LA Phil's Deck the Hall & More Lead BroadwayWorld's West Coast Holiday Top Picks
BroadwayWorld is unwrapping the best theatre across the country.
By: Team BWW Dec. 08, 2023
As the festive season sweeps across the country bringing holiday cheer, BroadwayWorld is thrilled to present our selection of must-see shows for December. Check out our top picks for the East Coast, West Coast, and Central US!
Our expertly curated list showcases a dazzling array of performances that embody the spirit of the holidays, each offering a unique blend of heartwarming tales, spectacular visuals, and enchanting music.
Whether you're a lifelong theater enthusiast or looking for a special holiday experience, these top picks promise to light up your December with unforgettable theatrical magic.
sponsored by the LA Philharmonic
Deck The Hall
‘Tis (nearly) the season to be jolly! Walt Disney Concert Hall is a winter wonderland in the heart of DTLA throughout the month of December. Including A Chanticleer Christmas, A Holiday Sing-a-Long, Home Alone in Concert, and more.
For tickets: click here.
Holiday Family Faire
Los Angeles - Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum - December 9, 2023 through December 9, 2023
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents the third annual Holiday Family Faire at its spectacular outdoor venue in Topanga, where carolers, singing madrigals and other performers roam the grounds, Theatricum company members will tell winter holiday stories from a variety of traditions. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to take family photos. An artisan marketplace will offer holiday gifts and crafts, and festive food and drink will be available for purchase. Caroling with Theatricum company members and a special outdoor screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol will begin immediately after the Faire, at 5 p.m. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290. General admission: $20 ages 16 and up; $10 ages 5–15; ages 4 and under free; family four-pack (2 adults and 2 children): $50 / Caroling with Theatricum company members and outdoor screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol available with Faire admission for an additional $20, or separate admission: $25; (310) 455-3723; www.theatricum.com
For tickets: click here.
64th Annual L.A. County Celebration
Los Angeles - The Music Center - December 24, 2023 through December 24, 2023
The two-time Emmy Award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration joyously returns to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to celebrate its 64th anniversary with a free, live in-person holiday spectacular. The annual event will feature 23 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures that make up L.A. Those who can’t make it to The Music Center on Dec. 24 can watch the broadcast live on PBS SoCal or online. Tickets to the in-person event are free and available on a first-come-first-seated basis. (Advance reservations not accepted — doors open at 2:30 p.m; line forms around noon.) The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012; FREE; More information at www.HolidayCelebration.org
For tickets: click here.
Blitzen's Ball: A Holiday Variety Show
San Diego - Oceanside Theatre Company - December 15, 2023 through December 24, 2023
Blitzen is the most spontaneous of the reindeer family and always wants to try something new, so in that spirit OTC presents "Blitzen's Ball" to celebrate different holiday traditions and build a sense of community. This family-friendly holiday show features songs, poetry/spoken word, and more. The event will include audience participation and, of course, an ugly sweater contest.
For tickets: click here.
Blitzen's Ball: A Holiday Variety Show
San Diego - Oceanside Theatre Company - December 15, 2023 through December 24, 2023
Blitzen is the most spontaneous of the reindeer family and always wants to try something new, so in that spirit OTC presents "Blitzen's Ball" to celebrate different holiday traditions and build a sense of community. This family-friendly holiday show features songs, poetry/spoken word, and more. The event will include audience participation and, of course, an ugly sweater contest.
For tickets: click here.
Seasons: A New Musical Song Cycle by Tyler Tafolla
San Diego - Oceanside Theatre Company - December 8, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Seasons by Tyler Tafolla is a song cycle including 18 original songs that tell the story of six friends who go through the milestone moments of their lives as they find out why seasons must change. Seasons follows six childhood friends, who within the span of six years, will go through some of the milestone seasons of life. They Will Chase careers, fall in and out of relationships and transition into adulthood. With a mix of nostalgic introspection and 80’s rock, Seasons will answer the lifelong question of why seasons of our life must change and why change is good!
For tickets: click here.
Seasons: A New Musical Song Cycle by Tyler Tafolla
San Diego - Oceanside Theatre Company - December 8, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Seasons by Tyler Tafolla is a song cycle including 18 original songs that tell the story of six friends who go through the milestone moments of their lives as they find out why seasons must change. Seasons follows six childhood friends, who within the span of six years, will go through some of the milestone seasons of life. They Will Chase careers, fall in and out of relationships and transition into adulthood. With a mix of nostalgic introspection and 80’s rock, Seasons will answer the lifelong question of why seasons of our life must change and why change is good!
