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. A Chanticleer Christmas at Symphony Center— 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. Elf in Concert at Symphony Center — 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. Merry, Merry Chicago! At Symphony Center — 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.
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.
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: 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: 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 family-friendly Christmas activities in Chicago. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Chicago Christmas guide has you covered.
