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Best Christmas Shows in Washington, D.C. 2026: Holiday Performances Guide

Find the best Christmas shows in Washington D.C. for 2026, including holiday concerts, ballets, musicals, theater productions, and seasonal performances.

Best Christmas Shows in Washington, D.C. 2026: Holiday Performances Guide

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Washington.org

The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy live entertainment in Washington, D.C., where theaters, concert halls, and performance venues come alive with holiday merriment through a wide range of Christmas productions. From classic ballets and orchestral concerts to family shows, choirs, and seasonal musicals, this guide features the best Christmas shows in Washington, D.C. for 2026.

The Best Christmas Shows in Washington, D.C. This Season

Plan a night out with the top Christmas concerts, theater productions, ballet performances, and holiday shows taking place across Washington, D.C. during the 2026 season.

1. An Irish Carol — Washington, D.C.

If you are looking for a brilliant alternative to traditional holiday theater, An Irish Carol at The Keegan Theatre delivers a comic and deeply touching performance that captures the season's true essence. Written by Keegan favorite Matthew J. Keenan, this original work serves as a clever homage to Dickens' classic tale, reimagined through a distinctly Irish lens. Set entirely within a modern day Dublin pub on Christmas Eve, the story follows David, a wealthy pub owner who has shielded himself from his own humanity behind a wall of material success and self-protection. Over the course of one fateful evening, challenged by voices from his past and present, David is forced to confront a lonely future in a story that might just change everything he thought he knew.

  • Dates: Friday, December 4th through Thursday, December 31st, 2026
  • Admission: Paid (Check their website for prices)
  • Street Address: The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
  • Kid Friendly: Best suited for older kids and teens due to the realistic pub setting
  • Pet Friendly: No
  • Parking: Paid Parking available nearby
  • Website: https://keegantheatre.com/

Insider Tip: If you love a great theater deal, buy your tickets early or look out for Rush Tickets, which go on sale right at the door starting one hour before show time on performance nights, subject to availability. You can also save 30% with no service fees if you purchase a season package with adult tickets for 5+ main stage shows before August 31st!

2. The Washington Ballet's The Nutcracker — Washington, D.C.

Celebrating the holiday season with a brilliant local twist, this classic production brings history and tradition together on the historic Warner Theatre stage. Reimagined to honor America's 250th anniversary, this performance features iconic historical figures as George Washington's heroic Nutcracker battles a regal, caped Rat King representing King George III. Set in a gorgeous 1882 Georgetown mansion, this highly visual masterpiece showcases a beautiful array of local details, from dancing cherry blossoms to characters like Lady Liberty and John Paul Jones.

  • Dates: November 28th through December 27th, 2026
  • Admission: Ticketed (Season subscribers save up to 20%)
  • Street Address: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: Nearby public parking garages (Metro highly recommended via Metro Center)
  • Website: https://www.washingtonballet.org/events/the-nutcracker-2026/

Insider Tip: Bring a small pair of binoculars if you're seated in the balcony. The costume design is incredibly intricate, and you will want a close-up look at the miniature, historically accurate 18th century military details stitched into the soldiers' uniforms during the battle scene.

3. Strathmore Jazz Orchestra Christmas — North Bethesda, MD

If you want to hear The Nutcracker in a whole new way with a swinging big band groove, Daniel Jamieson and the Strathmore Jazz Orchestra have you covered. This lively performance delivers a spectacular, jazzy take on Duke Ellington's legendary holiday arrangements. The evening features rich big band rhythms, stellar brass solos, and appearances by talented alumni from Strathmore's prestigious Artist in Residence program, adding soulful vocals and tap dancing to the mix.

Insider Tip: Skip driving entirely and take the Metro Red Line. The Grosvenor-Strathmore station features a fully covered pedestrian skybridge that connects directly to the second floor of the Music Center, meaning you can walk straight from the train to your seats without stepping into the December cold.

