Amid the lights, feasts, parties and seeing Santa this holiday season, there’s also the live shows to consider. For example, a period-perfect rendition of A Christmas Carol, children singing holiday songs, and a variety show all about Santa. Book a ticket for a holiday concert, festive play, dazzling dance performance, larger-than-life Christmas movie and more.
We have already covered the Nutcracker and how to save on this iconic ballet.
Some shows are a bit pricey, but worth the splurge. We’ll keep looking for ticket deals, but you should always the venue’s web sites for last minutes discounts. You can save money by becoming a member or getting theater subscriptions. Many places also have discounted children’s tickets.
Camp Christmas
Welcome to Camp Christmas! This year the event will take place inside the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora.
November 16 to December 24. While a live performance isn’t really part of Camp Christmas, the layers of art and things to see make this event a production all on its own. Think rooms of holiday cheer, perfect for acting out your own rendition of A Christmas Story or Home Alone. A festive bar keeps spirits high and Santa makes an appearance on select days.
This year there will be special themed nights (more info HERE), and if you come decked out in that night’s highligh, you’ll get 25% off select DCPA shows and 15% off any Camp Christmas merchandise. Kids 2 and under are FREE. Tickets: $12 and up. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora.
A Christmas Carol
The 2022 cast of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Jamie Kraus Photography.
November 17 to December 24. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, the DCPA Theatre Company’s play carries all the drama and tear-jerking scenes one needs. Expect one jump scare and a lot of holiday cheer. Unlike the Muppet version, this production is best for ages 8 and up. Tickets: $35 and up. Wolf Theatre, inside the Denver Center of Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., Denver.
Holiday Hits from Stage & Screen
November 19 at 3 p.m. Vocalists Marion Powers and Robert Johnson perform with the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra for a one-up concert. This afternoon of music features well-known movies and stage performances, like the music of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Best for ages 6 and up. Tickets: $18 and up. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood.
Home Alone in Concert
Go see Home Alone on the big screen with a live score.
November 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Christopher Dragon conducts the Colorado Symphony as they strum out the entirety of Home Alone‘s original score. While the musicians play, the movie will be projected on giant screens for all to see. Tickets: $15 and up. Boettcher Concert Hall, inside the Denver Center of Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., Denver.
Holiday S’wing-a-long With Bianca and the Flyboys
November 26 at 6 p.m. Bring the family for a live holiday concert featuring swing dancing and a 20-minute class pre-show, a magic act by The Magic of Christopher Manos and more. Tickets: $30 for 17-plus, $18 for kids ages 4 to 16, 3 and under FREE. Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd.
Eileen Ivers: Joyful Christmas
November 30 at 7:30 p.m. For Eileen Ivers, Christmas time is a great reason to showcase her Irish and American roots in a production complete with songs, poems, stories and plenty of foot-stomping. The band features a plethora of instruments and voices, perfect for celebrating the joy of the season. Tickets: $35 and up. Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree.
Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum
Go see Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum and get an international taste of the holidays. Photo by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
December 2 to 17. Join this multicultural holiday celebration meant to inspire people of all backgrounds, presented by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. The all-ages show blends dance, live music, spoken word and seasonal celebrations and customs from around the world into this very special production. Tickets: $35 and up. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, 119 Park Ave. W., Denver.
Festival of Lights
December 2 and 3. Listen to holiday music live during this special, two-day show featuring the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra. Also expect a visit by the man of the hour, Santa. Choose from the 7:30 p.m. show on Saturday, or the matinee at 2:30 on Sunday. Tickets: $25 and up; $5 off for seniors, students and military. Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree.
Songs of the Season Neighborhood Choir Concert
December 3 at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy favorite seasonal tunes thanks to the Denver Children’s Choir (DCC), featuring the Summit Singers, Alpine, and Timberline Ensembles along with a special appearance by DCC’s premier ensemble, Altitude. Tickets: $12. Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St., Denver.
Fiestas Navidenas
December 6 and 7. Join ArtistiCO as they take the audience on dancing journey to explore Christmas celebrations throughout Mexico. The dances feature original choreography based on traditional dances, directed by Jose Rosales and Alfonso Meraza Prudente. Tickets: $19 and up. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Gates Concert Hall, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver.
Yippee Ki Yay
Yippee Ki Yay! is a take on the movie Die Hard. Photo by Rod Penn.
