Just like milk and cookies, few things go together as perfectly as the holidays and theatre. Showcasing the joy of the season in musicals, plays, ballets and circus productions, theaters and theatre companies all over the United States tend to pull out all the stops during the holidays. From beloved classics, such as Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" and Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to newer adaptations, such as "Elf" and "A Christmas Story: The Musical" (and everything in between), the holiday season is truly a fantastic time to experience the magic of live theatre. Here's our list of the best holiday shows to check out across the nation during the most wonderful time of the year!
When two World War II veterans follow a duo of singing sisters en route to a Vermont lodge owned by their beloved former commander, they end up coming together to save the snowless inn from closing by putting on a spirited Christmas show. Set to the timeliness tunes of Irving Berlin, this uplifting stage adaptation is a heartwarming tale that will surely delight audiences of all ages. You can catch "White Christmas" this holiday season near cities such as Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL, and Salt Lake City, UT.
- White Christmas Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, 7:30pm - Nampa Civic Center, Nampa, ID
- White Christmas Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, 7:30pm - Nampa Civic Center, Nampa, ID
- White Christmas Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 1:30pm - Nampa Civic Center, Nampa, ID
- White Christmas Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 2:00pm - Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan, NJ
- White Christmas Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 7:30pm - Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan, NJ
- White Christmas Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 7:30pm - Nampa Civic Center, Nampa, ID
- White Christmas Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, 3:00pm - Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan, NJ
- White Christmas Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, 7:30pm - Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan, NJ
- White Christmas Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, 2:00pm - Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan, NJ
- White Christmas Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, 7:30pm - Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan, NJ
"UFV presents A Christmas Carol" by University of the Fraser Valley is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
When Ebenezer Scrooge receives a surprise visit from the ghost of his former business partner on Christmas Eve, the notorious miser is swept away on an overnight voyage of epic proportions as he learns a heartwarming lesson in forgiveness and the change we can make around us. Even 150 years later, Dickens' cherished novella is a joyful Christmas tradition for the entire family. You can catch "A Christmas Carol" this holiday season near cities such as Atlanta, GA, Providence, RI and Birmingham, AL.
- A Christmas Carol Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, 7:00pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
- A Christmas Carol Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, 7:30pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
- A Christmas Carol Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 2:30pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
- A Christmas Carol Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 7:30pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
- A Christmas Carol Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, 2:00pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
- A Christmas Carol Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, 7:00pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
- A Christmas Carol Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, 7:30pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
- A Christmas Carol Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, 2:30pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
- A Christmas Carol Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, 3:30pm - CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, Centerville, UT
- A Christmas Carol Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, 7:30pm - Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon, NY
Forced to face the truth that he's not a bona fide elf, Buddy embarks on a journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Upon learning that his dad's on the Naughty List and his half-brother doesn't believe in Santa, Buddy makes it his mission to win over his new family and help the Big Apple remember the true meaning of Christmas in this musical comedy based on the beloved holiday film. You can catch "Elf" this holiday season near cities such as Portland, ME, Salt Lake City, UT and Branson, MO.
- Elf The Musical Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, 2:00pm - EKU Center for the Performing Arts, Richmond, KY
- Elf - The Musical Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 3:00pm - Fox Theatre Detroit, Detroit, MI
- Elf the Musical (Touring) Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, 7:30pm - Uihlein Hall - Marcus Center, Milwaukee, WI
- Elf - The Musical Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, 7:30pm - Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
- Elf - The Musical Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, 7:00pm - Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
- Elf the Musical Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, 7:30pm - Uihlein Hall - Marcus Center, Milwaukee, WI
- Elf the Musical Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 1:00pm - Uihlein Hall - Marcus Center, Milwaukee, WI
- Elf - The Musical Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 2:00pm - Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
- Elf the Musical Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 7:30pm - Uihlein Hall - Marcus Center, Milwaukee, WI
- Elf - The Musical Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 8:00pm - Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
"Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot. But the Grinch who lived just North of Whoville did not!" Narrated by Max the Dog, this whimsical holiday musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book has delighted more than 2.1 million theatre-goers across America. Music by Mel Marvin and a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason breathe new time into this timeless story about the true meaning of Christmas. You can catch "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" this holiday season near cities such as San Diego, CA, Cincinnati, OH and Charlotte, NC.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, 7:30pm - Walton Arts Center - Baum Walker Hall, Fayetteville, AR
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 3:00pm - Fox Theatre Detroit, Detroit, MI
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 7:30pm - Fox Theatre Detroit, Detroit, MI
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 10:30am - Fox Theatre Detroit, Detroit, MI
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 3:00pm - Miller Theater - Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 3:00pm - Fox Theatre Detroit, Detroit, MI
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 7:30pm - Fox Theatre Detroit, Detroit, MI
- Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, 7:30pm - Palace Theatre Columbus, Columbus, OH
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 11:00am - Palace Theatre Columbus, Columbus, OH
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 3:00pm - Palace Theatre Columbus, Columbus, OH
"The Nutcracker" by Larry Lamsa is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
When the clock strikes midnight, a Nutcracker doll comes to life and leads Clara Stahlbaum on a journey to the wondrous Land of Sweets. Following a fierce battle between an evil royal rodent and the majestic Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy leads an extraordinary celebration in this timeless classic. This glorious holiday story with music by Tchaikovsky is a magical hometown experience not to be missed. You can catch "The Nutcracker" this holiday season near cities such as Minneapolis, MN, Charlotte, NC and Concord, NH.
