Holiday Theater and Shows in Kansas City

Check out the lineup of holiday performances in Kansas City this season including dance, theater, movies and song!

NOVEMBER

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. 22 – 27: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
  • Nov. 29 – Dec. 6: Elf
  • Dec. 6 – Dec. 19: Polar Express

A Christmas Carol
November 23 – December 28

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.

Laser Holiday Magic
November 22 – January 5

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.

Home Alone in Concert
November 29-Dec. 1

A true holiday favorite, this adored comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live by your Kansas City Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, “Home Alone” is holiday fun for the entire family! Rated PG.

Winterland, a Holiday Cirque Experience
November 29-Dec. 22

Winterland transports audiences into an ethereal wonderland, where the majesty of the northern lights meets the delicate beauty of snow and ice. Infused with the warmth and joy of the holiday season, the show blends festive live music, powerful vocal melodies, captivating dance, and stunning cirque performances.

Each act captures the magic of winter while celebrating the wonder of the holidays, creating an uplifting and inspiring experience for audiences of all ages that feels both mysterious and delightfully enchanting. Get tickets.

DECEMBER

The Nutcracker
December 6-24

Each year, the Kansas City Ballet presents its cherished holiday tradition: The Nutcracker. This timeless production consistently leaves audiences in awe, earning praise such as “positively oozing charm” from The Washington Post. The enduring story, written by E.T.A. Hoffman during the Victorian era, unfolds before your eyes, featuring beloved characters like Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.

Immerse yourself in a magical theatrical experience, complete with opulent costumes, magnificent sets, and mesmerizing choreography. Let your sense of wonder reignite, and allow the glimmer of your childhood dreams to return, inspiring you to EMBRACE IMAGINATION once more.

Not sure which Nutcracker show is right for your family?
Check out our guide.

TubaChristmas
December 6 and 16

TubaChristmas returns to Helzberg Hall this December! Experience the sounds of the season – Tuba Style! Join hundreds of tuba and baritones in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, December 6 and Monday, December 16 for your favorite holiday tunes and carols. The performance is at noon and is free and open to the public. Performers are invited to join for $10/each. Advance registration is requited. Exclusive TubaChristmas hats, scarves and headbands will be available for purchase before and after the performance.

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
December 5-23

Reimagined for the stage as a live radio broadcast, the iconic world of George Bailey and his affable helper angel, Clarence, unfolds as you’ve never seen before. This show is at the Musical Theater Heritage at Crown Center.

All is Bright, Heartland Men’s Chorus
December 6-8

In a time of uncertainty, change, and divisiveness that can make it hard to embrace the holiday spirit, join us to unwrap a musical package of love, joy, and hope (even if you’re on the naughty list!). From time-honored classics to the freshest sounds of the season, HMCKC delivers the magic of the holidays with unmatched class and a dash of sass.

Christmas Festival at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
December 19-22

We’re sending a musical Christmas card to you! Join the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus for this spectacular holiday celebration filled with lush symphonic arrangements of Christmas classics, fresh versions of your favorite carols, and many melodic surprises. Share the spirit of the season with your entire family as you enjoy enchanting performances by the Symphony and Symphony Chorus, plus exciting special guests including an early visit from Santa Claus!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 
December 7, 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Frozen in Concert
December 23-24

Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Watch the magic unfold on the big screen as your Kansas City Symphony performs the score live. Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Idina Menzel. Rated PG.
Sarah McGinnity
Sarah grew up in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!), she moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Shea. Realizing how much she hated snow in May, she convinced him to move to Kansas City in 2010. Together they have lived in Midtown, Waldo, the Plaza, and now Overland Park. Sarah is mom to four kids including a teenager and a toddler. She has her master’s in urban administration and is passionate about making Kansas City a more equitable and supportive community. In between the crazy, she likes to drink coffee, run, hike, travel as much as possible, and experience all things Kansas City!