Give the Gift of Live Performance in Philadelphia!
November 13, 2025
There’s no better present than the magic of live performance. This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with tickets to an unforgettable show from our 2025-26 season. Our holiday gift guide has something for everyone, whether you’re shopping for a theater devotee, a classical music fan, or that “hard-to-buy-for” friend or family member.
Looking for the best Broadway shows in Philadelphia? Our 2025–26 Broadway season offers a diverse lineup of can’t-miss performances—ideal gifts for anyone who loves the thrill of live theater.
For the Broadway Lover:
Suffs (January 6–18, 2026)
A powerful new Broadway musical that brings the women’s suffrage movement to life through contemporary storytelling and an inspiring, modern score. This groundbreaking production is one of the most anticipated shows of the 2025–26 Philadelphia season.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (February 11–22, 2026)
Members of the original creative team have reunited to bring this enchanting and timeless tale back to the stage in a breathtaking new production. Filled with romance, spectacle, and Disney magic audiences know and love, Beauty and the Beast is a must-see musical in our 2025–26 Broadway season. Perfect for the Disney fanatic in your life!
Blue Man Group (February 24–March 1, 2026)
Dive into the thrilling Blue Man Group experience – a blend of captivating music, interactive art and audience engagement. Blue Man Group creates a fun and out of the ordinary atmosphere that exhilarates the senses and uplifts spirits for audiences of all ages.
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical (March 10–15, 2026)
Experience the inspiring comeback story of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll, in this electrifying Broadway hit. Featuring her greatest hits and written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, TINA brings energy, music, and heart to the stage.
A gift with this much rhythm can’t be beat! Treat someone special to world-class jazz either at the Miller Theater or the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, where artistry and improvisation come alive. Treat the music-lover in your life to the excitement, surprise, and unforgettable melodies that our Jazz 2025-26 Series has to offer.
For the Music Lover Who Has Everything:
Kurt Elling: Wildflowers (Feb 27, 2026)
Don’t miss your chance to experience GRAMMY Award–winner Kurt Elling, one of the world’s most celebrated jazz vocalists, live in Philadelphia. Known for his rich, expressive voice and inventive blend of lyricism and vocalese, Elling brings unmatched artistry and soul to every performance.
Endea Owens & The Cookout (March 28, 2026)
Don’t miss Endea Owens—GRAMMY, Emmy, and Peabody Award–winner and one of today's most dynamic jazz voices in the intimate Perelman Theater. A standout member of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s house band and a go-to bassist for artists like Wynton Marsalis and Jon Batiste, Owens brings her acclaimed project The Cookout to Philly. Expect a fearless, joyful set packed with groove, heart, and unforgettable energy.
Surprise someone special with tickets to The Philadelphia Orchestra—from timeless Beethoven symphonies to innovative contemporary collaborations. For a gift that truly keeps on giving, consider a subscription package, letting them curate their own season of unforgettable classical music performances in Philadelphia.
For the Classical Music Enthusiast:
Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring (January 31–February 1, 2026)
Experience one of the most revolutionary works in classical music history, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, conducted by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The program also features Ravel’s enchanting Mother Goose suite and Shostakovich’s dynamic Piano Concerto No. 1, with Seong-Jin Cho as the soloist.
Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 ("Resurrection") (March 6–8, 2026)
Experience the grandeur of Mahler’s monumental "Resurrection Symphony," a profound journey from despair to transcendence. This performance features a full orchestra, organ, chorus, and two soloists, culminating in a majestic finale!
Lang Lang and Yannick (April 7, 2026)
Experience a captivating performance featuring Lang Lang on piano with The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The program highlights Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, showcasing the extraordinary talents of both Lang Lang and the Orchestra in a masterful and expressive evening of classical music.
Mozart’s Requiem (April 9–12, 2026)
Experience Mozart’s Requiem with the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by renowned Mozart specialist Jane Glover. Featuring the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir under Joe Miller and soloists Lauren Snouffer, Elizabeth DeShong, David Portillo, and Brandon Cedel, this performance is a masterful exploration of mortality and redemption, showcasing Mozart’s emotional depth and musical genius.
Itzhak Perlman: In the Fiddler’s House (May 3, 2026)
Experience Itzhak Perlman live in "In the Fiddler’s House," a foot-stomping, heart-pounding klezmer music performance based on his Emmy Award–winning PBS special, Great Performances: In the Fiddler’s House. Nearly 30 years later, Perlman continues to delight audiences, bringing this unique cultural music experience to life with energy, joy, and unforgettable melodies
Please note: The Philadelphia Orchestra does not perform on the Spotlight Series.
Beethoven and Marsalis (May 28–31, 2026)
Experience a groundbreaking collaboration as The Philadelphia Orchestra joins the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The program features the world premiere of Wynton Marsalis’s Symphony No. 5 (“Liberty”), a Philadelphia Orchestra commission, alongside Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. This exciting fusion of classical and jazz makes for one of the most anticipated concerts in Philadelphia this season.
For the Travel Enthusiast:
Orchestra After 5: Italian Getaway (Jan 15, 2026)
Ready for a winter escape? Jet off to sun-drenched Italy with Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony and blast off with a rare gem by legendary film composer John Williams: his bold and joyful Tuba Concerto.
Orchestra After 5: Postcards from Spain (May 14, 2026)
From the first sip to the final note, it’s a night to savor. Lose yourself in the magic of Spain! Let the sizzling sounds of Bizet, Ravel, and Falla sweep you away to sunlit plazas, flamenco rhythms, and late-night fiestas.
Family-Friendly Shows
Looking for kid-friendly shows in Philadelphia? From magical musicals to interactive concerts, these performances make holiday gifts that create lasting memories for the whole family.
For Kids and Grandkids:
Disney’s Fantasia in Concert (January 2–4, 2026)
Experience the magic of Disney’s Fantasia like never before—a full screening of the beloved 1940 classic with live orchestral accompaniment by The Philadelphia Orchestra. Enjoy iconic works like The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, and Dance of the Hours in this breathtaking cinematic concert.
Peter and the Wolf (February 7, 2026)
Experience the enduring enchantment of Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf with The Philadelphia Orchestra. This charming tale introduces young audiences to the instruments of the orchestra, with each character brought to life through distinctive musical themes.
The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (March 14, 2026)
Embark on a delightful musical journey with Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. This engaging piece introduces young audiences to diverse orchestral sounds, highlighting each section—strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
Peppa Pig: My First Concert (April 4, 2026)
Join Peppa Pig, George, and the whole family for a fun, interactive introduction to live orchestral music for kids 18 months and up! Watch Peppa and George explore instruments, enjoy favorite songs, and even make music alongside The Muddy Puddles Orchestra.
Dog Man: The Musical (April 25–26, 2026)
Based on Dav Pilkey’s bestselling series, Dog Man is part-dog, part-policeman, and all hero! Join him as he battles Petey the cat, Flippy the cyborg fish, and his army of Beasty Buildings in a hilarious, heartwarming musical the whole family will love.
From Alvin Ailey to PHILADANCO!, our upcoming dance offerings are the perfect blend of endless energy, masterful artistry, and industry-defining innovation.
For the Artsy Friend:
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (Feb 27–Mar 1, 2026)
Experience the power of AILEY—a cultural force that transcends dance. With every performance, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates the African American spirit and moves audiences around the world with unmatched passion and artistry.
PHILADANCO! EXPLOSIVE: Bold New Works on the Rise (April 17–19, 2026)
PHILADANCO!, one of our esteemed Resident Companies, once again ignites the stage with EXPLOSIVE: Bold New Works on the Rise, a high-voltage evening celebrating fresh choreographic voices, making their debut for the company. Four dynamic artists...Four daring visions...One powerhouse ensemble ready to burn the house down!
For the Friend Who Loves to Laugh:
Paula Poundstone (January 17, 2026)
Don’t miss iconic comedian Paula Poundstone, renowned for her sharp wit, clever observational humor, and legendary spontaneity. A regular on NPR’s Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me, host of the podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, and voice of Forgetter Paula in Inside Out and Inside Out 2, she brings laughter and insight to every performance.
David Nihill: Taking Tangents Tour (March 8, 2026)
After a sold-out world tour, comedian David Nihill returns with Taking Tangents, a hilarious show inspired by his travels to over 70 countries. Expect laughs from cultural misadventures, language mishaps, and a few international drinking stories!
Unique Live Experiences
For the Wildcard in Your Life:
Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy (March 21)
Experience the iconic music of the Final Fantasy series performed by a full symphony orchestra and chorus, conducted by Arnie Roth. This special performance celebrates the music of Final Fantasy XIV and XVI.
Yotam Ottolenghi: Crowd Pleaser (March 2, 2026)
Join celebrated chef and bestselling author Yotam Ottolenghi for an engaging evening that blends live cooking demonstrations, storytelling, and audience interaction.
For the Style Icon in Your Life:
Celebrate your love of The Philadelphia Orchestra with exclusive apparel and souvenirs. From stylish T-shirts and cozy hoodies to mugs and totes, the shop is your destination for keepsakes that celebrate the Orchestra’s 125th anniversary! Shop online anytime or join us during select Orchestra performances at the Kimmel Center—a perfect chance to browse, connect, and take home something unforgettable.
For the Undecided:
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or the holiday season, the flexibility of a gift certificate lets your loved ones choose their own performance adventure—from the thrill of a Broadway musical to the elegance of a classical concert.
Gift Certificates may be used to purchase single tickets and subscriptions for events presented by:
Build a perfect night out for your family and friends by purchasing a gift card to the new restaurant inside the Kimmel Center, Leo! Named one of Philadelphia’s best new restaurants by Philadelphia Magazine, Leo features global cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.
Receive a $20 bonus with every $100 gift card purchase, now through December 23 only!
Leo gift cards are available for purchase on-site only during regular business hours (Weds-Sun, 5:00pm – 10:00pm, and Sun, 3:00pm – 8:00pm).