For tickets: click here.
Holiday Brass
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 21, 2023 through December 21, 2023
Feel the power and precision of the SF Symphony brass section as they fill Davies Symphony Hall with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites.
For tickets: click here.
Home Alone - Film with Live Orchestra
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 22, 2023 through December 23, 2023
See the beloved holiday hit Home Alone on the big screen like you never have before, with John Williams’ exuberant score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony. The highest-grossing holiday film of all time, and starring an adorable Macaulay Culkin, this hilarious and heartwarming comedy is holiday fun for the entire family.
For tickets: click here.
A Charlie Brown Christmas—Live!
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 20, 2023 through December 23, 2023
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang are back at Davies Symphony Hall to bring this television classic to life! With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music performed live by the SF Symphony, this is a beloved holiday performance you won’t want to miss.
For tickets: click here.
Love Actually - Film with Live Orchestra
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 16, 2023 through December 16, 2023
Funny, irresistible, and heart-warming, Love Actually is set in contemporary London in the weeks before Christmas and tells one story that weaves together a spectacular amount of love stories—sometimes romantic, sometimes sad, sometimes stupid—all funny in their own way. Don’t miss the twentieth anniversary of this holiday classic.
For tickets: click here.
Holiday Gaiety
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 15, 2023 through December 15, 2023
’Tis the season to be merry and gay! Co-emceed by conductor Edwin Outwater and drag sensation Peaches Christ, this adult-themed holiday variety show guarantees an evening of festive fun and fabulous flair. Hear holiday hits played by the SF Symphony, and be regaled by a star-studded lineup of iconic guests, delectable vocalists, and drag queens galore!
For tickets: click here.
The Colors of Christmas
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 13, 2023 through December 14, 2023
The Colors of Christmas follows up on its smashing return last season with a program featuring legendary artists Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Jennifer Holliday, and Ruben Studdard alongside the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir in a spectacular program of Christmas classics and greatest hits with the San Francisco Symphony.
For tickets: click here.
A Merry-Achi Christmas
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 10, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Led by the incomparable José Hernández, Mariachi Sol de Mexico® returns to Davies Symphony Hall for a festive musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions. Experience a multicultural celebration as the ensemble sings and plays holiday favorites from both Mexico and America in a vibrant performance you won’t want to miss.
For tickets: click here.
SF Symphony Youth Orchestra: Peter and the Wolf
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 10, 2023 through December 10, 2023
Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless tale of a boy and his animal friends’ bravery is brought to life with guest narrator Tom Kenny! A prolific Emmy-winning voiceover actor heard in commercials, video games, and movies, Kenny is best known for his role as the voice of TV’s SpongeBob SquarePants. Onscreen, Kenny was a regular cast member of HBO’s acclaimed sketch program Mr. Show. Don’t miss Kenny’s energetic stage presence as he takes Prokofiev’s classic musical fable from story to stage with the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. Wattis Foundation Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra Daniel Stewart takes the podium to lead this and other seasonal and holiday favorites.
For tickets: click here.
Handel's Messiah
San Francisco / Bay Area - San Francisco Symphony - December 8, 2023 through December 9, 2023
George Frideric Handel’s Messiah was an instant classic soon after its 1742 premiere and has been a holiday tradition around the world ever since. Through a dramatic series of arias, recitatives, and choruses, Handel offers a musical meditation on Christ’s birth, life, and resurrection—and his message of redemption. Jonathan Cohen leads the SF Symphony and Chorus in this perennial favorite.
For tickets: click here.
An Evening with Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies
Las Vegas - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts - December 30, 2023 through December 30, 2023
Prepare for an evening of lush, orchestral jazz duets and comedy, bringing together the talents of two celebrated actors, vocalists and longtime friends and collaborators. Brush up with a copy of Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies’ brand new holiday duet album, ¬¬We Wish You the Merriest.
For tickets: click here.
Jonathan Karrant: Christmas Wish
Las Vegas - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts - December 17, 2023 through December 17, 2023
Singer Jonathan Karrant delivers a delightful evening celebrating many of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, some of them featuring special guests.
For tickets: click here.
Jane Monheit
Las Vegas - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts - December 12, 2023 through December 12, 2023
Take classic Christmas songs dipped in the sweet swing of jazz music, top them with a stunning vocal performance from Jane Monheit and you’ve got all the ingredients for holiday delight.
