By Lauren Emily Whalen
As the Peanuts gang sings, “Christmastime is here”, and with it comes a wide range of productions for hard-core holiday fans and metaphorical Grinches alike. Alternatives to A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker abound nationwide for a wide variety of ages and tastes—from a campy take on Bravo’s cattiest fake-nailed franchise to a circus-fueled rendition of The Night Before Christmas to a joyous step show. Not a lover of holidays? Take in a world-premiere musical celebrating love and kindness, nary an evergreen tree in sight.
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‘The Real Housewives of the North Pole,’ Hell in a Handbag Productions
Since 2002, Hell in a Handbag Productions has had Chicago screaming with laughter through its incredibly scrappy, extremely queer original productions and parodies of everything from Mommie Dearest to Showgirls. This holiday season’s world premiere, The Real Housewives of the North Pole, reimagines the iconic franchise of clout-chasing and hair extension-pulling. What happens when Mrs. Ruth Claus and her wealthy, bitchy cronies must deal with the indictment of Santa and his powerful colleagues? Go on television with Andy Cohen and the Bravolebrity-verse, of course!
Performances through January 4, 2026. Chicago, IL
‘Step Africa!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show,’ Arena Stage
Make a new holiday tradition with Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, a family-friendly treat that will have you and yours dancing in your seats. Back for a fourth season at Arena Stage, this 90-minute celebration stars the award-winning Step Afrika! Troupe. Journey with DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic pals through a dazzling world of high-energy step choreography. HBCU students, staff, and alumni are welcome to “rep their colors” on December 11, and the December 13 performance offers free photos with Santa.
Performances through December 23, 2025, Washington, D.C.
‘Twas the Night Before,’ Cirque du Soleil national tour
The name Cirque du Soleil always promises gravity-defying stunts, breathtaking effects, and an evening of unforgettable magic. Based on Clement C. Moore’s classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” ‘Twas the Night Before infuses the iconic brand with holiday cheer through whimsical takes on Christmas standards, high-energy acrobatics and choreography, and a heartwarming holiday story for all ages. This touring production runs everywhere from Minneapolis to West Palm Beach to Phoenix—plenty of opportunities to get in on the fun, wherever you are.
Performances through December 28, 2025, with various performance dates in Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City.
‘Wonder’ at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.)
Celebrate the differences that make us beautiful with Wonder, A.R.T.’s world premiere musical adaptation of R.J. Palacio’s bestselling novel and Lionsgate and Mandeville’s 2017 film. As he enters public school, Auggie must remove the space helmet he uses to hide his facial difference and plant his feet in a world teeming with cruelty and kindness. Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl (whose memoir Smile chronicles her journey with facial paralysis) pens the book, with a score by Grammy Award-winning pop duo A Great Big World.
Performances through February 8, 2026. Cambridge, MA
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ Old Globe Theater
This season, bring your loved one to see Dr. Seuss’s joyous holiday classic live on stage at San Diego’s Old Globe Theater. How the Grinch Stole Christmas features the beloved tunes “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” along with original songs by Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason and a book by Mason. At a tight 88 minutes with no intermission, with matinee and evening showtimes, it’s an ideal holiday treat for families with children ages three and up.
Performances through December 31, 2025. San Diego, CA
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