Holiday & Christmas Plays in Chicago

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.

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!

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

Skip the same-old holiday reruns. Festive family gatherings, office parties, classic holiday movies... nothing is off limits! What better way to send off 2024 than to roast it like chestnuts on an open fire?

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.”

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.

It's almost Christmas, and Santa's list is missing! Join Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2022 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! The show will be performing at both the Beverly Arts Center and the Stahl Family Theater so check website for times at each theatre.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.