1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. Atlanta

December Events

By , About.com Guide

This December, Atlanta is full of holiday events and cultural events for the whole family. Below you'll find an exciting event for each day of the month.

December 21, 2008

True Colors Theatre Company will perform Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, a soul-stirring musical reinvention of the Christmas Story, December 19 – 31 at Georgia State’s Rialto Center. A testament to the power of gospel music, the story of the Nativity is told through the combination of scripture, poetry, dance and song that connects a contemporary church revival to the time of managers and swaddling clothes. Tickets are available online through True Colors Theatre Company. 12/21 performances are at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

December 22, 2008

Today is the first day of Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Camp Kingfisher Winter Break Camp. Get the kids out of the house and let them explore nature in wintertime with fun and educational activities. Enroll in one week or two. Find more information and download a registration form.

December 23, 2008

Be sure the kids get a ride on the Macy’s Pink Pig. From its 1953 debut as a childrens ride at the downtown Richs- to its brief stint at the Egleston Childrens Hospital Festival of Trees, four generations of Atlantans have ridden the Pink Pig into the holiday season. Weekdays ride the Pig from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

December 24, 2008

The holiday classic A Christmas Carol is back at the Alliance Theater (November 28 – December 24). Your last chance to experience the spirit of this Christmas favorite is the 2:30 matinee on Christmas Eve, a perfect way to start your holiday celebration.

December 25, 2008

Take in the sparkling lights on Christmas night at Lake Lanier’s Magical Nights of Lights. A self-driving tour of 6.5 miles twinkles with millions of holiday lights and scenes. A live nativity is located mid-way through the drive. The tour ends at the Holiday Village with amusement rides, pony rides, marshmallow roasts, holiday shopping and Santa Claus.

December 26, 2008

Let Christmas continue with Santaland Diaries as Horizon Theater brings to live David Sedaris’ hilarious true life tale of a writer who must take a job as a Macy's Department Store elf. Tickets start at $25. 8 p.m. Through January 4.

December 27, 2008

Locals and visiting family alike will enjoy the holiday festivities at Stone Mountain’s Christmas. Activities include A"4-D"-enhanced version of the animated movie "The Polar Express,” two live shows: "A Hometown Holiday" and "Kickin' Up Christmas," the holiday lasershow, Crossroads Christmas parade, nightly fireworks and snowfall, the sing-along Christmas train and more.

December 28, 2008

Tonight is your last chance to see The Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Fox Theatre. The Nutcracker is an extravagant performance full of wonder and surprises—dancing Snowflakes, mischievous Mice, and lively Nesting Dolls. Nutcracker is a holiday treat, a story you grew up with, and one you’ll want to pass on to generations to come—an Atlanta tradition for more than 40 years. This graceful holiday classic dances on to the stage for a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets available online.

December 29, 2008

Celebrate Kwanzaa in Historic Sweet Auburn District at APEX Museum Kwanzaa Festival. There will be a candle-lighting ceremony, the affirmation of the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles), call and response, and pouring of the ancestral libation. Guests also enjoy an African market with food, books, handcrafted and imported items, clothing and jewelry; drummers, dancers and poets. The festival is free.

December 30, 2008

Get lost in the wonder of Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at the Cobb Energy Center (December 30 – January 4). An exotic encounter inspired by natures unpredictable creations are brought to life by an international cast of 28 soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians.

December 31, 2008

Cheer on your favorite ACC Teams with day of football fun at The Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade, FanFest and of course, the big game.

Check back later this month for our full listing of New Years Eve events in Atlanta.

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

On the National Mall in Washington, DC

Take a look at the capital's best sight-seeing spot. More >