The weekend before Thanksgiving is stuffed full with opportunities for holiday fun.
Take the kids to see Santa for free at the Atlantic Station’s Tree Lighting or hear live soulful poetry readings at The Hammonds House.
Use our list of local events to help guide you through this bustling weekend.
MUSIC
Matthew Morrison & The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
When: Nov. 16 at 8 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall,1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta
Cost: $29 to $89
What to Expect: See Matthew Morrison, who is known for acting in “Glee,” at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. The singer-songwriter, actor and dancer will be joined by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra during this performance that will be conducted by Michael Krajewski.
FAMILY
When: Nov. 16 to Jan. 5, times vary for each day
Where: Callaway Gardens, 17800 US Highway 27, Pine Mountain
Cost: Value: $21 for adult, Prime: $28 for adult, Super Prime: $30 for adult
What to Expect: The Callaway Gardens Resort & Gardens will be lighted in Christmas lights during their “Fantasy In Lights” show. Plan to see lights made into Christmas trees, poinsettias, nutcrackers and swans.
DANCE
Atlanta Ballet 2 Holiday Kick-Off Performance
When: Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, 3035 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Watch the Atlanta Ballet 2 perform for free this weekend during The Shops Buckhead Atlanta’s holiday programming. Some of the dance selections will come from “Beauty & the Beast” and “The Nutcracker.”
FESTIVALS
Uncorked Atlanta Wine Festival
When: Nov. 17, 2018, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Where: Park Tavern, 500 10th St NE, Corner of 10th and Monroe, Atlanta
Cost: $54
What to Expect: With a ticket, attendees can take their pick of more than 50 varieties of wine and craft beer tastings. The event hosted by the Atlanta Sport & Social Club will also have a DJ on site and food vendors within the festival grounds.
FREE
Tree Lighting At Atlantic Station
When: Nov. 17, from 1 to 8 p.m.
Where: Atlantic Station – Tower Street, 1381 Tower Street, Atlanta
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Atlantic Station will become adorned for the holidays on Saturday. Not only will the tree be lighted, but also there will be fireworks at 8 p.m. The kids will be able to enjoy the Activity Village, visit Santa’s Reindeer and look at Santa’s Parade.
GALLERIES
“Waits to be Born” Opening Reception
When: Nov. 16, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Notch8 Gallery, 1397 Blashfield St SE, Atlanta
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Atlanta-based artist Sanithna Phansavanh will be debuting her solo exhibitions at the Notch8 Gallery.
MUSEUMS
When: Nov. 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples Street Southwest, Atlanta
Cost: $7 for non-members and free for Hammonds House Members
What to Expect: Aziza Afi, Rita Awan, “Giovanni” (Daniel Cammon) and Barry Wright will be reciting poetry “that stirs the soul and feeds the mind” during this monthly series.
THEATER
When: Nov. 17 and 18, times vary for each day
Where: Infinite Energy Center
Cost: $13.50 to $20.50
What to Expect: The Southern Ballet Theatre is bringing Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch to the main stage during this holiday performance complete with Cindy Lou Who and a Rat King.