BroadwayWorld's Holiday Guide: Must-See Shows on the East Coast
BroadwayWorld is unwrapping the best theatre across the country.
By: Team BWW Dec. 08, 2023
As the festive season sweeps across the country bringing holiday cheer, BroadwayWorld is thrilled to present our selection of must-see shows for December. Check out our top picks for the East Coast, West Coast, and Central US!
Our expertly curated list showcases a dazzling array of performances that embody the spirit of the holidays, each offering a unique blend of heartwarming tales, spectacular visuals, and enchanting music.
Whether you're a lifelong theater enthusiast or looking for a special holiday experience, these top picks promise to light up your December with unforgettable theatrical magic.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
New Jersey - State Theatre New Jersey - December 29, 2023 through December 29, 2023
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is coming to the State Theatre with a holiday mash-up for the whole family! Directed and choreographed by Tony® and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. With new-age visuals and digital graffiti, the classic ballet is reset in contemporary New York City. With the same heart as the original, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a winter adventure battling an army of mice, meeting sugarplum fairies, and visiting a land of candy and treats!
For tickets: click here.
The Nutcracker - American Repertory Ballet
New Jersey - State Theatre New Jersey - December 15, 2023 through December 17, 2023
Celebrate American Repertory Ballet's annual Nutcracker tradition with your family! Featuring a live orchestra and choir! This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. Greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Clara enjoys a suite of brilliant and joyful dances before opening her eyes to the familiar sights of her home, wondering if it was all a dream.
For tickets: click here.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
New Jersey - State Theatre New Jersey - December 10, 2023 through December 10, 2023
The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller! Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday celebration for over 35 years. Grammy® Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects to create the perfect intimate setting. Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 41 million albums, with over 31.5 million in the Christmas genre. Their holiday CDs have become synonymous with Christmas and occupy top positions on Billboard’s Seasonal Chart every year.
For tickets: click here.
Virginia Beach Chorale: A Classical Christmas
Central Virginia - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - December 9, 2023 through December 9, 2023
Hallelujah! The Virginia Beach Chorale is back to fill the hearts of classical music buffs and Christmas carol fanatics alike with holiday cheer. This event will have the crowd dancing like sugarplum fairies, and the Chorale is thrilled to be able to spread joy to the world. This performance of timeless classics will not be one to miss!
For tickets: click here.
41st Annual Messiah Sing-Along
Central Virginia - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - December 23, 2023 through December 23, 2023
Symphonicity’s Messiah Sing-Along is a free concert in which the audience performs the choral sections of the Christmas portion of Messiah by Handel and four professional soloists sing the solo arias and recitatives. Seating begins at 7pm and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scores will be sold in the lobby for $10 each. Donations will be collected before and after the program.
For tickets: click here.
The Gatlin Brothers: Country & Christmas
Central Virginia - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - December 20, 2023 through December 20, 2023
The legendary Gatlin Brothers will be taking the spotlight here just in time for Christmas! Celebrating more than 60 years of entertaining audiences at some of the world's biggest venues and most iconic stages, Grammy-winning Larry, Steve, and Rudy will be performing some of their biggest hits and holiday favorites. The Gatlin Brothers' acclaimed Country & Christmas show will be one to remember!
For tickets: click here.
Vienna Boys Choir - Christmas in Vienna
Central Virginia - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - December 19, 2023 through December 19, 2023
The illustrious group of child musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm, and popular repertoire. The enormously popular chorus is composed of four touring choirs that hail from dozens of nations and together give over 300 concerts a year around the world. Christmas in Vienna showcases these gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty in an extraordinary program featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs, and, of course, holiday favorites. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram raves "There's no more gratifying sound than that of children singing. And there's no more polished ensemble of children's voices than the Vienna Boys Choir."
For tickets: click here.
