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.
A Christmas Carol – Nov. 21 – 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 Kennedy Center
Elf™ in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra – Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
Even if you watched a hundred times over, there's a new way to enjoy the beloved Christmas classic Elf this holiday season. At the Kennedy Center, you can see the film's timeless score come to life with live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets
2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Nov. 30 – Dec. 29
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. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Capital One Arena
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time – Dec. 1
If you love to belt out "All I Want for Christmas is You," don't miss the chance to do so with the queen of Christmas herself and thousands of other fans at Capital One Arena. Crowned the best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, Mariah Carey will visit 20 cities across the country.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
A Swingin' Little Christmas! Starring Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery – Dec. 4
Billed as "one part cabaret, one part comedy, and a dash of Christmas kitsch," A Swingin’ Little Christmas capitalizes on the holiday nostalgia of holiday specials. This raucous show features Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Lynch (Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Kate Flannery (The Office) and Tim Davis (Glee's vocal arranger) alongside the Tony Guerrero Quintet. Travel back to the 1950s and 60s with joyful tunes and lots of laughs.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert – Dec. 4
For an unmatched night of orchestral holiday tunes and outrageous Christmas attire at one of the coolest music venues in DC, hit up the Anthem. "Sleigh Ride," "Carol of the Bells," the Nutcracker favorites and more await you and your ugliest sweater.
8 p.m. | Tickets
901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024
An Irish Carol – Dec. 4-31
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
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show – Dec. 5
See the longest-running group in American music perform at one of the most magical venues in the area: Wolf Trap. Not only have the Blind Boys of Alabama been gracing the world with soulful sounds since the Civil Rights era – they recently won the 2024 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. For one night only, the group will bring their most festive hits to life in an awe-inspiring holiday experience.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Dissonance Dance Theatre: Winter Stories – Dec. 5
As much as we love the Nutcracker, those looking for a more contemporary dance spectacle will fall in love with Dissonance Dance Theatre's Winter Stories. Choreographed to music from Vivaldi to Billie Eilish, storylines are inspired by the "everyday feelings" we experience in the cold and around the holidays. The Ngoma School will perform new works by Principal Choreographer Shawn Short.
5 p.m. | Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Washington Improv Theater
A Very Improv Holiday – Dec. 6-29
Joy! Mirth! Togetherness! Laughter is the reason for this season of improv performances. A Very Improv Holiday features a feast of talent from the Washington Improv Theater’s (WIT) company ensembles and some special guest troupes as well. WIT’s alumni have gone on to Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, HBO’s Insecure and The White Lotus.
Tickets
Washington Improv Theater (in residence at Studio Theatre), 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas – Dec. 7
Every year, National Public Radio (NPR) and the Kennedy Center join forces to bring outstanding jazz pianists together to perform their favorite Christmas classics for one night only. The holiday tradition has become a favorite in the District, so make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance. This year's concert features Grammy Award-winning pianist Kris Davis, 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition winner Jahari Stampley and Cuban sensation Roberto Fonseca.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show – Dec. 7, 14 & 15
Tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, snow and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics will all be part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's annual holiday show. The festive program will include songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Underneath the Tree” and “The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas.” Expect performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all GMCW ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Kennedy Center
KEM: Home for the Holidays – Dec. 11-12
The platinum-selling R&B singer-songwriter joins the National Symphony Orchestra for an evening jam-packed with jazz and holiday hits. The setlist will include numbers from his album, "What Christmas Means," plus other seasonal favorites and can't-miss KEM vocal masterpieces.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Dec. 13-22
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
The Washington Chorus presents A Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 14, 15, 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. This 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 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah – Dec. 19-22
This holiday epic, which explores the story of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, is performed at the Kennedy Center each year. The National Symphony Orchestra will be joined by standout singers and will be conducted by Baroque authority Masaaki Suzuki at the beautifully decorated Concert Hall to tell Handel’s riveting tale through song.
Tickets
The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Christmas Day Organ Recital – Dec. 25
Enliven your Christmas afternoon with a trip to the National Cathedral as house organists Thomas Sheehan and Rebecca Ehren perform a program of festive music. The free performance does not require tickets to attend. A livestream will also be available.
Free Admission
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
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