‘Tis the season! There is so much to love about the holidays: lights, music, good food, decorations, family time, and new and old traditions. For my family, we have tried to see some holiday-themed shows with our girls now that they are old enough to enjoy and appreciate them. This article highlights some family-friendly holiday shows.
A Christmas Carol
Ages: 5 and up
Run time: approximately 2 hours
Dates: November 22- December 31
Price: $200 and up
Location: Fords Theater, Washington, DC
A Family Christmas
Ages: 5 and up
Run time: 60 minutes
Dates: December 20th and December 24th
Price: $20 and up
Location: Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
Jingle Bell Jam
Ages: 4 and up
Run time: unknown
Dates: December 5-14
Price: $16 for adults and $13 for children
Location: Encore Stage Gunston Theater
The Nutcracker
Ages: All
Run time: TBA
Dates: November 26-30
Price: $53 and up
Location: Kennedy Center
Elf in Concert
Ages: All
Run time: Approx. 2 hours
Dates: December 5-7
Price: $31 and up
Location: Music Center at Strathmore, Bethesda MD and Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall Baltimore, MD
How the Grinch Stole Christmas- The Musical
Ages: All
Run time: 85 mins
Dates: December 30- January 4
Price: $50 and up
Location: National Theater, Washington DC
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas
Ages: 10 and above
Run time: Approx. 2 hours
Dates: November 28- December 17
Price: $50 and up
Location: Olney Theater, Olney MD
The Nutcracker
Ages: 4 and up
Run time: one hour
Dates: November 28- December 31
Price: $16
Location: Glen Echo Puppet Theater, Glen Echo MD
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Ages: 5 and up
Run time: one hour
Dates: December 11- December 22
Price: $16
Location: The Puppet Co. Playhouse, Glen Echo MD
Benjamin’s Winter Circus Adventure
Ages: All
Run time: 90 minutes
Dates: December 12- January 3, 2026
Price: $36-77, children 2 and under are free
Location: Under the Big Top Dulles Town Center
Step Afrika! Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show
Ages: All
Run time: 90 minutes
Dates: December 5-21
Price: $59 and up
Where: Arena Stage, Washington DC
Chanukah in the Dark
Ages: 5 and up
Run time: one hour
Dates: December 6-21
Price: $12-15/child, $24-27/adult
Location: Edlavitch DCJCC | Downtown DC
Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long
Ages: All
Run time: unknown
Dates: December 6
Price: FREE, register HERE, Toy for Tots donations collected
Location: Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Hope you have the chance to enjoy some holiday shows this season! Looking for more fun? See our Guide to Nutcracker performances here.
