Holiday Fun in Atlanta
The holiday season has officially kicked off and your Ultimate Atlanta Holiday Guide is HERE! Stay tuned for posts about where to catch Santa, enjoy local holiday shopping and go ice skating around town.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights - Atlanta Botanical Gardens. 11/16- 1/11/2020 5-10pm. $19+ (non-members). Become a member and get access to the preview night event on 11/14 and also discounts on tickets! The best light display in town, over 1 million lights and 200 show-stopping color changing topiaries transform the garden into a must-do holiday event. New this year is the all-new music and motion for Atlanta’s favorite holiday spectacle, Nature’s Wonders, the largest curtain of synchronized light and sound in the world. Highly recommend buying tix in advance to secure family plans on premium nights/weekends.
Magical Night of Lights - Lake Lanier. 11/22- 1/5/20. $42+ per car. Holiday pricing 12/20-30. Enjoy 7 miles of lights, including the 12 Days of Christmas display! Visit Santa’s Elves at Work, the North Pole Express, Jack & The Beanstalk, scenes from The Wizard of Oz, the Poinsettia Candelabra, the stunning Icicle Tunnel, and the Carousel too. Don’t miss the Holiday Village with winter-themed carnival rides, fire pits, s’mores, specialty winter drinks, and more!
Fantasy in Lights - Callaway Gardens. 11/16-1/5/2020. $21+/$10.50+. Named “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights,” as named by National Geographic Traveler, experience an amazing light and sound show! 8 million lights, 15 scenes, Christmas Village with kids activities, Grinch Holiday Dinner Show, Character Breakfast, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, pictures with Santa, shopping, and train rides. Also check out the specialty nights like Fantasy & Fireworks on 12/31.
Lights of Life - Marietta/Life University. 11/28- 12/31. $5-$10. One of the most affordable and always delightful light displays OTP, check out Life University’s iconic holiday scenes in lights. The 65 foot tall rendition of Santa and his sleigh is the tallest display in the Southeast!
Holiday Shows/Events for Adults:
Invasion: Christmas Carol - Dad’s Garage Theatre. 11/29 - 12/28. $25+. An Atlanta must, this show is the ultimate holiday improv experience. What happens when a new character gets introduced to a classic tale? With new characters added each night - each show is unique and will keep you laughing into 2020!
Miracle on Monroe. 11/29-12/29. The extremely popular holiday themed pop-up bar is back at it’s original midtown location this year. Get there early for your spot immersed in all things Christmas, enjoying yummy sips and eats. The bar’s ‘halls’ are decked to the max and patrons can enjoy themed cocktails in custom Miracle glassware including Santa’s Pants mugs and reindeer Collins glasses.
Merry Funkin’ Christmas - Venkman’s. 12/6 9:30pm. $20+. Join Wren and the Wravens who perform an eclectic blend of retro soul, pop and R&B, to make sure your holiday season is cool and funky.
After Dark Holiday Party - Fernbank Museum. Friday 12/13 7-11pm. $10+. Enjoy live music, drinks/eats and the Festivi-trees as you explore two floors of decorated trees showcasing celebrations around the globe in the holiday exhibit, Winter Wonderland. And take advantage of after-hours, kid-free access to all indoor exhibits, and the special exhibit, Traveling the Silk Road.
Atlanta Santa Speedo Run - Midtown. 12/14 2pm. $30+. One of the most hilarious ways to raise $ for an amazing local charity. Proceeds benefit Bert’s Big Adventure! “Wear a little, give a lot!”
Winter Edition Atlanta BeltLine Pub Crawl. Sat 12/14 12-4pm. $30+. Bundle up and socialize with drinks at 5 bars along the beltline and yummy eats.
Puddles Pity Party & Friends Holiday Jubilee - Center Stage. 12/29 6:30p. $20+. Atlanta’s own, join the sad clown with the golden voice at this fun holiday themed show to remember!
Family-Friendly Shows/Events:
Stone Mountain Christmas - 11/16 - 1/5/20. $31+. At this holiday themed event, enjoy park attractions including Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more! Then, immerse yourself in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows, and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters!
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Center for Puppetry Arts. 11/13 - 12/30. $15+. One of the hottest tickets in town for families, don’t wait to get yours as they will sell out. This year your ticket includes 3 activities: the performance of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, a Create-A-Puppet Workshop™ where you can build and perform with your very own Sam the Snowman Rod Puppet, and admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum. Discounts for members!
