2025 Holiday Shows in Southern California – The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol & More
KIDSGUIDE | HolidayGuide
Holiday Shows in Southern California
Updated: November 2025
Holiday show season has officially arrived, and Southern California is packed with festive performances for every family. From classic Nutcrackers and cozy Dickens tales to high-energy concerts, marionette magic, Disney favorites, and brand-new holiday productions, this year’s lineup is bigger than ever.
We pulled together everything hitting the stage from November through January so you can plan a fun, seasonal outing — whether it’s a long-time tradition or your kid’s very first show. Browse the full list below and start your holiday countdown.
A Christmas Carol
South Coast Repertory | Costa Mesa
November 29 – December 28, 2025
Make this season merry and bright with A Christmas Carol — the beloved classic that captures the heart of the holidays. Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and all your favorite Dickens characters on a life-changing journey filled with festive music, joyful dancing and the timeless magic of the season. It’s the perfect way to share traditions with loved ones—and rekindle your holiday spirit.
Festival Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
Irvine Barclay Theatre | Irvine
December 6-24, 2025
Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly breathtaking production features superb colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, our heroine Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands.
Nutcracker Tea Party: Make your experience even more magical with the pre-show Nutcracker Tea Party (additional purchase). Enjoy finger sandwiches, petit fours and scones with tea and lemonade. Characters from The Nutcracker ballet will join the party. Photo ops and a party favor for each guest is included.
A Snow White Christmas
Laguna Playhouse | Laguna Beach
December 6-28, 2025
Experience the magic of A Snow White Christmas! This festive panto from the Lythgoe Family blends timeless fairy-tale charm with dazzling pop tunes—from Lady Gaga to Bruno Mars—in a laughter-packed, interactive journey. With Muddles the jester guiding the fun—complete with zany audience banter—and a wicked Queen to boo and hiss, every moment is a riot of song, slapstick, and sparkle. Add in awe-inspiring dancing, playful puppetry of the dwarfs, and singalong moments perfect for all ages, and you’ve got a joyous holiday treat.
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Costa Mesa
December 11-21, 2025
Celebrate the season with American Ballet Theatre’s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker, created by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky and brought to life with Pacific Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s score. Clara’s dream unfolds through dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, a mouse army, and a cast of more than 100 performers, complemented by Richard Hudson’s sets and costumes.
VIP Sweet Seats: A limited number of Sweet Seats include prime Orchestra seating, a keepsake ornament, a collectible poster, Läderach chocolates, a holiday cookie, and a commemorative 10th Anniversary tote bag.
Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance
December 11-5: Honda Center, Anaheim
December 18-21: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
December 25-28: Toyota Arena, Ontario
January 1-4: Long Beach Arena, Long Beach
Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance! is bringing the party to SoCal, and the guest list is jam-packed with audience favorite Disney characters! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy have become DJ’s, remixing Disney tunes into colorful stories at this all-new state-of-the-art ice show.
Goofy’s Ho-Ho Holiday Sing Along: Arrive early for special interactive holiday sing-along pre-show. Included with every show ticket.
Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular
The Soraya | Northridge
December 20-22, 2025
The Soraya celebrates Nochebuena’s 10th anniversary with an expanded schedule of performances, leading right into the holidays. The Soraya’s holiday favorite provides captivating entertainment that highlights Mexico’s many vibrant regions and family traditions. Throughout the decade, some of Mexico’s most beloved stars have joined the celebration, a tradition continued in 2025 with Mexican actress and multi-nominated Grammy and Latin Grammy vocalist Ximena Sariñana.
Swan Lake Jr.
La Mirada Theatre | La Mirada
Saturday, January 17, 2026 • 2pm
Introduce children to the magic of ballet through a reimagined version of Swan Lake created just for young audiences. This shortened adaptation highlights selected excerpts of Tchaikovsky’s score and showcases a colorful mix of dance styles—from classical ballet to hip-hop to jazz. Six dancers play every role, guided by a narrator who keeps the story fun, engaging, and interactive.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s Winter Wonderland
Bob Baker Marionette Theater | Los Angeles
November 15, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Bob Baker Marionette Theater presents a festive holiday show led by Demi Star, featuring BBMT traditions like sledding slopes, caroling penguins, Santa’s workshop, and familiar characters celebrating the season in true marionette style.
