Get in the holiday spirit with an ugly sweater contest, festive drinks, light bites and more
Join The Office Bar in Midtown Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for its annual Ugly Sweater Party! Starting at 6:30 p.m., break out your holiday worst and enjoy a jolly good time complete with festive cocktails, live music by Ethel, complimentary light bites and plenty of holiday cheer. Plus, one standout sweater will take home the title of “Ugliest of Them All.”
New for the holidays, The Office Bar is pouring a “Nice Zero-Proof Spritz” made with Ghia Red Apéritif, pomegranate and lemon lime soda; a “Naughty Spritz” made with cappelletti apertivo, pomegranate and prosecco; and the “Southern Sleigh Ride” made with bourbon, cranberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, angostura bitters and ginger beer.
Ticket purchase is not necessary for entry. Seating is first-come, first-served and guests can RSVP HERE.
Also on Dec. 11, 1105 West Peachtree, the tri-tower mixed-use development in Midtown, is hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Before joining the Ugly Sweater Party, guests can enjoy complimentary sweets and hot cocoa or cider at the lighting.
The Office Bar is also running a special for December, where those who purchase a $100 gift card by Dec. 31 will receive a $25 bonus dining card.
To learn more about The Office Bar and to view the full menu, visit its website.
Exclusive Speakeasy Experiences, Live Entertainment, Chef-Curated Menus & Midnight Champagne Toasts at Various Locations
Red Phone Booth, the nation’s premier Prohibition-era lounge, is set to welcome 2026 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration steeped in glamour, sophistication and the timeless allure of the 1920s. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Red Phone Booth locations in the Downtown Atlanta and Buckhead, GA, Nashville, TN and The Colony, TX markets will host exclusive NYE affairs beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing into the early hours of 2026.
Known for for their elegant and immersive experiences, Red Phone Booth invites guests to step beyond its iconic London-style phone booth entry into an evening of handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, cigar culture, chef-inspired menus along with celebratory midnight moments. The event will feature a signature Welcome Cocktail, decadent Dessert Bar, specialty New Year’s Eve menu, party favors and a midnight Champagne Toast, wrapped in the luxurious ambiance that defines the Red Phone Booth experience.
With world-class craft cocktails made from over 400 premium spirits, fresh-squeezed juices, hand-chipped double reverse-osmosis ice and cigars curated by in-house experts, Red Phone Booth continues to preserve the art of the craft cocktail while offering one of the most distinguished nightlife atmospheres in the country.
Guests will enjoy DJ performances from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., exclusive offerings available only for that evening and a countdown celebration filled with elegance, 1920s style and the signature mystique of Red Phone Booth.
Tickets are $50 per person and include admission, welcome cocktail, dessert bar, party favors and a midnight Champagne toast.
NEW YEAR’S EVE 2025 EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 8 p.m. – Close
Red Phone Booth – Downtown Atlanta
17 Andrew Young International Blvd. NE,
Atlanta, GA 30303
Live entertainment by DJ Matt Silliman (9 p.m.–1 a.m.)
The new high-energy holiday sketch revue will be packed with original scenes, songs and seasonal satire
Dad’s Garage and Horizon Theatre take on the holidays in Atlanta with scenes, songs and laughs to get audiences through the festivus season. Those who previously loved Y’allmark Christmas or The Santaland Diaries at Horizon Theatre won’t want to miss this new merry mayhem. Dad’s Garage’s award-winning ensemble members have handmade this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy that lovingly pokes fun at the holidays in Atlanta and serves up the city’s quirks with a festive twist. With sharp writing, big characters and plenty of local flavor, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season – ATL style.
“We’re thrilled to ring in the holiday season with something new, noisy and completely Atlanta,” said Horizon Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler “Between the sketches, songs and improv, this show is our love letter to the chaos, joy and absurdity of the holidays.”
Featuring a stellar cast of local actor-writers, surprise characters and live music, Too Fast, Too Festivus showcases fresh material created specifically for this production, along with off-the-cuff improvisation shaped by the ensemble’s signature comic style. The result is a festive, high-energy theatrical event that captures the spirit of the holidays with sharp wit and local flavor.
Directed by Eve Krueger and Tim Stoltenberg, the creative team includes performers and writers from Dad’s Garage’s talented roster of local actors— Adam Archer, Christina Cusack-Curbelo, Joshua Quinn, Gina Rickicki and musician-writer David Biemiller. Additional writers include Christian Danley, Justin Geer and Megan Leahy.
