One of the most wonderful things about the holiday season in Chicago is the abundance of shows and plays in production throughout the city. From the iconic venues such as The Chicago Theatre and Lyric Opera House to smaller neighborhood spots like Music Box or Victory Gardens, the holiday spirit is alive in all parts of the city. Whether it be annual family tradition or a memorable date idea, these are 12 holiday shows and plays in Chicago you must see this season to truly round out your holiday season.
Goodman Theatre: A Christmas Carol
170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60601
Established in 1922 and located in Chicago’s Loop, Goodman Theatre is one of the city’s oldest running theatres. Now in its fifth decade of production at Goodman Theatre, A Christmas Story has long drawn crowds for its performance of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Follow the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come from November 20 to December 31 at Goodman Theatre.
Lyric Opera House: The Nutcracker
20 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
The Joffrey Ballet’s magical production of The Nutcracker is not one to miss. The Nutcracker shows the whimsical journey of Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on Christmas Eve as they explore the 1893 World’s Fair. Complete with beautiful costumes, breathtaking dance, and wondrous set design, the story unfolds between December 4 and December 26 at the Lyric Opera House.
The Chicago Theatre: ‘Twas the Night Before…
175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
Cirque du Soleil puts a twist on a Christmas classic during their first ever holiday production. Performing at the Chicago Theatre from November 6 to December 5, the world-renowned touring circus company is putting on a spectacular show called ‘Twas the Night Before… that captures the joy of the holiday season in incredible dance and acrobatic performances.
Music Box Theatre: Christmas Sing-a-Long and Double Feature
3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
In 1983, an operator at Music Box Theatre invited spectators to a night of back-to-back Christmas movies and joyful carol singing. This year, the tradition is still going strong. On select days from December 10 to December 23, you can catch a double feature production of White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life at Music Box Theatre. Join Santa Claus and other movie-goers for a cheerful round of Christmas carols during intermission.
James M. Nederlander Theatre: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
24 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Will the mean ol’ Mr. Grinch succeed in ruining Christmas for the cheerful people of Whoville? Find out in this rendition of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas that features beloved songs such as You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch and Welcome Christmas. Hilariously narrated by the Grinch’s sidekick, Max the Dog, this show runs only from December 21 to January 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre.
Victory Gardens Theater: It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
2433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago 60614
In It’s a Wonderful Life, a small-town man named George Bailey experiences an extraordinary Christmas miracle that allows him to live his life in a new way. For many, watching this holiday classic on film is a Christmas tradition. You can take in the live interactive production from November 26 to December 31 at Victory Gardens Theater.
Rivendell Theatre: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
5779 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago 60660
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, an adaptation of the award-winning book by Eric Kimmel, focuses on the story of a traveling troupe of actors that encounters a somber town devoid of Hanukkah cheer. Can their show bring the spirit of Hanukk
