Spring semester classes begin. All campuses.

The University of Georgia Creative Writing Program presents writer John Keene for a reading.Keene is the author of the novel Annotations (New Directions, 1995); the poetry collection Seismosis (1913 Press, 2006), a collaboration with artist Christopher Stackhouse; and the short fiction collection Counternarratives (New Directions, 2015), which received the inaugural 2017 Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Presses (in the United Kingdom) as well as a 2016 American Book Award, and a 2016 Lannan Literary Award for fiction.

No classes. Offices closed. 

A favorite of Athens audiences, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia returns with its delightful, fully staged production of one of the most beloved of all classical ballets. The treasured story comes to life in this enchanting performance filled with stunning dancers, lavish sets, beautiful costumes and Tchaikovsky’s immortal music. Spend an evening in Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted kingdom and relish this beloved fairy tale once again. Performances are Jan. 8 and 9.

No classes; offices closed.

The Nutcracker is a perennial favorite of generations of children and children at heart. Thrill to the same authentic Russian choreography that is performed in Moscow by the famous Bolshoi Ballet. The treasured holiday adventure follows a little girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved music, including “Waltz of the Flowers, "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” and “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” the entire family will love this magical experience filled with spectacular sets and beautiful costumes.

Welcome Stephen Mulligan, that Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s new Assistant Conductor, when the orchestra returns to Athens for this very special performance. The New Year’s Eve concerts of the past two years have been rousing successes as hundreds of merry revelers filled Hodgson Hall. This year’s event promises to be just as popular with a program of light and lively concert and pop favorites. The ninety-minute concert begins at 7 p.m., so attendees will be out early enough to enjoy any other traditional activities. Ring in 2018 in style with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Wrestling Temptation: The Quest to Control Alcohol in Georgiatraces the struggle that state leaders have faced in regulating the production, transportation and use of alcohol from 1733 to the present. The exhibit explores issues of morality, economy and personal liberty entwined with the use and abuse of alcohol. It considers what made Georgia different by paying close attention to the adoption of statewide prohibition in 1907 and the reluctance of state officials to repeal that measure even in the face waning public support and dire financial times during the 1930s.

Brighten the holiday season as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform the “Christmas” portion and the “Hallelujah Chorus” from George Frederic Handel’s Messiah.Founded in 1970 by former ASO Music Director Robert Shaw, the 200-voice ASO Chorus is known for its precision and expressive performances. Its recordings with the ASO have won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Choral Performance. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Director of Choruses Norman Mackenzie will be on the podium for this glorious concert.

For tickets, visit pac.uga.edu

As the birthplace of higher education, the University of Georgia has fostered a tradition of academic excellence, intellectual inquiry, and service to others since 1785. For our graduates, Commencement is a beginning, the start of the next chapter in their lives. At Commencement, we celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our students completing advanced degrees.

Commencement speaker: 

Lisa Nolan was professor and Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine prior to her appointment at UGA in July 2017.