Discover Kansas City's best Holiday and Christmas shows and performances in 2023! Below you'll find a fantastic list of musical performances and plays sure to delight the whole family!
This guide is made possible by Kansas City Ballet’s 'The Nutcracker', with performances December 1-24 at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Click here to purchase your tickets!
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Performances that are Especially Fun for Kids |
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
November 7th through December 31st at The Coterie Theatre
"Back by popular demand, the beloved television classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Rudolph and his friends, Clarice, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius learn what makes you different makes you special. As one reviewer put it, “If adorable is at the top of your Christmas list, save an afternoon or evening for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical… as rich as eggnog!"
Nutcracker, All Jazz'd Up!
November 15th through 17th at Union Station
"This delightful show incorporates tap, ballet, jazz and more. We even have Santa! The show is ideal for all ages and runs for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes."
Holiday Choirs
November 27th through December 17th at Crown Center
"Beautiful music fills the halls of the Crown Center Shops as nearly 100 area school, church and community choirs perform everyday from Nov. 27 through Dec. 17 during holiday shop hours."
Kansas City Ballet Presents the “Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball”
December 2nd at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
"An enchanting experience awaits you and your guests at the Kansas City Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball! You will surely feel the magic of the holidays as the Sugar Plum Fairy leads you on an adventure filled with whimsy and wonder. Each child will receive a complimentary photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy and face painting with a signature holiday design. Parents will enjoy shopping at the Nutcracker Marketplace and participating in our fantastic silent auction. Entertainment and activities in the lobby will excite everyone in attendance as they wait in anticipation for what’s in store behind the ballroom doors."
Kansas City Symphony Presents The Muppet Christmas Carol
December 8th and 9th at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
"Your Kansas City Symphony presents Disney’s "The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert" featuring a screening of the complete film with the musical score performed live. Join The Muppets for this classic Charles Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases — past, present and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness."
Miller Marley Presents Clara’s Dream and a Musical Revue
December 16th and 17th at Olathe South Performing Arts Center
Since 2005 Miller Marley's Youth Ballet has come together with guest performers to present a condensed version of "Nutcracker" ~ just perfect for audiences of all ages. This adaptation of "Nutcracker" follows Clara on a magical journey that leads her into a dream-like world filled with some of your favorite scenes from this holiday classic ballet in a shortened show. Prior to "Clara's Dream" other performing groups from Miller Marley entertain with a variety of dance styles. Each year something new comes to this show. Come to see what surprises are in store this year!
Performances for All to Enjoy |
A Christmas Carol
November 21st through December 24th at The Spencer Theatre
"For over 40 years, Kansas City’s beloved tradition has created holiday memories for families all around our community, with all the heart and spectacle you’ve come to love… start your family tradition this year and create memories that will last for many Christmases to come! Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. You’ll meet the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the irresistible Fezziwigs, and hear the lush and joyous Candlelight Carol — all this and more, to kindle your Christmas spirit. Share the season with the people you love at A Christmas Carol."
Nutcracker Ball
December 1st at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
"Celebrate the holiday season at Kansas City Ballet Guild’s annual gala, the Nutcracker Ball. The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, a partner organization of Kansas City Ballet, will provide a delightful setting for the Ball, along with delicious cuisine, special presentations by Kansas City Ballet School Students, and after-dinner dancing with music by local band Kokomo."
Handel’s Messiah
December 1st through 3rd at Kansas City Symphony
"Witness one of the Kansas City Symphony’s most beloved holiday traditions! Featuring the Kansas City Symphony Chorus and some of America’s most accomplished soloists, Handel’s Messiah includes the iconic “Hallelujah Chorus” and sweeping solos portraying one of the greatest stories ever told. Handel’s glorious choral masterpiece will bring hope and joy to your Christmas season."
The Jewish Nutcracker: Short & Suite with optional Tea Party
December 3rd at The White Theatre
"The Jewish Nutcracker" returns for its third year and follows Rebecca and the Nutcracker on their magical journey from Bubbe’s house to the Land of Nosh, encountering everything from mice to dancing dreidels! Featuring our Encore students, this is a tradition not to be missed! This year, audiences have two options: enjoy a pre-event tea party followed by a streamlined performance on December 3."
Tuba Christmas
December 5th at Crown Center Square
"Experience the sounds of the season, tuba-style! Come dressed for the weather, and in your Christmas finest to add to the ambiance. Audiences may enjoy the free noon-hour performance in the Crown Center Square without a reservation. Bring your own chairs and be ready to sing along to some holiday classics. This event is weather permitting."
A Charlie Brown Christmas feat. Lee Langston
December 5th at at Helzberg Hallway
"For many, the entry into the jazz world came from the inexplicable world of a lovable boy and his beagle traversing the meaning of the season in an animated special. The timeless music of Vince Guaraldi has been played in more households than nearly any other artist, and we are so enthused to deliver a momentous arrangement of A Charlie Brown Christmas for big band--for the first time ever! Join KCJO and guest vocalist Lee Langston as we create a new holiday tradition. Good Grief!"
It's a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
December 7th through 23rd at Music Theater Heritage
"Reimagined for the stage as a live radio broadcast, the iconic world of George Bailey and his affable helper angel, Clarence, unfolds as you’ve never seen before. Featuring an exciting ensemble cast, holiday music, and live sound effects performed by foley artists, the beloved, life-affirming story is a holiday treat for the entire family!"
Million Dollar Quartet
December 7th at Yardley Hall
"Inspired by the Tony Award-nominated hit musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” this holiday reimagining once again brings together soon-to-be legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley for a musical holiday celebration featuring a nostalgic string of chart-topping favorites."
Heartland Men’s Chorus Presents: 'A Very Merry Christmas Pageant'
December 10th at Yardley Hall
"The chorus members are gearing up to compete in a pageant that promises to be the event of the season, complete with drama, laughter, and plenty of holiday spirit. As the stakes get higher and higher, HMCKC will remind you that the holidays are about more than just winning—they're about coming together and celebrating the joy of the season. With stunning vocal performances, high-energy dance numbers, and plenty of holiday cheer, this show is a must-see event for anyone looking to get in the festive spirit."
Kansas City Symphony Presents The Nightmare Before Christmas
December 21st through 24th at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
"See one of Tim Burton's most celebrated films like never before! The full feature film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be projected in its entirety on a giant screen in Helzberg Hall with dialogue, singing and effects, accompanied by Danny Elfman's darkly charming score played live by your Kansas City Symphony."
Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas
December 22nd and 23rd at Music Theater Heritage
"Zachary Stevenson returns to MTH with his Buddy Holly Holiday tribute show (say that 3 times fast!) Zach is one of the most charismatic performers you’re likely to see and he’s got holiday favorites as well as some Buddy Holly classics in store for you as he and his band serve up a unique Holiday treat! With only 3 performances, this show typically sells out in advance so don’t wait!"
Performances for the Adults |
Humbug KC
Select dates November 22nd through December 23rd at The Kansas City Club
It's more than a pop up, it is an experience, centered around "A Christmas Carol". There will be seasonal craft cocktails and a theatrical performance written just for our experience with a solid cast of seasoned actors. This will be an experience unlike any other in the KC metro. Dates and tickets are available through https://www.eventbrite.com/e/humbug-tickets-745154074897.
For more holiday fun, including character appearances, light shows, holiday pop-up bars, and more, check out the complete Family Guide to The Holidays in Kansas City!
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