Chicago’s robust performing arts scene supplies a diverse collection of dramas, comedies, Broadway hits, dance productions, and musicals all year round — but the selection has some extra sparkle during the holiday season.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic family favorite or something more offbeat, the city has you covered.
Check out our guide to top Chicago productions this holiday season and start planning your winter getaway.
The Nutcracker
Lyric Opera House
Dec. 4 – 27, 2026
Travel to a magical dreamland with a Chicago twist. The renowned Joffrey Ballet presents the vibrant beauty of The Nutcracker with its luminous costumes and beloved characters, amidst the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Young Marie is swept into a cloud of snowflakes to the fairgrounds where she’s enchanted by the Nutcracker prince, masked dancers, and a host of dramatic figures in this exciting retelling.
Get tickets to The Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol
Goodman Theatre
Nov. 13 – Dec. 31, 2026
The infamous grouchy nature of Ebenezer Scrooge takes over the Goodman stage for the season’s most popular redemption tale. Follow along as the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future demonstrate the true meaning of the season in A Christmas Carol.
Get tickets to A Christmas Carol
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Raven Theatre
Nov. 29 – Dec. 28, 2026
The Strawdog Theatre Company stages its popular adaptation of the 1989 children’s book, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. After arriving in a town that has forgotten the importance of Hanukkah, Herschel and her troupe use puppets and music to tell the story of her grandfather, Herschel, who outsmarted a horde of goblins so that Hanukkah candles could glow again.
Get tickets to Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Blue Man Group: A New Holiday Surprise
CIBC Theatre
Nov. 24 – Dec. 13, 2026
The Blue Men unleash their famous percussion and slapstick humor onto holiday traditions for a joyful showcase of classic songs of the season, heartwarming scenes, and festive storytelling in Blue Man Group: A New Holiday Surprise. Prepare for the unexpected and moments of wonder.
Get tickets to Blue Man Group: A New Holiday Surprise
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Cadillac Palace Theatre
Nov. 24 – 29, 2026
Chicago’s own hip hop legend Da Brat guides the audience through this thrilling dance spectacle that transforms the original Nutcracker story from 19th-century Germany to present-day New York City. The Hip Hop Nutcracker follows Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince’s journey through the city, joined by powerhouse hip hop dancers, a DJ, and a violinist for this high-energy production.
Get tickets to The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Lifeline Theatre
Nov. 28 – Dec. 20, 2026
Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his eventual redemption from greed and selfishness but what about his former business partner, Jacob Marley? Discover his journey in Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, where laughter, fear and renewal fill this tale of second chances.
Get tickets to Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Athenaeum Center Theatre
Dec. 11 – 31, 2026
Experience the throwback charm of the ultimate holiday movie in the form of a 1940s-era live radio production, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Vintage microphones and live effects follow the life of George Bailey, his guardian angel Clarence and the people of Bedford Falls.
Get tickets to It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Who’s Holiday!
Theater Wit
Nov. 27 – Dec. 27, 2026
Cindy Lou Who is all grown up and eager to share the details of her life after The Grinch, throwing back cocktails in her bedazzled motor home in this wacky, adults-only play. Who’s Holiday! follows 40-year-old Cindy Lou as she relates all the dramatic details of Whoville. Prepare to laugh until your heart grows three sizes.
Get tickets to Who’s Holiday!
Rudolph Runs Wild
The Second City
Nov. 27 – Dec. 27, 2026
With interactive sketches, holiday songs, and improv hijinks, Rudolph Runs Wild serves up festive fun for the whole family. The legendary Second City formula for audience participation and side-splitting comedy makes this a can’t-miss show for all ages.
Get tickets to Rudolph Runs Wild
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party
Chicago Children’s Theatre
Dec. 5 – 27, 2026
Watch beloved Beatrix Potter tales jump to life with original music, puppets, and dynamic storytelling in this interactive family show. After the show, the audience is invited to play with the puppets, take photos with the cast, and join in a communal holiday party with treats after the show.
Get tickets to The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party
The Nutcracker Ballet Chicago
Athenaeum Center, Dec. 11 – 13, 2026
Harris Theater, Dec. 18 – 20, 2026
Follow the traditional telling of young Marie and her travels to the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets in The Nutcracker with Ballet Chicago. Relive the splendor of George Balanchine’s Sugar Plum Fairy Pas de Deux and all the beloved moments of this holiday classic.
Get tickets to The Nutcracker Ballet Chicago
More holiday shows in Chicago
- It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (Nov. 19 – Dec. 27, 2026 at American Blues Theater)
- The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! (Nov. 21 – Dec. 20, 2026 at the Greenhouse Theater Center)
- Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna (Nov. 28, 2026 at the Symphony Center)
- The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show (Dec. 6, 2026 at The Auditorium)
- Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (Dec. 9 – 27, 2026 at the Nederlander Theatre)
- Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 17 – 19, 2026 at the Symphony Center)
- Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol (Dec. 18 – 27, 2026 at Studebaker Theater)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live at The Auditorium (Dec. 12, 2026 at The Auditorium)
- Love Actually in Concert (Dec. 12, 2026 at Cadillac Palace Theatre)
Don’t forget to check out the events calendar for a full list of theatre and performing arts events happening in Chicago.
