Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker

Atlanta Ballet brings The Nutcracker back to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre this December, with performances running from December 5 through December 26. It's their annual holiday production, and it's a reimagined, larger-than-life take on the story. The music is Tchaikovsky's iconic score played live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, and the production is built around costumes, choreography, and stage effects that bring falling snowflakes, twirling flowers, and spinning stars to life.

The company's history with the ballet goes back decades, and it's become a staple of the city's festive calendar. In 2020, the production choreographed by Yuri Possokhov had to be cancelled, which was only the second season in 61 years that Atlanta Ballet went without a Nutcracker. This year it's back in its usual spot, drawing audiences to the Cobb Energy Centre for several weeks across December.

There's plenty of flexibility on when to go: performances run daily, with both matinees and evening shows throughout the run. Doors open 90 minutes before each performance, so you've got time to settle in before the curtain goes up. Tickets start at $66.05, and there are group discounts of 10-25% off regular ticket prices if you're bringing a crowd. The show runs from December 5 to December 26 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.