Chicago Holiday Shows & Musicals: Christmas Theatre Guide
Chicago’s holiday season is full of classic Christmas tales, family musicals, ballet and other festive stage productions at theaters around the city and suburbs. This guide reviews notable holiday programs announced for 2026, ranging from long-running Chicago traditions to limited-engagement touring productions.
Updated for the 2026 holiday season. Dates and productions can change, so check the presenting theater before purchasing tickets.
Chicago Holiday Shows at a Glance
- A Christmas Carol — Goodman Theatre — November 13–December 31, 2026
- The Nutcracker — Joffrey Ballet at Lyric Opera House — December 4–27, 2026
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical — James M. Nederlander Theatre — December 9–27, 2026
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream — Chicago Shakespeare Theater — November 11, 2026–January 3, 2027
- Annie — Drury Lane Theatre — November 4, 2026–January 10, 2027
A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre
Dates: November 13–December 31, 2026
Location: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol remains one of Chicago’s signature holiday traditions. Tom Creamer’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story follows Ebenezer Scrooge through the familiar Christmas Eve encounters that transform his view of generosity, family and community. The 2026 production is directed by Malkia Stampley, with Tim Hopper making his debut as Scrooge.
The Goodman notes that children under age 5 are not permitted. The season also includes designated accessible performances, including ASL interpretation, audio description, open captions, Spanish subtitles and a sensory-friendly performance.
The Nutcracker by The Joffrey Ballet
Dates: December 4–27, 2026
Location: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago
The Joffrey Ballet returns with Christopher Wheeldon’s distinctly Chicago version of The Nutcracker. Rather than placing the story in a traditional European setting, the production imagines Marie’s Christmas Eve adventure against the spectacle of Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
Tchaikovsky’s familiar score accompanies the journey through the fairgrounds, making this both a holiday ballet and a production with a strong connection to Chicago history. For additional details, see our guide to where to see The Nutcracker in Chicago.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Dates: December 9–27, 2026
Location: James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Broadway In Chicago brings Whoville downtown for the holidays with Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Max the Dog narrates the story as the Grinch attempts to steal Christmas from the Whos, with songs including “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.”
The production runs approximately 85 minutes without intermission and is recommended for ages 5 and older, making it one of the season’s more accessible choices for families looking for a full-scale holiday musical.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Dates: November 11, 2026–January 3, 2027
Location: Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
It is not a Christmas story, but Chicago Shakespeare Theater is presenting A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a festive holiday-season production. Directed by Edward Hall, the staging begins in a snowy Athens before moving into the colorful dream world of Shakespeare’s enchanted forest.
The family-friendly comedy offers an alternative for theatergoers who want a seasonal outing without a traditional Christmas plot.
Annie at Drury Lane Theatre
Dates: November 4, 2026–January 10, 2027
Location: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
Annie returns to Drury Lane for the holiday season. Although the musical is not exclusively a Christmas show, its optimistic story and family-friendly format make it a natural fit for November and December theatergoing. The production includes the familiar songs “Tomorrow,” “Maybe” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life.”
Choosing a Chicago Holiday Show
For a traditional Christmas story, the two most directly tied to the holiday are A Christmas Carol and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Joffrey’s Nutcracker blends ballet with Chicago history, while A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Annie offer family-friendly options in the same season.
Holiday shows tend to sell out fast, especially on weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Check age recommendations, running times and accessibility information directly with each theater before booking.
More 2026 Chicago Holiday Shows
With Chicago theaters unveiling their 2026 schedules, more Christmas concerts, musicals, family productions and holiday shows with limited runs will be added. ChicagoCritic.com will be updating this guide all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major Christmas shows in Chicago in 2026?
Among the major announced productions are Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Broadway In Chicago’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.
Where can I see A Christmas Carol in Chicago?
Goodman Theatre presents its annual production of A Christmas Carol in the Albert Theatre from November 13 through December 31, 2026.
Where can I see The Nutcracker in Chicago?
The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House from December 4 through December 27, 2026.
Are there holiday shows for children in Chicago?
Yes. Several 2026 productions are geared toward or suitable for families. Age policies vary by theater, so check the individual production before purchasing tickets.