Must-See Holiday Shows of 2024: Celebrate the Season with Us
November 14, 2024
The holiday season has ARRIVED! Cue the sleigh bells, the gift wrap, the homemade cookies, and the making of new memories with your loved ones.
An easy way to create long-lasting memories with friends and family is to see a live performance with them. From Broadway to orchestral music, dance, jazz, comedy, and family-friendly shows — we have a TON of festive programming happening. Don't be a Grinch . . . check out our list!
November 26 - December 1, 2024
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is a Broadway holiday hit featuring iconic songs like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special.
Narrated by Max the Dog, the show follows the Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” as he plots to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. Stunning sets and costumes, inspired by Dr. Seuss' illustrations, bring the whimsical world of Whoville to life, reminding audiences of the true spirit of the holiday season.
Ensemble Arts Presents in association with BenDeLaCreme Presents
December 1, 2024 at 8:00 PM
"The Queens of Christmas" (Entertainment Weekly) are coming to Philadelphia! Ring in the holiday season with this fabulous show featuring whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and returning favorites starring BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon.
December 6 - 29, 2024
Experience the magic of the holiday season in this stunning performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Cross swords with the Mouse King and dine with the Sugar Plum Fairy in this festive tradition, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
December 7, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Join us for a festive celebration full of sing-alongs, seasonal favorites, and special guests!
Experience the joy of the holiday season with The Philadelphia Orchestra in Marian Anderson Hall, where you'll create lasting memories with the whole family at this heartwarming event, perfect for all ages. And keep your ears open for the sound of sleigh bells — you never know who might make a special appearance all the way from the North Pole!
Learn more about our Family Discovery Series.
December 10, 2024 at 7:30 PM
The 11th annual A Soulful Christmas, led by Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, returns this winter with a powerful blend of regional choirs performing holiday spirituals and gospel classics. The evening concludes with a stunning "Finale of Lights!" This heartwarming celebration of Christmas features special guest, six-time Grammy nominee, Ricky Dillard.
December 12 - 13, 2024
Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra team up with a dynamic jazz trio and talented vocalists to bring a fresh twist to your favorite holiday carols and timeless classics. This spirited celebration is as joyful as it is heartwarming — an ideal experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Want more Philadelphia Orchestra? Click here to see all upcoming concerts this season.
December 13, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Get into the holiday spirit at the Kimmel Center! Join hundreds of fellow Philadelphians to sing a special arrangement of "Silent Night," conducted by John Conahan. WRTI's John T.K. Scherch will host this free, festive event.
Sheet music available soon!
December 14 - 15, 2024
Listen to those sleigh bells ringing! Celebrate the holiday season with The Philadelphia Orchestra. The Glorious Sound of Christmas® has been a beloved tradition for families, friends, and classical music enthusiasts ever since the legendary 1962 recording with Eugene Ormandy and the Orchestra.
December 18 - 19, 2024
The Muppets bring Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol to life with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Gonzo narrates the tale as Dickens, with Rizzo the Rat by his side. Other Muppet favorites include Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim.
When Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, they help him confront his selfish ways. With the support of Bob Cratchit and his family, as well as the spirits, Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas. The Philadelphia Orchestra adds magic with a memorable score, making this version of the holiday classic a joyful mix of laughter, music, and heartwarming moments.
December 21 - 22, 2024
Handel’s transcendent choral masterwork is a holiday highlight, drawing friends and family together in an unmissable annual tradition. Renowned for his interpretations, Yannick unites The Philadelphia Orchestra, soloists, and chorus in a sound that is “as intimate as it is grand … notably warm and … remarkably tender,” leaving “listeners ready to sing a glorious ‘Hallelujah!’” (Philadelphia Magazine).
December 23, 2024 at 7:00 PM
GRAMMY® Award winner Samara Joy returns to Philadelphia after her sold-out 2023 debut. Joined by her talented musical family, she delivers an evening of timeless holiday classics. At just 24, her voice blends the legacy of jazz legends with a style all her own. Recently awarded three GRAMMY®s, including Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist, Samara is hailed as “a classic jazz singer from a new generation” by NPR.
Are you or someone you know a jazz fanatic? Our 2024-25 Jazz Series package is the perfect purchase for you!
December 26 - 29, 2024
STOMP is a high-energy, inventive show that captivates audiences of all ages. This award-winning percussion sensation uses everything from matchboxes to garbage cans to create unforgettable rhythms. Loved worldwide, STOMP keeps audiences coming back for more. As the Boston Globe says, "If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have, take someone with you!"
Interested in more of our Broadway shows? Check out our 2024-25 Broadway Series.
December 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Celebrate the New Year with The Philadelphia Orchestra, featuring a dazzling mix of dance and music! From Viennese waltzes to Bernstein’s mambo, the dancers of Caleb Teicher and Company bring the rhythm to life. Led by the Orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor, Marin Alsop, this festive program features 13-year-old violinist Himari’s Philadelphia Orchestra debut. Don’t miss Philadelphia’s most exciting New Year’s Eve celebration!
January 10, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Join The Philadelphia Orchestra and special guests to celebrate Lunar New Year! This family-friendly performance features repertoire in honor of the Year of the Snake.
Do you know that your loved one would enjoy a show, but not sure which show to pick? Leave the decision up to them by giving them a Gift Certificate! This versatile gift can be used toward any show at our venues, including Resident Companies like the Philadelphia Ballet, Opera Philadelphia, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and the Curtis Institute of Music.
And the best part is that our gift certificates never expire! Maybe your loved one will use it to buy 2 tickets and take YOU with them. Now that’s a win for everyone.
###
Share the holiday cheer with your loved ones this season! Buy your tickets or gift certificate today and check our full lineup of events all season long.
###
CBS PHILADELPHIA JOY OF GIVING HOLIDAY DRIVE
This year, we are once again partnering with CBS Philadelphia to make the holidays brighter for children. Benefitting the Salvation Army and Mothers In Charge, we encourage you to bring unwrapped toys to donation boxes in the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and Miller Theater.