4. Willard InterContinental Holiday Caroling — Washington, D.C.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Washington.org

Stepping off the busy winter streets and into the opulent, towering lobby of the historic Willard Hotel during their daily caroling is like finding a cozy holiday sanctuary. This elegant daily tradition fills the beautifully decorated lobby with stunning choral harmonies from local high school, university, and community choirs. It's a completely free performance and a perfect way to relax and warm up during a day of city sightseeing.

  • Dates: Nightly, December 1st through December 23rd, 2026
  • Admission: Free 
  • Street Address: Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. Lobby, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only in the lobby area)
  • Parking: Valet parking available on-site; public parking garages and the Metro Center station are nearby
  • Website: https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/washington/washa/hoteldetail/meetings-events

Insider Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before the caroling begins to grab a seat at the historic, circular Round Robin Bar just off the lobby. Order their famous Mint Julep or a seasonal warm cider, and you'll have a cozy vantage point to enjoy the music as the lobby fills up.

5. The Washington Chorus: A Candlelight Christmas — Washington, D.C.

You cannot help but get goosebumps when a massive, 200-voice choir backed by a soaring pipe organ and a live brass section fills the hall with classic holiday carols. Back for its 16th season, this regional tradition under conductor Eugene Rogers is a powerful celebration of hope and community. The concert changes venues throughout its winter run, bringing spectacular guest soloists and youth choirs to some of the area's most prestigious stages.

  • Dates: December 12th & 13th (Cramton Auditorium), December 18th & 19th (Lisner Auditorium), December 21st & 22nd, 2026 (Strathmore)
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: 2455 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059 (Howard University) / 730 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20052 (GWU) / 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852 (Strathmore)
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: Venue specific parking garages and paid street parking
  • Website: https://thewashingtonchorus.org/candlelight-christmas-2026

Insider Tip: The Washington Chorus does not accept third-party reseller tickets under any circumstances. Ensure you only purchase passes directly from the official website or the specific box offices of Strathmore, Lisner, or Cramton to guarantee your seats are valid at the door.

6. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas — Oxon Hill

Just outside Washington, D.C., Mannheim Steamroller takes the stage at The Theatre at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill. The concert features live musicians performing across more than 20 instruments, giving traditional holiday songs Mannheim Steamroller's distinctive mix of classical, rock, and electronic sounds alongside multimedia effects.

  • Dates: November 22nd, 2026
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: The Theatre at MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD
  • Kid Friendly: Check venue policies
  • Pet Friendly: No
  • Parking: Paid; MGM National Harbor parking garage available
  • Website: https://www.mannheimsteamroller.com/christmas-tour-2026/

Insider Tip: Build in time before the show to explore National Harbor's waterfront and holiday attractions.

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live on Stage — Washington, DC

Picture the whole gang, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, and the rest of the Peanuts crew, pulled straight off the screen and onto a live stage, blanket dragging and all. The scrawny little tree gets its moment, Schroeder's piano carries that unmistakable Vince Guaraldi score live in the room, and the whole thing builds to the same gentle, heart tugging payoff that's been a living room staple for generations, except this time you're watching it happen in front of you.

Insider Tip: Keep in mind that the production has a later start time, with the show beginning at 8 PM, so families with little ones may want to plan accordingly, especially on a school night.

8. Virginia National Ballet's The Nutcracker 2026 — Manassas

Virginia National Ballet's full length staging of the holiday classic follows Clara from her Christmas Eve party into the Land of Snow and on to the Sugar Plum Fairy's court. Expect elaborate sets and costuming, a full cast of trained dancers, and Tchaikovsky's score carrying the production start to finish. This is a popular local staging that tends to sell out early each year, so get your tickets early!

Insider Tip: If you're brining younger kids, book the matinee performance early as this production sells out fast each year.

9. Academy of Russian Ballet and Northern Virginia Ballet: The Nutcracker — Manassas

This traditional staging of The Nutcracker features European hand painted sets, elaborate costuming, and an internationally trained cast of dancers. Expect classic choreography performed close to the ballet's original form, following Clara's journey through waltzing snowflakes to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Insider Tip: This production runs the same weekend as Virginia National Ballet's Nutcracker at the same venue. Compare the two before booking so you can choose the Nutcracker experience that's best for your group!

