Arguably no city offers a holiday theater menu as big or eclectic as Chicago’s. From the North Side to South Side and even in the suburbs, companies are summoning classic Scrooges, remixing chestnuts and bringing forth fresh stories to get you in the mood for celebration, gift-giving and time with loved ones.
What follows is a list of nearly 30 holiday-themed shows from multiple productions of classics such as “A Christmas Carol,” to festive comedies at Second City and the Annoyance Theatre.
This year also brings the premiere of a farcical rip of the Real Housewives franchise with “The Real Housewives of the North Pole,” along with a few fun other risque options for adults with “Naughty Noel” and the return of “The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show.”
Some shows are open now; you’ll find those at the top. Others open as the season progresses. However you like to celebrate, we have you covered. Thoughts? Suggestions? Tell us at arts@wbez.org.
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
Where: Marriott Theatre
When: Through Jan. 4
If you’re a fan of Million Dollar Quartet you are in for a treat: This show brings Rock n’ Roll legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley to the stage for a Christmas performance that bridges past and present.
If you go: 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire; tickets from $70
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Where: Paramount Theatre
When: Through Jan. 11
A Christmas classic. Two war vets have become a song-and-dance duo. They meet equally talented sisters and head to a ski resort in Vermont, yielding a grand performance that is a wonderful holiday spectacle.
If you go: 23 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora; tickets from $35
Miracle on South Division Street
Where: Citadel Theatre
When: Through Dec. 14
Family, faith and religion are the main ingredients of this show, with plenty of comedy sprinkled on top. A New York family has a long-held belief in a miraculous Christmas Eve story — until one family member flips it into a one-woman show.
If you go: 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest; tickets from $45
A Christmas Carol
Where: Goodman Theatre
When: Through Dec. 31
This is a classic staging of a classic tale. The story by Charles Dickens featuring the miser Scrooge and the three Christmas ghosts has been told and retold for more than 100 years. The Goodman has been producing the show every holiday season for nearly 50 years. This year the show is directed by BOLD Artistic Producer Malkia Stampley.
If you go: 170 N. Dearborn St.; tickets from $44
The Real Housewives of the North Pole
Where: Hell in a Handbag Productions – The Clutch
When: Through Jan. 4
In this world premiere play, the North Pole is in trouble: Santa has been indicted for fraud. It’s up to Mrs. Ruth Claus, Mrs. Frosty The Snowman, Suzy Snowflake and Gladys Dasher to save the day. This holiday comedy may feature fun, cartoonish characters, but it is for adults.
If you go: 4335 N. Western Ave.; tickets from $36.25
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Where: Oil Lamp Theater
When: Through Dec. 28
This show flips Frank Capra’s classic into a live radio play. Set in the fictional WBFR radio studio, the play uses foley sound effects to tell the tale of George Bailey wishing he was never born.
If you go: 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview; tickets from $55
Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley
Where: McAninch Arts Center, presented by Buffalo Theatre Ensemble
When: Through Dec. 21
Co-written by Lauren Gunderson, who is America’s most produced living playwright, and Margot Melcon, this comedy is the third and final installment of the Christmas at Pemberly trilogy. Pemberley is the estate of Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice.” With themes of relationships, sisterhood and adventure, this rom-com is a Christmas treat for both theater lovers and Jane Austen fans.
If you go: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn; tickets from $50
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
Where: American Blues Theater
When: Through Dec. 28
This warm holiday classic has graced the stage of American Blues Theater for nearly 25 years. This live retelling of the Frank Capra 1940s radio broadcast features original music and classic holiday carols.
If you go: 5627 N. Lincoln Ave., tickets from $24.50
Holidazed and Amused
Where: Second City
When: Through Jan. 1
This show takes Second City’s trademark fast-paced satirical improv comedy, and gives it a festive spin. With improvised sketches, this holiday show will be a little different each night, and a fun way to enjoy a holiday-themed performance.