For tickets: click here.
The Holidays with Canadian Brass
Los Angeles - Irvine Barclay Theatre - December 18, 2023 through December 18, 2023
Presented by Philharmonic Society of Orange County Seasonal favorites, holiday classics, and brass standards "These are the men who put brass music on the map with their unbeatable blend of virtuosity, spontaneity, and humor." — The Washington Post Celebrate the holidays with the internationally renowned, award-winning Canadian Brass performing seasonal favorites, holiday classics, and brass standards in an entertaining evening of virtuosic playing and heartwarming humor. With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of “the world’s most famous brass group.” Masters of concert presentations, Canadian Brass has developed a uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences. Each of their concerts will show the full range from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to new compositions and arrangements created especially for them–from formal classical presentation to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects. The hallmark of any Canadian Brass performance is entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and, most of all, fun–but never at the expense of the music; whatever the style, the music is central and performed with utmost dedication, skill and excellence.
For tickets: click here.
Linda Eder: Christmas Stays the Same
Los Angeles - Irvine Barclay Theatre - December 15, 2023 through December 15, 2023
"Like Ethel Merman, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand before her, Eder has more voice than most mere mortals." —Chicago Tribune Showcasing one of the greatest voices of our time, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz. This holiday concert features performances of beloved holiday melodies, including "Oh Holy Night" and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” along with a mix of Broadway staples and heartfelt love songs. Linda Eder has performed for sold-out crowds in venues across the country and throughout Europe, including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and Radio City Music Hall. With a powerful, passionate vocal style always finding new expression in the lush, sweeping Broadway melodies, inspirational ballads and pop torch songs, Eder is one of America’s most beloved singers and dynamic performers.
For tickets: click here.
Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
Los Angeles - Irvine Barclay Theatre - December 9, 2023 through December 24, 2023
Salwa Rizkalla, artistic director A cherished holiday classic, perfect for all ages. Create holiday memories for your family by sharing in the magic of The Nutcracker. Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly, breathtaking production features superb, colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, our heroine, Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands. This full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla, and features world-renowned guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent from across the Southland.
For tickets: click here.
Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker: Abridged Matinee for Young Audiences
Los Angeles - Irvine Barclay Theatre - December 8, 2023 through December 8, 2023
A 1-hour performance for student/school groups. Festival Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker, part of Children’s Invitation to the Ballet, was specially designed to introduce elementary and junior high school students to the beauty of classical ballet and music. The company’s lavish one-hour, narrated rendition of The Nutcracker returns to the Barclay. Celebrate the season with our heroine Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and a cast of hundreds as they take you on a magical journey to the mystical Kingdom of Sweets. Featuring magical effects, dazzling sets and opulent costumes, this professional production of The Nutcracker highlights FBT’s exceptional company dancers and budding young talent from across Southern California.
For tickets: click here.
Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular
Los Angeles - Pasadena Playhouse - December 14, 2023 through December 23, 2023
You better watch out, you better not cry, because something magical is coming to Pasadena Playhouse this holiday season. Tony nominee Sam Pinkleton returns to the Playhouse to sleigh audiences with a brand-new holiday show that’s sure to leave you feeling merry and bright. So get ready to jingle all the way and join us for a holly jolly spectacular you’ll never forget.
For tickets: click here.
Nuncrackers
Phoenix - Fountain Hills Theater - December 8, 2023 through December 24, 2023
Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical is the first "TV Special" taped by the sisters in their convent basement studio for Cable Access. It stars the nuns you love - plus Father Virgil. It features all new songs including: Twelve Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain't Comin' To Our House, We Three Kings of Orient Are Us, and It's Better to Give Than to Receive. This show is filled with "Nunsense" humor, some of your favorite carols, a "Secret Santa," and an uproarious take on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. Nuncrackers will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heartstrings. It's the perfect way to ensure your holiday season is merry and bright.
For tickets: click here.
Unique Derique's Fool La La: Holiday Gift
San Francisco / Bay Area - The Marsh - December 27, 2023 through December 30, 2023
Wrapped with goofy goodies and full of circus surprises, it’s time for annual holiday fun for everyone with Unique Derique dashing through the show in Fool La La: Holiday Gift! After the performance, join the 20-minute circus fun with Unique Derique in a Covid-safe hambone and juggling workshop for the whole family! NOTE: For those who are sensitive to strobe lights, please be aware that they are used during portions of the show.
For tickets: click here.
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