Attending the theater for a holiday show with loved ones can be one of the most special parts of the season. Whether you’re a veteran attendee of “The Nutcracker” or you’re looking to start a new tradition, get your tickets now to one — or more! — of these 10 holiday performances around Greater Boston. They’re guaranteed to make times merry.
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Boston Opera House
November 29–December 30539 Washington St., Boston — Limited street parking, Boylston T stop How to Get There Cost: $50-$169Every year the Boston Ballet stages the lavish fantasy that is “The Nutcracker.” Based on the novella of the same name by E.T.A. Hoffman, the story follows a young girl named Clara who is sent into a magical world by a wooden nutcracker. No detail goes unperfected in this beautiful, classic and often comedic performance.
A Christmas Carol
Central Square Theater
November 23–December 30450 Mass Ave., Cambridge — Limited street parking, Central Square T stop How to Get There Cost: $16-$71This year, the Central Square Theater presents a kid-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story. This production of “A Christmas Carol” mixes puppetry, dancing and storytelling with audience interaction for an all-encompassing experience.
Urban Nutcracker
Boch Shubert Theatre
December 20–30265 Tremont St., Boston — Limited street parking, Chinatown T stop How to Get There Cost: $28-$118Tony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker” puts a contemporary, Boston-specific spin on the traditional performance we are all familiar with. Featuring a diverse cast and a mix of hip-hop, jazz and flamenco styles, this show presents a more inclusive, close-to-home version of the classic story.
Tafuta! A Young Child's Search for the True Meaning of Kwanzaa
Roxbury Community College
December 15, 7–9 p.m.1234 Columbus Ave., Roxbury Crossing — On-site parking, Roxbury Crossing T stop How to Get There Cost: $20This year, OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center presents “Tafuta! A Young Child’s Search for the True Meaning of Kwanzaa,” a blend of music, dance and poetry about a child who learns to embrace her African-American heritage through the traditional celebration of Kwanzaa. The show includes cast members ages 7 to 16 from all over Massachusetts.
Black Nativity
Paramount Center
December 7–23559 Washington St., Boston — Limited street parking, Boylston T stop How to Get There Cost: $35-$47For 48 years, community members have been coming together to perform Langston Hughes’s “Black Nativity” over the holidays. Produced by the National Center for Afro-American Artists, the show tells the nativity story with a black cast, set to gospel music and spirituals. It’s a powerful, unique production performed by local Bostonians.
Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
Cutler Majestic Theatre
November 30–December 23219 Tremont St., Boston — Limited street parking, Boylston T stop How to Get There Cost: $25-$80Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” is an exquisite and more financially accessible option around town. It also highlights a large number of child dancers in the roles of mice, soldiers and cherubs. Jose Mateo offers performances at both the Cutler Majestic Theatre downtown and at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester (543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester — Limited street parking).
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical
Boch Wang Theatre
November 28–December 9270 Tremont St., Boston — Limited street parking, Chinatown T stop How to Get There Cost: $25–$145Prepare to have your favorite holiday bedtime story come to life through music, lights and elaborate sets. Kids and parents alike will enjoy the hilarious musical version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” complete with such favorite songs as “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch.” Gavin Lee stars in the role of the Grinch.
What the Dickens!
John Hancock Hall
December 14–23180 Berkeley St., Boston — Limited street parking, Arlington T stop How to Get There Cost: $25-$65This year, the Cambridge Youth Dance Program celebrates its 10th anniversary of “What the Dickens!,” a narrative, dance-based adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” Fusing different styles like tap, ballet and contemporary dance with projections and narrative, this is Charles Dickens like you’ve never seen him before.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Boch Shubert Theatre
November 29–December 2265 Tremont St., Boston — Limited street parking, Chinatown T stop How to Get There Cost: $38-$78No one can teach the true meaning of Christmas like good old Charlie Brown. The Peanuts gang jumps from screen to stage in this heartwarming, live-action performance of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” In this production, the unforgettable soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi is performed on stage live by a three-piece band.
Holiday Pops
Symphony Hall
December 6–24301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston — Limited street parking, Symphony T stop How to Get There Cost: $49-$147Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a packed Symphony Hall resounding with voices as audience members and the chorus sing Christmas carols together. Each year, the Boston Pops celebrate the season with classics, sing-a-longs and a visit from Santa Claus. This local tradition was first established in 1973, and it becomes more extravagant and magical each year.