If you go: 1616 N. Wells St. 2nd floor.; tickets from $39
Rudolph Runs Wild
Where: Second City
When: Through Dec. 28
Sketch comedy for kids? Yes… and… it will be fun for the whole family. Children are encouraged to participate, and shout ideas, while grown-ups get in “trouble” for interrupting (which will be especially fun for kids). Lots of participation and holiday themes make this improv show entertaining for the whole family.
If you go: 1616 N Wells St. 2nd floor.; tickets from $29
Who’s Holiday!
Where: Theater Wit
When: Through Dec. 28
Have you ever wondered what happened to little Cindy Lou Who after the events of “The Grinch”? Well, here’s your answer: She’s all grown up, living in a trailer and ready for her tell-all. This boozy one-person show for adults is in its fifth year in Chicago with Veronica Garza returning in the lead role. Someone in the audience will be taking a shot of Malört. Everyone will get a laugh.
If you go: 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets from $39
A Christmas Carol
Where: Drury Lane
When: Through Dec. 27
This wouldn’t be Holiday season if you didn’t have plenty of options to see Ebenezer Scrooge on stage. This suburban production at Drury Lane features falling snow, magical illusions and Brad Armacost returning to the lead role of Scrooge for a run that’s spanned over a decade.
If you go: 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; tickets from $42
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Where: Lifeline Theatre
When: Through Dec. 21
Have you ever wondered what the deal was with Ebenezer Scrooge’s friend Jacob Marley in “A Christmas Carol”? Lifeline has the answer. Marley makes a brief yet memorable appearance in the classic Dickens play, but in this production, he’s the centerpiece, with one actor playing 19 characters to tell the tale. This show is written by Tom Mula, who had a run years ago as Scrooge at the Goodman.
If you go: 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.; tickets from $30
Miracle at Century High School
Where: The Annoyance Theatre
When: Through Dec. 20
In this original Christmas musical, a high school drama teacher is faced with writing an award-winning musical to save his job. He’s faced with a plethora of comedic challenges and set-backs that include a visit from the ghost of Charles Dickens.
If you go: 851 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets from $20
The Long Christmas Dinner
Where: Bramble Arts Loft, presented by TUTA Theatre
When: Dec. 1- 28
This classic play by Thornton Wilder was originally produced in 1931. In one act it follows one family’s Christmas dinner over nine decades. The play explores generational connections and the ways people who come before us can influence our lives.
If you go: 5545 N. Clark Street; tickets from $20
Elf the Musical
Where: The Auditorium, presented by Broadway in Chicago
When: Dec. 2-15
Inspired by the film starring Will Ferrell, this musical is fun for the whole family. Buddy the Elf learns he’s human and heads to New York City to find his father. The story has become a modern Christmas classic and the musical version resonated with audiences old and young on Broadway.
If you go: 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive.; tickets from $55
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Where: Beverly Arts Center
When: Dec. 3-23
This Chicago Kids Company production follows Mrs. Claus and the Elf class of 2025 after Santa has lost his list. They embark on a music-filled journey to save Christmas.
If you go: 2407 W. 111th St.; tickets from $18
John C. Reilly is Mister Romantic
Where: Steppenwolf Theatre
When: Dec. 4-7
After seeing funnyman John C. Reilly in films like “Step Brothers” and “Talladega Nights,” the words that come to mind to describe him may not be “Mister Romantic.” But he is hilarious, and the thought of him onstage for a vaudeville style holiday show is alluring. Three of the four performances are sold out, so if you’re intrigued, act fast.
If you go: 1650 N. Halsted St.; tickets from $99
Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs ‘A Christmas Carol’ Again
Where: Theater Wit
When: Dec. 4-28
After begrudgingly watching “A Christmas Carol” year after year, this reinvention is more than welcome. In this production, a 200-year-old Dickens has been cast, yet again, to perform the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. But this year, he has a few tricks up his sleeve to spice things up.
