Must-See Family Holiday Performances
There’s something about being in the audience of a live performance that makes the holiday season extra special. Here’s a round up of holiday shows, musicals, and plays showing all around Southern California. We’re also including all-time favorites, A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.
“The Nutcracker” Performances
Nutcracker for Kids
Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Costa Mesa
December 4, 2021
scfta.org/events/2021/nutcracker-for-kids!
Visions of sugarplums and beautiful ballerinas will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet, performed in a condensed version created just for kids. This annual favorite finishes with a jolly visit from Santa Claus himself! This fun and fascinating 45-minute concert is designed especially for children 5-11.
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Performed by Dance! To Your Heart’s Delight
La Mirada Theatre | La Mirada
December 4-5, 2021
lamiradatheatre.com
Dance! To Your Heart’s Delight is pleased to captivate both young and old again this holiday season with its 17th annual production of this timeless ballet.
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Performed by Los Angeles Ballet
December 4-26, 2021
www.losangelesballet.org/the-nutcracker
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises! This production is set in 1912 Los Angeles. Throughout the five scenes in two acts you will find hints and tastes of Southern California – a Spanish style home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of the Sierras, Venice archways, a moonlit Pacific Ocean and more!
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Performed by American Ballet Theatre
Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Costa Mesa
December 10-19, 2021
scfta.org/events/2021/the-nutcracker
This magical treat for the whole family features an impressive cast of over 100 performers, incredible sets and costumes, and Pacific Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. The LA Times raves “ABT’s The Nutcracker is a new classic worth watching over and over (and over)” and the OC Register exclaimed it is “A Nutcracker without parallel in Southern California.”
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Performed by Festival Ballet Theatre
Irvine Barclay Theatre | Irvine
December 11-24, 2021
www.festivalballet.org
Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly breathtaking production features superb colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. The performance features world-renowned guests artists and a cast of more than 200 performers. This fast-paced production is perfect for all ages.
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Performed by Long Beach Ballet
Long Beach Terrace Theater
December 17-19, 2021
longbeachnutcracker.com
Voted “Best-Loved Nutcracker in the Nation” by Goldstar audience survey in 2018 and 2019. The Los Angeles Times proclaimed: “Crammed with special effects, the familiar Long Beach Ballet version of The Nutcracker has nearly everything money can buy. For opulent, family-oriented, entertainment — seek no further.”
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Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater | Los Angeles
Now – January 9, 2022
www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com/nutcracker
The Theater is proud to usher in the holiday season with their marionette rendition of the ballet classic, staged in their new location for the first time.
“A Christmas Carol” Performances
South Coast Repertory | Costa Mesa
Now – December 26, 2021
www.scr.org
Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition continues! From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle. Ages 6 and up.
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Ahmanson Theater | Los Angeles
Now – January 1, 2022
www.centertheatregroup.org
A magical new interpretation of Charles Dickens’ timeless story starring Bradley Whitford (The West Wing, Get Out) as Ebenezer Scrooge. Winner of five Tony Awards, and the most awarded play of the season, this performance welcomes theatregoers of all ages! Featuring dazzling staging, moving storytelling, and 12 cherished Christmas carols.
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Long Beach Playhouse | Long Beach
December 4-19, 2021
lbplayhouse.org
This quick-paced, highly theatrical re-telling of Charles Dickens classic tale returns for its tenth incarnation at Long Beach Playhouse. For those that join in person, a virtual recording will also be available.
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Old Town Temecula Community Theater | Temecula
December 4-12, 2021
temeculatheater.org
A musical rendition written by some of Broadway’s greatest composers, Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s Little Mermaid, Seussical).
Holiday Performances
The Holiday Gem
The Gem Theatre | Garden Grove
Now – December 19, 2021
www.thegemoc.com
Ring in the holidays with a ‘fun for the whole family’ holiday revue backed by live musicians, stunning costumes, and a whimsical set; Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a cast of talented performers. Journey into the magical world of Christmas Fantasy Land and visit a scene reminiscent of Victorian England from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The performance features well-known standards and contemporary holiday classics.
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A Christmas Story
Camino Real Playhouse | San Juan Capistrano
Now – December 19, 2021
caminorealplayhouse.org
A hilarious family-friendly classic! You’ve probably seen the movie but there’s something magical about watching a live performance as our actors bring this holiday classic to life on our stage. Complete with the famous leg lamp.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
Chance Theater | Anaheim
December 3-19, 2021
chancetheater.com
Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in the all-new stage adaptation! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a present the whole family can enjoy!
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Robin Hood & Maid Marion: A Holiday Panto
Laguna Playhouse | Laguna Beach
December 3-29, 2021
lagunaplayhouse.com
Robin Hood, the ultimate adventure gets a modern makeover twist! Join the heroic outlaw in defending the people as he robs from the rich and gives back to the poor. It’s a show packed full of comedy, action, audience participation and set to a soundtrack of Disco hits and dance anthems from the 70s. The 1170s!
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Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Maverick Theater | Fullerton
December 3-19, 2021
mavericktheater.com
Santa Claus kidnapped by Martians! Will the children on Earth have no toys on Christmas Day? Only Hollywood could cook up such an absurd story and only the Maverick Theater would want to adapt it to the stage. This holiday season, join Santa on a madcap adventure in outer space! Performed with a light hearted style that is suitable for children and even cranky adults.
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Disney On Ice: Dream Big
Anaheim, Los Angeles, Ontario, & Long Beach
December 8 – January 2, 2022
www.disneyonice.com
See your favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating. Audiences will be transported to exciting worlds where heroes of every kind seek to fulfill their dreams at a live experience families will never forget!
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The Magic of Christmas
La Mirada Theatre | La Mirada
December 10-19, 2021
lamiradatheatre.com
The Young Americans are back this holiday season, and they are bringing merriment, majesty, and music with them! This winter-wonderland variety show includes all kinds of singing and dancing, including many of your favorite Christmas carols. The Magic of Christmas is the best holiday musical for the entire family.
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Pacific Chorale’s Tis the Season
Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Costa Mesa
December 19-20, 2021
www.pacificchorale.org
Pacific Chorale’s beloved family-friendly holiday extravaganza “Tis the Season,” is filled with festive musical cheer and delightful sonic wonder. Jingle Bells, Feliz Navidad, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World, White Christmas and Silent Night are among the holiday carols and traditional favorites that will be sung by 85 members of the Chorale. Plus, word from the North Pole is that Santa Claus himself plans swing by!
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A Magical Cirque Christmas
Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Costa Mesa
December 26, 2021
scfta.org/events/2020/a-magical-cirque-christmas
Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
What holiday performance does your family love to go to every year? Let us know!
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide
