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If you're looking for some Holiday Shows to get you in the spirit this holiday season, Chicago has plenty to offer. From musicals to family-friendly shows, there's something for everyone. Seeing a live holiday performance is a great way to get into the festive mood. There's nothing like watching a story be brought to life right in front of you. And with so many Holiday Shows to choose from, you're sure to find one that you'll enjoy. To see a complete list of all the holiday shows visit our Holiday Plays In Chicago page.
Here are just a few of the Holiday Shows that will be playing in Chicago this season:
A Christmas Carol
Goodman Theatre
Looking for something fun to do in Chicago this holiday season? Check out the Goodman Theatre's adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. This beloved Chicago tradition is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Audiences will enjoy the "bah humbugs," the electrifying ghost scenes, and Scrooge's rediscovery of the true meaning of Christmas. Goodman's Carol has been delighting audiences for over four decades - go see what all the fuss is about!
It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
American Blues Theater at Chopin Theatre
This classic play tells the story of George Bailey, the everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty. But when things start to go wrong for George, only a miracle can save him from despair. It's A Wonderful is a heartwarming story that's perfect for the holidays. So don't miss your chance to see it!
American Blues Theater's live retelling of the popular Frank Capra film It's a Wonderful Life has become a annual holiday tradition in Chicago, and is currently the city's second longest-running holiday play!
Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley
Northlight Theatre
Looking for something fun and festive to do this holiday season? Check out Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley which is coming to Northlight Theatre.
The play is based on characters from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and follows the youngest Darcy and Bennet sisters as they become fast friends and await the arrival of Georgiana's secret correspondent. Mixups of manners and overprotective big brother Mr. Darcy keep romance from unfolding easily. But music, ambition, friendship, and sisterhood lead to happiness in the end.
So if you're looking for a fun night out with a bit of holiday cheer, be sure to check out Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley. You won't be disappointed!
Elf The Musical
Drury Lane Theatre
Elf The Musical is the perfect holiday activity for your family and friends! Catch the show at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook.
This heartwarming holiday tale follows Buddy, an elf who discovers he is really a human and sets off on a journey to New York City to find his birth father. Along the way, he spreads Christmas cheer and the true meaning of the holiday season. Don't miss this hilarious and heartwarming show! Get your tickets now.
A Christmas Story
Marriott Theatre In Lincolnshire
Looking for a festive and fun Holiday show to attend this year in Chicago? Look no further than A Christmas Story, The Musical! This delightful musical tells the story of a young boy named Ralphie Parker who dreams of getting a Red Ryder Air Rifle for Christmas. Set in the 1940s in Indiana, the musical features catchy songs and memorable characters that will have you laughing and singing along. So whether you're a fan of the beloved 1983 movie or just looking for a festive evening out, be sure to check out A Christmas Story, The Musical!
A Magical Cirque Christmas
CIBC Theatre
Looking for something fun and festive to do this holiday season? Check out A Magical Cirque Christmas, a Holiday show like no other!
This holiday tale begins as the Guardian of Time, who manages the changing of the seasons with his giant magical clock, finds himself less than thrilled to face the countdown to the 2022 holidays. In other words, he's not feeling it. A Christmas fairy appears to help but despite her best intentions, causes time to go haywire when she breaks the clock.
This Holiday show is sure to get you into the holiday spirit with its dazzling displays of cirque-style acrobatics, holiday tunes performed live, and plenty of laughs.
The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, The Obligatory Holiday Special
Hell In A Handbag Productions at Center on Halsted
The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, The Obligatory Holiday Special is a holiday play that will have you laughing. Most of Sophia's friends at the Shady Pines Retirement Community are about to become homeless for Christmas when they discover that their home is closing. Can the girls take action and save everyone in time? Will Rose be able to make it to St. Olaf in time for the ever-popular Herring Bowl Parade? This play is sure to bring some holiday cheer!
The Nutcracker
The Joffrey Ballet at Lyric Opera
The Holiday season just wouldn't be the same without a viewing of The Nutcracker. This year, the Joffrey Ballet is putting on their own special rendition of the classic tale. Christopher Wheeldon's reimagined story is one that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Follow young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on a Christmas Eve journey through the 1893 World's Fair. This dazzling spectacle is full of sights, sounds, and enchantment. It is also a wonderful way to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Chicago.