December 6 to 23. If you consider Die Hard to be a Christmas movie, this play is for you. See a retelling of the classic film, done by Richard Marsh, who debuted the show at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s a comedy just in time for the holidays. Tickets: $46 to $52. Garner Galleria Theatre, inside the Denver Center of Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., Denver.
Commedia Christmas Carol
December 7 to 9. Tut’Zanni Theatre Company’s take on the classic Dickens’ holiday tale is an interactive, masked foray into holiday shows. This highly physical comedy (think Charlie Chaplin), brings to life wild and wacky characters that wrench the original tale into a working man’s Christmas Carol… where rich people ain’t everything and they ain’t gunna be the savior in the end. Make this show your new holiday tradition — a casual, affordable and fun night out that will leave you realizing what is important during the holiday season, and remembering that laughter really is the best medicine. Tickets: $27.22. Savoy Denver, 2700 Arapahoe St., Denver.
Santa and the Slay
Santa is just one part of this lively show.
December 8 at 7:30 p.m. A slapstick about Santa presented by Northglenn Arts? Sign us up. Enjoy the holiday-themed variety show featuring music, comedy and a cast of talented performers, all for one night only. Tickets: $23 and up. The Parsons Theatre, 1 E Mem Pkwy., Northglenn.
A Colorado Christmas
December 8 to 10. With four performances of A Colorado Christmas, featuring Denver vocalist Devin DeSantis, there’s no reason to miss the family-friendly concert. Expect traditional Christmas carols, new winter ballads and plenty of opportunities to sing along. This year the show also pays homage to the poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Tickets: $15 and up, children 12 and under are $10. Boettcher Concert Hall, inside the Denver Center of Performing Arts, 1101 13th St.
CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival
The 2013 Holiday Concert put on by the College of Music in Macky Auditorium at the University of Colorado Boulder. (Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado).
December 8 to 10. For years this celebration has taken place in Boulder, and this year will be just as merry and bright. Listen to the talents of student choirs, bands and orchestras, along with world-class faculty performers as they perform holiday favorites. Tickets: $23 and up. Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, 1595 Pleasant St., Boulder.
Motones & Jerseys: Holiday Hi-Fi
December 8 to 17. Features a stellar lineup of nine singers, backed by a five-piece band, singing and dancing their way through the greatest songs of the 20th century. Drawing inspiration from the iconic holiday albums of the mid-century, this upbeat holiday presentation features Motown and “Jersey” renditions of such songs as “Blue Christmas,” “O’ Holy Night,” “The Christmas Song,” “Santa Baby” and a show-stopping “Run, Run, Rudolph” that you need to see to believe. Tickets: $28 and up. Aurora Fox Main Stage, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora.
Carols Around the World
Join the crowd and see a holiday show. Photo by Newman Center for the Performing Arts.
December 9 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Listen to holiday songs from all over the globe as the Mile High Barbershop choruses and quartets blend for a magical evening. Tickets: $10 and up. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Gates Concert Hall, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver.
Home For the Holidays
December 14 to 23. Join the decade-old holiday spectacular as singers, dancers and Santa light up the stage. Yes, there is a storyline to follow, though if you just want to sing along that’s fine too. On Sunday, December 17 at 7 p.m. there will be a sensory-friendly show. Tickets: $38 and up. Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree.
Handel’s Messiah
December 16 and 17. Hear the beauty of the famous composer’s masterpiece, done live by the Colorado Symphony. Taylor Martin conducts the orchestra, with four talented singers adding to the magic. Tickets: $15 and up, children 12 and under are $10. Boettcher Concert Hall, inside the Denver Center of Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., Denver.
Elvis Christmas Spectacular
December 19 at 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the King of Rock and Roll with the Colorado Symphony. Expect a symphonic take on Elvis’ Christmas classics including White Christmas, Silver Bells, Silent Night, and more. Tickets: $15 and up, children 12 and under are $10. Boettcher Concert Hall, inside the Denver Center of Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., Denver.
Elf in Concert
Movie still of Will Ferrell in Elf (2003).
December 23 at 7:30 p.m. See Elf the movie on the big screen while enjoying a live concert. Nicholas Hersh conducts as the orchestra plays every song in time to the movie. Pro tip, stay for the credits. Tickets: $15 and up, children 12 and under are $10. Boettcher Concert Hall, inside the Denver Center of Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., Denver.