Chicago's Christmas performing arts season is one of the year's true highlights, with world-class theater, ballet, symphony, and choral performances filling stages across the city every December. From The Nutcracker and gospel celebrations to holiday concerts and family stage productions, here's your guide to the best Christmas shows in Chicago for 2026.
The Best Christmas Shows in Chicago This Season
If you're looking for things to do in Chicago at Christmas, these are the best performances to enjoy in the windy city this season!
1. The Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker — Chicago
The Joffrey Ballet's celebrated production of The Nutcracker returns to Lyric Opera House this holiday season with Christopher Wheeldon's kaleidoscopic reimagining of the classic, set against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Marie and her Nutcracker prince journey through the dreamlike fairgrounds of the World's Columbian Exposition, encountering dazzling attractions from around the globe set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Performed with live music by members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, it is one of Chicago's signature holiday traditions and a stunning night at the theater for all ages.
- Dates: December 4th – December 27th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid
- Website: joffrey.org
Insider Tip: Single tickets go on sale this summer and this production is a perennial sellout, so keep an eye on joffrey.org and book as soon as they drop!
2. Chicago Symphony Orchestra's A Chanticleer Christmas — Chicago
The multiple Grammy Award-winning men's chorus Chanticleer returns to Symphony Center for an evening of holiday choral music that has become a December staple for classical music lovers in Chicago. The program spans timeless carols, popular Christmas songs, and the group's signature arrangements of holiday spirituals, delivered with the rich, layered harmonies that have earned Chanticleer its international reputation. A single-night engagement, this one sells itself on pedigree alone.
- Dates: Tuesday, December 8th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604
- Kid Friendly: No
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Not Specified
- Website: cso.org
Insider Tip: Tickets go on sale August 5th. This is a single-night performance at a storied venue, so do not wait to book!
3. Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Elf in Concert — Chicago
Symphony Center puts a fresh spin on a holiday classic with Elf in Concert, screening the beloved film on a giant screen while members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra perform John Debney's score live. Following Buddy the Elf's journey from the North Pole to New York City, the experience pairs a crowd pleasing movie with the unmistakable energy of a live orchestra, making it a one-of-a-kind holiday outing! With multiple showtimes across three days, there are plenty of options to fit the occasion.
- Dates: December 11th – December 13th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Not Specified
- Website: cso.org
Insider Tip: Tickets go on sale August 5th and multiple showtimes are available across the weekend, so check the schedule and lock in your preferred time early.
4. Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Handel's Messiah — Chicago
One of Chicago's most anticipated holiday traditions returns to Symphony Center as Baroque authority Masaaki Suzuki leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus through Handel's timeless oratorio. Hearing the full work performed live, including the iconic Hallelujah Chorus, inside one of the finest concert halls in the country is an experience that earns its place as a yearly ritual for classical music lovers across the Midwest. Concertgoers often dress in elegant seasonal attire and gather in the grand lobby to toast the season before the performance begins.
- Dates: December 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed (individual tickets on sale August 5th; subscribe for earlier access)
- Street Address: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604
- Kid Friendly: Yes (recommended for ages 6 and older)
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid parking available at nearby Grant Park garages
- Website: https://cso.org/performances/26-27/cso/handel-messiah/
Insider Tip: Individual tickets sell quickly, but CSO subscribers get access earlier. Pre-order drinks at the lobby bar before the performance to skip the intermission rush.
5. Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Merry, Merry Chicago! — Chicago
Merry, Merry Chicago! brings one of the city's most beloved holiday concert traditions back to the lavishly decorated Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center. Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are joined this season by Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez, known for her celebrated roles in Hamilton and In the Heights, for an evening of carols, seasonal favorites, and holiday surprises. Running across multiple dates and showtimes in the week before Christmas, it is a fitting way to close out the season in style.
- Dates: December 18th – December 23rd, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Not Specified
- Website: cso.org
Insider Tip: Tickets go on sale August 5th and multiple showtimes are available daily, so check the full schedule and choose the time that works best for your group.
6. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in Concert — Chicago
The Chicago Philharmonic performs John Williams' iconic score live while the beloved holiday film plays on the big screen inside the magnificent Auditorium Theatre on Chicago's South Loop. It's the kind of experience that makes a classic feel brand new! The familiar mischief of Kevin McCallister's New York adventure suddenly lands differently when a full orchestra is filling the room behind every scene. Audiences tend to arrive early to soak in the Auditorium's stunning architecture before the lights go down, making it as much a visual experience as a musical one.
- Dates: Saturday, December 19th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed (prices vary by seating)
- Street Address: Auditorium Theatre, Roosevelt University, 50 E Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60605
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No (service dogs only)
- Parking: Nearby paid public parking garages available
- Website: https://www.chicago-theater.com/shows/auditorium-theater/home-alone-2-lost-in-new-york-in-concert
Insider Tip: Balcony mid-tier seats offer the best balance of sound and screen visibility. Book early as single-date shows at this Auditorium sell out well in advance.
7. Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings — Chicago
Set inside the Arts Center of Oak Park under the warm glow of hundreds of candles, this intimate holiday concert features the Metropolis String Quartet performing a full program of beloved Christmas carols. The candlelit atmosphere of the historic Oak Park venue makes this one of the most enchanting holiday concert experiences in the Chicago area, a world away from the noise of the city just a short train ride west. Each session runs 60 minutes, making it an easy, elegant evening out that doesn't require a full night's commitment.
