Ultimate Guide to Arts and Culture Events in Atlanta this Winter

Theater, Music, Dance and Art Exhibitions

By Daniela Cintron

Published November 6, 2026

World-class ballet, Broadway productions, contemporary art exhibits, classical music – Atlanta’s arts scene has plenty to offer this winter. Make a festive performance part of the holiday tradition, spend an afternoon exploring a museum or add an unforgettable night at the theater to your plans. Here is a list of art and culture events that you cannot miss this winter in Atlanta.

Ballet, Dance and Opera

Atlanta’s performing arts scene takes center stage this winter with an exciting lineup of ballet, dance and opera. From holiday traditions to internationally acclaimed dance companies, these performances offer something for every arts enthusiast.

The Nutcracker by Atlanta Ballet

Atlanta Ballet returns with its beloved holiday production of the classical ballet, featuring choreography by Yuri Possokhov and live music by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.

When: Dec. 5-26, 2026
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

The Great Gatsby by Atlanta Ballet

Experience the glamour and decadence of the Roaring Twenties in this lavish ballet adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, featuring Art Deco-inspired sets and costumes.

When: Feb. 13-21, 2027
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Silent Night by The Atlanta Opera

Inspired by the Christmas Truce of 1914, this powerful opera tells the story of soldiers who laid down their weapons on Christmas Eve during World War I.

When: Nov. 7-15, 2026
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Carmen by The Atlanta Opera

Experience Georges Bizet’s celebrated opera about passion, jealousy and freedom.

When: Jan. 30-Feb. 7, 2027
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

One of the world’s most celebrated modern dance companies returns to Atlanta, featuring its legendary signature work, Revelations, alongside other performances.

When: Feb. 17-21, 2027
Where: Fox Theatre

Art Exhibitions and Visual Arts

Atlanta’s museums and galleries offer plenty of opportunities to explore contemporary art, photography, sculpture and creative expression this winter. From major museum retrospectives to thought-provoking contemporary installations, these exhibitions are worth adding to your calendar.

Martin Puryear: Nexus

A major retrospective featuring more than 70 works by the acclaimed American sculptor, including pieces in wood, glass, marble and bronze.

When: Through Jan. 17, 2027
Where: High Museum of Art

I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders

Explore the intricate photographic worlds of Walter Wick, creator of the beloved I SPY! books, in an exhibition designed to delight visitors of all ages.

When: Through Jan. 3, 2027
Where: High Museum of Art

Paper Trees

An exploration of trees and landscapes in American art through prints, drawings and sculptures.

When: Through Feb. 21, 2027
Where: High Museum of Art

Photography as a Way of Life: Minor White, Aaron Siskind and Harry Callahan

Discover the work of three influential photographers who helped shape the history of photography as an art form.

When: Through Feb. 7, 2027
Where: High Museum of Art

Basquiat, the Blue Ribbon Paintings, and the Art of Reproduction

Featuring more than 50 works, this exhibition explores Jean-Michel Basquiat’s relationship with printmaking, reproduction and artistic collaboration.

When: Feb. 19-May 16, 2027
Where: High Museum of Art

Miatta Kawinzi: An Alphabet of Unfolding

An exhibition exploring language, identity and the possibilities of artistic expression.

When: Oct. 22, 2026-March 14, 2027
Where: Atlanta Contemporary

Gabi Madrid: The Bed Series

One of several exhibitions featured in Atlanta Contemporary’s fall and winter programming.

When: Oct. 22-Dec. 20, 2026
Where: Atlanta Contemporary

Natalie Rose Eddings: A Litany for Shelter

Another highlight of the contemporary art center’s winter exhibition lineup.

When: Oct. 22, 2026-Jan. 17, 2027
Where: Atlanta Contemporary

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits

Explore an exhibition inspired by the anonymous street artist, featuring reproductions, installations and immersive experiences.

When: Nov. 11-Dec. 27, 2026
Where: Pullman Yards

Frame by Frame: The Art of Stop-Motion Animation

Discover the creativity and techniques behind stop-motion animation through this exhibition celebrating the art of bringing objects and characters to life.

