The best Christmas concerts and shows in Chicago for the holiday season

The Music Institute of Chicago celebrates the holidays with Duke It Out! Nutcracker, its annual music and dance program for families. The Music Institute’s ensemble-in-residence Quintet Attacca and members of Braeburn Brass team up with Dance Chicago for a one-hour rendition of The Nutcracker that alternates between Tchaikovsky's original score and the jazz version by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Stop by the Nichols Concert Hall lobby between 11am and 1pm for for an interactive “instrument petting zoo,” featuring hands-on demonstrations of violins, guitars, pianos and more.

This holiday season, The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the 10th anniversary of two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s interpretation of The Nutcracker. Accompanied Tchaikovsky's classic score, The Nutcracker is a fantastical adventure engaging merging Chicago's rich cultural heritage and the wonder of the season. 

The Goodman Theatre’s annual holiday production of the Charles Dickens classic returns to the stage, with Christopher Donahue and Austin Tichenor taking on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The play has been a staple of the Goodman's calendar for more than 40 years, allowing returning attendees and new generations to see the quintessential Christmas story unfold before their eyes. Prepare to be visited by three spirits—and don't be suprised if A Christmas Carol's touching tale of redemption makes you shed a few tears.

There’s no better place in Chicago for holiday cheer than under Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”), where like-minded songbirds delight in shared songs amidst the twinkling lights of the city Christmas tree and the sounds of laughter from nearby ice skaters. With some hot cocoa in your hand, join local choirs and bands as they lead attendees in a powerful sing-along of joyful holiday carols. This year, the series takes place Fridays at 6pm from December 5–19, with a different choral group highlighted each week.

Experience the holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life, as a 1940s-style live radio play this holiday season at The Athenaeum Center. Set in the venue's Paradiso space, every seat guarantees an intimate experience of George Bailey's renewal of faith in himself, his family and his community. Whether you're returning as part of a cherished holiday tradition or discovering the story's magic for the first time, this production is sure to lift your spirits.

For the 42nd year, Southport Corridor’s favorite historic theater brings three weekends of Christmas singing followed by a double feature of classic holiday films to Chicago’s North Side.  Sit back in plush theater seats with snacks and drinks as you belt “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer” and “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” and just when you’ve worn yourself down, stay for a showing of White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life.

The Loop’s National Historic Landmark Orchestra Hall is ornate enough to dazzle year-round, but shines extra bright for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Merry, Merry Chicago! holiday concert conducted by Alastair Willis. On a stage decked with—literally—boughs of holly, larger-than-life red bows and wreaths, the acclaimed instrumentalists play tunes ranging from beloved holiday favorites to Christmas in Chicago, a local treasure. Before the show and during intermissions, you’ll even hear pop-up performances from Chicago school choirs and community ensembles throughout the halls.

Gezelligheid is a Dutch word that loosely translates to “cozy,” and as the darkest days approach, any Chicagoan knows we need all the comfort we can get. Award-winning singer-songwriter Andrew Bird conjures the sentiment in his 15th annual Gezelligheid concerts at Fourth Presbyterian Church, a holiday concert tradition aiming to bring us together with cheerful, moving music. This year, Bird celebrates the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed record The Mysterious Production of Eggs, performing the record for the first time in its entirety alongside a full orchestra.

Guitar for Guaraldi is an annual tribute series celebrating the catalog of Vince Guaraldi, most famous for his work on the Charlie Brown holiday specials. Embrace the Christmas spirit with some help from the Mich Shirey Trio, who will be performing true-to-form guitar arrangements from A Charlie Brown Christmas, along with nostalgic favorites plucked from Guaraldi’s expansive catalog.

Ravinia, a North Shore arts and culture staple, is celebrating the holiday season with an eclectic Winter Weekend, which offers a little something for everyone: a cappella, klezmer music, a piano cabaret and a kids' classic. The Ravinia Café will be slinging hot cocoa and holiday treats, and the Festival Shop will be selling cozy winter goods. Guests are welcome to walk the park grounds before each day's shows.

Pinkies up! Little ones and their families are invited to ring in the holiday season in style during The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party, an annual trunk and puppet show at the Chicago Children's Theatre that brings Potter's beloved stories to life with whimsy and humor. The play's young viewers get to interact with characters like Tom Kitten, Jeremy Fisher and Peter Rabbit throughout the 60-minute production, which features live music alongside narration and puppetry. 

If your motto is the more saxophone the better, soak up the smooth sounds of Tim Warfield’s Jazzy Christmas show. Joined by a talented band of piano, trumpet, vocalists and more, the American saxophonist embraces the holiday classics you love with new interpretations. Sip a warming cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere at Jazz Showcase, one of Chicago’s most historic clubs. 

A lot of song and a little dance: Experience upbeat jazz and exhilarating tap dance performances at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP)’s annual Holiday Rhythms concerts. Groove to invigorating holiday beats from artists Jumaane Taylor, Brinae Ali, Marty Bronson and Keyana Latimer and the Eric Hochberg Trio. The show is filled with music, dance and joy—and even a complimentary drink and dessert bar so get ready for a holiday celebration (and accompanying treats) like no other. 

Holidays, but make it gay: That’s what Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’s annual concert does best. This year, the 200-person choir will be decking the halls with rhinestones for Holly Dolly Christmas: A very twangy celebration of the one and only Dolly Parton. Whether you’re craving heart-pumping holiday cheer or can’t get enough of country vibes, you’ll be tapping along to tunes—and maybe even singing along yourself. 

Holiday prog-rockers Trans-Siberian Orchestra make their annual trip to Rosemont, arriving just before Christmas with an all-new, over-the-top light show set to overwrought versions of seasonal songs. If you're still not tired of hearing the band's inescapable high-octane rendition of "Carol of the Bells," snag a seat and warm yourself in the glow of searing pyrotechnics and gleaming lasers at one of TSO's Allstate Arena gigs.

Chicago’s favorite German-style outdoor holiday market is more than just a delightful place to snack on stinky cheese (technical term: raclette), shop for European-made trinkets and warm up with glühwein. Each year, Christkindlmarket also features heartfelt performances by various children’s choirs and Phenix Trio, a group famed for getting audiences to sing with them. So sing along, smile and enjoy the cheer amongst the sparkling holiday decor.