Holiday & Christmas Plays in Chicago

Charles Dickens' enchanting tale of redemption and hope comes to life in Arlington Heights' favorite holiday tradition. On a snowy Christmas Eve brimming with memorable characters, ghostly apparitions and splendid holiday music, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge visits the past, present and future to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre's updated, record-breaking production returns with enough magic, joy and Christmas spirit to delight audiences of all ages.

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season as it returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop's founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.

George Bailey, the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty, has fallen onto desperate times. Only a miracle can save him from despair. Filled with original music and classic holiday carols, this critically acclaimed, warm "holiday favorite makes the bell ring every time." (Chicago Tribune) For 20 years, American Blues has treated audiences to a live retelling of the Frank Capra classic in a 1940s radio broadcast tradition, making It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! the second longest-running holiday play in Chicago!

Witness the magical 1893 Chicago World's Fair with young Marie and her Nutcracker Prince in two-time Tony Award winning choreographer Wheeldon's holiday masterpiece. It's a celebratory Christmas Eve, and thanks to a surprise visit from the enchanting Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a spellbinding adventure into a realm of spectacle and wonder. Experience our holiday magic in this must-see tradition boldly reimagined for a new generation.

Set in 1920's America, A&A BALLET's The Art Deco Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved score, is a fresh, yet traditional take on the beloved holiday favorite with a sumptuous costume and set design inspired by the unique sophistication of the Art Deco era. The Art Deco Nutcracker is Alexei Kremnev's eighth full-length ballet. His work has been presented at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Lincoln Center in New York, and the Opernhaus Zurich in Switzerland, among other prestigious venues across the globe. The Huffington Post describes his choreography as "encompassing the best and brilliance of what movement can be while breaking boundaries of what we know."

Three charming storytellers unlock four vintage trunks, pull levers and turn cranks to reveal your family's favorite Beatrix Potter animal adventures. In proper English accent and period costumes, the actors weave toy theater magic with Beatrix Potter’s classic narration while recruiting kids to chime in at interactive moments, all accompanied by a veritable one-man-band playing original music on guitar, banjo, cello and toy piano.

This one-of-a-kind holiday production, which imagines a still-living Dickens forced to perform his famous A Christmas Carol for the 171st consecutive year, lovingly celebrates and skewers the famous author and our Christmas traditions.

Brush up on your Yuletide trivia, watch as audience members play for actual prizes in this uniquely interactive show. Laugh as the show tackles the wackiest myths and most outrageous facts about Christmas, including jolly old St. Nick's origins and where candy canes come from. There’s also a hilarious quiz pitting boys against girls on stage to see who knows the most about the holiday season! Watch and laugh from the comfort of your own home!

Oil Lamp Theater returns to WBFR Studios on Christmas Eve in 1946! Join a familiar cast of characters as they bring you an entirely new broadcast of the Charles Dickens' Holiday Classic A Christmas Carol- presented as a live radio play. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey to find the true spirit of the holiday season, complete with live sound effects, radio jingles and more! Don't miss a show that's fun for the whole family!

Now a beloved Chicago tradition, The Goodman Theatre ushers in the holiday season with its adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story A Christmas Carol. Audiences look forward to the "bah humbugs," the electrifying arrival of the ghosts, the jubilant musical numbers and dancing, and Scrooge's joyful rediscovery of life, love and the Christmas spirit. Goodman's Carol continues to lift heats and spirits after four decades more than a million visitors, and the timeless holiday tale promises to be merrier and more magical than ever. The Daily Herald says the play is "the crown jewel of the holiday season" -- find out for yourself or relive the magic again.

The magic of Charles Dickens' heart-warming classic visits Overshadowed's stage this Christmas. Come start a new holiday tradition and spend some time with Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future as they bring A Christmas Carol to life on stage. It's perfect holiday entertainment!

This holiday season, rock and rejoice with internationally acclaimed touring star Brandon Bennett (Chicago's Million Dollar Quartet). Magnetic, authentic, and radiating southern charm, Bennett is the winner of Graceland's prestigious "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist" competition. His electrifying concert retrospective features humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable hits including "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me," "Return To Sender," "Silent Night," "Burning Love," and "Blue Christmas."

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is set to dazzle Chicago audiences with its acclaimed and whimsical holiday spectacular! As the nation's premier family holiday tradition, Cirque Dreams Holidaze will convey the magic of the holiday 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. Broadway World exclaims, "Lose yourself for 90 minutes and go back to those wonderful dreams you had as a kid." Featuring an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more, the Dayton Daily News proclaims, "A new set of eyes should be added to my Christmas list...there's no way the stunts I witnessed onstage actually happened as most of them aren't humanly possible."