10. Chanticleer 2026: A Chanticleer Christmas — Manassas

Grammy winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer performs entirely a cappella, with 12 voices ranging from countertenor to bass. Expect a program spanning early choral works, traditional carols, and gospel numbers. The New Yorker has called the group "the world's reigning male chorus," and they've built their reputation over thousands of live performances since 1978.

  • Dates: Sunday, November 29, 2026, 4:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: Not specified
  • Website: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/chanticleer-2026

Insider Tip: A pre-performance discussion starts an hour before the show, making it worth arriving early if you want the extra context.

11. Black Nativity by Langston Hughes 2026 — Manassas

The Creative and Performing Arts Center (CPAC) presents Langston Hughes' retelling of the nativity story, combining scripture, poetry, gospel music, and dance rooted in African American tradition. Expect a full voiced production built on choral performance and movement as much as narrative. This Christmas show is only running over two nights, so book tickets in advance!

Insider Tip: This performance will be audio-described, making it a good option to flag for guests with visual impairments.

12. Let Heaven and Nature Sing! — Manassas

This is the Manassas Chorale's most popular concert of the year, pairing its full choir and smaller Ensemble with 20 instrumentalists. Expect carols and seasonal songs pulled from traditions around the world, not just the standard holiday songbook, in a program that's become one of the go to holiday events Manassas locals build their December around.

Insider Tip: GMU students and youth get in free to this Christmas performance!

13. Seán Heely's Celtic Christmas — Manassas

Celtic fiddler, Gaelic singer, and harpist Seán Heely leads an evening built around Scottish and Irish holiday traditions, joined by Highland and Irish dancers and the MacMillan Pipe Band. Expect a mix of ancient Gaelic carols and familiar Christmas melodies with a Celtic arrangement. Heely is a recognized ambassador for Scottish music, and this show has become a favorite among live Christmas concerts DC metro audiences seek out for something outside the usual orchestral fare.

Insider Tip: Seán Heely leads a pre-performance discussion an hour before the show, moderated by Ellen Boyle Gibbons of the Boyle School of Irish Dance. This make for a nice add-on if you want context on the Gaelic and Irish traditions behind the program before the music starts.

14. American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops — Manassas

More than 60 musicians make up this pops orchestra, drawing from George Mason's Dewberry School of Music faculty, active duty military ensembles, and top regional players. Expect a full evening of seasonal favorites under conductor Peter Wilson, a U.S. Marine veteran who spent 30 years as a violinist and senior enlisted music advisor to the White House. It's one of the more polished holiday orchestra concerts DC area audiences can catch this season.

Insider Tip: The same program repeats December 12th at 4 PM at the Center for the Arts in Fairfax, a good alternate date if the Hylton show doesn't fit your schedule.

15. Dashing Through the Snow — Manassas

Prince William Little Theatre stages this comedy set four days before Christmas in the fictional town of Tinsel, Texas, where a colorful parade of guests checks into the Snowflake Inn. Expect fast paced comedic writing from the team behind the hit show Christmas Belles, with a run spanning two separate weekends and a spot on the list of Christmas theater DC metro readers can plan a full evening around.

  • Dates: December 11–20, 2026 (multiple showtimes)
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: Not specified
  • Website: https://hylton.calendar.gmu.edu/dashing-through-the-snow

Insider Tip: With eight performances across two weekends, this is an easy one to fit into a packed December calendar.

16. Holiday Light and Magic with Mira Nair — Manassas

The Manassas Symphony Orchestra performs its holiday program with violinist Mira Nair as guest soloist. Expect familiar holiday music given a full orchestra treatment, anchored by Nair's solo violin lines, with the kind of polish you'd expect from a much bigger stage. It's a solid addition to any list of holiday performances Washington DC area readers haven't discovered yet.

