Check out the lineup of holiday performances in Kansas City this season including dance, theater, movies and song!
NOVEMBER
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
November 7 – December 31
Back by popular demand, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, is live at the Coterie Theatre. Rudolph and his friends, Clarice, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius learn what makesret you different makes you special. As one reviewer put it, “If adorable is at the top of your Christmas list, save an afternoon or evening for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical… as rich as eggnog!”
Classic Holiday Movies
November 18-December 21
See classic movies on the big screen at Union Station this season. Tickets are $3.50/person.
- Nov. 17 – 22: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- Nov. 24 – Dec. 7: Elf
- Dec. 8 – Dec. 31: Polar Express
A Christmas Carol
November 21 – December 24
For over 40 years, Kansas City’s beloved tradition has created holiday memories for families all around our community, with all the heart and spectacle you’ve come to love… start your family tradition this year and create memories that will last for many Christmases to come! Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his redemptive journey with Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. You’ll meet the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, and the irresistible Fezziwigs, and hear the lush and joyous Candlelight Carol — all this and more, to kindle your Christmas spirit. Share the season with the people you love at A Christmas Carol.
Nutcracker, All Jazz’d Up
December 15-December 17
Traditional show but with a twist. This delightful show incorporates tap, ballet, jazz and more. We even have Santa! The show is ideal for all ages and runs for approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Laser Holiday Magic
November 17 – December 31
Celebrate the season with Laser Holiday Magic at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium. We’ve gathered a selection of our favorite holiday tunes and brought them to life with gorgeous laser choreography. Vibrant animations and gorgeous abstracts dance above your heads, as the music takes you away from the hustle and bustle. It might be cold outside, but it’s nice and toasty under the dome! Gather up your loved ones and share the one of a kind experience that is Laser Holiday Magic.
DECEMBER
The Nutcracker
December 1-24
Kansas City Ballet’s annual tradition, The Nutcracker, is back to awe audiences once again and is hailed as “positively oozing charm” by The Washington Post. The classic, Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman featuring Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the Sugar Plum Fairy is a magical theatrical experience wrapped with exquisite costumes, grand sets, and captivating choreography. Let your wonder ignite and feel the glimmer once more as your childhood dreams return and inspire you to IMAGINE AGAIN.
The Jewish Nutcracker
December 3 & 10
“The Jewish Nutcracker” returns for its third year and follows Rebecca and the Nutcracker on their magical journey from Bubbe’s house to the Land of Nosh, encountering everything from mice to dancing dreidels! Featuring our Encore students, this is a tradition not to be missed! This year, audiences have two options: enjoy a pre-event tea party followed by a streamlined performance on December 3. Meanwhile, Encore families can choose from two performances on December 10 that will include additional music.
TubaChristmas
December 5, noon
Experience the sounds of the season, tuba-style! Registration is now open for performers to participate in TubaChristmas 2023 which will again be held outdoors at Crown Center Square. Tuba and Euphonium players are invited to perform in this fun and festive holiday concert. Come dressed for the weather, and in your Christmas finest to add to the ambience. Registration is $10 and must be paid in advance.
Audiences may enjoy the free noon-hour performance in the Crown Center Square without a reservation. Bring your own chairs and be ready to sing along to some holiday classics. This event is weather permitting.
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
December 7-23
A Very Merry Christmas Pageant, Heartland Men’s Chorus
December 2, 3, 10
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
December 8-9
Christmas Festival at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
December 14-17
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 16, 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
December 21-24
Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas
December 22-23
Zachary Stevenson returns to MTH with his Buddy Holly Holiday tribute show (say that 3 times fast!) Zach is one of the most charismatic performers you’re likely to see and he’s got holiday favorites as well as a some Buddy Holly classics in store for you as he and his band serve up a unique Holiday treat! This show typically sells out in advance so don’t wait!
