Looking for something FUN to do with the family this holiday season? We made it easy to find the best shows being offered at popular theatres in the city and the ‘burbs. Plus, tickets to shows make unique gifts that create lasting memories
Philadelphia Theatres
BFG (Big Friendly Giant), The Arden Theatre, Philadelphia
Roald Dahl’s beloved book comes to the stage in the Arden’s vibrant new production. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) follows the story of 8-year-old Sophie as she learns about the lives of giants, dreams, and friendship. You just never know where you might find unexpected kindness and a little bit of bravery!
November 29th, 2023 – January 21st, 2024, Tickets: $20 – $45
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia
A holiday classic not to be missed at the historic Walnut Street Theatre is the heartwarming tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. We all know this grumpy old miser’s response to holiday cheer is “Bah, Humbug.” Scrooge is a bitter old man who can no longer feel joy or affection, even for his family. But on one remarkable Christmas Eve, he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.
December 2nd – 17th, Tickets: $17 – $20
George Balanchine’s Nutcracker, Academy of Music, Philadelphia
It simply isn’t the holidays without a trip to the Academy of Music for a performance of The Nutcracker! For decades, this amazing production has been Philadelpha’s most beloved holiday tradition. Set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score, the incredible dancing and lavish sets and costumes bring to life a story of young girl’s magical dream—a dream that never loses its appeal.
December 8th – December 30th, 2023, Tickets: $25 – $245
Classic Nutcracker, performed by Rock School West, The Miller Theater (formerly the Merriam Theatre)
Enjoy this performance of the Classic Nutcracker as you usher in the spirit of the holiday season. Clara’s fairytale is brought to life on the Miller Theater stage. Toy soldiers come to life and battle enchanted mice under the tree until an enchanted snowstorm transports Clara to a mystical Land of the Sweets ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Children of all ages delight in the charm and beauty of this beloved holiday classic featuring a cast of over 100 performers and award-winning dancers from around the world.
December 15th – 17th 2023, Tickets $10 – $96
Cirque Dreams- Holidaze, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Merriam Theater, Philadelphia
Marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production for audiences of all ages. Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites.
December 26th – 31st, 2023, Tickets: $45 – $109
Suburban Theatres
A Christmas Carol, People’s Light Theatre, Malvern
Reimagine this classic with original music and traditional English carols, and performed by a stellar ensemble—featuring Ian Merrill Peakes as Scrooge—this jubilant retelling of the beloved yuletide ghost story is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Bring your loved ones ages 6-106!
November 15th, 2023 – December 23, 2023, Tickets: $55 and up
Philadelphia Dance Theatre PresentsThe Nutcracker, Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell
Philadelphia Dance Theatre presents the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” performance highlights, including the magical Kingdom of the Sweets scene, set to the nostalgic score by PytorIllyich Tchaikovsky. This is a special performance specifically designed for a sensory friendly audience. Start a new holiday tradition!
December 15th – 17th, 2023, Tickets: $12 – $60
The Addams Family Musical, Steel River Playhouse, Pottstown
Don’t miss this fun family musical. Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t enough, Wednesday confides in her father and pleads with him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s normal boyfriend and his parents.
October 13th – 29th, 2023, Tickets $17-$29
The Wizard of Oz, Delaware Children’s Theater, Wilmington
Bring the family to see the Wizard! L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life in The Wizard of Oz. You will surely enjoy the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 classic film, brought to life onstage. No children under 2 permitted.
November 18th – December 14th, 2023, Tickets: $21 – $23
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope
This spectacular show is based on the classic Hollywood movie musical, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”and is a Broadway musical extravaganza filled with Berlin’s classic tunes including “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “How Deep Is the Ocean?”, “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing,” “Count Your Blessings” and more. With no snow in the forecast, and no tourists in sight, can song and dance men Wallace, Davis and the Haynes Sisters pull off a yuletide miracle?
November 18th, 2023 – December 31st 2023, Tickets: $32 – $65
The Sound of Music, SALT Performing Arts, Chester Springs
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s last collaboration and most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of favorite songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows her role of governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. When forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. December 1st – 17th, 2023, Tickets: $25 – $40
Elf, Steel River Playhouse, Pottstown
Buddy, the elf, is unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy journeys to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh news that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
December 1st – 17th, 2023, Tickets $17 – $29
Mary Poppins, The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, Media
Just in time for the holidays, come watch the magic of Disneys’ MARY POPPINS unfold before your very eyes as this legendary nanny operates her duties with joy & glee in a show that audiences worldwide have come to know and love.
December 5, 2023 – January 14, 2024, Tickets: $14 – $17
Christmas in The Catskills, Act 2 Playhouse (Ambler Playhouse), Ambler
One of Philadelphia’s funniest, Tony Braithwaite, takes on the giants of comedy’s heyday (including Mel Brooks, Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles, and more!), in this new holiday cabaret! Join us for an evening of jokes, stories, and a one-man Friar’s Club roast of Santa Claus in a comedic feast.
December 5th – 30th, 2023, Tickets: $46 and up
Miracle on 34th Street, Acting Naturally Theater, Langhorne
A holiday classic takes the stage, with the story of Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home who gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of good will with Macy’s customers and the commercial world of NYC by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for.
December 8th – December 17th, 2023, TIckets: $20 – $22