Looking for something kid- and grownup-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 2023 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.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Fox Theatre
Nov. 8-12, 2023
- Address: 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $30-plus
The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. It will feature the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” among others.
A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theatre
Nov. 17-19, 24-26, 29; Dec. 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 19-24, 2023
- Address: 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester
- Cost: $44-plus
A crabby old man learns the true meaning of Christmas after he is visited by three ghosts on the night before Christmas.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Nov. 30-Dec. 17, 2023 (Thursdays-Sundays)
- Address: 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter
- Cost: $41.50-plus/ages 13-plus, $31.50/ages 12 and under
White Christmas tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. It is based on the classic film.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fox Theatre
Dec. 1-3, 2023
- Address: 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $35-plus
This holiday production will light up the stage in the awe-inspiring, eye-popping family holiday spectacular for five performances. Audiences will have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life.
Macomb Ballet Company Presents “The Nutcracker” at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts at Macomb Community College
Dec. 1-3, 2023
- Address: 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township
- Cost: $25
Macomb Ballet Company’s production will feature beloved characters as they travel with Clara on a magical adventure through the Enchanted Forest to the Kingdom of Sweets.
Holiday Movies at Redford Theatre
Dec. 2, 8-10, 2023
- Address: 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit
- Cost:
See holiday classic movies including National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Dec. 2, White Christmas on Dec. 8 and The Polar Express on Dec. 9. There’s even a holiday mystery movie on Dec. 10.
“The Nutcracker” Ballet with Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
Dec. 2-3, 2023
- Address: 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.
Royal Oak Children’s Choir Winter Concert at First Congregational Church
Dec. 5, 2023
- Address: 1314 Northwood Blvd., Royal Oak
- Cost: Free; donations are appreciated
Join the Royal Oak Children’s Choir for a winter concert, where the children will sing the sounds of the season. Enjoy melodies and festive songs performed by the talented young singers.
One Sleepy Night at Garden Theater
Dec. 6-9, 2023
- Address: 3929 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $10-$50
Families can enjoy seeing a wonder-filled Christmas musical that features 16 original songs, a 20-person cast and an exciting choir like no other.
A Magical Cirque Christmas at the Fox Theatre
Dec. 8, 2023
- Address: 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: 35-plus
Enjoy this variety show full of nostalgia, charm and awe-inspiring performances for all ages.
Dearborn Holiday Choral Festival and Boar’s Head Festival at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
Dec. 9, 2023
- Address: 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Cost: $13-$20
See the annual holiday performance by the Dearborn Symphony at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
The Snowman at Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
Dec. 9, 2023
- Address: 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $30-plus
Enjoy a screening of the Academy Award-nominated short film, The Snowman, accompanied by music performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Fox Theatre
Dec. 10, 2023
- Address: 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: 50-plus
Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian principal artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet features jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
Home Alone in Concert at Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
Dec. 13, 2023
- Address: 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $64-plus
Enjoy a screening of the holiday classic accompanied by music performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Home for the Holidays at Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
Dec. 15-17, 2023
- Address: 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $29-plus
Enjoy a celebration of the holiday season featuring the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and an appearance from Santa Claus.
One Sleepy Night at Music Hall
Dec. 15, 2023
- Address: 350 Madison St., Detroit
- Cost: $30-plus
Families can enjoy seeing a wonder-filled Christmas musical that features 16 original songs, a 20-person cast and an exciting choir like no other.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical at Fisher Theatre
Dec. 15-16, 2023
- Address: 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
- Cost: $25-$85
See all of your favorite characters from the movie, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph.
Motor City Brass Band “Sounds of the Season” at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
Dec. 17, 2023
- Address: 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Cost: $18/adult, $15/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.
The Music of the Nutcracker with the DSO at Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
Dec. 20, 2023
- Address: 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $24-plus
Celebrate the holiday season with the music and magic of the Nutcracker featuring music from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at the Fox Theatre
Dec. 21-23, 2023
- Address: 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $25-plus
This mind-blowing showcase features the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth.
Elf in Concert at Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
Dec. 22-23, 2023
- Address: 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $49-plus
Enjoy a screening of the holiday classic accompanied by music performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
WWE Live Holiday Tour at Little Caesars Arena
Dec. 27, 2023
- Address: 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: 35-plus
Catch the last Detroit WWE wrestling show of the year as it stops on one of its 12 live events for the 2023 Holiday Tour.
This post is updated regularly.
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