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 Charlie Brown Christmas 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.

Last Updated: 10/9/26

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

When: November 3, 2026 - January 3, 2027

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

Cost: $35 - $114

In this holiday favorite filled with music and Seussian rhymes, the Grinch conceives a dastardly plot to destroy the Whos’ beloved holiday—until tiny Cindy Lou extends a hand. Will her combination of kindness and community change the course of Who-History, and the size and capacity of the cantankerous Grinch’s heart?

A Christmas Carol at Guthrie Theater

When: November 11 – December 27, 2026

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

Cost: $31 - $140

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.

The Little Bummer Boy

When: November 12 - January 16, 2027

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

The Little Bummer Boy gives the gift we could all use the most this time of year — laughter! Treat yourself this year and join the longest-running comedy theatre in America for a new holiday tradition with hilarious sketches, songs and everyone's favorite version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Family Dinner

When: November 13 - December 26, 2026 (Fridays and Saturdays only)

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

Cost: $25

Family Dinner is coming home for the holidays! Created and directed by Twin Cities improv icon Molly Ritchie, Family Dinner will return in December of 2026 for a third year at the Dudley Riggs Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. A rotating cast of talented improvisers will take the stage for thirteen performances exploring all the ways that going home for the holidays can be… challenging

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

When: November 24, 2026

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

Cost: $50 - $100

Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this unforgettable production and amazing cast imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season. As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by his deceased business partner and three ghosts who compel him to see life anew and discover that love is the greatest gift we have. The legendary holiday tale re-written as a new American classic features Dickens’ classic characters and Parton’s one-of-a-kind songwriting expertise, making this a holiday event you’ll want to share with those you love. Music and lyrics are written by 11-time Grammy winner Dolly Parton.

A Very Die Hard Christmas

When: November 27 - December 20, 2026

Where: The Hennepin, 900 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $50

A Very Die Hard Christmas makes its jubilant return to the stage with an all-new production in in downtown Minneapolis! This holiday season, you are invited to join the Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza for a raucous, giddy salute to the original movie that pulls in the magic from every holiday special you can remember. Get ready for a wild and hilarious night filled with songs, surprises, puppets, and bloodshed!

Don't miss the return of this yuletide tradition that proves once and for all: Die Hard is a Christmas movie!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

When: December 22-24, 2026

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

Cost: $50 - $160

Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the entire family. Reimagined for 2026, the show features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes – making it the ultimate holiday gift!

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.

Black Nativity at Penumbra Theatre

When: December 1-24, 2026

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

Cost: $20 - $45

Our beloved holiday musical is back! Reimagined for its 34th year, Hughes’ Christmas story dazzles with musical traditions from across the African diaspora, electrifying choreography, and rich visual iconography from long-time company member Seitu Ken Jones. Bring your loved ones to celebrate what it means to care for the oppressed and hold onto hope, even on the darkest of nights.

Very Vintage Holiday Swing Dance

When: December 4, 2026

Where: The Hook and Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN 55406

Cost: $20 - $45

Swing into the holidays with Debbie Briggs Vintage Jazz! Live Band Holiday Swing Dance starring Debbie Briggs. Special guests include: Miss Shannon Butler (Swing Dance instructor), Naomi Uyama (of Naomi & Her Handsome Devils), and Katia Cardenas (of Katia & The Upswing) and more!

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

When: December 4-5, 2026

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

Cost: $36 - $102

Make this the Christmas they’ll never forget with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. Experience the largest Nutcracker production in North America — a breathtaking holiday spectacle featuring world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes, and towering puppets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this grand production transforms the stage into an unforgettable celebration of the season — one your family will treasure for years to come.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

When: December 8, 2026

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

Cost: $50 - $300

The greatest holiday show south of the North Pole is back with another brand spankin’ new wintertide wonder! Award-winning comedy icons, writers, actors, and drag queen powerhouses BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon are coming back to town with the wildly successful, internationally acclaimed, "The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show." Throughout the show’s 9-year history, Jinkx and DeLa have met sentient Christmas treats, twisted space-time with Dickensian Ghosts, ventured to the Nutcracker's Land of Sweets, as well as survived immaculate conceptions, AI, body swaps, and elf attacks. You never know what wild and unexpected sleigh ride these queens have in store.

A Charlie Brown Christmas in Concert

When: December 8-9, 206

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

Cost: $50 - $107

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Sally and Schroeder are coming to Orchestra Hall! Join the Peanuts Gang for a heartwarming production that celebrates Charles M. Schulz’s beloved and timeless story! With actors who bring the iconic characters to life, big-screen animations, and Vince Guaraldiʼs timeless music performed live by the Minnesota Orchestra, this is a special holiday event that the whole family will enjoy.

Home Alone in Concert

When: December 11-13, 2026

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

Cost: $50 - $107

A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live-to-picture by the Minnesota Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s 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!

Nutcracker: A Dream of Becoming

When: December 11-13, 2026

Where: The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts, 516 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Cost: $40 - $50

Join North Ballet Theatre for your favorite holiday tradition and step aboard the Sugar Plum Express in North Ballet Theatre's magical take on the Nutcracker! Follow Clara as she grows through four stages of life; each transformation unfolding with wonder, courage, and discovery. Encounter dazzling lands of sweets, whimsical characters, and breathtaking dances brought to life with the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky’s musical score and fresh storytelling reimagined for today’s audiences.

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy

When: December 12-20, 2026

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

Cost: $19 - $129

Celebrate the season with Minnesota’s beloved holiday tradition! Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy returns to the State Theatre featuring Loyce Houlton’s imaginative choreography, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, and a spectacular cast of local student and professional dancers with special guest artists. With a 44-piece live orchestra, exquisite costumes, and sweeping scenic transformations, this magical dream fantasy creates memories for generations to share.

Celtic Holiday Hooley

When: December 15-18, 2026

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

Cost: $44 - $64

Back by popular demand, Celtic Holiday Hooley returns for another round of holiday fun and warm-fuzzy moments for the whole family. This lively variety show features Irish music, stories, comedy sketches, step dancing, caroling and more. It’s packed with laughs and surprises, including guest appearances from beloved holiday characters like The Grinch and even Santa Claus. Presented by the O’Shea Irish Dancers, known for their sold-out performances of Kickin’ It Irish at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, with choreography and music by original Riverdancer Cormac O’Sé of Dublin. It’s festive, fun and perfect for all ages.

Merry Christmas from José James

When: December 16-17, 2026

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

Cost: $50 - $60

“Merry Christmas from José James” raises the bar for the contemporary Christmas show. James combines the classic jazz-crooner elegance of Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole with the earthy sophistication of soul legends Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. Further, James breathes new life into much-loved holiday classics such as “The Christmas Song”, “White Christmas” and “Let it Snow”. Moreover, the show will feature new compositions by James and his partner Talia Billig. In addition to showcasing his crooner chops, the 50 Shades Darker singer explores his jazz side. The show includes a joyful rendition of John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.”

Southside Aces: Christmas in New Orleans

When: December 18, 2026

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 in Wonderland

When: December 18-20, 2026

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

Cost: $50

Nutcracker in Wonderland returns to the stage for a kaleidoscopic meeting of magic and whimsy. The beloved Nutcracker music takes on new meaning as our holiday classic weaves together two timeless stories—The Nutcracker & Alice in Wonderland for the most curious adventure.