After three sell out tours in Ireland and the United Kingdom, join us on a festive journey through the heart of Ireland with the ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert-direct from Dublin and London's West End. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as our talented singers, musicians and dancers perform an outstanding live concert featuring all the festive favourites... and just when you think the party couldn't get any better, this incredible Irish infused show features the greatest Irish sing-a-long songs of all time-from joyous jigs to powerful ballads and from traditional singalong songs to haunting carols, this feel good, authentic concert will transport you straight to the emerald hills of Ireland at Christmas time! Bring your friends and family to share in the joy of the Celtic festive season, celebrating Irish heritage with an unforgettable night of singing, dancing and 'craic'. Imagine a St Patrick's Day party... on Christmas Day

Are you tired of the same-old holiday reruns? Then skip them and dash to The Second City presents THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY SWEATER. What better way to send off 2024 than to roast it like chestnuts on an open fire? Festive family gatherings, office parties, classic holiday movies... nothing is off limits! The Second City proudly continues its 65 year tradition of delivering innovative, fast-paced satirical comedy with this fresh take on festive fun. Stuffed with seasonal songs, sketches, and of course, a generous helping of our world-famous improv comedy, it's a holiday show you can actually look forward to!

The holidays are coming and with them comes The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Sweater at Copley Theatre! The brightest comedians of The Second City will takeover Aurora with some festive cheer, stand up snark, and impeccable improv, all while sporting ugly sweaters and pretty one-liners. Let their holiday show shake up your snow globe.

Chicago a cappella (CAC), Chicago's premier unaccompanied vocal ensemble, continues its 2024/25 season this December with Holidays a cappella, a concert designed to bring holiday cheer to the whole family. The program retells the beloved tale A Child's Christmas in Wales by poet Dylan Thomas. Three-time Jeff award winning actor Greg Vinkler joins the artists of Chicago a cappella under the direction of Co-Music Directors John William Trotter and Ryan Cox to bring this story to life. A four-concert tour begins on December 6 and travels around Chicagoland with stops in Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, and Naperville.

The World Premiere Musical, THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE is based on the classic Christmas novel by Gail Rock and the beloved 1972 television movie. Set in rural Nebraska in 1946, young Addie Mills can't understand why her father won't allow them to have a Christmas tree in their house. She discovers the tree symbolizes a deeper wound that her family has buried. A deeply moving coming-of-age holiday tale set to music centering on a young girl whose simple wish heals her family's broken heart.

1 actor. 19 characters. 90 minutes of rousing good cheer! In Dickens' Christmas Carol, Scrooge gets a chance to amend his ways, but what happened to his partner Jacob Marley? Find out in Lifeline Theatre's production of Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a one-man show written by Goodman Theatre's own Scrooge, Tom Mula, featuring a Jeff-nominated performance by longtime Chicago actor and Lifeline ensemble member, Phil Timberlake.

Five time Emmy-winner Jane Lynch takes the stage with Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet in this hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza that promises a delightful blend of comedy and music – and a swingin’ good time! The group has brought their joyful banter to audiences across the country, with their holiday album A Swingin’ Little Christmas hitting Billboard’s Top 10 Adult Contemporary chart. Hollywood Digest calls it “captivating,” the comedy “spectacular” and the vibe “absolutely precious.”

It's December of 1963, less than two weeks after the JFK assassination, and Judy Garland has a Christmas show to produce. Join Judy and her family in her live studio audience and enjoy the madness as she spirals through a twisted holiday special with guest stars Jack Jones, Mel Torme and her spirited musical ghosts. This riotous comedy send-up is guaranteed to put you into the spirit of Judy and her holidaze!

THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER - nine decades long in just one 75-minute act - showcases the lives of several generations of the Bayard family. Wilder breaks the boundaries of time as we measure it, and invites us to partake in "one long, happy Christmas dinner" - past, present and future. As generations appear, have children, wither, and depart, only the audience sees what changes and what remains the same. Join TUTA for this lively and musical holiday production, and reflect on life, death, and the family traditions we celebrate and endure with TUTA's ensemble.

An avowed holiday skeptic, Aunt Trudy has been recruited to channel her late husband Joe's famous Christmas cheer over a Zoom call with family. But as Trudy becomes more absorbed in her own version of the Ebeneezer Scrooge story, the puppets take on a life of their own, and the family's call transforms into a stunning cinematic adaptation of Dickens's classic ghost story. After the stunning success of its online Christmas Carol, Manual Cinema uses its groundbreaking creativity and powerful storytelling to elevate one of the most famous holiday stories ever told to new heights in this unique theatrical experience. Featuring the combined talents of actors, puppeteers and musicians, come experience a new holiday tradition unlike anything else you've seen before.

Miracle at Century High School is an original Christmas musical making its world premiere at The Annoyance Theatre. When the principal of a scandal-plagued high school tasks drama teacher Jacob Lunsford with creating an original Christmas musical in order to save the school's reputation--and his job--Jacob must overcome self-doubt, chaotic students, an impossible-to-please principal, and regular visits from the ghost of Charles Dickens. Can he pull it off? Find out in this hilarious show that Saturday Night Live writer T. Sean Shannon calls "a very funny and clever new Christmas play that will jingle your bells."

