The Center celebrates the holiday season with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, Festive Features, and Puppets and Pints

ATLANTA (November 2023) – The Center for Puppetry Arts is excited to announce its holiday line-up with the return of both Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ for its 13th year and the museum exhibition, Festive Features. This year, the Center adds a special holiday market for its after-hours Puppets and Pints event hosting local merchants.

The Center’s faithful adaptation of the 1964 Rankin/Bass television special, skillfully adapted by Artistic Director Jon Ludwig, has become a cherished Atlanta holiday tradition.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Rudolph back to the stage for its 13th year at the Center! At its essence, the performance embodies themes of acceptance and hope, celebrating the journey of a misfit finding their rightful place in the world. This timeless message remains as relevant today as it was when the original TV special premiered in 1964.” — Artistic Director Jon Ludwig

The production features a talented cast of puppeteers who bring beloved characters to life including the iconic Rudolph, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, and the Bumble. The use of body, rod, and black light puppets, along with a lively script and classic songs, promises an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ is sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery, Audi Atlanta, Kaiser Permanente, and Publix Supermarket Charities.

In addition to the live performance, the Center’s Festive Features museum exhibition invites guests to experience the original characters from classic holiday TV specials including Rudolph and Santa from the original 1964 TV production, Emmet and Ma Otter from Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, Salem the cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and The Jim Henson Company Reindeer from The Ed Sullivan Show.

For patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory sensitivities, the Center will host Sensory-Friendly Sunday on Nov. 9. Modifications will be made to the 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. performances, the Worlds of Puppetry Museum and the Create-A-Puppet Workshops™ to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment. Resources such as social stories, a quiet room, noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys will be provided for patrons. More information is available at: puppet.org/visit/asd-sensory-friendly-sundays/

For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, the Center will host American Sign Language Interpreted Performances on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. To learn more about ASL performances at the Center, visit: puppet.org/visit/asl-interpreted-performances/

All-inclusive Center tickets include the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ performance, admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, access to the Festive Features special exhibition, and the popular Create-A-Puppet Workshop™, where guests can build a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ Shadow Puppet. Ticket prices range from $21 to $41, with reduced pricing in November. VIP tickets are available, offering premium front-section seating. Tickets and more information can be found at: puppet.org/programs/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/

For adults, the Center will host an 18+ event, Puppets and Pints, on Dec. 7. Adult patrons are invited to explore the two permanent galleries of the Worlds of Puppetry Museum along with the special museum Festive Features exhibition from 6-10 p.m. Light bites will be provided along with a cash bar. For this month’s Puppets and Pints event, the Center’s atrium will be transformed into a holiday market featuring items for sale by local merchants. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit: puppet.org/programs/puppets-and-pints/

Center for Puppetry Arts® is a unique cultural treasure – a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened, and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops, and the hands-on Museum as well as Digital Learning and Outreach programs. Center for Puppetry Arts is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is supported in part by contributions from corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals. Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. These programs are also supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Center is a member Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA/USA/ASSITEJ) and serves as headquarters of UNIMA-USA, the U.S. center of Union Internationale de la Marionnette, the international puppetry organization.