Ballet Virginia's "The Nutcracker"
Central Virginia - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - December 15, 2023 through December 17, 2023
Escape with Clara and her Nutcracker as he comes to life and saves her from the evil Rat King and his menacing troop. Witness Drosselmeyer’s magical snow as it transforms Clara into a beautiful princess and her beloved Nutcracker becomes a handsome prince. Waltzing flowers, tiny mice, and a delightful Sugar Plum Fairy will make treasured memories and send you away with joy in your heart.
For tickets: click here.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra: Holiday POPS!
Central Virginia - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - December 10, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Join us for the must-see holiday tradition of the season – Holiday POPS! There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony and special guests. Holiday POPS will have all the magical elements you’ve come to expect and more – high energy, familiar carols, and lots of holiday warmth! And we’ll even throw in a surprise or two! We can’t wait to celebrate the 2023 holiday season together!
For tickets: click here.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra: Jingle Bell Jam
Central Virginia - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - December 10, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Santa Claus is stopping by to be a part of the VSO’s ever-popular Jingle Bell Jam! Celebrate the magic of the season with an afternoon that showcases the music of the holidays performed by the best talent in Hampton Roads.
For tickets: click here.
Virginia Voices Int'l. Christmas at the Sandler Center
Central Virginia - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - December 8, 2023 through December 8, 2023
Usher in your Christmas cheer with a festive celebration reminiscent of a holiday parade. Virginia Voices International, a local choir with performance experience in Europe and Asia as well as Central and South America, brings you "Christmas at the Sandler Center." This one-night-only holiday performance, also featuring the Bella Dancers, promises a joyous start for your Christmas season.
For tickets: click here.
Capital City Symphony: Sleigh Ride! CCS’s Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along
Washington, DC - Atlas Performing Arts Center - December 17, 2023 through December 17, 2023
Celebrate the joy and magic of the season with Capital City Symphony and our special guest, renowned soprano Amber Monroe. Together, CCS and Monroe, with a voice rich and clear, will delight you with heartwarming holiday classics. Grab your family, friends, and neighbors and join us for a concert filled with holiday music and sing-along fun! We can’t wait to ring in the season with you! ABOUT CAPTIAL CITY SYMPHONY Based at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in the H Street Corridor, Capital City Symphony (CCS) serves both audience members and orchestra members. By engaging with CCS, our audience members support our musicians, hear high-quality live music at a reasonable price, and enjoy our concerts in a fun, intimate environment. Our orchestra members volunteer with our orchestra in order to have the opportunity to engage with the joy of symphonic music-making. CCS draws over 80 orchestra members annually from Washington, D.C.’s unique pool of talented amateur musicians – many of whom have extensive training through the college or conservatory level – providing them with an opportunity to reconnect with their passion for music-making. Under the leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Victoria Gau, the orchestra performs fun, challenging, and exciting repertoire from the 18th century to today!
For tickets: click here.
Atlas Presents: Keng Siong Sim – Peace for Ukraine
Washington, DC - Atlas Performing Arts Center - December 16, 2023 through December 16, 2023
Why are we not able to name any Ukrainian composers despite the existence of high-quality music? Pianist Keng Siong Sim tells stories and plays works of Mykola Lysenko, Sergei Bortkiewicz, Vasyl Barvinsky, and more. A celebration of solo piano music by Ukrainian composers! The artist is donating his portion of the proceeds to UNICEF Children in Ukraine Fund. Winner of the 2012 Washington International Piano Artists Competition (WIPAC), Keng Siong Sim was born in Singapore and started playing the piano at 11. He was awarded a scholarship to the University of York (UK) and studied piano with Kaoru Bingham and Ka-Kit Tam. Keng has also studied with Nadine Shank and Estela Olevsky at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he obtained his Master of Music. In addition, he is an Associate of Royal College of Music (UK) and Licentiate of Trinity College of Music (London) in piano performance. He has played in the masterclass of several pedagogues, such as Paul Roberts, David Dolan, Pierre Jasmin, Marian Lapsansky, Nelly Ben-Or, Nancy Weems and Susan Starr. He was awarded a scholarship to attend “Music at LaDevie” in France in 1993, and was a prizewinner in the 1996 Ragusa-Ibla Competition in Italy. He also won the second prize at Music Appassionata in 2011 and the prize for the best performance of an American work at WIPAC in 2012. Keng also has extensive teaching experience, having taught music and instrumental lessons privately and in classrooms. A chamber music enthusiast, Keng has been awarded the Advanced Certificate in Cello Performance by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. He enjoys ensemble playing and is a current member of the Friday Morning Music Club and Capital City Symphony. In his spare time, he enjoys computer games and weight-lifting. He is an actuary by training.