Christmas Canteen - Aurora Theatre. 11/14-12/23. $20+. This original holiday classic show is at the Aurora! Brimming with songs, comic sketches, trips down memory lane and a sprinkle of Christmas magic, it’s the holiday show with something for everyone.
A Christmas Carol - The Alliance Theatre. 11/16 - 12/25. $17.50+. Celebrate the holidays with the beloved Dickens classic in this Broadway-scale production with beautiful live music and an all-star Atlanta cast.
Disney Junior Holiday Party - The Fox Theatre. 11/19 6pm. $25+. Fans can enjoy a greeting with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Santa photo app, DJ hosted holiday games & music, holiday snacks and beverages.
Waffle Palace Christmas - Horizon Theatre. 11/22-12/29. $30+. A fun new holiday show in the heart of Little 5 with heartfelt southern humor scattered, smothered and covered in a spicy holiday sauce. The charming characters from the sell-out Waffle Palace show are back for a second holiday helping; full of fun, laughter and Christmas cheer.
Holiday Events - Georgia Aquarium. 11/23 - 12/31. Annual lighting of the tree (two dates) include hot chocolate and holiday treats, holiday carols, and a penguin waddle. Also set your date for breakfast with Santa and more. Celebrate the holidays at the worlds largest aquarium!
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - The Fox Theatre. 11/24 2pm/7:30pm. $45+. This neoclassical new-age music group blends classical music with elements of new age and rock for a modern and exciting rendition of traditional Christmas music.
This Wonderful Life - Aurora Theatre. 11/29 - 12/23. $20. Innovative one-man show, this hilariously touching stage adaptation of one of the most popular and heartwarming films ever made will star Atlanta’s own Jeremy Aggers.
Old Fashioned Christmas - Historic Dahlonega. 11/29 - 12/31. This #FREE event features the picturesque town lighted up for the holidays, shopping and eating. Sleigh rides, musicals, annual tree lighting party, Santa and more!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze - The Fox Theatre. 11/30-12/1. $50+. With 3 unforgettable performances, this critically-acclaimed extravaganza is both a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.
Vinings Jubilee Tree Lighting - 12/5 6pm-8pm. FREE! Gather the whole family together to be merry and bright with live holiday music, cookie + ornament decorating, train rides, pictures with Santa, and more!
The Nightmare Before Christmas - Center for Puppetry Arts. Friday 12/6 & Sat 12/7 8pm Free movie screening for members/museum admission for non-members. Spooktacular stop-motion movie to get you into the holiday spirit!
A Christmas Carol - Aurora Theatre. 12/6 - 12/22. $30+. Anthony Rodriguez will guide audiences through the traditional tale of Mr. Scrooge and the troop of Dickens’ characters in a one-man presentation of A Christmas Carol with a twist in this limited, four-week engagement.
Madeline’s Christmas - Horizon Theatre. 12/7- 12/31. $12-$15. The little girl from Paris embarks on a holiday adventure! Family-friendly holiday favorite.
The Nutcracker by The Atlanta Ballet - The Fox Theatre. 12/7 -12/24. $40+. Classic holiday ballet that is a must-see every season! Stunning performance by Atlanta’s best dancers. Runs 2 hours with a 25 minute intermission.
Candlelight Nights at the Atlanta History Center. 12/13 & 12/20. $20+. Candlelight tour of 3 historic houses, visit Santa, shop a holiday market with local crafted items, food/drinks, and more! Great event to learn more about Atlanta and holiday traditions.
Victorian Holiday - Oakland Cemetery. Sat 12/14 10am-4pm. FREE to attend, Tour of Eternal Homes ($16). Shop the holiday market, purchase wreaths, visit with Santa, and more.
Yacht Rock Revue Holiday Spectacular - Coca-Cola Roxy. Sat 12/21 7pm. $35+. Rock the season with this amazing performance at the new Battery by Atlanta’s kings of smooth. Rock around the Christmas Tree at this awesome annual concert!
The Elf on the Shelf Musical - Cobb Energy Center. 12/23 12pm/5pm. $33+. The beloved holiday tradition that continues to capture the hearts of children and their families everywhere, comes to the live stage for the first time ever!
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AMVs--a dying artform
As I reported, this year was the very last year that the people who normally host the AMV Contest for Oni-Con are going to be doing it.
