Revel in holiday spirit this year by going to a holiday-themed theater and/or musical production. We may not have a Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes®, but there’s plenty to make you warm and tingly. Shows range from sacred to bawdy with everything in between. And tickets make a great gift, too!
These listings cover our area south to Adams, west to Santa Monica, east to downtown and north to North Hollywood/Burbank plus Pasadena/Glendale. They’re chronological, starting from those currently open. And don’t miss our special Spotlight on Nutcrackers — just scroll to the bottom.
Have any additions? Let us know in the Comments.
Happy Holidays!
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Now Playing
Bad Habits
Details: See our review of this hilarious holiday-themed world premier show.
Where: Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica
When: Now-Jan. 26
Price: $20-35
Miracle on 34th Street
Details: A live performance of a musical radio play adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio broadcast.
Where: Actors Co-op Theatre, at the David Schall Theatre, 1760 N. Gower Street
When: Now-Dec. 15, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm
Price: $39
The Thanksgiving Play
Details: A satirical take on an elementary school pageant about the first Thanksgiving as developed by a well-meaning group attempting to avoid culturally appropriative missteps.
Where: Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave.
When: Now-Dec. 6, Tuesdays-Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Price: $30-120; discounts available at Goldstar
Opening Later in November
Love Actually Live
Details: For The Record’s multimedia concert celebration of the modern holiday film classic returns to the Wallis. The film and live action mesh, with an all-star cast of singers and a 15-piece orchestra bringing the movie to life.
Where: The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
When: Nov. 27-Dec. 29, Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Price: $39-125; discounts available on Goldstar
NightLESQUE Before Christmas
Details: Dinner theater like no other: Tim Burton-inspired Christmas and Halloween characters coming to life in unexpected ways, and with a healthy dose of burlesque.
Where: Rockwell: Table & Stage, 1714 N Vermont Ave.
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 20 (Nov. 29 at 8:00pm; Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 11:00pm)
Price: $35; discounts available on Goldstar (plus food and drink)
Opening in December
A Noise Within’s A Christmas Carol
Details: A holiday tradition with some magical touches and the opportunity to meet the cast after the show.
Where: A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
When: Dec. 1-23, various dates and times
Price: $39-69; discounts available on Goldstar
Sugar Plum Fairy
Details: Sandra Tsing Loh stars in this coming-of-age story of a 12-year-old girl dreaming of dancing the lead in The Nutcracker. Produced by East West Players.
Where: The David Henry Hwang Theatre, 120 Judge John Aiso St.,
When: Dec. 5-22, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm
Price: $25-50
Bonus Suggestion:
If you’re heading downtown for a holiday performance, check out the fourth annual iteration of Blitzen’s holiday pop-up bar: specialty cocktails and food plus hip holiday entertainment including drag queen bingo, carolers, Santa, regifting and a puppy pageant. Sunday nights are pajama parties, complete with classic games and holiday movie showings. Bring a quart-sized Ziploc of toiletries and Blitzen’s will donate them to PATH and give you a free cup of punch.
It’s open Tuesdays-Sundays at 5:00pm from Dec. 3 through Dec. 31 at Here & Now in the Arts District, 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite N.
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Festival of Carols
Details: The Chorale’s annual selection of carols and songs, plus the world premiere of The Gift of the Magi by Swan Family Artist-in-Residence Eric Whitacre.
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall
When: Dec. 7 at 8:00pm
Price: $119; discounts available at Goldstar
The Big Fat Christmas Show
Details: Holiday tunes performed by Broadway stars. Hosted by Broadway to the Rescue to benefit Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission.
Where: The Montalbán, 615 Vine St.
When: Dec. 7 at 7:00pm
Price: $20-40; discounts available on Goldstar
Angel City Chorale: Starry Starry Night Holiday Concert & Sing-Along
Details: 180 voices accompanied by an orchestra perform music from favorite holiday movies.
Where: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 3300 Wilshire Blvd.
When: Dec. 7-8 at 7:30
Price: $45; also available on Goldstar
Lawyer and Doctors in Harmony: Holiday Concert and Hanukkah Festival Overture
Details: The Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic & Legal Voices under the baton of Founder-Conductor Gary S. Greene, Esq., and the Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Ivan Shulman, MD, MM, jointly perform a variety of holiday music. A portion of proceeds will support Bet Tzedek Legal Services and the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART)
Where: Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W 8th St
When: Dec. 8 at 7:00pm
Price: $20-75 at Eventbrite
A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour
Details: A holiday performance featuring contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race including host Nina West.
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway
When: Dec. 12 at 8:00pm
Price: $57; also available at Goldstar
Lythgoe Family Panto’s A Snow White Christmas
Details: In this update to the classic fairytale, Snow White joins forces with the Seven Dwarfs to defeat the wicked Queen. In the style of British Panto, audiences are encouraged to interact, booing the baddies and cheering for the hero.
Where: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E Green St, Pasadena
When: Dec. 13-22
Price: $28-98 at Ticketmaster; discounts available on Goldstar
The Christmas Present
Details: “The heart-warming tale of a hooker, a hotel room, and some holiday magic.”
Where: The Broadwater Black Box,, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
When: Dec. 13-22, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 4:00pm and 8:00pm
Price: $18 at Brown Paper Tickets
A Twisted Christmas Carol
Details: This world premiere comedy is a Texas-style spoof of the Dickens classic.
Where: The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood
When: Dec. 14-Jan. 12, Saturdays at 4:00pm, Sundays at 7:00pm
Price: $20; discounts available on Goldstar
‘Twas the Flight Before Christmas
Details: A new play from Towne Street Theatre featuring Christmas music. Join the party after the performance: Bring a Toy for a child in need and your favorite drink or dish.