CAST Performer/Writer Adam Archer Performer/Writer Christina Cusack-Curbelo Performer/Writer Joshua Quinn Performer/Writer Gina Rickicki Musician/Writer David Biemiller
CREATIVE TEAM Directors/Writers Eve Krueger, Tim Stoltenberg Writers Christian Danley, Justin Geer, Megan Leahy Horizon Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler Stage Manager Maya Hodges
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Performances begin with a discount preview on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and run Dec. 12–31 at Horizon Theatre in Little Five Points/Inman Park (1083 Austin Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307). Performances take place daily at 8 p.m. (almost – no performances Dec. 15, 16, 24 or 25), plus a special matinee on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. Free parking in the lot behind Horizon Theatre.
TICKETS General admission start at $35 and VIP tickets start at $50 (plus tax/fee). VIP tickets include reserved seating and a beverage or treat. Prices rise as performances fill up, so get tickets early for the best prices! Student tickets are available for $25 for any performance (full-time student under 30 with student ID). Seniors (65+) may purchase tickets to the Wednesday matinee for $30. Group discounts are offered for parties of 10 or more. Tickets are available at horizontheatre.com or by calling 404-584-7450.
The Works is bringing the holiday cheer again this year, with “All The Joyful Things,” a celebration full of new festive experiences, including Big John’s Christmas Trees, pictures with Santa, live reindeer, a disco Santa party and more.
The full December events lineup is outlined below:
Big John’s Christmas Trees
Monday, Dec. 1 through Wednesday, Dec. 24, while supplies last
Big John’s Christmas Trees is officially open! Shoppers can now browse a festive selection of fresh-cut Christmas trees and handcrafted wreaths in the warmth and comfort of an indoor setting – rain or shine. Located off Chattahoochee Ave. next to Ballard Designs, this unique indoor location offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for shoppers to find the perfect tree. In addition to trees, Big John’s offers in-home delivery service, tree-lighting crews, tree stands, garland and wreaths. Big John’s Christmas Trees is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit the event page.
Santa Sightings
Santa is coming to The Works! The Real Black Santa will make stops on Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., Dec. 4 from 7 to 8 p.m., Dec. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information on where to find Santa around The Works, visit the event page.
Reindeer Games at The Camp
Friday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Camp will host festive games and activities for all ages on Dec. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m, with a special appearance by live reindeer. Don’t miss out on reindeer games, good memories and the perfect family photo opportunity. In case of rain, the event will move indoors to the 300 Building adjacent to The Camp. For more information, visit the event page.
Disco Santa: Beanies & Beats
Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Disco Santa is bringing the energy with music, giveaways, and plenty of holiday spirit. Dance the afternoon away to a live DJ at The Camp on Dec. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. In case of rain, the event will move indoors to the 300 Building adjacent to The Camp. For more information, visit the event page.
Snaps with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The Real Black Santa is making a special stop at The Works! Families are invited to stop by Suite 200A, across from The Camp, for festive photo opportunities with Santa to capture the holiday spirit. Sessions will be held on Dec. 13 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Photos will be first-come, first-served. While photos are complimentary, donations are encouraged, supporting Agape Youth and Family Center. For more information, visit the event page.
A Masterclass in Tequila with Concentrics Restaurant’s Todd Rushing Featuring Laelia Tequila
Wednesday, December 10th at 6:30 p.m.
Halfway to Friday always calls for a celebration, and Tequila with Todd is the perfect midweek excuse. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, Bully Boy, the BeltLine hotspot known for its artfully crafted sushi and seafood, will host tequila expert, chef, and restaurateur Todd Rushing of Concentrics Restaurants for a guided tasting of Laelia Tequila, paired with thoughtfully prepared bites from Executive Chef & Sushi Chef Wendy Roman. Guests can enjoy the perfect balance of fresh seafood, creative flavors, and expertly paired tequila in an evening designed to elevate the midweek dinner. Tickets are $50 per person, not including tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 678.904.5607. Bully Boy is located at 828 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta, Georgia 30306 on the Atlanta BeltLine. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @bullyboyatl, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BullyboyATL.
An Evening of Peruvian Tradition, Seasonal Cooking, and a Late-Night Holiday Party on December 20
Tio Lucho’s is marking Saturday, December 20, with a one-night holiday celebration centered around good food, music, and the welcoming, come-as-you-are spirit that defines the restaurant. The evening begins at 4 p.m. with the full dinner menu and a few seasonal cocktails, giving guests the option to make it their holiday dinner, meet friends early, or ease into a night that carries into the late hours.
At 10 p.m., the room shifts. The lights dip, the DJ steps in, and Tio’s becomes a late-night holiday gathering with a limited menu, Christmas movies on the screens, and surprise touches from Hornitos Tequila and Maker’s Mark that keep things loose and lively. Guests are free to drop in for one part of the night or stay for the whole thing.