To quote from their announcement:
“....Oni-Con XVI (2019) will be our LAST AMV Contest we will present.This desision did not come easy for us, but this decision has been thrown around each year prior at how we will end our long run of presenting AMV Contests. We believe now is the best time. Bear in mind that AnimeFunTV itself is NOT ending, only presenting AMV Contests for conventions is ending.We have met some incredible people and seen some outstanding music videos during our time presenting contests for conventions. We want to make Oni-Con XVI (2019) our best show going out but we can’t do it with out your support, so hurry and submit your videos! We were also granted an extended time for our show at Oni-Con so we will announce some special things soon.We’d like to thank the Oni-Con staff who have been very helpful and supportive to us, all those who helped past and present; to all the attendees who watch the shows and lastly all the people who have submitted to our contests both past and present. We appreciate everyone.”
I was glad at least that I got to thank them personally for the FRIDAY 10 year Retrospective Screening they held in one of the panel rooms.
This is what I got to enjoy: (quoting again)
“Here is the setlist for Oni-Con XVI (2019) including videos from our intro and farewell exit video.” -- AnimeFunTV
Friday setlistOni-Con XII – Shin – Just Funkin’ Dandy
Oni-Con XV – VampireDeva1990 – Bittersweet Symphony
Oni-Con XIII – UnluckyArtist – Screaming Artist
Ikkicon VI – l33tmeatwad – Clubbin’ with Lupin
Ikkicon VII – Brad DeMoss – Dark Side
San Japan 3.0 – General Vash – Anime Odds and Ends San Japan Edition 2, The Revengeoning
Ikkicon IX & Oni-Con XI – Unlucky Artist – Maniacal
Ikkicon IX – Amaterasu – Forever Is A Long Long Time
Oni-Con XII – drewaconclusion – Spaced Out
San Japan 3.0 – LC_Lapen – 15 Minute Phone Call
San Japan 4TW – moonbunnychan – I Have A Rather Short Attention Span
Oni-Con XIII – leolide – zuzuzu
Furry Fiesta 2014 & Oni-Con XI – Nils Houghton – Beer is The Future
Ikkicon IX – l33tmeatwad – Immortal Chimera (uncensord)
Ikkicon X – drewaconclusion – A Quack Interpretation
Ikkicon VI – Shin – I’m a Kitty Cat
Oni-Con XII – drewaconclusion – Rainbow Stalin Saves The World
San Japan 2.x – Keopichino – Double Trouble
Ikkicon VII – Rolfyboy8 – Look at it, It’s Ugly 2.0
Brony Fan Fair II – Racecarghost1 – Death Should Not Have Taken Thee
Oni-Con XIII – Phlashbak – Klassik Television
Oni-Con X – EllipseIris – Counting Stars
Ikkicon X & Oni-Con XII – Soul’s Team – Anime’s Got Talent
Oni-Con XI – Ookami – Goodbye My Lover
Oni-Con XV – thefanvideoer2 – Finally Free
San Japan 3.0 – simofc90 – Faces
Oni-Con XV – Kireblue – Chobit Processing Unit
Oni-Con XV – tko03isaneditor – EVERYONE (actually) JOINS THE BATTLE
San Japan 3.0 – Studio Hybrid – Building Steam
San Japan 4TW & Ikkicon V – drewaconclusion – Dead New World
Oni-Con XV – Kirbygal ��� Land of Confusion
San Japan 3.0 – LC_Lapen – Brutal Zombie Hybrid Murder Event
Ikkicon X – Maboroshi Studio – The Swear Jar
San Japan 4TW – ProjectBarcodeError – Welcome to Fabulous Daten City
Oni-Con XIV – AntaresHeart07 – Anime MasterChef
Oni-Con XIV – PaNTSU oF d00m – Dios Memestravaganza
San Japan 3.0 – drewaconclusion – Commander in Fad
Oni-Con XV – PieandBeer – The Slippery Slope (uncensored)
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I did enjoy it, but it also brought the unwelcome reminder that last year they permitted NON-ANIME entries from Avatar: The Last Airbender (which, I mean, I’m okay with I guess) to MAINSTREAM DISNEY (hard frown)....and that annoyed me. The Anime-adjecent stuff I’m fine with (Avatar, Korra, RWBY) but the Disney fare---HARD NO. But it hardly matters anymore as nobody knows what Oni-Con will do to fill this gap, if anything.