When: Through Nov. 29, 2026
Where: Center for Puppetry Arts

Theater and Broadway

From beloved holiday classics to Broadway productions and original theatrical works, Atlanta’s stages offer plenty of reasons to plan a night out. Catch a touring production at the Fox Theatre or discover new stories at one of the city’s celebrated local theater companies.

A Christmas Carol

The Alliance Theatre’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday classic returns to the stage.

When: Nov. 14-Dec. 27, 2026
Where: Alliance Theatre at Woodruff Arts Center

BOOP! The Musical by Broadway in Atlanta

The iconic animated character Betty Boop comes to life in this colorful Broadway musical.

When: Jan. 12-17, 2027
Where: Fox Theatre

The Birthday of the World

A winter theatrical offering from one of Atlanta’s leading professional theater companies.

When: Jan. 23-Feb. 14, 2027
Where: Alliance Theatre

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical

A musical adaptation of the beloved children’s story, bringing the charming crocodile to the stage.

When: Jan. 23-Feb. 14, 2027
Where: Alliance Theatre

Miseducated

An original theatrical production featured in the Alliance Theatre’s winter season.

When: Jan. 27-Feb. 21, 2027
Where: Alliance Theatre

Water for Elephants by Broadway in Atlanta

Based on Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel, this theatrical production combines storytelling, music and circus-inspired stagecraft.

When: Feb. 2-7, 2027
Where: Fox Theatre

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

This moving theatrical production recounts the remarkable story of the Christmas Truce during World War I.

When: Dec. 2-27, 2026
Where: Theatrical Outfit

Classical Music, Jazz and More

Music lovers can enjoy a diverse winter lineup, from classical compositions and holiday performances to jazz and contemporary collaborations. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra anchors the season with an impressive performance calendar, while visiting musicians bring a variety of sounds to the city’s concert halls.

Fauré’s Requiem by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

A performance featuring the ASO Chorus, with music by Gabriel Fauré and Hector Berlioz.

When: Nov. 12-15, 2026
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

Elf in Concert by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Watch the beloved holiday film accompanied by a live orchestral performance of its soundtrack.

When: Nov. 28-29, 2026
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

Christmas with the ASO

A beloved holiday tradition featuring the orchestra, ASO Chorus, Morehouse College Glee Club and Spivey Hall Children’s Choir.

When: Dec. 10-13, 2026
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

Handel’s Messiah by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Enjoy a seasonal presentation of Handel’s celebrated oratorio.

When: Dec. 17, 2026
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

Celtic Woman with the ASO

The internationally acclaimed musical group joins the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for a special holiday performance.

When: Dec. 19-20, 2026
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

The Four Seasons by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Vivaldi’s iconic composition takes the spotlight in this classical music performance.

When: Jan. 7-10, 2027
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Experience one of the world’s leading jazz ensembles, led by celebrated trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis.

When: Jan. 25, 2027
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

Lunar New Year Concert by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a musical program featuring Chinese and Korean folk music and orchestral works.

When: Jan. 29, 2027
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

Sibelius + Prokofiev by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

A classical program featuring compositions by Sibelius, Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Saariaho.

When: Feb. 18-20, 2027
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall

Additional Cultural Experiences

Atlanta’s cultural calendar extends beyond traditional museum visits and stage performances. From puppetry and animation to experimental installations and university museum exhibitions, these experiences offer another way to explore the city’s creative community.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The holiday favorite comes to life through the art of puppetry in this family-friendly production.

When: Nov. 11-Dec. 27, 2026
Where: Center for Puppetry Arts

Spelman College Museum of Fine Art

Explore exhibitions highlighting artists and perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream museum spaces. Check the museum’s winter calendar for additional programming.

Where: Spelman College

Find more fun things to do in Atlanta during the winter.

Daniela Cintrón is an award-winning journalist, editor and producer passionate about storytelling at the intersection of food, art, and culture. She is the senior content manager and editor for Discover Atlanta and has contributed to publications like the Los Angeles Times, Atlanta Magazine and Eater.