Looking for something kid-and grown-up-friendly to do this holiday season? Perhaps a holiday show might be the way to go to boost that Christmas spirit.
We have rounded up the 2022 holiday stage performances and Christmas films to make your season merry and bright in metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and beyond.
Looking for more holiday fun? Don’t forget to check out our calendar for even more November and December events for the whole family.
A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theatre
Nov. 18-20, 25-27, 30; Dec. 2-4, 8-11, 15-24, 2022
- Address: Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester
- Cost: $45-plus
A crabby old man learns the true meaning of Christmas after he is visited by three ghosts on the night before Christmas.
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle
Nov. 19-Dec. 31, 2022
- Address: Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $30-plus
Enjoy this immersive event about the most beloved family holiday tale, “The Nutcracker.” You’ll see immersive projections and special effects, meet a life-sized Nutcracker, have photo ops and more.
ELF The Musical
Nov. 22-27, 2022
- Address: Fox Theater, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $40-plus
At this show, Buddy the human who hid in Santa’s bag and lived his life as an elf heads to the Big Apple to find his real dad.
A Christmas Story
Nov. 25-Dec. 18, 2022 (Thursdays-Sundays)
- Address: The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter
- Cost: $55.50-plus
Check out the musical based on the 1983 classic. It’s directed by Dan Cooney and at The Encore.
Baby Shark Live!: The Christmas Show
Dec. 2, 2022
- Address: Fox Theater, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $19.50-plus
Join Baby Shark and Pinkfong for a new adventure. This limited show will delight audiences with Santa Claus, holiday classics and more.
Macomb Ballet Company Presents “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 2-4, 2022
- Address: Macomb Center for the Performing Arts at Macomb Community College – Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township
- Cost: $25
Clara meets the Snow Queen and tackles the enchanted forest during this colorful holiday performance.
Holiday Movies
Dec. 3, 9-11, 16-17, 2022
- Address: Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit
- Cost: $5/person
See holiday classic movies including The Polar Express and The Nightmare Before Christmas (Dec. 3) and White Christmas (Dec. 9-10). There’s even another holiday mystery movie (Dec. 11).
“The Nutcracker” Ballet with Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra
Dec. 3-4, 2022
- Address: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Cost: $20-$35
“The Nutcracker” returns to the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. The entire family is sure to enjoy this timeless Yuletide fantasy, which features the accompaniment of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec. 4, 2022
- Address: Fox Theater, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $30-plus
Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts characters hit the stage and uncover the true meaning of Christmas.
“The Nutcracker” by Ballet Chelsea
Dec. 9-11, 2022
- Address: Jackson College Music Hall – Potter Center, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson
- Cost: $10-$30
Enjoy sparkling choreography, awe-inspiring sets and costumes and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. For all ages.
Dearborn Holiday Choral Festival
Dec. 10, 2022
- Address: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Cost: $11-$18
See “The Many Moods of Christmas” as its accompanied by the Dearborn Symphony at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Dec. 11, 2022
- Address: Fox Theater, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $35-plus
The show is celebrating its 30th anniversary tour. Re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes.
Home Alone in Concert
Dec. 14, 2022
- Address: Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $48-plus
Enjoy a screening of the holiday classic accompanied by music performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
“‘Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil
Dec. 15-26, 2022
- Address: Fox Theater, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $26.50-plus
Cirque du Soleil puts their spin on the beloved Christmas classic. Join a curious little girl named Isabella as she is taken to an upside-down, inside-out world.
The Nutcracker with a Twist
Dec. 16-18, 2022
- Address: Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor
- Cost: $15-$25
See local dancers and students for a new take on a beloved holiday classic with diverse dance styles.
Motor City Brass Band “Sounds of the Season”
Dec. 18, 2022
- Address: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Cost: $24/adult, $21/senior, free/under 12
Motor City Brass Band presents “Sounds of the Season” to welcome the holiday season with an afternoon of brass band music.
This post is updated regularly.