Insider Tip: Season subscriptions for the Manassas Symphony Orchestra are open until October 17th if you want to build this into a recurring plan.

17. Manassas Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker — Manassas

Manassas Ballet Theatre's full length Nutcracker features a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's score alongside an international cast of dancers. Expect stunning scenery and costumes over ten performances, making this one of the longest running Nutcracker performances DC metro area families can build a full week of holiday plans around.

Insider Tip: With ten performances over more than a week, this is the most flexible Nutcracker option in the area for scheduling around other holiday plans.

18. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet — Tysons

This touring production blends classical ballet with puppetry, elaborate costuming, and acrobatics for a bigger, more theatrical take on the Tchaikovsky classic. Expect an international all star cast and production values built for a large scale audience experience, and a strong pick among Christmas events Tysons Corner families can add to their December calendar.

  • Dates: Sunday, November 29, 2026, 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: General parking is in the Visitor and Associate Parking Garage, 1680 Capital One Drive South, McLean, VA 22102 — a short outdoor walk to the venue
  • Website: https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/nutcracker-magical-christmas-ballet-3

Insider Tip: Two showtimes in the same day means flexibility, with the 2 PM slot being the better bet for younger kids.

19. Derek Hough Dance For The Holidays — Tysons

Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough leads a full cast of dancers through a holiday themed show mixing classic carols with modern pop hits. Expect sharp, high production choreography from Emmy winning creative team Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, known for their work with Michael Jackson's touring show and Jennifer Lopez, in one of the higher energy holiday events Capital One Hall hosts this season.

  • Dates: Monday, November 30, 2026, Doors 7:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: General parking is in the Visitor and Associate Parking Garage, 1680 Capital One Drive South, McLean, VA 22102, just a short outdoor walk to the venue
  • Website: https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/derek-hough-dance-for-the-holidays

Insider Tip: This is a single night stop, so it's a good one to flag early in your Christmas plans before it sells out.

20. The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show — Tysons

Drag performers and comedy writers BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon bring their long running holiday variety show back to Tysons for its ninth year. Expect original songs, elaborate costumes, and over the top comedic sketches. Entertainment Weekly has dubbed the pair "the reigning queens of Christmas," and this remains one of the standout adult Christmas shows DC metro audiences return to year after year.

  • Dates: Thursday, December 3, 2026, Doors 6:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102
  • Kid-Friendly: Not specified — skews toward an adult audience given the comedic content
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: General parking is in the Visitor and Associate Parking Garage, 1680 Capital One Drive South, McLean, VA 22102 — a short outdoor walk to the venue
  • Website: https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/the-jinkx-dela-holiday-show-1

Insider Tip: This is a great option for a girls night or date night outing.

21. Centre Company presents The Nutcracker — Tysons

Centre Company's annual production follows Clara's journey into the Land of Sweets, with dancing Snowflakes, Sugarplums, and guest artists added to raise the production value. Expect breathtaking costumes and a cast audiences return to year after year, cementing this as one of the well established Nutcracker performances DC metro area readers can rely on.

  • Dates: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: General parking is in the Visitor and Associate Parking Garage, 1680 Capital One Drive South, McLean, VA 22102 — a short outdoor walk to the venue
  • Website: https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/centre-company-nutcracker-2026

Insider Tip: This is one of three separate Nutcracker productions at Capital One Hall this season. Compare performances to decide which is the best fit for your party!

22. Virginia National Ballet presents The Nutcracker — Tysons

Virginia National Ballet brings its full production to Capital One Hall for a single day of performances. Expect world class dancing, detailed sets and costuming, and special effects built to fill the venue's larger stage. The same company also performs Nutcracker separately at the Hylton Center earlier in the season, giving patrons two chances to catch this holiday ballet DC has come to expect from VNB.

