2023 guide to holiday shows, ballets and concerts in and around Washington, DC

A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre: Nov. 17-Dec. 31
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide story of transformation and redemption at Ford’s Theatre. Director of Artistic Programming José Carrasquillo directs a reimagined production based on Michael Wilson’s beloved Radio Play adaptation, featuring traditional caroling and new staging throughout. Craig Wallace returns as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on a memorable journey. Length: 2 hours with one intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

The 35th Annual Nutcracker at The Puppet Co: Nov. 24-Dec. 31
Join the Puppet Co. for our annual The Nutcracker! This time honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin. Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 50 minutes.

The Polar Express Train Ride at B&O Railroad Museum: Nov. 24-Dec.19
Climb aboard The Polar Express to create a Christmas memory that you and your family will cherish forever! Come in your pajamas as a family to watch the live performance of The Polar Express. Once on the train, the classic Christmas tale will be performed and little ones will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas! Santa’s helpers will greet you upon arrival to the North Pole, where you can take pictures with Santa and have lots of holiday fun.

Dorrance Dance: Nutcracker Suite at The Kennedy Center: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
In Nutcracker Suite, explosive tap dance meets your favorite holiday classic. This Nutcracker boogies, slides, struts, and dives into Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s intoxicating interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas at Olney Theatre Center: Dec. 1-31
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Paul Morella’s stunning solo rendition of Charles Dickens’s classic tale that represents everything great about the holiday. This is A Christmas Carol in its purest form, with 99% of the text drawn directly from the original novella. Even more impressive, Morella’s theatrical portrayal of over 50 characters honors how Dickens himself would tour the world reciting the story. Now in its fourteenth holiday season, the show is a family tradition throughout the region and a gem constantly being discovered by new audiences. 

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Strathmore: Dec. 1
For more than 35 years, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been a beloved holiday tradition across America. Grammy Award-winning artist Chip Davis has designed a show that features Mannheim Steamroller’s timeless Christmas classics as well as a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series that introduced the distinctive Mannheim style to all of America. Prepare to be enchanted as the magic of the season comes alive with dazzling multimedia effects and Mannheim Steamroller’s signature sound. 

Maryland Youth Ballet’s Mini-Nut: Dec. 2, 3 & 9
The Mini-Nut is MYB’s abbreviated version of The Nutcracker geared towards younger audiences. This one-hour version is a great introduction to ballet for our youngest theatregoers. The performance is approximately one hour long with no intermission. A perfect holiday mini-treat!

Holly Trolley Fest: Dec. 2-23
Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join us for this special holiday event!

Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker at Warner Theatre: Dec. 2-30
Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, Experience the magic of The Washington Ballet’s charmingly-DC The Nutcracker! This celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historical figures. Join us again with family and friends or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes, and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation’s capital. With 30 scheduled performances, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker will transport audiences of all ages into a winter wonderland that has become a lasting holiday tradition not to be missed.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Strathmore: Dec. 2
The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. 

NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 2
Your favorite holiday classics as you’ve never heard them! The Kennedy Center and NPR present A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual sell-out event featuring jazz-infused renditions of the season’s most-loved music. This year, we spotlight three Cuban pianists for a festive evening full of the rhythms, melodies, and positive energy Cuban music brings: Melvis Santa, Alfredo Rodriguez, and Hilario Durán.

An Irish Carol at Keegan Theatre: Dec. 2-31
An original work by Keegan favorite Matthew J. Keenan, AN IRISH CAROL is an homage to Dickens’ classic – told as only the Irish can. This comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub, follows one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. But on this Christmas Eve – challenged by a voice from the past, provoked by those in the present, and faced with the reality of a lonely future – David’s life may change forever.

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour at Stathmore: Dec. 3
Dave Koz and Friends announce the 26th anniversary edition of the longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour. Beginning the next era of this rich musical tradition, Koz and Friends will perform fresh renditions of timeless Christmas classics—as well as a Chanukah medley—and hits from their respective catalogues.

Atlas Presents Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra: A Bohemian Christmas at Atlas Performing Arts Center: Dec. 5
Celebrate the holidays with performances of cool classics by Shorty Rogers, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn, Stan Kenton, and a handful of arrangements by BCJO Ghosts of Christmas Past. Directed by Brad Linde and Joe Herrera, the 17-piece big band is enjoying its 12th year of adventurous and exciting programming.

