From classics like “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker” to original productions and reimaginings, there’s no shortage of holiday shows in Chicago. Here’s your guide to everything you might want to see!
🎩 “A Christmas Carol”
Whether on a screen or in a theater, it’s hard to make it through December without seeing at least one version of the Charles Dickens classic. There’s Goodman Theatre’s traditional full-length production or an abbreviated one that’s great for families with young kids at Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook Terrace. You also have your pick of one-man reinterpretations with a begrudging Dickens impersonator at Theater Wit or the ghost of Jacob Marley himself at Lifeline Theatre. Finally, there’s an artful puppet rendition by Manual Cinema at the Fine Arts Building.
🌰 “The Nutcracker”
You’ve got a couple of choices for the Nutcracker this year — the Joffrey Ballet’s quintessential performance at Lyric Opera House through Dec. 28 or a totally different kind of Chicago classic dubbed “The Nut Tapper” featuring Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin at the Old Town School of Folk Music Dec. 21. It’s a multicultural percussive variation of the original, featuring tap, Spanish flamenco, and Mexican zapateado that’s been going on for 26 years!
🔔 “It’s A Wonderful Life!”
This stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film is performed in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast at American Blues Theater. The long-running holiday play in Chicago also features original music. For double the fun, pair it with a screening of the movie at the Music Box.
🎄 “Elf The Musical”
This all-new tour is based on last year’s hit Broadway reinterpretation of the modern Christmas classic and will be at The Auditorium through Dec. 14. And if you leave wanting to rewatch the Will Ferrell film, you can see it Dec. 21 at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
❄️ “White Christmas”
Are you dreaming of a (stage production of) White Christmas? Look no further than the Paramount Theatre in Aurora to see Irving Berlin’s classic through Jan. 11. You can also see the movie throughout the month at the Music Box.
🎪 “'Twas the Night Before…”
This vivid Cirque de Soleil performance draws inspiration from the traditional Christmas poem and is bound to be a colorful and memorable treat for viewers of all ages! The acrobatics will be at The Chicago Theater from Dec. 11 through Dec. 28.
🐰 “The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party”
This adorable show is perfect for tiny viewers! Head to Chicago Children’s Theatre through Dec. 28 to see Tom Kitten, Squirrel Nutkin, and of course, Peter Rabbit come to life in an interactive trunk and puppet show with original music. Afterward, you can head to the lobby for a holiday party featuring delicious treats, photos with cast members, and opportunities to play with the puppets.
🕎 “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”
Strawdog Theatre Company is back with its beloved stage production for a ninth year. Every weekend through Dec. 28 at the Raven Theatre, the troupe retells the story of the Caldecott-winning book by Eric Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman, along with puppets and music.
🎻 “The Holiday” and “Home Alone” In Concert
There are two holiday movies playing with a live orchestra this year. You can see adorable young Macaulay Caulkin scream alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from Dec. 12 through Dec. 14. Then, on Dec. 20, the Chicago Philharmonic will provide a live score for “The Holiday” at the Auditorium.
Paramount Theatre is a sponsor of City Cast Chicago.