The celebration draws from Noche Buena, the Peruvian and Latin tradition at the center of Chef Arnaldo Castillo’s childhood. “Noche Buena is how I grew up celebrating the holidays. Families come together late, nobody rushes dinner, and midnight is when things really get going. That’s the feeling I want people to experience here,” says Castillo.
Dinner reservations are encouraged; late-night entry is first-come, first-served. Details and booking are available at tioluchos.com. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. Follow @tioluchos on Instagram and Facebook.
To celebrate their 10th studio album, they’ll be hitting the road! They’ll play on Dec 9th at The Eastern.
SHISHfinds Portugal.The Man on the edge of discovery – pulling the curtain back further. Across its ten distinct tracks, the band leans into discomfort, vulnerability, and the warped pop sensibility that only Portugal. The Man can offer. SHISH represents a period of intense reappraisals for Gourley, both in music and in life and it combines Gourley’s most revealing writing yet, not only about the lessons he learned being raised in Alaska, but also some of the lessons he’s already learned raising his daughter, Frances, who was diagnosed with one of the world’s rarest genetic disorders four years ago.
These personal tales and philosophies mirror a broader sense of musical freedom than Portugal. The Man has ever before embraced, in spite of how wide-ranging their music has always been.
The band’s released some great teases of the record so far with their tracks: “Angoon,” “Denali”, “Tanana,” and “Mush.”
Praise for Portugal. the Man:
“Shish, the most explicitly Alaskan record Gourley has written, because he felt he owed it to Alaska and he owed it to himself.” – SPIN
“Shish’s early singles hint at a certain propulsiveness to the structures of these songs, even if Gurley’s falsetto, surfy guitars, and bubblegum psych-pop aesthetic tend to bring MGMT’s Congratulations to mind.” – FLOOD “
“Tanana” finds the band in hazy psych-pop mode, while “Mush” is a little more rocking and propulsive.” – Brooklyn Vegan
“Portugal. The Man, whose 2017 smash “Feel It Still” has been stuck in your head no fewer than six times, have announced their forthcoming album, “SHISH,” with these two new songs. “Tanana” — a city in Alaska, the band’s birth state — evokes a woozy psych-rock freefall, countered by the skittering alt-rock anxiety of “Mush.” – Boston Globe
“SHISH is yet another awe-inspiring effort from Gourley and his Portugal. The Man project turned out to be some of the most honest, refreshing music the artist has added to his discography in some time. These ten songs pinpoint the exact time and space Gourley is currently in, and turn his point of view into relatable slices of daring, artistic indie rock.” Glide Magazine
“SHISH saw Gourley scale-back from the limitless world to a tightened circle. It became a call back to the band’s Alaskan origins and upbringing, adopting a mentality of taking only what you need rather than everything at your fingertips. Through SHISH, Portugal. The Man invites listeners into their home, proudly representing the community they came from.” Luna Collective
“The Grammy-winning indie-rock mainstays’ next project shows them braving fearsome new sonic possibilities and drawing inspiration from their origins in Alaska” – Relix
“A pretty eclectic mix of music that hops extravagantly from foot to foot” – 13th Floor
Rest of the tour:
Dec 2 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg (The Lords of Portland Present Portugal. The Man)
Dec 3 – New York, NY – Terminal 5 Dec 4 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer Dec 5 – Washington, DC – The Anthem Dec 7 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns Dec 8 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel Dec 9 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern Dec 11 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory Dec 12 – Austin, TX – ACL Live – Moody Theater
Come stay amongst the clouds at this lavish North Georgia Resort: Cloudland at McLemore! Recently, John and I escaped to the north Georgia mountains and were stunned by what we found there! About 2 hours north of Atlanta and situated on the brow of Lookout Mountain, John and I found Cloudland at McLemore to be a master class in elevated comfort, premium accommodations, white-glove service, and a pinnacle of resorts! But what stunned us most were the majestic mountain views from every window, even our room! It was a delight, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it!
The Resort
In the lobby you’re greeted by large wooden doors, opened for you, and walk into glass walls that show the mountain views right away! To the left is the reception area, the right is the beautiful library with sitting area and fireplace. It is stuffed with books for your enjoyment. In front of you is the den common area downstairs. It is lavish couches and intimate seating areas with a beautiful fireplace and a gorgeous topographical mural of the mountain. Outside you sit and watch the sunset from Adirondack chairs or fire pits areas during the day, for sunset, or at night!
And in the rooms, you’re in for a treat. These rooms are done to the nines. Marble and white subway tile spacious bathrooms, while wood and dark colors create a sense of calm in the bedroom area. A small seating area for gazing out the window at the best feature of the room, the views! You can see the entire pool area, outside bar, and the brow from there!