- The Nutcracker Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, 3:00pm - First Interstate Center for the Arts, Spokane, WA
- The Nutcracker Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, 3:00pm - Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas, TX
- The Nutcracker Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, 7:00pm - Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas, TX
- The Nutcracker Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, 4:00pm - Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN
- The Nutcracker Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 1:30pm - Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston, MA
- The Nutcracker Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 2:00pm - Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA
- Eugene Ballet - The Nutcracker Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 2:00pm - Atwood Concert Hall - APAC, Anchorage, AK
- The Nutcracker Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 7:00pm - Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA
- The Nutcracker Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 7:00pm - Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler, AZ
- The Nutcracker Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 7:30pm - Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston, MA
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Prepare to be dazzled by acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and Christmas cheer in this world-class circus experience infused with holiday classics. In this unforgettable musical journey, you'll be transported to a magical land far away for a fun-filled, must-see holiday event featuring today's greatest circus performers and a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites. You can catch "Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland" this holiday season near cities such as Des Moines, IA, Sioux Falls, SD and Minneapolis, MN.
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, 7:00pm - Family Arena, St Charles, MO
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, 7:30pm - Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, IL
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, 7:30pm - Victory Theatre, Evansville, IN
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, 7:30pm - Kodak Center for Performing Arts, Rochester, NY
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, 5:00pm - Hershey Theatre, Hershey, PA
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, 7:00pm - Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, SC
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, 6:00pm - Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, FL
Loaded with nostalgia, charm, comedy, music and magic, this awe-inspiring variety show will dazzle you, enchant you and fill you with Christmas cheer as it takes you on a whimsical winter wonderland journey. Embrace the holiday spirit and witness the incredible talent of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music in this holiday experience like none other. You can catch "A Magical Cirque Christmas" this holiday season near cities such as Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA and Charleston, SC.
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, 7:30pm - Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas, TX
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, 8:00pm - Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, Austin, TX
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, 7:00pm - Whitney Hall -Kentucky Center, Louisville, KY
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, 7:30pm - National Theatre, Washington, DC
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, 7:30pm - National Theatre, Washington, DC
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, 2:00pm - National Theatre, Washington, DC
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, 7:30pm - National Theatre, Washington, DC
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, 2:00pm - National Theatre, Washington, DC
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, 7:30pm - National Theatre, Washington, DC
- A Magical Cirque Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, 7:30pm - Berglund Performing Arts Theatre, Roanoke, VA
"Cirque Dreams Holidaze - U.S. Army Garrison, South Korea - 16 December 2012" by USAG-Humphreys is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Flipping gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, balancing snowmen, caroling puppets and soaring reindeer are just a few of the astonishing acts you'll witness in this brilliant and whimsical holiday spectacular. A Broadway-style musical fused with contemporary circus artistry, this critically acclaimed extravaganza is the perfect gift for the entire family to enjoy. You can catch "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" this holiday season near cities such as Detroit, MI, Birmingham, AL and Tampa, FL.
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, 6:00pm - Moran Theater - Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacksonville, FL
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, 7:00pm - Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, FL
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, 7:30pm - Saenger Theatre - FL, Pensacola, FL
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, 7:00pm - Mark C. Smith Concert Hall - Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
- Broadway in Bismarck - Cirque Dreams Holidaze Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, 7:30pm - Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, ND
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 4:00pm - Altria Theater, Richmond, VA
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 11:00am - Altria Theater, Richmond, VA
- Cirque Dreams: Holidaze Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 12:00pm - Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, Indianapolis, IN
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 3:00pm - Altria Theater, Richmond, VA
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 4:00pm - Murat Theatre at Old National Centre, Indianapolis, IN
A Christmas Story: The Musical
On a quest to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, Ralphie Parker won't let anything get in between him and the gift of his dreams — not even a leg lamp, a set of pink bunny pajamas or a maniacal department store Santa. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era in this enchanting and nostalgic musical adaptation that recreates the charm of the classic holiday film. You can catch "A Christmas Story: The Musical" this holiday season near cities such as Richmond, VA, Philadelphia, PA and New Orleans, LA.
- A Christmas Story Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, 7:30pm - Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, IL
- A Christmas Story Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, 7:30pm - Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, IL
- A Christmas Story Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, 2:00pm - Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, IL
- A Christmas Story: The Musical Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, 7:30pm - Lexington Opera House, Lexington, KY
- A Christmas Story Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, 7:30pm - Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, IL
- A Christmas Story: The Musical Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, 7:30pm - Boise Little Theatre, Boise, ID
- A Christmas Story: The Musical Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, 7:30pm - Lexington Opera House, Lexington, KY
- A Christmas Story: The Musical Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, 1:00pm - Lexington Opera House, Lexington, KY
- A Christmas Story Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, 2:00pm - Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, IL
- A Christmas Story Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, 7:30pm - Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, IL
Starring the quintessential voices of the heavenly Celtic Angels and featuring world-class champions, Celtic Knight Dancers and the immensely talented Trinity Ensemble Band, this joyous celebration will immerse you in the electric ambiance of an Irish Christmas. A wonderfully nostalgic journey from start to finish, prepare to be enthralled and delighted by jaw-dropping performances and spine-tingling harmonies. You can catch "Celtic Angels Christmas" this holiday season near cities such as Charleston, SC, Wichita, KS and Cincinnati, OH.
- Celtic Angels Christmas Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 4:00pm - Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, Shipshewana, IN
- Celtic Angels ChristmasCeltic Angels Christmas Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, 6:00pm - Paramount Theatre Centre, Anderson, IN
- Celtic Angels Christmas Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, 7:30pm - Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, Lima, OH
- Celtic Angels Christmas Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, 3:00pm - Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Celtic Angels Christmas Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, 8:00pm - Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
What holiday show will you be seeing this season? Be sure to purchase your tickets through Undercover Tourist for awesome deals and savings and a 100% buyer guarantee!
Related: Complete Guide to Walt Disney World Resort Christmas Events
