As the year comes to a close, celebrate the best of the holiday season at Atlanta’s annual events.

Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker features larger-than-life sets and bold costumes enhanced by striking video projections created by a world-class creative team including Tony Award-winning and -nominated designers; photo by Gene Schiavone

Through 1/2

Carnaval Couture Exhibit

Enter a world of imagination and unique artwork. International fashion art exhibit Art Meso will feature 10 designers and stylists in an unforgettable experience displayed in over 100 styles. Experience a world of carnival couture, from Asia to Europe, featuring artists from around the world. An artistic rendition of Noah’s Ark meets a wonderland that is full of majesty. Buckhead Village, 101 Buckhead Ave., artmeso.com

12/4

The Nutcracker

Atlanta Ballet will present Yuri Possokhov’s The Nutcracker, coming to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for the first time. The ultra-high-tech production will prepare a warm, captivating performance that will take you through an enchanting journey featuring bold costumes and extraordinary sets created by a team of Tony Award-winning and -nominated designers. 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, atlantaballet.com

12/6

FAF Fashion Show and Luncheon

The Forward Arts Foundation is hosting a fashion show and luncheon in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue. The elegant show will feature handpicked pieces from Saks’ most exclusive designers, unveiling holiday and spring fashion trends. Honoring Rene Nalley, the event will be chaired by Amy Kenny, Katie Nalley and Jana Simmons. Proceeds raised will benefit the visual arts in Atlanta through the programs of the Forward Arts Foundation. The St. Regis Atlanta, 88 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, forwardartsatlanta.org

12/7-12

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Experience the essence of Christmas with Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Watch as the Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for. The heartwarming holiday classic will take the stage at the Fox Theatre with hits like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” The whimsical town of Whoville will be brought to life by an A-list creative team. 660 Peachtree St., foxtheatre.org

Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. visits Atlanta Symphony Hall to perform holiday favorites; photo by Tony Duran

12/15

Leslie Odom Jr. The Christmas Tour

Join Tony Award-winning Leslie Odom Jr. on his anticipated Christmas Tour at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Known for his role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton, the multifaceted vocalist, songwriter and author will perform exciting holiday favorites. 8PM, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, aso.org

12/18

UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

UNCF hosts its 38th Mayor’s Masked Ball hosted by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms at Atlanta Marriott Marquis. This premier fundraising event focuses on helping young men and women move to and through college. UNCF serves and contributes to students at historically Black colleges and universities. In attendance will be national celebrities, corporate and civic leaders, alumni and students. Guests will enjoy an evening of fun, fashion, glitz and glamour. The evening will include dinner and live entertainment. 7-9PM, 265 Peachtree Center Ave., uncf.org

12/18-19

Bellyard’s Santa Brunch

Santa will make a West Midtown stop at the popular Bellyard. The hotel’s third-floor craft cocktail bar and American tavern-inspired restaurant, Drawbar, offers an extensive brunch menu with festive music and the opportunity to take that annual professional Santa photo. 10AM-1PM, 1 Interlock Ave., bellyardhotel.com

A comedic opera in two parts, The Pirates of Penzance’s Frederic will be played by Santiago Ballerini; photo by Jeff Roffman

1/22-30

The Pirates of Penzance

Experience the exuberant adventure opera The Pirates of Penzance. The story of a young pirate apprentice unfolds as he reaches the end of his indentured period. The production explores timeless themes of courage, duty and honor. The serious operatic chop is composed by England-born Arthur Sullivan and libretto by William S. Gilbert. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, atlantaopera.org

1/29

CHOA Hope and Will Ball

Join Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for a night of awareness for its 19th annual Hope and Will Ball. Proceeds raised will help deliver essential clinical care, world-class research and advanced equipment to each young patient. Honoring Arthur M. Blank’s dedication in support of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, this black-tie affair is recognized as its premier social and philanthropic event of the year. The evening will have a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, seated dinner and live entertainment. 6PM-midnight, The St. Regis Atlanta, 88 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, choa.org