Also heard on a recent Anime World Order podcast that Anime Weekend Atlanta used to be *THE* con for AMVs but even this once proud tradition is waning for them, the emphasis shifting to live Japanese pop-rock music, inviting TeddyLoid to Guest DJ, etc.
Due to the untimely passing of my Dad I was not able to attend the actual AMV Contest with other fans on Saturday night. I’m glad video of it was archived but the experience just isn’t the same as feeling it live with everyone else....(sigh).
Anyway, this is the Saturday set-list I missed and will have to watch later by myself....
Disclaimer
Intro – credits
Ikkicon VII – l33tmeatwad – Blackout Shooter
Ikkicon V – Drewaconclusion – A Psychedelic Lovers’ Dream
Oni-Con X – Mr. Pilkington – I Has A Flavor
Oni-Con X – Mr. Pilkington – Welcome to the Nightmare
Oni-Con XIV – VampireDeva1990 – One More Light
Oni-Con XII – LC_Lapen – Captain DandEo
Ikkicon VI – Bill Meunier – Shut up and Ride
Oni-Con XII – Xophilarus – Parallel Convergence
Ikkicon V – Janet Lookabaugh – amv potpourri
Oni-Con XV – Skyking – High Hopes
Oni-Con XIII – StarTrinity009 – SUKI DA!!!
San Japan 4TW – Shin – Nichijou Cat
San Japan 2.x – Spayd the Superhero – Teen Guy Squad!
Brony Fan Fair – Ben Mangum – RiMRemixAppleAppleApple
San Japan 4TW – Zakuro – Letter
Oni-Con XII – Azukano – Otaku Lyrics 101
[Oni-Con 2019 – Truce Action] – Bryan – Another Clip
San Japan 4TW – Lassokid – The Strenght to Go
Ikkicon VII & Oni-Con X – Amaterasu & l33tmeatwad – The Solution (uncensored)
[Oni-Con 2019 – Truce Action] – Kirbygal – Machine of Despair
[Oni-Con 2019 – Truce Drama] – Zaraki – 2028
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Comedy] – Bauzi – Ende Gelaende [End of Line]
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Action] – Bauzi – HYPERLUST
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Drama] – Skyking – Countdown
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Comedy] – Pikapwn – Diznee Presents Kurokos Basketball
Ikkicon IX – MycathatesyouAMV – Generation Selfie
Intermission
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Drama] – CasualSwimmer – Sea Of Voices
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Comedy] – ShizayaFanart – YIAYMV
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Action] – SerAvium – Deep Color Nightmare
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Drama] – Vik – Beyond Horizon
Oni-Con X – Mr. Pilkington – Real Men Play with Dolls
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Action] – Cneq – Monogatari Reality
[Oni-Con 2019 – Animation Drama] – VampireDeva1990 – A Father’s Love
Ikkicon IX – Otaku Lounge Productions – Tchaikovsky’s Data Plan
[Oni-Con 2019 – Animation Action] – VampireDeva1990 – Mulan Roar!
[Oni-Con 2019 – Animation Drama] – Studio le Croc – Survivor
San Japan 3.0 – Ileia – The Cyrus Virus
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Action] – Team Instinct – NeverEverLand
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Drama] – Zane Kordich – D E S T R U C T
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Comedy] – Armed and out of Medication Productions-Teenage Gang Dana
[Oni-Con 2019 – Animation Action] – Celia Phantomhive – Hero-owos
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Drama] – AngelMaeVictory – True Colours
Oni-Con XI – l33tmeatwad – Rejected AMVs
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Action] – ShinRyu – Legacy
[Oni-Con 2019 – Animation Drama] – AngelMaeVictory – feel good
Ikkicon VII – drewaconclusion – Kount Krausula.mp4 ( 2:34)
Ikkicon IX & Oni-Con XI – Maboroshi Studio – I HATE THAT AMV (Uncensored)
Ikkicon VII – l33tmeatwad – Requiem of the Endless Eight
[Oni-Con 2019 – Anime Comedy] – Maboroshi Studio – Plus Ultra Body Wash
San Japan 3.0 – drewaconclusion – YTMND AMV Fad of Princely Caliber
Farewell Exit – Credits
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The AMV contest was always the funnest part of Oni-Con for me and was pretty darn fun for Delta H Con this year, too. I will sorely miss it if some form of it does not continue under new auspices next year in Galveston....
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