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!
Performances that are Especially Fun for Kids |
Home Alone In Concert Film + Live Orchestra
November 29-December 1st at Kauffman Center for Performing Arts
A true holiday favorite, this adored comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by your Kansas City Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, “Home Alone” is holiday fun for the entire family! Rated PG.
Kansas City Jazz Orchestra Presents A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 10th
Classic tunes from the beloved TV specials. Come see A Boy and His Dog, Linus, Lucy and the whole Peanuts gang as KCJO continues this wonderful holiday tradition! It was a sell out last year, so get your tickets while you can, and expect experiences that blow the last one out of the water!
Miller Marley Presents Clara’s Dream and a Musical Revue (Shorter Version of The Nutcracker)
December 21st and 22nd 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! Ask about their Girl Scout Troop Special!
Frozen in Concert Film + Live Orchestra
December 23 at Kauffman Center
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Watch the magic unfold on the big screen as your Kansas City Symphony performs the score live. Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Idina Menzel. Rated PG.
Performances for All to Enjoy |
A Christmas Carol
November 23 through December 28th 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."
The Nutcracker Presented by the Kansas City Ballet
December 6-24 at Kauffman Center
Each year, the Kansas City Ballet presents its cherished holiday tradition: The Nutcracker. This timeless production consistently leaves audiences in awe, earning praise such as “positively oozing charm” from The Washington Post. The enduring story, written by E.T.A. Hoffman during the Victorian era, unfolds before your eyes, featuring beloved characters like Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.
Kansas City Symphony Presents: Christmas Festival
December 19th-22nd
We’re sending a musical Christmas card to you! Join the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus for this spectacular holiday celebration filled with lush symphonic arrangements of Christmas classics, fresh versions of your favorite carols, and many melodic surprises. Share the spirit of the season with your entire family as you enjoy enchanting performances by the Symphony and Symphony Chorus, plus exciting special guests including an early visit from Santa Claus!
December 28, 29, 30 at The White Theater
A passionate, not-quite-ready-for-primetime theatre troupe bands together to create the world’s most ambitious Hanukkah show… in just eight days! (Y’know, like "A Christmas Carol," but Jewish-er.) As the clock ticks and the candles burn, The Dreidel Players scramble to complete their epic, theatrical extravaganza by opening night. Along the way, this motley crew might just discover the true meaning of Hanukkah — even if they can’t figure out quite how to spell it. Join us for a delightful journey filled with holiday spirit, joyful mishigas and latke-scented hilarity.
Twas the Night Before
November 27-December 1
Grab your winter coat and get ready to jingle on down to Cirque du Soleil's amazing holiday spectacular, Twas The Night Before Christmas! You'll witness their 49th original production, and first-ever holiday-themed show. Judging by their previous productions, this is one you certainly don't want to miss!
This unique take on the Christmas classic will bring joy and entertainment to the whole family, whilst teaching the act of kindness behind sharing and the joy of friendship. You'll also find out what really happens the night before Christmas through Cirques eyes.
The Jewish Nutcracker: Short & Suite
December 8that 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."
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 Late November through December during holiday shop hours."
Tuba Christmas
December 6th 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."
It's a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
December 5-22 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!"
Heartland Men’s Chorus Presents: 'All Is Bright'
December 6-8 the Folly
In a time of uncertainty, change, and divisiveness that can make it hard to embrace the holiday spirit, join us to unwrap a musical package of love, joy, and hope (even if you’re on the naughty list!). From time-honored classics to the freshest sounds of the season, HMCKC delivers the magic of the holidays with unmatched class and a dash of sass!
Five actors play dozens of roles in this hilariously fast-paced and imaginative retelling of the world’s most famous holiday story! Ebenezer Scrooge and friends terrorize the good citizens of Kansas City in search of redemption and the true spirit of the holiday season. This riotous Dickens tale is wacky fun for the entire family.
Performances More Suitable for the Adults |
December 6
"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people!" Join us for the good tidings of the beloved classic, Handel's Messiah, performed live by your city's orchestra at this unforgettable Holiday performance. A touch more serious than your usual Christmas Carols evening, Handel's Messiah is a beautiful and memorable composition that makes a wonderful introduction to the power of classical music for new and younger audiences.
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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