Holiday Fun Takes to the Stage

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Cincinnati is a theater town, and it dazzles any time of year. For a family outing, entertaining guests, or as a gift, heading to the theater is a great way to enjoy music, dance and more.

From family favorites to new productions, Cincinnati has plenty of options this holiday season. 

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents: Every Christmas Story Ever Told 

December 10 – 28

CSC’s holiday smash hit Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol soon devolves into a slightly irreverent (but undeniably adoring) look at all of your “Beloved Holiday Classics,” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, Rudolph, Charlie Brown, and more! Add in topical references that always keep this annual tradition fresh and fun as we send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in an evening of high-octane jollity and frivolity.

Content Advisory: Continues mild adult humor, not recommended for anyone who still believes in Santa. 

Cincinnati Ballet presents: The Nutcracker

December 18-28

Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition, The Nutcracker presented by Sheakley Family, will delight audiences at Music Hall, December 18 -28, 2025. Journey to the Land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince and make lasting family memories.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents: A Christmas Carol

Through December 28

The holiday story you love unfolds with dazzling set, costume, and lighting designs to create a magical experience for your family!

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra presents: Holiday Pops

December 12-14

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry returns to the Music Hall stage for an evening of Holiday magic!

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati presents: It’s Fritz! 

Through December 31

In a zoo full of stars, he’s ready to shine! Everyone knows Fiona the hippo, but her little brother Fritz is still figuring out who he wants to be. In this new family-friendly musical, Hippo Cove’s newest arrival is ready to wade out of the background and into his own big moment. Having a world-famous big sister, though, makes Fritz wonder if there’s any spotlight left for him. When he sets out to find what makes him special, the path isn’t always clear, but with some help from the zoo’s colorful cast of animals, Fritz discovers that standing out starts by listening, learning, and leaning on those who believe in you. Full of humor and heart—and a few muddy puddles along the way!—this is a story about family, finding your place, and the courage it takes to create your own splash. Madeira’s own illustrator and author, Loren Long created the artwork to promote this production.

Due to the full-length nature of the show, children under 4 cannot be admitted.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents: Elf the Musical, JR

During the holiday season, CTC is bringing back one of the company’s most popular productions in its 105-year history with a show that is sweeter than maple syrup— the JR. (one-hour) version of Elf The Musical! Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious journey from the North Pole to New York City in this heartwarming and hilarious holiday favorite. Bonus: if you haven’t been there yet, now’s your chance to see the restored Emery Theater.

Public performances December 5-7, 13-14, & 20-21