Looking for something entertaining and 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 Philadelphia suburbs. Plus, tickets to shows make unique gifts that create lasting memories.
Suburban Theatres
Pennsylvania Academy Ballet Presents The Nutcracker, Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
This enchanting production of the Nutcracker features professional guest artists from Philadelphia Ballet alongside talented local dancers, bringing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life in a magical, family-friendly performance. The festivities also include a winter wonderland-themed lobby, holiday treasures at the Nutcracker boutique, and post-show photo opportunities with the cast (Saturday performances only). With affordable tickets, free parking, and world-class artistry, The Nutcracker at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center offers families a joyful and accessible way to celebrate the spirit of the season.
November 22 – 22, 2026, Tickets: $12 – $25
Cinderella: A Musical Panto, People’s Light Theatre, Malvern
Our wildly popular holiday confection is back with a brand-new staging of one of our most beloved pantos! Cinderella is chock-full of villains and heroes, shenanigans, and unfettered joy. Can a brave young person carve their own path and define their future, even when their family is doing all they can to prevent it? Join us to find out, sing along, cheer for our hero, and boo(oooo!) anyone who stands in her way!
November 18, 2026 – January 3, 2027, Tickets: $37 and up
Philadelphia Dance Theatre Presents The Nutcracker, Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell
Philadelphia Dance Theatre has brought The Nutcracker to life each winter since 1999. A Philadelphia Nutcracker reimagines the classic holiday ballet in Victorian-era Northwest Philadelphia, featuring familiar landmarks from Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill. Follow Clara from a festive party at the historic Thomas Mansion to a magical Kingdom of Sweets inspired by local shops. This charming production is a unique holiday tradition for the whole family!
December 4-6, 2026
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr., The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, Media
Experience the beloved holiday classic in this 60-minute Broadway Junior musical adaptation featuring festive favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Join Rudolph, Hermey, Bumble, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, Santa, and Mrs. Claus on an adventure about friendship, acceptance, and celebrating what makes us unique. When a storm threatens Christmas, Rudolph discovers that what makes him different may be exactly what saves the day!
December 3 – December 20, 2026, Tickets: $21 – $27
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, Media
Enter a world of pure imagination! Join Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners on a magical adventure through Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, this delightful musical is filled with unforgettable characters, dazzling surprises, and a heartwarming message about generosity, kindness, and wonder.
November 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027, Tickets: $27 – $47
Miracle on 34th Street, Steel River Playhouse, Pottstown
Miracle on 34th Street is a heartwarming Christmas play about a man named Kris Kringle, who claims to be the real Santa Claus, and the impact he has on a skeptical mother and her daughter, which ultimately reaffirms the spirit of Christmas. A perfect way to celebrate the holidays as a family.
December 4 – 20, 2026, Tickets $25 – $29
Matilda, The Musical, Delaware Children’s Theater, Wilmington
Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination, Matilda.
November 21– December 13, 2026, Tickets: $18 – $22
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope
Celebrate every season with Holiday Inn, the dazzling Broadway musical inspired by the beloved film. When entertainer Jim trades show business for a quiet life in Connecticut, he transforms a farmhouse into an inn that opens only on holidays. Featuring spectacular dance numbers, heartwarming romance, and over 20 Irving Berlin classics—including “Blue Skies” and “White Christmas”—this feel-good musical is a joyful celebration for the whole family. Age recommendation: 8 and up. ASL-Interpreted Performance: December 13 at 1:30 PM.
November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027, Tickets: $44 – $117
Disney’s Newsies, SALT Performing Arts, Chester Springs
Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies follows Jack Kelly and a group of young newspaper sellers who unite to fight unfair price increases and stand up for what’s right. Packed with high-energy dancing, unforgettable songs like “Seize the Day” and “King of New York,” and a powerful message about teamwork and standing up for your beliefs, this exciting musical is fun for the whole family!
November 20 – December 13, 2026, Tickets: $32 – $42
Double Down, Act 2 Playhouse (Ambler Playhouse), Ambler
Written and directed by Jennifer Childs, Double Down celebrates the art of the comedy duo. Philadelphia comedians Tony Braithwaite and Scott Greer bring legendary pairs like Hope and Crosby, Abbott and Costello, and Martin and Lewis to life in this fast-paced, laugh-filled holiday performance packed with clever humor and festive cheer.
December 1, 2026 – January 3, 2027, Tickets: $40 – $55
Philadelphia Theaters:
Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical, Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia
In the magical kingdom of Arendelle, Princess Anna sets off on an epic journey to find her sister Elsa, whose hidden powers have plunged the kingdom into winter. Joined by Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf, Anna discovers the true meaning of love, acceptance, and sisterhood. Featuring beloved hits like “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” alongside new songs written for the stage, FROZEN is a magical musical adventure for the whole family!
November 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027, Tickets: $137 and up
The Enchanted Nutcracker, performed by Rock School West, The Miller Theater, Philadelphia
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 5 & 6, 2026 in Philadelphia and December 12 & 13, 2026 in Bryn Mawr. Tickets start at $10
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Arden Theatre, Philadelphia
Arden Children’s Theatre presents a brand-new adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Join Dorothy and Toto as they set off on a road of yellow brick in an inventive and imaginative twister of a tale this holiday season—where courage and friendship lead the way. Adapted and directed by Whit MacLaughlin, the acclaimed creator of Arden favorites like Charlotte’s Web, A Year with Frog and Toad, and Peter Pan, this unforgettable journey, as you’ve never seen it before, is perfect for the whole family. Most enjoyed by ages 6 and up.
November 25, 2026 – January 17, 2027, Tickets: $37 – $51
George Balanchine’s The 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 Philadelphia’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 a young girl’s magical dream—a dream that never loses its appeal.
December 4-31, 2026, Tickets: $29 and up
STOMP, Miller Theater, Philadelphia
STOMP is an electrifying, high-energy performance that turns everyday objects into extraordinary music! Using brooms, garbage cans, matchboxes, and more, this eight-member troupe creates incredible rhythms in a show packed with humor, creativity, and nonstop excitement. A unique experience audiences of all ages will love!
December 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027, Tickets: $51 – $119
Updated October 2026