The best Christmas concerts and shows in Chicago for the holiday season

Having retired cofounder Robert Joffrey's production of The Nutcracker after nearly 30 years, the Joffrey Ballet debuted a brand-new version in 2016, set in Chicago against the backdrop of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. This year's production will be staged in the Civic Opera House (where the Lyric Opera also resides), featuring music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra and the stunning choreography of Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon. The Chicago-inspired iteration of the classic Christmas ballet will have you humming “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” for days after you leave the theater.

The Goodman Theatre’s annual holiday production of the Charles Dickens classic returns to the stage, with Christopher Donahue and Austin Tichenor taking on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The play has been a staple of the Goodman's calendar for more than 40 years, allowing returning attendees and new generations to see the quintessential Christmas story unfold before their eyes. Prepare to be visited by three spirits—and don't be suprised if A Christmas Carol's touching tale of redemption makes you shed a few tears.

The American Blues Theater has brought the humble story of George Bailey to life in various Chicago venues for more than 20 years, transforming Frank Capra's classic film into an interactive, 1940s-style radio broadcast production. Arrive 15 minutes early to make the most of interactive audience engagement and prepare for original music, holiday carols and plenty of Christmas cheer.

For the 41st year, Southport Corridor’s favorite historic theater brings three weekends of Christmas singing followed by a double feature of classic holiday films to Chicago’s North Side.  Sit back in plush theater seats with snacks and drinks as you belt “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer” and “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” and just when you’ve worn yourself down, stay for a showing of White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life.

The Loop’s National Historic Landmark Orchestra Hall is ornate enough to dazzle year-round, but shines extra bright for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Merry, Merry Chicago! holiday concert conducted by Alastair Willis. On a stage decked with—literally—boughs of holly, larger-than-life red bows and wreaths, the acclaimed instrumentalists play tunes ranging from beloved holiday favorites to Christmas in Chicago, a local treasure. Before the show and during intermissions, you’ll even hear pop-up performances from Chicago school choirs and community ensembles throughout the halls.

There’s no better place in Chicago for holiday cheer than under Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate (a.k.a. "The Bean"), where like-minded exhibitionists delight in shared songs amidst the twinkling lights of the city Christmas tree and the sounds of laughter from nearby ice skaters. With some hot cocoa in your hand, join local choirs and bands as they lead attendees in a powerful sing-along of joyful holiday carols. This year, the series takes place Fridays at 6pm from December 6-20, with a different choral group highlighted each week.

Pinkies up! Little ones and their families are invited to ring in the holiday season in style during The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party, an annual trunk and puppet show at the Chicago Children's Theatre that brings Potter's beloved stories to life with whimsy and humor. The play's young viewers get to interact with characters like Tom Kitten, Jeremy Fisher and Peter Rabbit throughout the 60-minute production, which features live music alongside narration and puppetry. Afterwards, audience members can meet the cast while enjoying juice, chocolate milk and holiday treats courtesy of Eli's Cheesecake for a proper tea party celebration.

It's not officially the holiday season until you hear Mariah Carey belting our her classic, "All I Want for Christmas is You," which is why the diva is bringing her festive tour to Allstate Arena in late November. She's got two albums worth of original and traditional Christmas songs to draw from, so expect plenty of sleigh bells, glittering yuletide gowns and a few unexpected gifts from Carey's catalog of pop ballads.

Feeling nostalgic? Lovers of 1970s folk and John Denver can relive the sights and sounds of late singer-songwriter while also enjoying cheerful Christmas tunes at the Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas. Step into the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Center for tribute singer Rick Schuler’s set of iconic Denver songs, like “Take Me Home Country Roads” and “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and interpretations of the singer’s renditions of “Joy to the World” and other festive songs.

Gezelligheid is a Dutch word that loosely translates to “cozy,” and as the darkest days approach, any Chicagoan knows we need all the comfort we can get. Award-winning singer-songwriter Andrew Bird conjures the sentiment in his 14th annual Gezelligheid concerts at Fourth Presbyterian Church, a holiday concert tradition aiming to bring us together with cheerful, moving music. With a mix of instrumental violin, Victrola horns and other instruments, expect holiday favorites, Bird’s classic hits and songs from his latest album Sunday Morning Put-On.