Robin Hood & the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen
Rose Center Theater | Westminster
November 21 – December 21, 2025
Rose Center Theater presents a new musical set in Sherwood Forest, blending humor, adventure, romance, a sweeping live score, and Broadway-caliber performances. Robin Hood, Marian, and the Merry Men take on festive moments and heroic fun in this family-friendly holiday story.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
November 22: Pasadena Civic Auditorium | Pasadena
December 20: The Wiltern Theatre | Los Angeles
December 21: La Mirada Theatre | La Mirada
Talmi Entertainment’s long-running holiday tour features renowned ballerinas and danseurs from leading opera houses, vibrant new choreography blending ballet, puppetry, and acrobatics, and a cast of 40 Vaganova-trained dancers. With towering puppets, hand-painted backdrops, and elaborate costumes, this colorful production brings a lively spin to the classic story.
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
Terrace Theater | Long Beach
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 7:30pm
Celebrate Home Alone’s 35th anniversary with a big-screen screening followed by a moderated interview and audience Q&A with Macaulay Culkin. Fans can enjoy stories from filming, behind-the-scenes memories, and a fun look back at this holiday classic.
Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker
Grove of Anaheim | Anaheim
November 28-29, 2025
Anaheim Ballet presents Clara’s journey as her Nutcracker Doll transforms a woeful winter into a fanciful feast in Candyland. Expect a towering Christmas tree, waltzing flowers, toy soldiers, and menacing mice in this classic holiday tradition featuring updated staging and memorable scenes.
Scrooge! The Musical
Chance Theater | Anaheim
November 28 – December 21, 2025
Chance Theater presents a musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic, following Scrooge through his Christmas Eve journey with Marley and the three spirits. With memorable songs and a blend of humor and heart, this production highlights the story’s themes of redemption and holiday spirit.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Honda Center | Anaheim
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns with its rock-opera style holiday show, combining electric guitars, symphonic arrangements, and a massive light display. The Ghosts of Christmas Eve brings fan-favorite songs, powerful vocals, and TSO’s signature high-energy performance for a big, arena-style holiday night.
Yuletide Cinemaland
Heritage Square Museum | Los Angeles
November 29 – December 23, 2025
Join Street Food Cinema for an immersive holiday experience featuring Victorian holiday home tours, twinkling light tunnel, food trucks, holiday market, live piano sing-alongs, photo ops, and holiday films under the stars. See the full movie schedule online.
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker
Sierra Madre Playhouse | Sierra Madre
November 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Bob Baker Marionette Theater brings its 1969 marionette adaptation of the classic ballet, featuring Clara, the Nutcracker, the Sugarplum Fairy, and whimsical BBMT creations. Large-scale marionettes and intricate sets create a dreamscape version of this long-loved holiday tradition.
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center | Redondo Beach
December 4-14, 2025
Debbie Allen gives the classic Nutcracker a fresh spin with lively characters, new music, diverse choreography, aerial arts, and bold projection. Known from the Netflix documentary “Dance Dreams,” this version brings an energetic mix of storytelling and spectacle for all ages.
A Merry-achi Christmas
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts | Cerritos
Friday, December 5, 2025 • 7pm
Maestro José Hernández joins Mariachi Sol de México for a festive holiday fiesta featuring treasured seasonal classics and favorites from the mariachi songbook.
Home Alone in Concert
Walt Disney Concert Hall | Los Angeles
December 5-7, 2025
This holiday favorite comes to life with John Williams’ score performed live to picture, conducted by David Newman. Follow 8-year-old Kevin McCallister as he outsmarts two bungling thieves in this comedy classic’s 35th-anniversary celebration for the whole family.
