmas Town
at Center for Puppetry Arts
Through January 2
Did you watch the TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as a child? The same puppets displayed in that iconic holiday special are onstage at the Center for Puppetry Arts in their Christmas Town production. An all-inclusive ticket gets you the performance, a tour around the Worlds of Puppetry Museum (including time with the Rudolph puppets) and the chance to make your own Rudolph shadow puppet. A less expensive ticket offers the chance to skip the performance but tour the museum and see the puppets. Tickets range from $15 to $35, depending on selection.
