Kansas City'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 holiday concerts to family stage productions, here's your guide to the best Christmas shows in Kansas City for 2026.
The Best Christmas Shows in Kansas City This Season
One of the best things to do in Kansas City at Christmas is to attend one of the many Christmas shows and performances that KC has to offer! These can make for the perfect date night or family outing!
1. Kansas City Symphony's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert — Kansas City
This spirited retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale combines the humor and heart of Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol with the power of a live orchestra. While Ebenezer Scrooge's story unfolds on the big screen, the Kansas City Symphony performs the film's score, making it one of the most popular family-friendly holiday events in Kansas City every year.
- Dates: November 27th - 29th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed | Discounts for students, educators, seniors, veterans, active military, subscribers, and groups of 10 or more
- Street Address: Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid | Reduced price when purchased in advance
- Website: https://www.kcsymphony.org/2026-27-holiday-concerts/
Insider Tip: Plan for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a brief intermission, when attending with younger children.
2. Kansas City Symphony's Handel’s Messiah — Kansas City
Handel's Messiah returns to Helzberg Hall this December, performed by the Kansas City Symphony and Symphony Chorus in one of the season's most anticipated choral events. The soaring harmonies and powerful vocal performances make this centuries-old masterwork feel as moving today as it did at its premiere. Each year, audiences from across the region fill the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts to experience this Kansas City holiday tradition live.
- Dates: December 4th - 6th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed | Discounts for students, educators, seniors, veterans, active military, subscribers, and groups of 10 or more
- Street Address: Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
- Kid Friendly: No children under 8 years old
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid | Reduced price when purchased in advance
- Website: https://www.kcsymphony.org/2026-27-holiday-concerts/
Insider Tip: Arrive early to this concert! The Helzberg Hall Reception Suite typically opens about 45 minutes before the concert and again at intermission, offering a full bar and light bites, a nice way to settle in before a longer choral program.
3. Kansas City Symphony's Cody Fry Christmas — Kansas City
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry joins the Kansas City Symphony for a one-night-only holiday spectacular, reimagining seasonal favorites with his signature cinematic, orchestral-pop sound. Expect sweeping arrangements, live projections, audience sing-alongs, and the kind of surprises that have made Fry's symphony tour dates sell out across the country. It's a high-energy, modern twist on a holiday concert, equally suited to longtime symphony-goers and first-timers looking for something different this Christmas!
- Dates: Friday, December 11th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.
- Admission: Ticketed | Discounts for students, educators, seniors, veterans, active military, subscribers, and groups of 10 or more
- Street Address: Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid | Reduced price when purchased in advance
- Website: https://www.kcsymphony.org/2026-27-holiday-concerts/
Insider Tip: This show leans more pop concert than formal classical performance, with sing-alongs and crowd participation built in. Arrive early if you want to be in the thick of the energy!
4. Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival — Kansas City
Back for six performances this December, the Kansas City Symphony's Christmas Festival brings the full Symphony, Symphony Chorus, and conductor Daniel Wiley together in Helzberg Hall for an evening of familiar carols and fresh arrangements, with guest vocalist Jim Hogan joining for 2026. The night builds toward a festive sing-along and a special early visit from Santa Claus, making it a favorite for families and longtime concertgoers alike.
- Dates: December 17th - 20th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed | Discounts for students, educators, seniors, veterans, active military, subscribers, and groups of 10 or more
- Street Address: Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid | Reduced price when purchased in advance
- Website: https://www.kcsymphony.org/2026-27-holiday-concerts/
Insider Tip: Be ready to sing along! Download the official lyric sheet beforehand so you can join in with the orchestra and chorus.
5. Kansas City Symphony's The Polar Express in Concert — Kansas City
All aboard! The Kansas City Symphony brings The Polar Express to life on the big screen, performing Alan Silvestri's iconic score live alongside the film under guest conductor Justin Freer. From the first punch of the ticket to the arrival at the North Pole, guests can experience the wonder, friendship, and spirit of Christmas in a whole new way, making it a perfect Christmas Eve outing for the whole family.
- Dates: December 23rd - 24th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed | Discounts for students, educators, seniors, veterans, active military, subscribers, and groups of 10 or more
- Street Address: Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid | Reduced price when purchased in advance
- Website: https://www.kcsymphony.org/2026-27-holiday-concerts/
Insider Tip: Just like the kids aboard The Polar Express, your little ones are welcome to wear their favorite pajamas. The Symphony has no formal dress code, so come dressed in whatever makes your family comfortable.
6. Kansas City Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker”
Kansas City Ballet brings the spirit of the holidays to the Kauffman Center stage with its grand production of The Nutcracker. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale, this Victorian era production follows Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a captivating journey through lands of fantasy and snow. The performance features spectacular choreography, magnificent costumes, and towering sets that bring the seasonal favorite to life for audiences of all ages. Select afternoon and evening showtimes are designated as special VIP Family Experiences to make the theater outing even more memorable for young theatergoers.
- Dates: November 28th through December 24th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed (Single tickets on sale starting August 10th)
- Street Address: 1601 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid Parking
- Website: https://kcballet.org/events/the-nutcracker/
Insider Tip: If you want to elevate the theater trip for little ones, look for the asterisked dates on the official schedule to book the VIP Family Experience, which unlocks special perks designed specifically for families.
Tips for Attending Christmas Shows in Kansas City
- Book early: Popular Christmas shows in Kansas City 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 Kansas City's theaters and performing arts venues are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Build in extra time before curtain to enjoy the atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Kansas City shows this season.
When do Christmas shows start in Kansas City?
Most Christmas shows in Kansas City 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 Kansas City?
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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City
Kansas City 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.
Wichita, Kansas — 3 Hours from Kansas City
Plan an afternoon at Century II Concert Hall for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra's Handel's Messiah, a rare full performance of the three-part masterpiece culminating in the iconic Hallelujah chorus. Next, spend an evening at the Orpheum for the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet or a classic screening of It's a Wonderful Life. For something more intimate, the Annual Holiday Organ Concert and 63rd Annual Candlelight Concert at WSU's Wiedemann Hall offer stunning acoustics and a world-class pipe organ built on site!
Branson, Missouri — 3 Hours 15 Minutes from Kansas City
From the spectacular live animals and atmospheric effects of Miracle of Christmas at the Sight & Sound Theatre to the powerhouse vocals, elaborate costumes, and beloved family traditions of the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Branson delivers some of the most memorable holiday stage productions in the country!
Plan Your Complete Kansas City Christmas Experience
Kansas City's Christmas shows are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to Kansas City Christmas lights, Christmas festivals and parades, Christmas markets and holiday shopping, and Christmas experiences and attractions in Kansas City. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Kansas City Christmas guide has you covered.
