Follow Us On Twitter
As the holiday season approaches, Chicago's vibrant theatre scene comes alive with a diverse array of holiday plays and Christmas shows that cater to all ages and tastes. This year's lineup of holiday plays and Christmas shows in Chicago is truly spectacular, offering a mix of cherished traditions and exciting new productions. Here are just a few of the many enchanting performances to catch this year:
Heartwarming Classics & Festive Tales
It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (American Blues Theater): Experience the magic of this beloved story reimagined as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with original music and classic carols. A Chicago tradition for two decades, this heartwarming production brings George Bailey's story to life with festive cheer.
A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre): A Chicago staple, Goodman Theatre's dazzling production of A Christmas Carol is back to enchant audiences with its spectacular staging, joyful music, and the timeless message of redemption.
The Long Christmas Dinner (TUTA Theatre): This unique production compresses nine decades of Christmas dinners into a single 75-minute act, offering a poignant reflection on family, tradition, and the passage of time.
The House Without a Christmas Tree (Griffin Theatre Company): This world premiere musical adaptation of the classic story explores the poignant story of a young girl's wish for a Christmas tree and the deeper family wounds it reveals.
Musical Merriment & Dance
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical (Chicago Kids Company): Perfect for families, this colorful musical follows Mrs. Claus and her elves on a mission to recover Santa's missing list and save Christmas.
White Christmas (Marriott Theatre): This stage adaptation of the beloved film brings Irving Berlin's iconic music to life, filling the theater with holiday cheer and classic tunes like "White Christmas" and "Blue Skies."
Rocky Mountain High Experience A John Denver Christmas (Broadway Playhouse): Celebrate the season with the heartwarming music of John Denver, featuring his classic hits and beloved holiday carols.
The Nutcracker (The Joffrey Ballet): Experience the magic of this holiday classic with The Joffrey Ballet's breathtaking choreography and dazzling costumes, set against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
Unique & Humorous Takes
Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs 'A Christmas Carol' Again (The Den Theatre): This comedic production offers a witty and irreverent take on the classic tale, imagining a weary Charles Dickens forced to perform his famous story for the 171st time.
Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer (Hell In A Handbag Productions): This hilarious musical parody of the classic animated special combines outrageous humor with heartfelt moments and a touch of social commentary.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Sweater (Paramount Theatre): Get ready for festive improv, stand-up, and witty one-liners, all served with a side of outrageous holiday sweaters. Perfect for shaking up your holiday routine!
This holiday season, enrich your festivities by diving into the diverse range of holiday plays and Christmas shows in Chicago. Each performance offers a unique perspective on the spirit of the season, ensuring that your holiday traditions are accompanied by laughter, wonder, and joy. Whether you're a local or visiting for the holidays, Chicago's theater scene is a festive treasure trove waiting to be explored. Don't miss the chance to create lasting memories with these stellar productions.
To see a full list of holiday and Christmas shows in Chicago, visit our Holiday Shows In Chicago page.