From December 6-8, Ravinia transforms into a festive wonderland with three unique performances that capture the spirit of the season. Kick things off with Apollo’s Fire on Friday, presenting WASSAIL! An Irish-American Christmas, a lively celebration blending Irish traditions and American immigrant tales. On Saturday, Andrew Bird returns to his old stomping grounds for Sunday Morning Put-On, where he explores his love of jazz classics with a vintage twist. Wrap it all up Sunday with A Very Brassy Christmas from the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, a spirited mix of carols, classical favorites, and pop hits.

The Newberry Consort—which presents deeply-researched music from the Renaissance, Baroque and other historical periods long since passed—hosts this yearly series of holiday concerts celebrating the music of Guatemala, Chile, Mexico and beyond. Hear songs that would have been performed in convents and joyful folk tunes played with traditional instruments. Concerts will take place this year in Evanston, Buena Park and Pilsen.

Chicago’s favorite German-style outdoor holiday market is more than just a delightful place to snack on stinky cheese (technical term: raclette), shop for European-made trinkets and warm up with glühwein. Each year, Christkindlmarket also features heartfelt performances by groups like the Mother McAuley A Cappella Choir, various children’s choirs and Phenix Trio, a group famed for getting audiences to sing with them. So sing along, smile and enjoy the cheer amongst the sparkling holiday decor.

Candlelight concerts are the ultimate multi-sensory experiences for intimate, romantic evenings year-round. This holiday season, listen to string quartets in the glow of thousands of candles at festively decorated venues across the city, including Stan Mansion, Music Box Theater and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Classical music may not be your go-to genre, but hearing live carols with string instruments, Christmas soundtracks on piano or a medley of holiday favorites like “Carol of the Bells” and “December, 1963” will have you swooning.

If your motto is the more saxophone the better, soak up the smooth sounds of Tim Warfield’s Jazzy Christmas show. Joined by a talented band of piano, trumpet, vocalists and more, the American saxophonist embraces the holiday classics you love with new interpretations. Sip a warming cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere at Jazz Showcase, one of Chicago’s most historic clubs. 

A lot of song and a little dance: Experience upbeat jazz and exhilarating tap dance performances at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP)’s annual Holiday Rhythms concerts. Groove to invigorating holiday beats from artists Jumaane Taylor, Stone Soup Rhythms and the Eric Hochberg Trio featuring Dee Alexander. The show is filled with music, dance and joy—and even a complimentary drink and dessert bar so get ready for a holiday celebration (and accompanying treats) like no other. Proceeds benefit the CHRP Mayfair Arts Center, an arts incubator-education space.

Holidays, but make it gay: That’s what Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’s annual concert does best. This year, the 200-person choir’s show Totally ‘80s HoliGAY takes you back to the sparkliest decade. Immerse yourself in the action-packed, dance-filled performance featuring neon lights, big hair and unforgettable 1980s favorites. Whether you’re craving heart-pumping holiday cheer or can’t get enough of retro vibes, you’ll be tapping along to tunes—and maybe even singing along yourself. 

Holiday prog-rockers Trans-Siberian Orchestra make their annual trip to Rosemont, arriving just before Christmas with an all-new, over-the-top light show set to overwrought versions of seasonal songs. If you're still not tired of hearing the band's inescapable high-octane rendition of "Carol of the Bells," snag a seat and warm yourself in the glow of crackling pyrotechnics and gleaming lasers at one of TSO's Allstate Arena gigs.

Longstanding a cappella group Pentatonix heads to the Allstate Arena as part of its multi-city Christmas tour, during which the group will perform classic tunes alongside its new single, "Meet Me Next Christmas."

A cappella group Straight No Chaser brings its annual holiday tour to the Chicago Theatre for an afternoon of festive tunes. The band is known for its cheeky choreography and cover versions of popular hits so expect to hear holiday classics reimagined.