It's almost Christmas, and Santa's list is missing! Join Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2024 as they try to find it in time to save Christmas. Who stole the list? How will they get it back? Will Mrs. Claus save the day? Chicago Kids Company's biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no time!

Jefferey Cooke and his "My Christmas Spectacular!" return to the Venus Cabaret Theater for a second holiday season! For One Night Only, join us for a blowout holiday celebration that is bound to push the limits of good taste. "My Christmas Spectacular 2023!" promises to revive all the best moments from last years' hilarity and heart,... But just so much MORE OF IT!!! More SONGS, More PROPS, More GAMES & PRIZES, More CHEESINESS, More COSTUME CHANGES, and definitely,... MORE SEQUINS!!!

Make the season bright with acclaimed musician and storyteller John-Mark McGaha as he celebrates Nat King Cole with a festive cocktail of signature songs and yuletide favorites. In this romantic and heartfelt concert, McGaha (The Ray Charles Legacy, Smokey Joe's Cafe) leads a lush jazz ensemble and poignantly reflects upon Cole's genius with intimate charm. Broadway World calls his voice "crystal-clear perfection." Classic tunes include "The Christmas Song" "Route 66," "L-O-V-E," "Unforgettable," and "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth."

Join us for a special screening of the timeless classic, Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and audience Q&A with the one and only Macaulay Culkin. That's right, the star who brought Kevin McCallister to life will be joining us for a one-of-a-kind event that you won't want to miss! Relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments from Home Alone on the big screen, and then dive deep into the behind-the-scenes stories and insights with Macaulay Culkin himself. Hear about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming, and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic.

Step into the spirit of the season with ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE A JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS - an intimate, nostalgic journey back to the 1970s, when John Denver's music filled the airwaves and hearts across the country. Led by acclaimed performer Rick Schuler, this enchanting holiday concert features beloved Denver classics like "Rocky Mountain High," "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Annie's Song," and "Sunshine On My Shoulders." The evening also includes a heartfelt tribute to Denver's iconic holiday specials, with seasonal favorites such as "Aspenglow," "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," and "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire." Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Denver's music for the first time, this show will leave you feeling inspired and full of holiday cheer. A true celebration for all ages-don't miss the unforgettable event that brings the magic of John Denver to life.

This beloved and twisted musical parody of the animated 1967 children's television special features all your favorite misfits and Rudolph - the cross-dressing reindeer with a penchant for red hose and heels. In trademark Handbag style, Rudolph combines parody with heartfelt moments and a splash of scathing social commentary.

Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker marches back onto the North Shore Center stage with an affordable full-length holiday production performed in the grand tradition by a professional company with exceptional guest soloists! For a holiday production that first delighted audiences way back in 1892, Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker demonstrates how to make this historic ballet and holiday tradition just as accessible and relevant today. The Nutcracker is the perfect way to introduce young children to the power and beauty of classical dance.

Seasonal Lights is a new collection of six short plays from WT Productions that takes Christmas and the winter holidays and looks at them from different perspectives. Each play tells a different story and elements of the first five plays come together in the finale in the traditional Seasonal style. Seasonal Lights blends light comedy, dark comedy, and drama to put a unique spin on this traditional time of year.

Directed by Executive Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd, That’s Weird, Grandma features adaptations of stories written during PML’s creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools. PML’s ensemble of professional actors, comedians and musicians bring the young authors’ stories to life as raucous sketches, songs and movement pieces, performing first for students in their schools and then for the public. These stories – from hilarious dialogues between unlikely characters to poignant pleas for social change, along with some classic holiday stories – that resonate with adults while celebrating the imaginations of young people.

One of America's most beloved silver screen classics is now a brand new stage musical - Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS. Packed with hits like "Blue Skies," "Count Your Blessings," "I Love a Piano" and the title song "White Christmas," your entire family will celebrate this magical time of year with this beautiful new musical.

Who's Holiday! is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.

As the events of "Miss Bennet" unfold upstairs at Pemberley, during the same celebration, the servants below find themselves in the midst of a different holiday scandal. An unwelcome visitor has arrived in the middle of the night disrupting holiday preparations - George Wickham, Lydia's incorrigible husband and Mr. Darcy's sworn enemy. "The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley" is the follow up to BTE's 2023 hit production of "Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley" and the second in the trilogy.

Chicago Tap Allstars' "Winter Wonderland" includes M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Chicago Tap Theatre and some of Chicago's finest independent Tap dancers, as well as young performers following in their footsteps including students from Footprints Tap Company, M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Academy, Rhythm of the Street Dance Studio, Sammy Dyer School of the Theater and The Senior Hoofers. The artists gather with some of the finest jazz musicians at the Harold Washington Cultural Center to share Tap pieces that celebrate the winter and holiday seasons in Chicago.

When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off-duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. This uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) celebrates the iconic 80s festive favourite while also telling the personal story of a life-long Die Hard fan. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber connoisseurs and newcomers alike.