  • Dates: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: General parking is in the Visitor and Associate Parking Garage, 1680 Capital One Drive South, McLean, VA 22102 — a short outdoor walk to the venue
  • Website: https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/the-nutcracker-4

Insider Tip: Virginia National Ballet performs Nutcracker twice this season at two different venues, giving you multiple opportunities to take in this Christmas classic. 

23. Michael W. Smith Every Christmas — Tysons

Contemporary Christian artist Michael W. Smith joins the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor David Hamilton, for an evening of Christmas music. Familiar holiday favorites get the full symphony treatment, with sweeping orchestral arrangements that make this a great choice for anyone who enjoys a big, traditional Christmas concert experience.

  • Dates: Monday, December 14, 2026, Doors 6:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: General parking is in the Visitor and Associate Parking Garage, 1680 Capital One Drive South, McLean, VA 22102 — a short outdoor walk to the venue
  • Website: https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/michael-w-smith-every-christmas-1

Insider Tip: This is a Monday night show, making it a great concert for folks looking to avoid the typical weekend crowds. 

24. Sue Foley / GA-20: Together for the Holidays — Tysons

Grammy nominated blues guitarist Sue Foley headlines this show in the venue's smaller Vault space, known for her fiery Texas blues style and signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster. Expect a genuine listening room atmosphere with roots trio GA-20 opening. This is a holiday show built around musicianship rather than spectacle, and a distinctive pick among live Christmas music DC December 2026 offers for blues fans specifically.

  • Dates: Tuesday, December 15, 2026, Doors 7:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Hall (The Vault), 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102
  • Kid-Friendly: Not specified
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: General parking is in the Visitor and Associate Parking Garage, 1680 Capital One Drive South, McLean, VA 22102 — a short outdoor walk to the venue
  • Website: https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/sue-foley-ga-20-together-for-the-holidays

Insider Tip: Tickets for this one go on sale September 11th, so snag a spot before it's too late!

25. Seasonal Serenade — Tysons

The Virginia Chamber Orchestra closes out its holiday programming with soprano Melissa Mino Haines and a featured performance from the orchestra's own High School Concerto Competition winner. Expect an intimate holiday program that ends with a full audience sing along. It's a lower key, community driven way to close out the season and round out this year's Christmas events Tysons Corner has to offer.

  • Dates: Sunday, December 20, 2026, Doors 3:00 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Hall (The Vault), 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA 22102
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: General parking is in the Visitor and Associate Parking Garage, 1680 Capital One Drive South, McLean, VA 22102 — a short outdoor walk to the venue
  • Website: https://www.capitalonehall.com/events/detail/seasonal-serenade

Insider Tip: The sing-along closer makes this a good pick for folks who love an interactive concert experience.

26. Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Salsa Navidad — Fairfax

Three-time Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra, led by pianist and founder Oscar Hernández, brings its electrifying salsa dura sound to Fairfax for a celebration of Puerto Rican holiday traditions. Expect the island's lively aguinaldo caroling style blended with familiar American Christmas favorites, from a group Newsday has called "the leading light of the salsa reconstruction movement" and The New York Times says "reminds you of the excitement that is central to the salsa orchestra." It's a standout pick among Christmas concerts near DC for anyone wanting something outside the usual carol-and-orchestra format.

  • Dates: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7:30 PM
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, George Mason University, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: Not specified
  • Website: https://cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/spanish-harlem-orchestra

Insider Tip: A pre-performance discussion starts an hour before the show, a good add-on if you want context on the aguinaldo tradition before the music starts.

27. American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops — Fairfax

More than 60 musicians make up this pops orchestra, drawing from George Mason's Dewberry School of Music faculty, active duty military ensembles, and top regional players. Expect a full evening of seasonal favorites under conductor Peter Wilson, a veteran who spent 30 years as a violinist and senior enlisted music advisor to the White House, in a program built for the entire family.

Insider Tip: This is the same program as the Hylton Center's December 11th show in Manassas (listing #14), just at the Fairfax campus a day later, so if you can't make that program, this gives you another chance!