For tickets: click here.
Atlas Presents: Polar Palooza!
Washington, DC - Atlas Performing Arts Center - December 16, 2023 through December 16, 2023
Celebrate the holiday season in a Winter Wonderland – and bundle up for Polar Palooza! with the best ever Hip Hop dance party hosted by Elements Dance Company together with a live DJ spinning “baby beats” to get the party started. Enjoy dance performances, a Frosty Funk Cypher, and our Chilly Willy Hip Hop Creation Stations – while experiencing a host of other family-friendly activities. Kiddie snacks, hot chocolate – and a little something for adults as well at our Atlas Morning Café. For ages 0 – 10 and their grown-up friends! ELEMENTS DANCE COMPANY is a Pre-Professional Urban Dance Training Program for dancers ages 8-18. Dancers in the program receive a comprehensive education in all forms of Urban Dance, such as bboying/bgirling, Hip Hop, locking, popping, house,krumping, waacking, voguing, and various forms of commercial dance. Dancers also have the opportunity to train with industry professionals and perform at many noteworthy events and venues. (Registration recommended)
For tickets: click here.
Atlas Presents Reverb in Concert
Washington, DC - Atlas Performing Arts Center - December 10, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Come experience the sounds of the season with DC’s very own Reverb, an African American a cappella vocal group that features gospel, soul and pop music and for December — songs that celebrate joy, love, peace, harmony, togetherness, hope, and community. A musical treat not to be missed.
For tickets: click here.
Black Leaves Dance Company: A Chocolate City Nutcracker
Washington, DC - Atlas Performing Arts Center - December 9, 2023 through December 9, 2023
“A Chocolate City Nutcracker” is Black Leaves Dance Company’s first ever re-staging of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker”. Join us as we follow a young, gay man at his HBCU’s holiday party, surrounded by chosen family & friends, who is searching for his Prince. Travel with us to the Land of Dreams, where we explore some of the many African diasporic dance styles and cultures. This new story of “The Nutcracker” is a love letter to Pan-Africanism, the LGBTQIA community, and the celebration of family. ABOUT BLACK LEAVES DANCE COMPANY Black Leaves Dance Company is an all-Black, all-male, queer-inclusive dance company specializing in modern ballet, highlighting the stories and perspectives of Black men in America. We explore themes related to identity and self-actualization: questions of masculinity, sexuality, religion, and race.
For tickets: click here.
Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca
Washington, DC - Atlas Performing Arts Center - December 9, 2023 through December 9, 2023
Come celebrate the Holidays with us! Create a new tradition celebrating the holidays the Spanish way. This festive program will take you on a journey of some of the most festive holiday traditions as celebrated in Spain and Puerto Rico. Enjoy an evening of Spanish holiday music and song (villancicos) alongside flamenco dancing, and even a “parranda.” The cast will include Furia Flamenca Dance Company and a rich cast of musicians including, Maestro Torcuato Zamora, Juan L. Romero and Guillermo Juan Christie on flamenco guitar, and Margarita Osorio and Jorge Porta on vocals.
For tickets: click here.
ELF THE MUSICAL
Baltimore - Tidewater Players - December 8, 2023 through December 17, 2023
Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his identity. Faced with the harsh realities 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. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
For tickets: click here.
NPT Holiday show!
Connecticut - New Paradigm Theatre - December 9, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Join New Paradigm Theatre Company (NPT) and usher in the holiday season at the Fairfield Theatre Company's StageOne with spectacular performances! NPT's annual holiday extravaganza features Broadway and local stars who will perform the annual Holiday-themed show on Saturday December 9th at 8:00pm and Sunday December 10th at 2pm.
