Things to do in and around Atlanta: Dec. 14-16

Will Ferrell stars in the Christmas classic, “Elf.”

Will Ferrell stars in the Christmas classic, “Elf.”

Atlanta’s weather doesn’t always cooperate, but you can still get in the holiday spirit with a movie, a party at Fernbank or listening to PJ Morton, who brings his tour to Atlanta.

“Fernbank After Dark” holiday party

What better way to ring in the holiday than at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Visitors can view all indoor exhibits, which will be open for self-guided tours, including the special exhibits, “Nature’s Superheroes: Life at the Limits” and Winter Wonderland.”

There will also be live music by Alex Guthrie.

7 p.m.-11 p.m. Dec. 14. $10 - $15. Add a giant screen movie for $5Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Rd. N.E. Atlanta. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

“Elf” movie screening

Enjoy a free movie screening of the 2003 Christmas classic, “Elf,” directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell, James Caan and Zooey Deschanel.

The screening on Dec. 15 is hosted by Venkman’s. “Elf” tells the story of an oversized elf who doesn’t fit in and causes havoc on the elf community. He is sent out to search for his true identity.

Brunch is available for elves of all ages, but reservations are recommended.

10:30 a.m.-noon. Dec. 15. Free. Venkman's, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd. N.E. 470-225-6162. www.venkmans.com.

PJ Morton at Variety Playhouse

Grammy-nominated artists PJ Morton treats fans to his New Orleans version of R&B will a stop in Atlanta at Variety Playhouse on Dec. 16.

Morton was recently nominated for Best R&B Album (“Gumbo Unplugged”), Best R&B Performance (“First Began”) and Best Traditional R&B Performance (“How Deep Is Your Love” feat. Yebba).

Morton has collaborated with Solange, Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu. He comes to Atlanta with Suzy Jones.

8 p.m. Dec. 16. $25-$40. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. Atlanta. 404- 524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com.