Atlanta's Winter Wonderland inspires children of all ages to celebrate the season. Ballet companies perform "The Nutcracker" along with symphonic accompaniment with lovely and gracious Atlanta touches. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Kid's Christmas includes thrilling renditions of holiday favorites plus a visit from Santa.
Celebration of the season twinkles from thousands of lights in Atlanta's central city district and throughout the parks. Enjoy the holiday in true Southern Christmas fashion.
"The Nutcracker" Venues
See "The Nutcracker" performed in Atlanta during the Christmas season at Fox Theatre. The designated National Historic Landmark lends its charm to Tchaikovsky's classic two-act ballet. The Fox Theatre has hosted "The Nutcracker" for more than 50 years, combining Christmas and a truly memorable venue. The Atlanta Ballet performs all shows. Shows in 2010 occur throughout the Christmas holiday season.
Visit Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Duluth for the Northeast Atlanta Ballet's rendition of the ballet. Accompanied by the Gwinnett Community Symphony Orchestra, shows begin after Thanksgiving and end prior to the Christmas holidays most years.
Both venues offer a tour through the Land of the Snowflakes, the Kingdom of the Sweets and the magic of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Kid's Christmas Concert
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presents an annual Christmas show for kids. In 2010, Jere Flint conducts. Mr. Flint originally joined ASO in 1969, and began conducting 10 years later.
The Atlanta Youth Symphony performs instrumental music and accompanies the Atlanta Young Singers of Callanwolde, established in the late 1970s. Smile along with "Christmas Time is Here," "Deck the Halls" "Shepherd's Pipe Carol," "S'Vivon" (Spinning Top), Bach Concerto for Two Violins and others. Lee Harper Dancers bring elements of ballet, modern dance and jazz to the audience. Paige Mathis, Music Director since 1998, originally joined AYS as a vocalist.
Complete with a visit from Santa, the ASO Kid's Christmas should not be missed.
Center for Puppetry Arts
Since 1978, the Center for Puppetry Arts' holiday shows mesmerize children and adults from around the world. As the U.S. headquarters of UNIMA-USA, Union International de la Marionnette (the world's oldest theatrical organization), the delightful world of puppets, puppeteers and stagecraft come to life. In 2010, view "A Muppet Family Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." "The Life and Legacy of Jim Henson," an exhibit dedicated to the creative genius behind the Muppets, also appears during the holiday season.
The Center's "Create a Puppet Workshop" provides families or friends with an ideal holiday activity. Make your own pirate puppet.
Centennial Olympic Park
Walk through Centennial Olympic Park during the winter holidays to gasp in awe at Atlanta's winter wonderland. Since 1997, the annual holiday celebration begins in mid-November and ends the first week of January. Admission is free.
Festival of Trees
Each year during the holiday season, the city of Atlanta decorates 200 trees for spectacular viewing pleasure. To celebrate Atlanta's love of design and Christmas, a fundraiser party for the whole family occurs. Interior designers decorate the halls as children enjoy antique carousel rides. Modest admission charges apply.
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