For tickets: click here.
Yippee Ki Yay
Boston - Huntington Theatre Company - December 27, 2023 through December 31, 2023
Acclaimed retelling of classic film Die Hard from Richard Marsh. This joyfully funny show heads to the US following rave reviews for its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe and 2023 UK tour. When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off-duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. This uplifting action romp (and unauthorized parody) pays affectionate tribute to the iconic 80s festive fan favorite. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber super-fans and newcomers alike.
For tickets: click here.
Girl From the North Country
Washington, DC - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - December 12, 2023 through December 31, 2023
Girl From the North Country is the Tony Award®–winning new musical that the Chicago Tribune declares is “a Broadway revelation!” It’s 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota. We meet a group of wayward travelers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life, and hope. Experience this “profoundly beautiful” production (The New York Times) brought to vivid life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians.
For tickets: click here.
Disney’s Frozen
Washington, DC - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - December 20, 2023 through January 21, 2024
From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony® Award–nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America—and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. It’s everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.
For tickets: click here.
The Nutcracker
Baltimore - Ballet Theatre of Maryland - December 9, 2023 through December 17, 2023
Discover the wonder of this timeless holiday tradition and allow yourself to be magically swept away by the tale of the young heroine Clara and her adventures to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell. Travel with Clara through the whirling Kingdoms of Snow and Sweets to the place where the possibility of dreams, the magic of Christmas, and the wonder of the child merge to reveal her destiny. Experience the power and beauty anew as the mysterious Drosselmeier transports you and Clara back in time to capture the spirit of the holiday season through the language of dance and theatre.
For tickets: click here.
Judy Collins – Holidays & Hits
Central New York - Universal Preservation Hall - December 16, 2023 through December 16, 2023
Judy Collins, an award-winning country and rock ‘n’ roll singer-songwriter, is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards. Her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” has been entered into the Grammy™ Hall of Fame.
For tickets: click here.
It's a Jazzy Christmas
Central New York - Universal Preservation Hall - December 15, 2023 through December 15, 2023
This septet is returning to the Collaborative this holiday season! When it’s the most wonderful time of the year, “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” has all your favorite holiday songs wrapped in the theme of a 1940’s radio drama!
For tickets: click here.
New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker With New Jersey Symphony
New Jersey - Mayo Performing Arts Center - December 15, 2023 through December 27, 2023
New Jersey Ballet's beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by New Jersey Symphony. Ages 4+.
For tickets: click here.
Girl Named Tom – One More Christmas Tour
New Jersey - Mayo Performing Arts Center - December 10, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Celebrate the holidays with the 2021 winner of The Voice, performing music from their album One More Christmas and other favorites! Girl Named Tom’s sound is built on the heartfelt voice of Bekah Grace and her two brothers’ beautiful sibling harmony. Their homegrown style combines the classics (Joni Mitchell; Crosby, Stills & Nash) with pop artists of today (Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Adrianne Lenker) and their own original material, including their recent single "What a View."
For tickets: click here.
The Irish Tenors – 25th Anniversary: A Family Christmas
New Jersey - Mayo Performing Arts Center - December 9, 2023 through December 9, 2023
The Irish Tenors -- Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan and Declan Kelly -- have been the acknowledged Celtic music kings since they burst upon the scene. The Irish Tenors create a concert experience that touches hearts and stirs the emotions, featuring happy songs of celebration and humor, mixed with touching melodies and songs that warm the heart.
For tickets: click here.
Cortland Rep's Holiday Brunch
Central New York - Cortland Repertory Theatre - December 9, 2023 through December 9, 2023
Cortland Repertory Theatre's Board of Directors host their annual "Holiday Brunch" on Saturday, December 9 at 11:00am at CRT Downtown, 24 Port Watson Street, Cortland, NY. With special guests: Lisa Rock and “A Carpenter’s Christmas” Come join us for our second Holiday Brunch Fundraiser with the chance to bid on unique silent auction baskets, scoop up some holiday spirits in wine grab bags, and groove with Lisa Rock and “A Carpenter’s Christmas” for a one-hour concert, which will get your holiday shopping rocking and rolling! Tickets are sold in tables of 4 for $150.