- Dates: Select dates throughout December 2026 (check website for availability)
- Admission: Ticketed (prices vary by seating zone)
- Street Address: Arts Center of Oak Park, 200 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
- Kid Friendly: Yes (ages 8 and older)
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Street parking available near the venue
- Website: https://feverup.com/m/619727
Insider Tip: Seating within each zone is first come, first served. Doors open 45 minutes before the show, and no entry is permitted once it starts, so plan to arrive early.
8. The Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol — Chicago
Now in its fifth decade at The Goodman, this production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol remains the gold standard for holiday theater in Chicago. This year, Chicago favorite Tim Hopper makes his debut as Ebenezer Scrooge, directed by Malkia Stampley. Millions of theatergoers have followed Scrooge's transformation from miserly disdain to holiday delight on the Albert Theatre stage, and the production's reputation for first-rate staging and a brilliant cast has only grown over the years. Running from mid-November through New Year's Eve, it's one of the longest-running and most accessible holiday theater experiences in the city.
- Dates: November 13th through December 31st, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed (prices vary by date and seating; group rates available for 15 or more)
- Street Address: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60601
- Kid Friendly: Yes (recommended for ages 5 and older)
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid public parking available at nearby Theater District garages (pre-paid partner discounts available online)
- Website: https://www.goodmantheatre.org/show/a-christmas-carol-2026/
Insider Tip: The sensory friendly performance on December 27th is a great option for families with younger children or guests who benefit from a more relaxed environment. Use promo code SENSORY when purchasing those tickets.
9. Straight No Chaser's Making Spirits Bright Concert — Chicago
The beloved all-male a cappella group brings their Making Spirits Bright Tour to the historic Chicago Theatre for one afternoon performance that blends jaw dropping vocal harmonies with their signature sharp humor and holiday medleys. With doors opening at 2 PM and the show starting at 3 PM, it's a matinee that fits neatly into a full day of holiday activities in the Loop. The iconic Chicago Theatre marquee on State Street makes for one of the most recognizable arrival moments in the city, appealing equally to longtime fans and first timers who just want a genuinely fun December afternoon out.
- Dates: Saturday, December 12th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed (prices vary by section)
- Street Address: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid parking available via SpotHero (official parking partner)
- Website: https://www.msg.com/events-tickets/straight-no-chaser-the-chicago-theatre-december-2026/070064ADE628BAB4
Insider Tip: Bags must fit under your seat. Nothing larger than 22" x 14" x 9" is permitted. Have your digital tickets ready on your phone before you arrive to move through the entrance quickly.
Tips for Visiting Christmas Shows in Chicago
- Book early: Popular Christmas shows in Chicago sell out weeks, if not months in advance. The closer to Christmas, the harder it is to get seats.
- Consider weekday matinees: Weekday afternoon performances often have better seat availability and lower prices than weekend evening shows.
- Check for family discounts: Many venues offer family packages, student rush tickets, or matinee pricing that can significantly reduce the cost of attending with kids.
- Arrive early for the venue experience: Many of Chicago's historic theaters are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Build in extra time before curtain to enjoy the lobby and architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Chicago Christmas shows this season.
When do Christmas shows start in Chicago?
Most Christmas shows in Chicago begin running in late November or early December and continue through Christmas Eve or early January. The most popular productions, including The Nutcracker, typically open the weekend after Thanksgiving.
How much do Christmas shows cost in Chicago?
Ticket prices vary widely. Family-friendly productions and community choir concerts can start under $20, while marquee ballet and symphony performances at major venues can run $75 to $300 or more. Check individual listings for pricing.
Are Christmas shows in Chicago kid friendly?
Most holiday productions are family-friendly, especially The Nutcracker, holiday pops concerts, and family stage shows. Weekend matinees are often the most family-oriented. Check individual listings for age recommendations.
Do I need to book Christmas show tickets in advance?
Yes! The most popular Christmas shows in Chicago sell out weeks, if not months, in advance, particularly for the final weekends before Christmas. Book as early as you can for the best seat selection and pricing.
Can I add my event to this guide?
We'd love to feature your Christmas event! Simply share your event through our quick submission form and we will get it added to the list!
Christmas Shows Worth the Drive from Chicago
Chicago isn't the only place worth visiting for Christmas shows this season. Within a couple of hours' drive, you'll find several other cities with their own marquee holiday performances worth the trip.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin — 90 Minutes from Chicago
Catch A Christmas Carol at the historic Pabst Theater, take in Will Holiday's Grand Ol' Christmas Show at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, and experience Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Madison, Wisconsin — 2 Hours 15 Minutes from Chicago
Kick off the season with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Handel's Messiah at the Overture Center and then ring in the holidays with A Madison Symphony Christmas. These two world-class performances make this lakefront capital city well worth the drive!
Plan Your Complete Chicago Christmas Experience
Chicago's Christmas shows are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to Chicago Christmas lights, Christmas festivals and parades, Christmas markets, and Christmas experiences in Chicago. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Chicago Christmas guide has you covered.
