The holiday season is a magical time, and what better way to celebrate than to take in a festive performance? Get into the spirit of the season with an afternoon or evening out at one of these family-friendly holiday shows in Boston!
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
November 24-December 31 :: Boston
New England’s favorite holiday tradition is back at the Citizen’s Bank Opera House. Revel in the artistry as you are taken on the beautiful journey with Clara!
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
November 24-26 :: Boston
Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life live on stage!
Magical Cirque Christmas
November 25 :: Providence
December 3 :: Worcester
Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music!
Vienna Light Orchestra
December 1 :: Boston
World-class musicians and vocalists from around the world present a collection of holiday favorites while surrounded by over two thousand flickering candles and sparkling Christmas trees. It is a sight to behold, and a lovely experience for the whole family.
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity
December 1-17 :: Boston
This gospel telling of the Christmas story will sweep you away! This highly energetic song-play is narrated in Black vernacular speech, featuring a dramatic “pas de deux” performed to African drums in which the dancing Mary delivers the newly born Christ child to a mesmerized audience.
Boston Pops: Holiday Pops Kid Matinees
Weekends, December 2-24 :: Boston
A Christmas Carol
December 7-23 :: Beverly
This award-winning production was created specifically for North Shore Music Theatre and has been seen by more than one million people since its debut in 1989!
Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration
December 15-28 :: Cambridge
Every December, the Cambridge Revels community gathers in Harvard University’s historic Sanders Theatre to celebrate the season through the traditional songs, dances, and stories of cultures from around the world.
Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker”
December 16-23 :: Boston
This adaptation of the Nutcracker is a beloved Boston tradition. Anchored by classical ballet, the performances also include a broad range of dance forms such as tap, hip-hop, flamenco, and jazz, accompanied by a small live orchestra of local musicians.
The Holiday Sing-Along! with Phil Berman & Sarah Nolen
December 20-23 :: Brookline
Celebrate the season with a family-friendly singalong featuring dancing snowmen, jingle bells, and lots of snowy fun! Two friendly performers guide children (and their grownups) through songs, stories, and imagination games. Especially designed for the youngest audiences, this highly interactive puppet cabaret includes many holiday favorites, as well as songs of wintertime cheer from cultures around the world.
Elf in Concert
December 22-23 :: Boston
This holiday season, relive the heartwarming holiday tale of Buddy the Elf on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to the motion picture!
For even more festive and family-friendly events in Boston this December, check out our curated list of local fun!