For tickets: click here.
A Carpenters Christmas
Central New York - Cortland Repertory Theatre - December 9, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Cortland Repertory Theatre presents "A Carpenters Christmas": Saturday, December 9 at 7:30, Sunday, December 10 at 2:00. Lisa Rock and "A Carpenter’s Christmas" was a huge hit of our 2021 season. And now, by popular demand, they return! Based on the music of The Carpenters’ two holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, "A Carpenters Christmas" features “Merry Christmas Darling”, the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and many more. It’s a holiday concert that spreads joy and cheer to all!
For tickets: click here.
Meredith Willson's Miracle on 34th Street
New Hampshire - Majestic Theatre - December 8, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Join the Majestic Theatre for this holiday show filled with humor, spectacle and such beloved songs as "Pinecones and Hollyberries," "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and "My State, My Kansas," this joyous, heartwarming musical is pure family entertainment, wholesome without being cloying. A holiday classic from the writer of the musical theatre classic, “The Music Man”, and based on the movie of the same name, Miracle on 34th Street features a book and score by none other than Meredith Willson. Majestic's production is Directed by Jocelyn Duford and Musical Direction by Keith Belanger and starring an ensemble cast.
For tickets: click here.
Holiday Carols & Stories
New Jersey - Skyline Theatre Company - December 10, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Bring the whole family and join your community for a jolly fun and musical afternoon of sing alongs, carols and holiday stories. Suitable for kids from 1 to 92!
For tickets: click here.
A Dickens' Christmas Carol
Baltimore - Spotlighters - December 8, 2023 through December 17, 2023
Join us for limited engagement of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL - in the style that Dickens himself performed the work, when he toured the United States in the 1860s. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the trio of Christmas ghosts, and the story of what happens when a bitter old man is given one last chance at redemption, are as well-known as any of Dickens’ characters. They’ve been portrayed in films and on TV around the world and now you can meet them all, live on stage in Spotlighters’ captivating, one-man adaptation. Using only Dickens’ inimitable language, Phil Gallagher’s performance will thrill and chill audiences of all ages. With minimal props and costume, Gallagher portrays all these much-loved characters and breathes new life into a story that is as moving, relevant, and redemptive as it was when first written over 170 years ago.
For tickets: click here.
A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL
Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh CLO - December 15, 2023 through December 23, 2023
A HOLIDAY TRADITION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! We've taken the spirit of the season, wrapped it in your favorite yuletide melodies, and tied it up with all the holiday magic and wonder of your childhood. Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and a host of colorful characters for A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL. With dazzling special effects, holiday charm, and ticket prices even Scrooge would approve of, this Charles Dickens classic is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Starring Broadway & TV's Michael Cerveris as Scrooge!
For tickets: click here.
Cherry Poppin' Daddies Christmas Canteen
Central Pennsylvania - Appell Center for the Performing Arts - December 14, 2023 through December 14, 2023
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (“Zoot Suit Riot”) re-imagines what a Christmas Radio broadcast, circa 1944, would sound like to the greatest generation soldiers at a USO show in the South Pacific. The big band holiday music of Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey is served up alongside their own double platinum selling original material. Dressed like grunts on shore leave, the band brings to you a unique, warm weather, Tiki Christmas spectacular that will leave you dancing through the holidays. This is a show that will delight hipsters and seniors alike. Don’t miss it!
For tickets: click here.
CapFilm: White Christmas
Central Pennsylvania - Appell Center for the Performing Arts - December 9, 2023 through December 10, 2023
The 1954 American musical film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen is back for the holidays. Filmed in Technicolor, it features the songs of Irving Berlin, including a new version of the title song, “White Christmas,” introduced by Crosby in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn."
For tickets: click here.
Interested in being included in the next roundup? Get in touch here.
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