28. The Nutcracker with the Fairfax Symphony and Fairfax Ballet — Fairfax

The Fairfax Symphony, led by conductor Christopher Zimmerman, performs Tchaikovsky's score live while the Fairfax Ballet dances the full production under Artistic Director Andrea Cook. It's a rare pairing for the region: a full ballet company performing to a full orchestra playing live rather than a recording, with dancing Snowflakes, Candy Canes, and Toy Soldiers battling Mischievous Mice on the way to the Sugar Plum Fairy's court.

Insider Tip: The live orchestra is the differentiator here versus other regional Nutcracker performances DC metro families can choose from. Most productions use recorded music, so this is a sensational opportunity to enjoy the best of both art forms.

29. A Christmas Carol — Washington, DC

Ford's Theatre stages its annual production of Dickens' classic, following Ebenezer Scrooge through visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns as Scrooge in this music infused staging with a children's ensemble, called a "rich visual and vocal treat" by TheaterMania and "infectiously jolly" by The Washington Post, running for a full six weeks as one of the city's longest standing Christmas theater DC metro traditions.

  • Dates: November 19 – December 31, 2026 (multiple showtimes)
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Ford's Theatre, 511 Tenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Kid-Friendly: Yes (recommended for ages 5 and up)
  • Pet-Friendly: No
  • Parking: Not specified
  • Website: https://fords.org/performance/a-christmas-carol-2026/

Insider Tip: With a six week run, this is one of the most flexible holiday theater picks in DC for residents trying to fit it around other plans!

30. Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve — Washington, DC

Photo Credit: Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Bob Carey

Capital One Arena hosts TSO's full arena production for two shows in one day, the narrated rock opera The Ghosts of Christmas Eve first, followed by a set of the band's biggest instrumental hits. Expect a live orchestra sharing the stage with hard rock guitar work, a wall of lasers and pyrotechnics, and a production the band has rebuilt for its 30th anniversary tour.

  • Dates: Sunday, December 27, 2026
  • Admission: Ticketed
  • Street Address: Capital One Arena, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Kid Friendly: Yes (loud, with pyrotechnics and strobe lighting)
  • Pet Friendly: No
  • Parking: Not specified
  • Website: https://www.trans-siberian.com/pages/tour

Insider Tip: This is a good post Christmas outing, especially if you're looking for something to do during the week between Christmas and New Year's.

Tips for Attending Christmas Shows in Washington, D.C.

  • Book early: Popular Christmas shows in Washington, D.C. 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.
  • Take Metro: Many of D.C.'s theaters are near Metro stations. Taking transit avoids downtown parking and traffic on busy show nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Washington, D.C. shows this season.

When do Christmas shows start in Washington, D.C.?

Most Christmas shows in Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.?

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 Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. 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.

Baltimore, Maryland — 1 Hour from Washington D.C.

Start your holiday season with an evening at the Hippodrome Theatre for Cirque du Soleil’s ’Twas the Night Before..., where acrobatics, music, and theatrical effects put a fresh spin on a Christmas classic. Then soak up the sounds of the season at Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall before catching Elf the Musical at Milton Theatre for a family friendly finale filled with comedy, songs, and holiday cheer.

Williamsburg, Virginia — 3 Hours 45 Minutes from Washington D.C.

Settle in for a holiday evening in Williamsburg with A Christmas Carol from the Williamsburg Players, bringing Dickens’ classic tale to the stage with performances throughout December. Continue the seasonal soundtrack with the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops at Kimball Theatre, featuring beloved Christmas favorites performed by the local orchestra.

Plan Your Complete Washington, D.C. Christmas Experience

Washington, D.C.'s Christmas shows are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to Washington, D.C. Christmas lights, Christmas festivals and parades, Christmas markets and holiday shopping, and Christmas activities in Washington, D.C. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Washington, D.C. Christmas guide has you covered.

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European Christmas Markets
European Christmas Markets
Chicago
Chicago
Orlando
Orlando
Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth
Los Angeles
Los Angeles