Some of the best ‘gifts’ we can give our children are the gifts of experience, culture, and time spent together. One of our fondest memories as kids is getting dressed up and heading to a holiday show. Create that same lasting memory with your kids with tickets to holiday shows, movies, and musicals coming to the Metro Detroit area this winter season.
ELF The Musical @ The Fox Theatre, Detroit (November 06 – 10)
ELF come to the Fox Theatre for seven performances from Wednesday, November 6 through Sunday, November 10. Follow the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.
The Nutcracker @ Music Hall, Detroit (November 23)
Classical Arts Entertainment is delighted to present the magical holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, performed by the world-renowned State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine! Follow Clara on her enchanting journey as her beloved Nutcracker comes to life and battles the Mouse King, whisking her away to the dazzling Land of Sweets. Experience the wonder of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, featuring timeless pieces like “Waltz of the Flowers,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” and “Waltz of the Snowflakes.” With mesmerizing choreography, stunning costumes, and the beauty of hand-painted sets, this production promises a festive spectacle for the entire family.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage @ The Fox Theatre, Detroit (November 24)
Just in time for the holiday season, the Peanuts gang will be coming to the Fox Theatre on Sunday, November 24 in A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas during one of their three performances at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage encompasses each of your favorite scenes from the original animated show. It even expands the storyline into greater detail with more fun, more music, more finding the true Christmas spirit.
Dearborn Symphony’s A Heartwarming Holiday @ Michael A. Guido Theater (November 24)
Kick off the holiday season with the Dearborn Symphony’s A Heartwarming Holiday, a festive celebration filled with beloved favorites and magical moments. This enchanting afternoon begins with Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival Overture, a vibrant medley of carols that will fill your heart with holiday cheer. Then the Dearborn Symphony brings to life Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, accompanying the beloved short film with Howard Blake’s original score. Continue to experience the wonder of the holidays through the music of Alan Silvestri’s Suite from Polar Express. Join in the fun with a spirited holly jolly sing-along and keep an eye out for a special visit from Santa Claus himself, spreading joy and warmth to all.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical @ The Fox Theatre, Detroit (November 27 – December 01)
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical appears at the Fox Theatre for nine performances Wednesday, November 27 – Sunday, December 1. The record-setting Broadway holiday sensation features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season.
Sensory-Friendly Holiday Concert @ The Community House, Birmingham (December 04)
You’re invited to attend an evening of holiday music, performed by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, specifically designed for those in our community who face sensory challenges. This seasonal event will be carefully balanced so that those with sound and light sensitivities can enjoy a festive experience along with their families and friends. Limited seating available. Registration required.
The Nutcracker @ The Macomb Center (December 06 – 08)
Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with the Macomb Ballet Company, as Artistic Director Amber Megna Michalik, and Assistant Directors Hannah Carden, Brandon Koepsell, and Mary Sherman bring you the traditional holiday favorite, The Nutcracker at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. Travel with Clara on a magical adventure to a land reined by a Snow Queen, and be led by Snowflakes, through an enchanted forest to a Kingdom of Sweets, filled with colorful characters and pure festive delight. The Nutcracker will captivate audiences, both young and old, and is sure to keep hearts warm and spirited all season long!
Family Concert: Let it Snow @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra (December 7)
The weather outside may be frightful, but the orchestra is so delightful! Get in the spirit of the winter season as Frosty and friends take you over the hills and through a snow-filled musical adventure…
The Nutcracker Ballet with The Dearborn Symphony Orchestra @ The Michael A. Guido Theatre (December 7 & 8)
Enter the world of the timeless yuletide fantasy with our annual Ballet Americana’ s productions of The Nutcracker, accompanied by the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, featuring international stars of the American Ballet.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet @ The Fox Theatre (December 8)
The beloved family tradition is back: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! The story follows Clara through the Snow Forest to the Land of Peace and Harmony, featuring the classic life-sized Kissy Doll, fierce red-eyed Rat King, and the Slavic Troika Sleigh. There she encounters 10-foot-tall puppets, exotic flying birds, and dancing couples from five great heritages of the world. Impressive acrobatics integrated into classical ballet make the production fresh and new.
Home Alone In Concert @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra (December 11)
Enjoy one of the most beloved holiday films of all time accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’s captivating score! Relive John Hughes’s charming and hilarious story about family with the young Macaulay Culkin who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas @ The Fox Theatre, Detroit (December 13)
Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will celebrate over 35 Years of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry. Mannheim Steamroller will visit the Fox Theatre on Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m. This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting.
Christmas in the Air @ Macomb Center (December 14)
Christmas in the Air is a spectacular Broadway-style song and dance revue presented by Rand Productions. This heartwarming show weaves a festive holiday storyline through the eyes of Santa’s most trusted elves. Featuring the company’s signature precision dancers, the Tinsel-toes. The production offers a delightful blend of timeless holiday classics, contemporary favorites, and enchanting original pieces.
Home For The Holidays @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra (December 13 -15)
It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year! Gather friends and family, one and all, for a celebration of the season featuring your DSO, holiday favorites, and quite possibly, an appearance by Santa Claus.
‘Twas The Night Before… By Cirque Du Soleil @ The Fox Theatre, Detroit (December 20 – 31)
‘Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleilis a Christmas themed show inspired by the joy of giving and the wonder of the holiday season, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Whether you are a child of 5, 50, or 95 years old you are sure to be wowed by incredible acrobatics and a heart-warming story at the Fox Theatre for two-weeks from Friday, December 20 through Sunday, January 4. ‘Twas the night before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque du Soleil’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of Christmas. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics performed by a cast of 26 artists sailing from all over the world, lovable characters and a soundtrack including Christmas favorites re-invented by Cirque du Soleil.
Snow Queen @ Music Hall, Detroit (December 26)
For the 2024/25 season, The Grand Kyiv Ballet presents a special treat with the enchanting Christmas ballet “The Snow Queen,” inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale. Set to the music of Grieg, Massenet, Mozart, and Vivaldi, this magical performance promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Follow Gerda on her brave quest to rescue Kai from the Snow Queen’s icy grip. With charming characters like forest fairies, trolls, and a funny Snowman, this ballet will fill your heart with holiday joy and wonder.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve Tour @ Little Caesars Arena, Detroit (December 28)
“The Lost Christmas Eve” is a product of the imagination of and based on TSO’s double-platinum CD of the same name. The plot is one that resonates with people deeply over the holiday season. Alone on Christmas Eve, a bitter old businessman wandered New York City. Once a rising star, he’d traded love, family, and joy for a life of solitude and regret. The tragic loss of his wife hardened his heart, pushing him away from his infant son and into decades of isolation. Then, a chance encounter with a mysterious girl led him to a life-altering phone call. His son, who he abandoned decades ago, was alive, a gentle soul caring for troubled newborns in a maternity ward. After seeking him out, the son gives a silent and forgiving gaze to his long-lost father. As they sit together, comforting innocent infants, a new reunited life together begins.
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