As the holiday season approaches, the Los Angeles region is set to dazzle with a variety of enchanting performances that capture the spirit of the festivities.
From timeless classics like “The Nutcracker” to innovative theatrical productions, families can enjoy an array of shows that promise to entertain audiences of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming ballet, a captivating musical or a festive concert, this roundup highlights the best holiday performances in L.A., ensuring there’s something magical for everyone to experience.
Theatrical Productions
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts presents “Fiddler on the Roof” Nov. 8-Dec. 1. Starring Tony Award winner and “Seinfeld” star Jason Alexander, this moving Broadway classic features the musical hits, “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and more. Recommended for ages 6 and up. $21.45-$132. lamiradatheatre.com
The Colony Theatre in Burbank and Imagine Theatre, L.A.’s equity theater for young audiences, present “The Girl Who Made the Milky Way,” Nov. 9-22.The world premiere play inspired by Khoisan folklore follows a young girl through the South African savanna on a magical journey to a time long ago. For ages 5 and up. $20-$30. imaginetheatreca.org
Handspring Puppet Company, the team behind Little Amal, joins Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre to present “Life & Times of Michael K” Nov. 21-24 at The Wallis. Based on J.M. Coetzee’s 1983 Booker Prize-winning novel, this puppet theater adaptation follows a humble man in search of his mother’s ancestral home. Recommended for ages 12 and up. $49-$109. thewallis.org
Lythgoe Family Productions returns to L.A. with “Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: A Pirate’s Christmas” Dec. 13-29 at Scherr Forum Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks. This all-ages singing, swashbuckling comedy adventure will be performed in the popular theater tradition of a British holiday pantomime. $39.50-$59.50. 5startheatricals.com
If the holidays have you feeling nostalgic, bring the family to “Back to the Future: The Musical” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Dec. 26-Jan. 5. The beloved movie has been transformed into a Broadway musical featuring original music by Grammy winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Balard and directed by Tony Award winner John Rando. $44.07-$157.07. scfta.org
‘The Nutcracker’
In its 32nd year, “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” travels to Pasadena Civic Auditorium Dec. 13 and to The Wiltern Dec. 20-21 during its national tour. The all-ages holiday spectacular features acrobatics, 10-foot-tall puppets, hand-painted backdrops and local children’s cast from Grace Ballet who will dance alongside the professional ballerinas. $35-$280. nutcracker.com
The Los Angeles Ballet’s annual holiday performance of “The Nutcracker” returns to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood Dec. 19-28. The very L.A. version of this holiday classic features Spanish-style Hancock Park homes, the moonlit Pacific Ocean and more. $45-$143. dolbytheatre.com
From Dec. 13-14, San Pedro City Ballet performs its version of “The Nutcracker” at the James Armstrong Theatre in Torrance. $45. torrancearts.org
American Ballet Theatre returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts Dec. 12-15 for its critically acclaimed production of “The Nutcracker,” which features a cast of more than 100 performers. VIP “Sweet Seat” tickets include prime seating, a keepsake ornament, poster, chocolates and holiday cookies to make for a special holiday outing. On Dec. 7, little ones ages 5 and up can attend “The Nutcracker for Kids!,” which features an all-ages version of the ballet, plus themed crafts, a photo station and S.T.E.A.M activities before and after the concert. $32.77-$349.17. scfta.org
Holiday Music
TOArts presents the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on Nov. 27 at the Fred Kavli Theatre. The holiday tradition celebrates 35 years of its multimedia concert, featuring classic Christmas hits and 15 musicians playing more than 20 musical instruments. $56.50-$136.50. bapacthousandoaks.com
The community chorus Pasadena Chorale presents “Twilight of the Year” Dec. 14-15 at the Altadena Community Church. Gather for beautiful choral music of the season. FREE. pasadenachorale.org
LA Phil’s “Deck the Hall” holiday concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hallfeatures a concert for everyone, including the family-favorite annual Holiday Sing-Along. On Dec. 14, EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson sings songs from her new album “The Gift of Love.” On Dec. 18, catch “Home Alone in Concert” Dec. 21-22 and more. $39-$209. laphil.com
On Dec. 24, the 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with a free evening of music, dance and more. The all-ages performance features L.A.-based performers and artists live on stage and streaming on PBS SoCal. FREE. musiccenter.org
Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.