If you go: 1229 W. Belmont Ave., tickets from $30
Naughty Noel
Where: Experience 868
When: Dec. 4-Jan. 3
If you’re looking for a change of pace in holiday productions, this show is for you. Christmas cabaret meets burlesque and cirque for a performance that provides a festive twist. With plenty of acrobatics, cocktails and seduction, this is a sexy holiday experience for adults.
If you go: 868 N. Franklin St., tickets from $85
A Black Ensemble Holiday Spectacular 2025
Where: Black Ensemble Theater
When: Dec. 6-14
Celebrate the holidays Black Ensemble style: with lots of joy and wonderful music. This show features a lineup of the Uptown theater’s regular performers diving into holiday hits old and new for the audience to sing along, dance in their seats and leave with their holiday spirits lifted.
If you go: 4450 N. Clark St., tickets from $47
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party
Where: Chicago Children’s Theatre
When: Dec. 6-28
Four of Beatrix Potter’s stories come to life in this interactive trunk and puppet show. Yes, this is your kiddos’ chance to meet and play with Peter Rabbit. But this show also features original music and a post-show event with snacks. Kids can even play with puppets and take photos with the cast.
If you go: 100 S. Racine Ave.; tickets from $50
The Jinkx and De La Holiday Show
Where: Chicago Theatre
When: Dec. 7
Drag queens BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon return to Chicago with their live holiday show. For eight years, the powerhouse queens have delighted audiences with sentient Christmas treats, adventures with Dickens’ ghosts, and wild renditions of holiday traditions. This show is a celebration of community, but it is for adults only.
If you go: 175 N. State St.; tickets from $52.95
Porchlight Sings the Season
Where: Rhapsody Theater, presented by Porchlight Theatre
When: Dec. 8 – 9
Porchlight celebrates the holiday season with a concert of music from Broadway. Luminaries from the company will perform songs from “Mame,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Holiday Inn” and more.
If you go: 1328 W. Morse Ave.; tickets from $65
A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty
Where: Steppenwolf Theatre
When: Dec.12 – 13
Chicagoans will remember Tony-nominated Broadway star Megan Hilty for her recent run in “Death Becomes Her” at Cadillac Palace Theatre. The show is now on Broadway, and Hilty is still in the lead role of Madeline Ashton. For one weekend in December, you can catch Hilty at Steppenwolf performing classic and contemporary holiday hits.
If you go: 1650 N. Halsted St.; tickets from $99
Manual Cinema’s A Christmas Carol
Where: Studebaker Theater
When: Dec.12-28
In this unique rendition of the Dickens classic, Manual Cinema blends shadow-puppetry, live acting, hand-puppets, immersive sound design and live music into a one-of-the-kind holiday theater experience. The show centers a Holiday Zoom call that turns spooky with visits from three ghosts.
If you go: Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets from $54.50
Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Clowns
Where: City Lit Theater
When: Dec.12-Jan. 4
In this story, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves in the country, joining a comrade of Watson’s for the holidays. When a priceless present is stolen during a Christmas performance, Holmes and Watson spring into action to find the thief.
If you go: 1020 W. Bryn Mawr., tickets from $23
Mika Scrooge
Where: ETA Theatre, presented by Urban Broadway Theatre Group
When: Dec.12-14
In this fresh flip of the Dickens classic, Mika Scrooge, a ruthless music mogul, has made millions for her beats, but her heart has turned cold. When her late business partner makes a supernatural visit, she’s forced to revisit her past and reconsider her future.
If you go: 7558 S. Chicago Ave., tickets from $35
A Soulful Motown Christmas
Where: Harris Theater for Music and Dance
When: Dec. 13
This enchanting evening will feature Chicago musicians performing renditions of Holiday hits from Motown. If you’re a fan of The Temptations “Silent Night,” this is the show for you.
If you go: 205 E. Randolph St.; tickets from $42.50
Mike Davis is a theater reporter who covers stages across Chicago.