5 Shows To See In Chicago This Holiday Season

There’s no shortage of talent in Chicago during the holiday season, and the abundance of remarkable performances, traditions, and holiday spirit make spending the holidays in Chicago both entertaining and memorable. Between the chilly temperatures, snow, and beautiful city lights, Chicago is the perfect city for sharing in the season’s joy, and by purchasing tickets to theatrical performances, you’ll find a way to stay warm and keep the festivities going. Here are 5 can’t-miss shows to mark on your calendar.

A Christmas Carol

At the Albert Goodman Theatre, A Christmas Carol in Chicago shines for its 39^th year to date, as it welcomes people of all ages and embodies the spirit of the holidays. Since its first performance in 1978, people wait all year to see this timeless tale of Christmas, artful mastery of technique, and a unique level of diversity that epitomizes the Chicago culture. The show runs from November 19^th to December 31^st.

The Nutcracker

It’d be a shame to miss this classical performance during the holiday season in Chicago. Christopher Wheeldon premiers this year in Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker and will bring an innovative take to the traditional masterpiece. Incorporating dance performances by local dancers, as well as musical pieces with local children’s choirs, to complement the entire Company’s wondrous talent, it’s a ballet packed with talent, design, and classical music, played by the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra. The show runs from December 10^th to the 30^th at Auditorium Theatre.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Unleash your inner child and partake in a fun-loving, lighthearted experience suited for children and adults, alike. The classic cartoon and comic strip, A Charlie Brown Christmas, brings joy and inspiration, as it acts a reminder of youth and play, for adults, and introduces a younger crowd to holiday traditions and spirit. The show runs from November 11^th to January 8^th at the Water Tower Place, so there’s ample time to get tickets.

The Phantom Of The Opera

Making it’s return to Chicago, The Phantom of The Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber will introduce Cameron Mackintosh’s artful creativity in taking the performance to new and exciting heights. Its original costume design and remarkable score make it one of the largest productions currently on tour. The show runs from December 14^th to January 8^th at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, so make sure to get your tickets for this short, holiday season.

Illumination At The Morton Arboretum

Watch the innovative, creative, and vibrant display of lights and technology at the Tree Lights Show At Morton Arboretum in Chicago this holiday season. Titled Illumination, this show features a mile-long adventure through the woods, brightened by dancing lights and live projections to stimulate the imagination. Musical accompaniment includes pieces from The Nutcracker recorded by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among other entertainment. The show runs from November 18^th to January 2^nd.

If you’re choosing to celebrate the holidays in Chicago this year, boost your spirit and mind with these inspiring performances to boost creativity, thought, and glee. It’ll make for a memorable experience found nowhere else.