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”- A Christmas Celebration at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 5
This dynamic Christmas celebration features glorious music performed by a 100-voice choir, full orchestra/band totaling 60 instrumentalists, plus 30 dancers and actors. Noted gospel legend Yolanda Adams will be the special guest. Other performers will be selected from top contemporary classical and gospel artists. Concert will be conducted by noted staff director, Theodore Thorpe III.

NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert: Dec. 6
’Tis the season to break out your most festively heinous knitwear—the ugly Christmas sweater! Don your favorite holiday threads (ugly or not) for an unforgettable evening filled with orchestral beauty and favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” “I Saw Three Ships,” music from The Nutcracker and Babes in Toyland, and so much more. This performance takes place at The Anthem.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas at Strathmore: Dec. 7
Discover the Magic of the Mean One this holiday season. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a celebration of the holiday spirit no home should be without! Why is the Grinch such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas.

Reindeer Games at Encore Stage & Studio: Dec. 8-17
Pulling Santa’s sleigh is hard work. And when team leader Dasher decides to retire, coaches Kris and Carol Kringle host the Reindeer Games to find the next member of the Nifty Nine, Santa’s reindeer crew. Eager reindeer recruits showcase their talents in a series of games, but these aren’t your typical winter events, nor your typical competitors. Before Coach Kris can announce the newest member, the original Nifty Nine make a cameo appearance, with a surprise announcement! Turns out, everyone’s a winner when you’re on Santa’s nice list. Join us for this Christmas tale in Encore’s production of Reindeer Games!

A Holiday Pops! with Norm Lewis at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 8-9
Get ready to sing along, laugh, and embrace the magic of the season at the hottest holiday bash in town! Warm your spirit at our sparkling celebration as Norm Lewis lights up the festively decorated Concert Hall with holiday showstoppers and selections from his best-selling Christmas album, along with favorites that make him one of Broadway’s most sought-after leading men.

Sean Heely’s Celtic Christmas at Strathmore: Dec. 8
US National Scottish Fiddle Champion Seán Heely brings Celtic Christmas to Strathmore! The DC-based award-winning Celtic fiddler, Scots Gaelic Singer, and harpist takes audiences on a magical winter tour through the Scottish Highlands and across the rugged Irish coast.

Messiah- G. F. Handel at The Washington National Cathedral: Dec. 8-10
A Christmas season tradition: the Cathedral’s soaring architecture and Gothic splendor offers a venue unlike any other to experience Handel’s iconic work. Shortened “Family Edition” available on Saturday at noon. Live webcast available for Sunday’s performance.

Holiday Step Show at Arena Stage: Dec. 8-17
The world’s first holiday show incorporating the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. You’ll laugh, you’ll sing, and you’ll dance—yes, dance, along with Step Afrika!’s award-winning dancers on Arena’s fabulous Fichandler Stage!—as “DJ Nutcracker” sets the tone for a joy-filled, toe-tapping evening that’s a family-friendly holiday “stepstravaganza” like no other.

Washington Bach Consort presents The Christmas Story: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio at Strathmore: Dec. 9
The Bach Consort returns to the Music Center at Strathmore for what The Washington Post has called a “splendid” and “joyful” holiday performance of Christmas Oratorio. Of all such seasonal examples, this work is uniquely focused on the complete drama of the Nativity. The Consort offers this beloved European tradition every year with an all-star cast of soloists.

Black Leaves Dance Company: A Chocolate City Nutcracker at Atlas Performing Arts Center: Dec. 9
“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.

Merry TUBACHRISTMAS at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 11
2023 is the 50th year of Merry TUBACHRISTMAS! events which are presented throughout the world. Since the first TUBACHRISTMAS, musicians of all ages have gathered annually to perform traditional Christmas music arranged by American composer Alec Wilder on the tuba and euphonium. Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. Rehearsal at 3:30 p.m. They are capping the number of performers to 250. Online advance reservations for a given performance date will open on a rolling basis, opening every Wednesday two weeks out from the date.

