Last Updated: 10/1/25

The holiday theater scene in Minneapolis is bustling with classics like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, but also those unique gems you may not find elsewhere. Think The Muppets Christmas Carol in concert or It’s A Wonderful Life radio play (this show sells out by the way). From shows that push the limits to family-friendly traditions, theater and musical performances are all the rage in Minneapolis during the holidays. Check out the must-see shows of the season.

A Christmas Carol at Guthrie Theater

When: November 8 – December 28, 2025

Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Cost: $35 - $148

A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with “Bah! Humbug!” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. In Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, the three spirits show Scrooge happy memories from his past, difficult realities from the present and a grim future should he continue his closed-hearted ways. This world-premiere adaptation stays faithful to the text and invites audiences to experience the wonder of the holiday season through all-new scenery, costumes, props, lighting and sound.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

When: November 4, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Where: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Cost: $35 - $114

A miserly and miserable, ever-so-cantankerous Grinch has observed the despicable Christmas joy of the Whos with disdain, from a distance, for decades. Enough! In this favorite holiday story, filled with music and Seussian rhymes, he conceives a dastardly plot to destroy the holiday they love. It’s the smallest of the Whos, tiny Cindy Lou, who extends a hand. Through the combination of kindness and community, we witness not only a change in the course of Who-History, but the size and capacity of the cantankerous Grinch’s heart.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical

When: October 10 - February 7, 2026

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $62

White Christmas revolves around two buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. After World War II, they become a popular song-and-dance duo and they decide to help their former commanding general by putting on a show at his struggling Vermont inn. Along the way, they meet two talented sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, and love blossoms during the holiday season. White Christmas is a festive celebration of romance, friendship and the magic of Christmas.

This musical has a dazzling score brimming with iconic standards like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and the unforgettable title song “White Christmas.” Overflowing with joy, this production is a heartwarming celebration of music, love, and the magic of the holiday season.

'Twas the Night Before...by Cirque de Soleil

When: November 26 - December 7, 2025

Where: Northrop, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Cost: $88 - $140

‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack including holiday classics reinvented by Cirque du Soleil.

Irish Christmas in America

When: November 26, 2025

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $45 - $55

This family-friendly performance features lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes and harp. Furthermore, there will be thrilling Irish old-style dancing from Samantha Harvey. In addition, evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas. The finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a fun-filled start to the holiday season.

The Chaos of the Bells

When: November 22 - January 17, 2026

Where: Dudley Riggs Theatre, 824 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Embrace the magic and the madness of a Minnesota Christmas as Brave New Workshop celebrates its 68th holiday season with The Chaos of the Bells. Ring in the holidays or just take a break from the madness with sketches, songs and everyone’s favorite version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Holidays at Crooners

When: November 30 - December 26, 2025

Where: Crooners Supper Club, 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432

Cost: $20 - $50

Celebrate the season with over 50 amazing shows at the Crooners Supper Club, including Arne Fogel: A Crosby Holiday, Masters of Improvisation: Ho Ho Holiday Edition, A Bluegrass Christmas, A Vintage Christmas with Riverside Swing Band, A Naughty and Nice Holiday Spectacular and more.

Dinner for One

When: December 6, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Where: Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Cost: Pay-as-you-can

Based on an iconic slapstick comedy sketch and New Year’s Eve tradition in Europe for over 60 years, DINNER FOR ONE tells the story of a butler helping his employer celebrate her annual dinner party. Unpredictable mishaps and a little too much wine result in a hilarious evening full of physical comedy, music and human connection.

Black Nativity at Penumbra Theatre

When: December 2 - 24, 2025

Where: Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St, St. Paul, MN 55102

Cost: $20 - $45

Remembrance and renewal. A beloved holiday tradition is born anew. Hughes’ masterwork returns to our stage featuring familiar faces and new talent, including new lead vocals and choreography, backed by the Kingdom Life Church Choir. Gather with us to remember those we lost this year and welcome those who will carry the torch.

Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert

When: December 12-13, 2025

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $50 - $107

The Minnesota Orchestra presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete film, with the score performed live-to-picture. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), and many more of your favorite Muppet characters. This special holiday event is fun for the whole family!

Southside Aces: Christmas in New Orleans

When: December 7, 2025

Where: The Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $25 - $40

The Southside Aces have been playing holiday shows for twenty years. They play favorites, lesser-knowns, even originals! When you put holiday tunes through the New Orleans jazz filter, you make Yuletide haters love, and lovers love more!

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

When: December 12-13, 2025

Where: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $36 - $102

The beloved family tradition is back: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet! Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

When: December 14, 2025

Where: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $77 - $103

The Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show returns to the Orpheum Theatre on December 14. This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting including 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

Family Dinner

When: Every Friday & Saturday in November & December 2025

Where: Dudley Riggs Theatre, 824 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $25

Because it’s funny when it’s not your family…After over a decade of sold-out performances, Family Dinner has a new home for the holidays! Created and directed by Twin Cities improv icon Molly Ritchie, Family Dinner will return in December of 2025 at the Dudley Riggs Theatre in Downtown. Minneapolis. A rotating cast of talented improvisers will take the stage for eight performances to explore all the ways that going home for the holidays can be… challenging.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

When: December 8, 2025

Where: Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, 55402

Cost: $50 - $300

You better watch out, you better not cry, because “The Queens of Christmas” (Entertainment Weekly) are coming to Minneapolis with a brand new edition of the internationally acclaimed The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show!

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

When: December 12 – 24, 2025

Where: The Saint Paul Hotel, 350 Market St., St. Paul, MN 55102

Cost: $115-135

Step into the golden age of radio this holiday season with It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play, presented by Blaze Credit Union, at the historic Saint Paul Hotel. Back for its 19th season, this beloved holiday tradition transforms Frank Capra’s timeless film into an immersive, heartwarming theatrical experience. The shows are paired with a three-course holiday meal in the Saint Paul Hotel's elegant ballroom.

Merry and Bright with Charles Lazarus

When: December 14, 2025

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $12 - $78

Give your holidays a boost of big, brassy joy in a performance by Minnesota Orchestra trumpeter Charles Lazarus and his dazzling ensemble, including the fabulous Lazarus Brass. A holiday tradition created by our own trumpeter extraordinaire Charles Lazarus, this concert brings the exuberance of brass to swing arrangements of carols, soulful gospel tunes and boppy pop favorites. Joined by powerhouse vocalists and his high-energy ensemble, Lazarus brings renewed brilliance to beloved classics. (Note: the Minnesota Orchestra does not perform on this program.)

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy

When: December 13 – 21, 2025

Where: State Theater, 805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Cost: $19 - $129

Minnesota Dance Theatre’s beloved holiday tradition returns to the State Theatre with Loyce Houlton’s imaginative choreography, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, and the thrilling dancers of the MDT company and school. Featuring the 44-piece Nutcracker Orchestra conducted by Philip Brunelle, this spectacular dream fantasy creates magical memories for generations to share.

Celtic Holiday Hooley

When: December 17 - 19, 2025

Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Cost: $44 - $64

Returning by popular demand is Celtic Holiday Hooley! Come for some holiday family fun! This hosted variety show is a party for all ages with Irish music, stories, sketches, step dance, caroling and more. Beyond that, it’s wacky good fun for everyone with brief guest appearances from well-known holiday characters including The Grinch and yes, even Santa Claus! Presented by the O’Shea Irish Dancers (who appeared at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in sold-out performances of Kickin’ It Irish.) Choreography and music by original Riverdancer, Cormac O’Sé, of Dublin.

The Snow Queen

When: December 19 - 21, 2025

Where: Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Cost: $50

Warm up from the inside out with Ballet Co.Laboratory's dazzling holiday production, The Snow Queen. Journey with young Gerda as she ventures through magical realms to rescue her brother from the Snow Queen's enchantment. Brimming with wonder and heart, The Snow Queen is your newest family tradition.