The Nutcracker is a timeless story that always manages to bring the Holiday spirit to life. Be sure to catch the Joffrey Ballet's performance of this Holiday classic.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
Lookingglass Theatre
Lookingglass Theatre's The Steadfast Tin Soldier is a Holiday must-see! This play was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Steadfast Tin Soldier and it does not disappoint. The story follows a little tin soldier on an unlikely adventure and is full of Zimmerman's signature storytelling through image and movement, accompanied by live music. You won't want to miss this Holiday spectacle!
Who's Holiday!
Theater Wit
Looking for something fun and festive to do this holiday season? Check out Who's Holiday!, a hilarious and heartwarming play about Cindy Lou Who, the famous character from Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Who's Holiday! tells the story of what happened to Cindy Lou after she first met the Grinch on Christmas Eve. Now an adult, Cindy Lou is reflecting on her life and all the twists and turns it has taken. This funny and touching play is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
Be sure to catch Who's Holiday! at Theater Wit. This Holiday season, don't miss out on this
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
Chicago Children's Theatre as The Station
This annual event is a must-see for families and fans of the famed British author and illustrator. Three of her most beloved stories are brought to life through an enchanting combination of puppetry and live music. And you'll even have a chance to get up close and personal with the performers by helping to operate the levers and cranks that produce such magical results!
So go on out and celebrate the holidays Beatrix Potter-style! It's sure to be a memorable experience for all.
Hershel And The Hanukkah Goblins
Strawdog Theatre at The Edge Off-Broadway
A group of traveling actors comes to Chicago and discovers that no one is celebrating Hanukkah. They decide to put on a show in order to save the holiday! Can they successfully bring back the spirit of Hanukkah to the town? And will Hershel of Ostropol be able to outsmart the goblins who haunt the old synagogue? In this adaptation of the Caldecott Honor-winning book, the story comes to life with music, puppets and a little bit of magic for families of all ages to enjoy. Theatregoers will be delighted by this performance of Hershel And The Hanukkah Goblins. The play is full of music, puppets, and a little bit of magic. It's the perfect way for families of all ages to enjoy the holiday season.
The Christmas Schooner
Beverly Arts Center
Based on a true story, The Christmas Schooner follows the captain of a Great Lakes schooner who risks life and limb to transport fir trees from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Chicago's German immigrants. Due to treacherous December weather conditions on Lake Michigan, the voyage is often quite dangerous.
Despite the risks, the captain works at bringing the trees to Chicago each year, helping to spread the Christmas tradition of decorating evergreen trees across America. The Christmas Schooner has been a holiday staple in Chicago since its 1995 premiere.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Auditorium Theatre
The holidays are a time for family, friends and festive fun. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a spectacular holiday show? Cirque Dreams Holidaze is set to dazzle Chicago audiences with its acclaimed and whimsical holiday spectacular!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze will convey the magic of the season through a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life.
Filled with vibrantly costumed acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and more, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a feast for the senses that is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. So don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind holiday treat!
What the Elf?
The Second City at UP Comedy Club
What the Elf? is coming to Chicago, and it's bringing all the holiday cheer! This original sketch, variety, and improv show is the perfect way to celebrate the season. With plenty of hot cocoa (and hot takes), What the Elf? is sure to make you merry. So come on out and laugh at 2022 with us! Cheers to the best, and roast to all the rest.
Junior Claus
Citadel Theatre Company
The holidays are just around the corner, and that means it's time for holiday shows! One of the most popular shows this year is Junior Claus. The show tells the story of Junior, a teenage elf who is reluctant to take over the family business from his father. When Santa suddenly becomes unable to make his annual trip, Junior must step up and take his place. Meanwhile, a scheming elf takes advantage of the situation and tries to turn the workshop into a for-profit enterprise.
If you're looking for a festive way to celebrate the holidays, Chicago has plenty of holiday-themed shows to offer! From plays and musicals to dance performances, there's something for everyone.
To see a complete list of all the holiday shows coming to Chicago this season, visit our Holiday Plays In Chicago page. You'll find show descriptions, dates, ticket information, and more - everything you need to plan your perfect holiday outing.