The best Christmas shows in Boston theatres to enjoy this holiday season

A classic and a must see for all Bostonians. The Boston Ballet’s critically-acclaimed rendition of The Nutcracker is majestic, magical and fun for all ages. Performances begin the day after Thanksgiving, Friday November 24 and run through New Year’s Eve December 31. The Nutcracker features the full Company, Boston Ballet II dancers, and Boston Ballet School students. The 44-performance run will feature many dancer debuts in new roles, showcasing the vast talent within the Company and providing many opportunities for dancers to shine in various roles. Purchase tickets here.

Fun for the whole family, come see all your favorite characters in this holiday classic at the Shubert Theater. Playing from November 24 – 26, tickets start at just $35. Get all the details and purchase tickets here.

“The Queens of Christmas” are coming to Boston! For one night only the internationally acclaimed The Jinkx and Dela Holiday Show will grace the stage at the Wang Theater. Guests can expect a fabulous spectacle of whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and annual favorites performed by the sugary DeLa and spicy Jinkx. One performance, November 28, get tickets here.

An annual Boston tradition – The Slutcracker – returns for another year of holiday fun at The Somerville Theater. This burlesque version of the Nutcracker is inclusive, hilarious, and showcases the talents of people from nearly every walk of life, body type, and kink. This show is 18+ and shows are running from December 1 – December 31. Get tickets here.

For over 53 years, Black Nativity retells the Nativity story set to jubilant gospel music, dramatic dance, black vernacular and Biblical narrative. Traditional Christmas carols are sung in gospel style, with a few songs created specifically for the show. This moving and cherished tradition is a must see if you’re in Boston for the holidays. Shows running December 1 – December 17, purchase tickets now.

Kicking off the Christmas season “Glee” star Darren Criss will perform songs from his recent holiday album, A Very Darren Christmas. His first ever full-length project includes a wildly eclectic collection of songs from big band Christmas classics to novelty tunes to modern-day folk-pop ballads. Playing at Emerson Colonial Theater for one night only, December 7 at 7:30pm, get all the details and purchase tickets here.

Buddy the Elf is coming to Boston! Relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to the motion picture in Elf in Concert. Playing at the Wang Theater December 22-23, tickets start at just $25, learn more here.

Celebrate the holiday season with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The Holiday Pops is a Boston classic, performing festive favorites from cultural traditions around the world, conductors Keith Lockhart and James Burton have holiday shows throughout the month of December, they even have a sensory-friendly concert option and a kids matinee. Purchase tickets here.