Experiences
Beyond the resort, Cloudland at McLemore has exquisite experiences. John and I did not know just how much there is to do in this mountain oasis! From restaurants options to an upscale spa to world-class golf to an epic Infiniti pool, and of course the best amenity: the mountain views are stunning.
As far as the experiences, we enjoyed a wine tasting, Magic of Napa Valley, a wine tasting with the Napa Valley collective. Small, unique wineries from Napa with excellent wines! Included were Impensata with a crisp sav Blanc, Allora Vineyards with my favorite, a sparkling brut, Zakin Wines with a bright Chardonnay, Parallel Wines with a floral rose, and St Helena Winery with a fantastic Chardonnay! Upcoming they have events for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
And Cloudland at McLemore has so many other amenities! It would not be a weekend at Cloudland without a soak in the beautifully heated Infiniti pool overlooking the brow or lounging by it. Nothing really beats peering over the pool edge into the views of the mountain. Plus, if golf is your thing, they have an award winning public golf course that you have to try! Plus, driving range and their small course is included in the stay. Did we mention the golf course even has its own view? If you need relaxation, they have a calm, inviting, upscale spa for you to relax.
Dining Options
One of the best amenities that Cloudland at McLemore is their dining options. Starting with Croft, a casual spot for Scottish fare. They have a delicious, tasty Cloudland deviled egg dish that I thoroughly enjoyed. John got the divine thick cut bacon, perfectly candied and spiced up with jalapenos. We loved they had two large projector TVs for the big game and a large bar!
Another casual spot is The Pocket Cafe, quick casual bites from pastries like croissants to bowls and salads. I really enjoyed their quinoa salad bowl. Next, if you prefer to dine on the brow, Skyside is your casual spot. Weather permitting, they have tiki drinks, spritzes, and a small food menu with handhelds, salads, and more.
Up at the golf clubhouse is the beautiful rustic, The Craeg. Outside they have patio seating to watch the golfers on the course and to take in the views. Inside, they have a great cocktail menu where I got a fantastic, boozy Manhattan.
Finally, last but not least of the dining options, is my favorite of them all, Alud Alliance. It is the best dinner and date night spot with views and upscale French country cuisine. To start, we tried the stuffed quail and were so glad we got it! It is tender, smoked quail, glazed with maple, then stuffed with earthy and creamy butternut squash with all the fall flavors. It is a top a heap of thick cut bacon. I paired this the Castle & Key Martini, a boozy vodka martin with a twist of lemon.
For dinner we decided to split the wood-grilled, dry-aged pork chop, which is cooked to perfection, tender, and juicy. It has a wonderful, tangy, tangy, apple butter underneath. We got the heirloom carrots on the side and found them amazing. Sweet and earthy, crunchy carrots with a decadent brown sugar and a creamy yogurt labneh. Finally, we also enjoyed the crunchy fried potato wedges, a crunchy wedge potato and perfectly paired with rosemary and olive oil. I paired dinner with an old-fashioned boasting with sweet, smooth scotch, sweet walnut bitters, smoke, and charred rosemary.
Sip, Snip, and Sparkle at Kitty Dare’s Holiday Wreath-Making Class
On Sunday, November 30th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Kitty Dare is decking the halls early with its first-ever wreath-making class, complete with all the (jingle) bells and whistles. Guests will be guided by local floral expert Amber Schoepp as they craft a custom 12” grapevine wreath, layering fragrant cedar, princess pine, juniper and fir, and finishing with seasonal touches from berry sprigs and pinecones to ribbon and festive ornaments. A pour of bubbly welcomes each guest, and Kitty Dare’s curated wine selection will be available for purchase for those who prefer trimming and toasting in tandem. Once the final bow is tied, guests who choose to jingle all the way through dinner will receive 10% off their bill, a merry little ending to a cheerful afternoon. Tickets are $95 per person plus tax and gratuity, and can be reserved through Resy or by calling Kitty Dare at (404) 228-1566. Space is limited. For more information on Kitty Dare, visit kittydare.com. Kitty Dare is located at 1029 Edgewood Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook @kittydareatl.
Two Days of Sipping, Shopping and Browsing Unique Gifts From More Than 100 Artists
Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30, 2025
Get into the holiday spirit at the third annual Piedmont Holiday Gift Market. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, this festive two-day event will take place in Piedmont Park, right in the heart of Midtown, over Thanksgiving weekend. On Saturday, November 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., festivals goers are invited to sip on hot cocoa, listen to holiday music, and stroll through the park while exploring unique gift items from more than 100 artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers, leather and metalworkers, jewelers, and crafters. The Piedmont Holiday Gift Market (1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309) is free to attend and open to all ages, with dogs welcome too. For more information, visit www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps.
