The seasonal vibes flow through these can’t-miss holiday-themed theatrical performances in the nation's capital.
As the winter holidays near, Christmas music plays, holiday displays and lights illuminate the District and, most importantly, you need ways to let your seasonal spirit flourish. The nation’s capital has plenty of options, so get that ugly sweater ready for a month’s worth of revelry at DC's theater and performing arts venues.
Hanukkah Spectacular – Nov. 14 – Dec. 13
Acclaimed playwright Max Posner collaborates with Tony Award-winning director David Cromer for a comedy about another type of artistic collaboration. In Hanukkah Spectacular, four artists are trapped in one conference room across three days in an urgent attempt to make a commercially viable production about the titular Jewish holiday. Tensions rise, nerves break down and the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur. Happy holidays!
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Photo by Timothy Norris
The Hip Hop Nutcracker – Nov. 17-22
Tony and Olivier Award nominee Jennifer Weber directs and choreographs a family-friendly holiday mash-up that ties together hip-hop dance and the music of Tchaikovsky in a beautiful bow. A dozen dancers take you through the tale of Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they battle mice, journey through a land of sweets and learn valuable holiday season lessons in contemporary New York City.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
A Christmas Carol – Nov. 19 – Dec. 31
Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Nov. 28 – Dec. 27
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Dec. 4-23
DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show will combine clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance. Furry friends from the animal kingdom and a dance party hosted by DJ Nutcracker are also on the docket.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Leslie Odom, Jr. – Dec. 5
Winner of both a Tony and a Grammy, the multitalented Leslie Odom, Jr. hits the road with his Christmas tour after a string of sold out shows in 2025. The spectacular singer will perform renditions of holiday classics as well as songs from his Christmas albums and Hamilton, the Broadway smash that earned Odom his Tony for his outstanding work as Aaron Burr.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show – Dec. 5, 12 & 13
Tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, snow and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics are all part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's annual holiday show. The festive program includes songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Turkey Turkey Time” and “DJ Play a Christmas Song”.
Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
An Irish Carol – Dec. 5-31
The Irish have something to say about that “Carol” of yours, Mr. Dickens. The Keegan Theatre stages this acclaimed play that subs pub-owning David for Scrooge. He’s distanced himself from his family through his profitable bar, but a visitor from the past, along with present figures and the prospect of a sad future could turn David around. With searing wit, fast-paced dialogue and a classic Irish sensibility, Matthew Keenan’s play is perfect for holiday laughs – and intended for audiences 16 and older.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Talami Entertainment
Talami Entertainment’s Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet – Dec. 6
The largest Nutcracker production in North American turns The Music Center at Strathmore into a holiday spectacle with dancers from around the world, breathtaking acrobatics, colorful costumes and puppets that will blow your mind. Tchaikovsky's timeless music is the soundtrack to this treasure of family entertainment that is in town for one night only.
Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Folger Consort
An English Christmas for the Ages – Dec. 11-20
The Folger Consort transports the listener across centuries of music, from Yuletide songs sung around medieval fires to English Christmas carols to pieces performed in the royal courts of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. There will also be a celebration of America's 250th birthday with Christmas anthems from New England composer William Billings.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Photo by Elman Studio
NatPhil presents Handel’s Messiah with Baltimore Choral Arts Society – Dec. 19-20
The Music Center at Strathmore welcomes the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and four standout soloists from the National Philharmonic for a can't-miss performance of Handel's legendary piece. From the "Hallelujah" chorus to powerfully quiet moments and inspiring arias, Messiah is filled with riveting moments that make for profound shared experiences during the holiday season.
Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 21-22
With more than 130 voices working in tandem with brass, organ and percussion to create wonderful renditions of Christmas classics, the Washington Chorus is a wonder to behold. The 75-minute holiday music experience will offer thrilling special guests and a traditional candlelight processional that is an annual highlight.
Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
The Choral Arts Society of Washington
O Night Divine! – Dec. 23
The only large-scale coral-orchestral Christmas spectacular enlivens The Music Center at Strathmore for one night only. The 90-minute concert combines the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and the Choral Arts Orchestra from the center for magnificent renditions of "O Come All Ye Faithful", "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night" among many others. With incredible acoustics, expect to hear rich vocal harmonies and lush orchestrations as you never have before.
Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
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