By Adrianne Murchison

For the AJC

Whether you’re cheerful or in a bah-humbug state of mind, there is probably something festive just for you this holiday season. Santa is all over town reading children’s wish lists. Holiday concerts and shows are under way. There’s even some fun to be had for the family dog.

Fun events for the family

The “Nutty Nutcracker” —The popular show returns after a four-year hiatus. This spoof of the classic story gives the cast of the Fox show a chance to let loose. The dancers are less choreographed, more free-flowing and wacky, presenting their own take on cultural icons and news stories of the day. Look for a small salute to Michael Jackson in the rated PG-13 show. Proceeds benefit the Dancers Resource Fund, which aids dancers in retirement or transition. 7 p.m., Dec. 20. $22-$89. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., N.E. 800-745-3000, www.foxtheatre.org .

Holiday on the Square — Holiday fun will be in full swing in downtown Lawrenceville with visits with Santa inside Gwinnett Historic Courthouse and carriage rides. An elf workshop will be open where volunteers dressed as elves will help children make ornaments, Christmas cards, necklaces and bracelets. And there will be a festive backdrop of live holiday music in the outside gazebo. Visits with Santa and the elf workshop will be 4:30-8 p.m., Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 18-20; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 21-22. $1 workshop; $5 photo with Santa. Also carriage rides around the Courthouse, 4:30-8 p.m., Dec. 19. $5. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450, www.gwinnettcounty.com .

More don’t-miss events

Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — The production company celebrates its 50th year performing for Atlanta audiences. Times vary. Through Dec. 27. $32-$99. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., N.E. 800-745-3000, www.foxtheatre.org .

“Holiday Puppet Shows” — The story “Santa’s Missing Mail” is featured during Holiday in the Gardens at Atlanta Botanical Garden. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The show is included with admission. (Members free.) $15 adults; $12 seniors and children ages 3-17; and free ages 2 and under. 1345 Piedmont Ave., N.E. 404-876-5859, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org .

Ice Skating at Centennial Park — Covered seating, holiday music and lights set the stage for family fun. The rink is open daily, including holidays, through Jan. 31. Hours vary. $7 admission; $2 for 90-minute skate rental. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Avenue West, N.W. 404-222-7275, www.centennialpark.com .

Nativity on the Square — Local choirs perform holiday music near the display on Marietta Square. 5-9 p.m., Dec. 17-18; and noon-9 p.m., Dec. 19. Glover Park, 50 Park Square, Marietta. 770-794-5601 or 770-971-3519, www.newprovidencebc.com/nativity .

Very Merry Holiday Pops — Conductor Michael Krajewski, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Lassiter and Walton high schools’ choruses perform holiday favorites. 8 p.m., Dec. 18; 2 and 8 p.m., Dec. 19. $18-$48. Atlanta Symphony Hall, Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. 404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org .

Kwanzaa Celebration — Giwayen Mata, an all-women percussion, dance and vocal ensemble, performs. 3 p.m., Dec. 30. Free. Central Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. 404-730-4001, www.afpls.org .