Holiday performances have become a favorite family tradition around the DMV. The Nutcracker gets much buzz but it’s only one of many festive productions on stage across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. This guide rounds up family-friendly theater, ballet, and other live performances, along with ticket-saving tips to help you plan a memorable outing that fits your budget.
This blog does not contain affiliate links. Show dates, times, ticket prices, and availability can change, so check the linked venue or ticketing pages for the most up-to-date information before you go.
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Quick Guide to Holiday Performances
Looking for a quick way to find a festive outing? Browse holiday performances for families by region below. The Nutcracker takes the stage in several forms across the DMV, from traditional ballet to hip-hop and contemporary interpretations. Each listing includes details to help you compare options, with ticket-saving tips where available.
- Washington, DC: The Hip Hop Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and Seasons of Light
- Maryland: Frosty the Snow Man, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, and several Nutcracker performances
- Northern Virginia: Elf the Musical, Madeline’s Christmas, and Nutcracker performances in Tysons and beyond
Use these links to jump to performances in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia.
How to Save on Holiday Theater Tickets
A little advance planning can make a holiday theater outing more affordable. Here are a couple of ticket-saving options to watch for:
- Check for Black Friday sales. In past years, we’ve used the Washington Ballet’s Black Friday sale to get great seats for The Nutcracker. Check their website or sign up for emails to see whether a sale is offered this year.
- Look for ticket lotteries. The Broadway at The National app has offered $35 lottery tickets for select productions. Check the app for participating shows and entry details; availability varies.
Offers, seat availability, fees, and restrictions can change, so confirm the details through the theater or its official ticketing app before purchasing.
Holiday Reviews to Check Out
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
The National Theatre | November 17 – 22, 2026
- Location: 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC
- Run Time: 2 hours, including a 20-minute intermission
- Best for: All ages
This high-energy remix features breakdancing, backflips, and an epic dance battle. Our son was ready to try the moves himself! Read our full family review in the children’s theater guide. Our review is based on the 2024 production; details may vary by year.
A Christmas Carol
Ford’s Theatre | November 19 – December 31, 2026
- Location: 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC
- Run Time: 2 hours, including one intermission
- Best for: Ages 5+
- Sensory-Friendly Performance: November 22 at 2:00 pm
- ASL-Interpreted & Audio-Described Performances: December 3 at 7:00 pm and December 12 at 2:00 pm
Our family enjoyed the Victorian costumes and lively musical numbers, but parents should know that some scenes include flickering lights and the Ghost of Christmas Future may frighten younger children. Read our full family review in the children’s theater guide. Our review is based on the 2024 production; details may vary by year.
More Holiday Performances by Area
Washington, DC
- November 17 – 22 | The Hip-Hop Nutcracker at The National Theatre in NW ♥
- This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.
- November 19 – December 31 | A Christmas Carol – 2026 at Ford’s Theatre in NW (Best for ages 5+)
- Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption.
- November 25 | A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live On Stage at Lincoln Theatre in NW
- November 28 – December 27 | The Washington Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at Warner Theatre in NW ♥
- December 1 – 18 | Seasons of Light at Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater in SW (Best for ages 5-10) ♥
- This signature Discovery Theater show celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive event that bridges communities and cultures.
- December 8 at 6:30 pm | National Symphony Orchestra presents: Home Alone in Concert at The Anthem in SW
- December 9 – 11 | Little Red and the Gingerbread Man with Barefoot Puppets at Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater in SW (Best for ages 3-7)
- This show mixes a pair of well-loved, classic stories to create an original fun-filled romp through fairyland.
Maryland
- November 21 – January 3 | Frosty the Snow Man at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo
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- In this merry wintertime romp, chock-full of chuckles and comic antics, Frosty gallops into the hearts of kids and adults alike- even the heart of one skeptical cop– through his uproarious antics.
- November 21 – January 3 | Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ♥
- December 5 – 6 | The Nutcracker with the National Ballet Company at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville
- December 6 | Talmi Entertainment’s Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at The Strathmore in Rockville
- Experience the largest Nutcracker production in North America — a breathtaking holiday spectacle featuring world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes, and towering puppets.
- December 11 | Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presents Cirque Nutcracker at The Strathmore in Rockville
- Troupe Vertigo joins your BSO for an exhilarating take on The Nutcracker, where dazzling acrobatics, expressive movement, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score collide.
- December 11 – 12 | Dorrance Dance: The Nutcracker Suite at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in College Park ♥
- Set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s interpretation of the Tchaikovsky score, this high-energy reimagining of The Nutcracker Suite gives a dash of tradition with an explosive toe-tapping twist.
- December 16 | Seasons of Light with Discovery Theater at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville (Best for ages 5-10) ♥
- Joy, warmth, and community illuminate seasonal holiday festivals around the world. This signature show from Discovery Theater celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive extravaganza bridging communities and cultures.
Northern Virginia
- November 14 – 15 & 21 – 22 | Elf the Musical at Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre in Alexandria
- November 20 – 22 + December 5 – 13 | Madeline’s Christmas at Gunston Theatre in Arlington ♥
- As Christmas Eve arrives, Madeline sets out to bring hope, joy, and a little holiday magic to her friends. Filled with heart, laughter, and festive wonder, this charming classic is a cozy celebration of kindness, courage, and the magic of the season.
- November 22 | Dance Academy of Virginia: The Nutcracker at Capital One Hall in Tysons
- November 29 | Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Capital One Hall in Tysons
- Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics!
- December 6 | Centre Company presents The Nutcracker at Capital One Hall in Tysons
- December 12 | The Joyfully Jolly Jamboree at McLean Community Center
- December 13 | Virginia National Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Capital One Hall in Tysons ♥
- December 14 | Michael W. Smith Every Christmas with the Fairfax Symphony at Capital One Hall in Tysons
From a classic Nutcracker to a lively holiday musical, the DMV has festive performances for a range of ages, interests, and budgets. I hope this guide helps you find a show your family will enjoy. Before you go, check the venue’s website for the latest dates, ticket prices, and availability. For theater ideas throughout the year and our firsthand reviews, visit our Upcoming Children’s Theater in the DMV + Real Reviews guide.
