December in Chicago theater is mostly holiday shows, and that’s fine: some of them are very good. But the month also has a few serious plays finishing their runs and some musicals that have nothing to do with Christmas. Here is what is worth your evenings, starting with the five that define the month, plus the family shows and one-night events that fill out the calendar.
The five that define the month
- The Nutcracker
The Joffrey Ballet, Lyric Opera House
December 4–27, 2026
Christopher Wheeldon’s Chicago-set version moves the story to the 1893 World’s Fair. It is the city’s biggest holiday dance ticket, and prime weekend seats go first. (For comparison, see our review of the 2016 premiere production.)
Tickets: Joffrey Ballet
- A Christmas Carol
Goodman Theatre, Albert Theatre
November 13–December 31, 2026
Tom Creamer’s adaptation, directed by Malkia Stampley, with Tim Hopper debuting as Scrooge (Kareem Bandealy alternates). The accessible performances are ASL-interpreted on Dec. 4, audio-described with a touch tour on Dec. 5, and Spanish-subtitled and open-captioned on Dec. 6. A sensory-friendly matinee is on Dec. 27. Children under 5 are not admitted. (For comparison, see our review of an earlier Goodman edition from 2014.)
Tickets: Goodman Theatre
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Jentes Family Courtyard Theater
November 11, 2026–January 3, 2027
Edward Hall’s snow-dusted holiday Dream is the best Shakespeare to take a family to this season. If you want a marathon, Dec. 5 and 12 pair it with The Winter’s Tale, which closes Dec. 12. (For comparison, see our review of an earlier Chicago Shakespeare production from 2012.)
Tickets: Chicago Shakespeare
- Heroes of the Fourth Turning
A Red Orchid Theatre
Through December 6, 2026
Will Arbery’s play about four young conservative Catholics and their mentor gets its Chicago premiere, directed by dado with Kirsten Fitzgerald as Gina. It’s the month’s serious play for anyone who wants to skip the tinsel. Catch it in the first week. Content advisories include gunshots and strong language.
Tickets: A Red Orchid Theatre
- The Sound of Music
Broadway In Chicago, Cadillac Palace Theatre
December 22–27, 2026
Jack O’Brien’s North American tour of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is in town for Christmas week only, with a Christmas Eve matinee. (For comparison, see our review of the 2016 tour.)
Tickets: Broadway In Chicago
Also on the December board
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical — James M. Nederlander Theatre, Dec. 9–27, 2026. The Dr. Seuss musical stops in Chicago on its holiday tour. (See our review of the tour’s earlier stop at the Chicago Theatre.) Tour schedule
Blue Man Group: A New Holiday Surprise — CIBC Theatre, through Dec. 13, 2026. A new holiday show for ages 3 and up. (See our review of the regular Blue Man Group show, 2017.) Tickets
The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical — Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, Dec. 8–13, 2026. A big-city executive goes home to save Christmas, with a cookie-contest conspiracy and a loose moose. For ages 10 and up. Tickets
Love Actually in Concert — Cadillac Palace Theatre, Dec. 12, 2026, 7:30 p.m. The film plays in full while a live orchestra performs the score. One night only. Tickets
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! — American Blues Theater, through Dec. 27, 2026. (See our review of an earlier edition, 2015.) Tickets
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play — Athenaeum Center Theatre, Dec. 11–31, 2026. Joe Landry’s 1940s-style radio version, performed in the round in the Paradiso. Tickets
A Christmas Carol — Paramount Theatre, Aurora, through Jan. 3, 2027. Trent Stork’s adaptation with live music. The open-captioned performance is Dec. 18. Tickets
The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue — Paramount’s Copley Theatre, Aurora, through Dec. 23, 2026. Ages 18 and up. Tickets
Disney’s Frozen — Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire, through Jan. 3, 2027. Tickets
Annie — Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace, through Jan. 10, 2027. (See our review of an earlier production at Paramount Theatre, 2012.) Tickets
Little Shop of Horrors — Porchlight Music Theatre at the Biograph, through Dec. 13, 2026. (See our review of an earlier production at American Blues Theater, 2016.) Tickets
All the World — Northlight Theatre, Evanston, through Dec. 20, 2026. Lauren M. Gunderson’s world premiere about two actors in love, or not, backstage at the holidays. Tickets
Adirondack Chair Circle — Steppenwolf Theatre, through Dec. 6, 2026. Stephanie Alison Walker’s world-premiere comedy about a book-banning moms’ circle. Tickets
The Winter’s Tale — Chicago Shakespeare Theater, through Dec. 12, 2026. (See our review of an earlier production from 2014.) Tickets
A Clockwork Orange — Kokandy Productions at the Chopin Theater Mainstage, through Jan. 10, 2027. The counter-programming pick. Tickets
Million Dollar Quartet — Paramount’s Stolp Island Theatre, Aurora, through Jan. 3, 2027. (See our review of an earlier production, 2009.) Tickets
Vape! The Grease Parody — Apollo Theater, through Jan. 3, 2027. Tickets
For the youngest theatergoers
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party — Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave., opens Dec. 5, 2026, with weekend shows at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. An interactive trunk-and-puppet show for ages up to 8, followed by a holiday party in the lobby. Tickets
A Christmas Carol — Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences, Oakbrook Terrace, through Dec. 26, 2026. A one-hour version for kids. Tickets
For every holiday option in one place, see our Chicago holiday shows guide and our guide to where to see The Nutcracker. To pair a matinee with a gallery visit, check our free museum days guide.