Handel’s Messiah at the Kennedy Center: Dec. 14-17
Washington, D.C.’s favorite holiday tradition returns! Laurence Equilbey makes her much-anticipated debut conducting the NSO, the University of Maryland Concert Choir, and an all-star lineup of soloists in Handel’s greatest oratorio celebration. Composed in 1741, Messiah is as potent today as it was more than 280 years ago, inspiring joy and wonder from both first-time listeners and those who return every year.

The Nutcracker at Montgomery College: Dec. 15-23
Magical dolls, life-sized mice, dancing snowflakes, and an enchanting kingdom of sweets return to stage this holiday season for Maryland Youth Ballet’s full-length production of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the incredible dancing and dazzling costumes bring to life the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at MGM National Harbor: Dec. 15-17
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!

The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas at Strathmore: Dec. 15
Ring in the holiday season (literally!) at The Washington Chorus’ “A Candlelight Christmas!” Featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and extra special guests to help you celebrate the season, this concert is among the DC region’s most beloved holiday traditions—so don’t miss this heartwarming seasonal delight!

Atlas Performing Arts Center presents Polar Palooza!: Dec. 16
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.

A Family Christmas at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 16 & 24
Bring the kids for an unforgettable holiday experience as the Choral Arts Chorus fills the concert hall with holiday classics just for them! We’ll take you on a merry tour of Christmas favorites that will have your family singing all the way home. Expect a visit from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph!

NatPhil: Handel’s Messiah at Strathmore: Dec. 16 & 17
Handel’s timeless Messiah ushers in the start of the holiday season, from its triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the hauntingly beautiful “He Was Despised.” This season, NatPhil breathes new life into a masterpiece that has captivated audiences for over 250 years, drawing on the storytelling of soloists Soprano Aundi Marie Moore, Mezzo Soprano Lucia Bradford, Tenor Norman Shankle, and Baritone Jorell William. Maestro Piotr Gajewski leads the NatPhil Orchestra & Chorale and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society in an unforgettable presentation of the Messiah that will dazzle new audiences and remind us all of the enduring splendor of this holiday classic.  

A Candlelight Christmas at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 16-22
Ring in the holiday season (literally!) at The Washington Chorus’ “A Candlelight Christmas!” Featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and extra special guests to help you celebrate the season, this concert is among the DC region’s most beloved holiday traditions—so don’t miss this heartwarming seasonal delight!

Capital City Symphony: Sleigh! Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along at Atlas Performing Center: Dec. 17
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!

A Christmas Brass Spectacular at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 19
The Capitol Bones All-Brass Big Band has created the ultimate show of favorite holiday music, performing original and new arrangements from “A Stan Kenton Christmas,” Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite,” and Vince Guarldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Strathmore: Dec. 19-22
This holiday mash-up is back by popular demand! Follow Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on a magical adventure set in modern-day New York City. The Hip Hop Nutcracker features a combination of Tchaikovsky’s classic score and all-star contemporary and hip-hop dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Using innovative visual effects, the production transforms the traditional 19^th century German landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story into a vibrant and diverse representation of modern urban life.

Gospel Christmas: The Light Has Come at National Cathedral: Dec. 22
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Hear the good news as it comes to life in our annual service of gospel Christmas music, poetry, and readings from Holy Scripture. Canon Theologian Kelly Brown Douglas delivers the homily.

Messiah Sing-Along at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 23
Be part of Washington’s most popular free holiday event, the Kennedy Center’s Messiah Sing-Along. Back by popular demand, the evening concert features conductor Nancia DAlimonte as she leads members of the Washington National Opera Orchestra, guest soloists, a chorus of 150, and a very enthusiastic audience in Handel’s masterpiece. A family and community tradition since 1971! Online advance reservations for a given performance date will open on a rolling basis, opening every Wednesday two weeks out from the date.

Family Christmas Service at National Cathedral: Dec. 23
Heaven and nature sing! A menagerie of live animals helps bring the Nativity to life in this joyful service of carols and prayers. Gather loved ones of all ages to welcome the Holy Family in the festively decorated Cathedral nave.

Christmas Day Organ Recital at National Cathedral: Dec. 25
Cathedral organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren present a program of festive Christmas music on the Cathedral’s Great Organ.

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