Where: Stella Adler Theatre, Hollywood
When: Dec. 14 at 8:00pm
Price: Pay what you will, but RSVPs are a must
Details: Don B. Welch Productions and Family of Faith Christian Center present a holiday show with an all-star cast featuring Marla Gibbs.
Where: Wilshire Ebell Theatre
When: Dec. 14 at 8:00pm
Price: Free
Hanukkah Festival
Details: Celebrate the Jewish festival of lights, while enjoying music, dance, storytelling, art making, and tasty treats!
Where: Skirball Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
When: Dec. 15 11:00am-4:00pm
Price: $12, $7 for children, free for members
A Very Happy Goyisha Hanukkah
Details: In a new cabaret show from Jewish Women’s Theatre, an evangelical debutant describes her journey to chopped liver and latkes!
Where: The Braid, 2912 Colorado Ave #102, Santa Monica
When: Dec. 15 at 2:00pm and Dec. 17 at 8:00pm
Price: $30-35
Breath of Winter
Details: An annual holiday concert by the Ebell Chorale followed by afternoon tea in the beautifully decorated 1920s Ebell clubhouse.
Where: Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd.
When: Dec. 16 at 2:00pm
Price: Concert free, tea (3:00pm) $25
Both: A Hard Day’s Silent Night
Details: This is the 11th year of Open Fist’s gospel-tinged mash-up of Beatles songs and the Nativity Story performed to raise money for Save the Children and an initiative to help children impacted by the US Border Crisis.
Where: St, John’s Cathedral, 514 West Adams Blvd.
When: Dec. 18-21, Wed, and Thurs. at 8:00pm, Friday at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, Saturday at 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Price: $19.99 (includes complimentary valet parking)
39th Annual Messiah Sing-Along
Details: Sing Hallelujah! In this performance of Handel’s Messiah, the audience is the chorus supporting the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Bring your own score or purchase one in the lobby.
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall
When: Dec. 18 at 7:30pm
Price: $25-85
Christmas Times Is Here
Details: Dianne Reeves presents holiday favorites with pianist Peter Martin, guitarist Romero Lubambo, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Terreon Gully.
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall
When: Dec. 20 at 8:00pm
Price: $40-104
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles Presents Holiday Spectacular
Details: Jenny Wong, GMCLA’s interim Artistic Director, and Associate Conductor of the LA Master Chorale, leads GMCLA in choral classics, timeless Christmas carols, a medley of hits from Love Actually and plenty of extras.
Where: Alex Theatre, 216 N Brand Blvd., Glendale
When: Dec. 21-22,Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm, Saturday at 8:00pm
Price: $25-95
Holiday Concert with the Noelles
Details: Join the all-female a capella group the Noelles for a concert on the Pacific.
Where: Merry-Go-Round deck at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
When: Dec. 21-22 at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00pm
Price: Free
Bonus Suggestion:
Check out all the great holiday activities at Santa Monica Cheer on the Pier.
Holiday Sing-Along
Details: A jazz combo, a choir, and the mighty pipe organ combine for this family-friendly annual tradition.
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall
When: Dec. 21 at 11:30am and 2:30pm
Price: $38-94
Handel’s Messiah
Details: The perennially popular Handel’s Messiah conducted by Grant Gershon and sung by the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall
When: Dec. 21 at 8:00pm
Price: $29-129
The Sounds of the Holidays
Details: Terry Steele performs holiday classics honoring Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross and others.
Where: Ebony Repertory Theater, 4718 W. Washington Blvd.
When: Dec. 22 at 6pm
Price: $40
Hanukkah Celebration
Details: The Farmers Market celebrates Hanukkah with fun family activities including the lighting of a giant LEGO menorah, live music and crafts.
Where: The Original Farmers Market
When: Dec. 22 2:30-5:30pm
Price: Free
The 60th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration
Details: LA’s largest multicultural holiday celebration features a diverse lineup of L.A.-based artists and community groups showcasing their talent and artistry.
Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
When: Dec. 24 at 3:00pm
Price: Free
Dina Martina Christmas Show
Details: Holiday humor featuring “ludicrous song stylings, unfortunate dance, overburdened costumes and side-splitting stories.”
Where: Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 West 8th Street
When: Dec. 28 at 9:00pm
Price: $30; discounts available on Goldstar
Spotlight on Nutcrackers
It’s Nutcracker season in Los Angeles and fans of the Tchaikovsky classic have plenty of choices.
Great Russian Nutcracker starring the Moscow Ballet
Where: The Wiltern Theatre, 3790 Wilshire Blvd.
When: Dec. 21-22 (four performances)
Price: $63-250 at LiveNation; discounts available on Goldstar
The Nutcracker Live starring the Los Angeles Ballet
Where: The Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland
When: Dec. 20-24 (four performances)
Price: $60-131 at Ticketmaster
Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre’s Student Production
Where: Luckman Theatre, Cal State LA, 5151 State University Drive
When: Dec. 7-15 (seven performances)
Price: $42-64 at Brown Paper Tickets; discounts available on Goldstar
Los Angeles Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Where: Royce Hall, UCLA
When: Dec. 13-15 (four performances)
Price: $34-109
Los Angeles Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Where: Alex Theatre, Glendale
When: Dec. 7-8 (two performances)
Price: $34-109
Red Chair Productions Presents The Nutcracker Ballet
Where: Alex Theatre, 216 N Brand Blvd, Glendale
When: Dec. 14-15 (three performances)
Price: $79-163
Note: Additional Nutcrackers are onstage in Torrance, Long Beach, Northridge and Claremont. Whew!
These look good, too (classical concerts by candlelight at Immanuel Presbyterian Church): https://feverup.com/los-angeles/candlelight-concerts-lax