The Return of Peppermint Prince
Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa
December 5-14, 2025
Orange Coast College’s Repertory Theatre Company presents an original Christmas melodrama featuring sing-alongs, audience banter, and a children’s joke contest, plus a complimentary ice cream treat at intermission. The story travels to Sweetieville, where the holiday fun unfolds with a playful mix of music and mischief.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Chance Theater | Anaheim
December 5-21, 2025
Chance Theater brings back this festive holiday story filled with elegant wrapping paper, decorations, Christmas cookies, and of course, plenty of tinsel. Nancy is thrilled about her new sparkly tree topper, but when things don’t go as planned, she discovers what truly makes the season splendiferous.
The Nutcracker for Kids
Segerstrom Concert Hall | Costa Mesa
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Join Pacific Symphony for a narrated adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s ballet designed for young audiences, featuring dancers from the American Ballet Theatre. Kids can journey to the Land of Sweets with Clara and enjoy themed lobby activities, crafts, games, and an instrument petting zoo.
Studio Fusion’s The Nutcracker
CSULB University Theater | Long Beach
December 6-7, 2025 • 6pm & 1pm
This staged retelling follows Clara and the Nutcracker from the Land of the Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets. The production features Tchaikovsky’s music, character-driven storytelling, and dancers portraying the classic roles from this traditional holiday ballet.
All About Santa
Santa Monica Playhouse | Santa Monica
December 6-7 & 13-14, 2025
Follow a North Pole story where Santa disappears and Mrs. Claus, elves, toy soldiers, and dolls keep things running while unexpected “Suits” cause trouble. Families help guide the tale in this interactive Victorian-style holiday musical filled with playful characters and cheer.
A Christmas Carol
Long Beach Playhouse | Long Beach
December 6-21, 2025
Long Beach Playhouse presents a quick-paced, highly theatrical retelling of Dickens’ classic. Scrooge meets the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future as they reveal the cost of his miserly ways and the warmth generosity can bring.
Narrated Nutcracker for Children & Families
Central Library | Huntington Beach
December 11-12, 2025
Festival Ballet Theatre’s lavish 45-minute, narrated rendition of The Nutcracker is specially designed to introduce young children to the beauty of classical ballet and music.
A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail
The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot | La Habra
December 12-21, 2025
Families can follow Pooh, Piglet, and friends as they search for Eeyore’s missing tail in this musical adventure. The show features lively songs, lighthearted storytelling, and a theme centered on caring, sharing, and friendship.
Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Royce Hall | UCLA: December 12-14, 2025
Dolby Theatre | Los Angeles: December 19-28, 2025
Los Angeles Ballet follows Clara and her Nutcracker through a memorable battle with the Mouse King and into the Land of Snow and Palace of the Dolls. This version keeps classic traditions while adding a Southern California twist, from Hancock Park to Big Bear to the moonlit Pacific.
Jingle & Mingle
Pasadena Playhouse | Pasadena
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Pasadena Playhouse students present a holiday concert with songs, stories, a Frozen megamix, and a community singalong. The free Holiday Open House adds crafts, mini performances, behind-the-scenes fun, and family photo spots throughout the theater.
Long Beach Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Long Beach Terrace Theater | Long Beach
December 13-14 & 20-21, 2025
The Long Beach Ballet continues to host its annual holiday tradition of presenting The Nutcracker. This production boasts a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on-stage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 200.
Mariachi Divas Swingin’ Navidad
Downey Theatre | Downey
Sunday, December 14, 2025 • 5pm
Mariachi Divas bring their holiday concert back to Downey with a mix of mariachi, jazz, swing, and pop. Expect festive music, bright energy, and fun seasonal flair.
Navidad en México
La Mirada Theatre | La Mirada
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno returns with a holiday production highlighting Mexico’s festive traditions through music, song, and dance.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
December 12: Fox Theater | Riverside
December 17: YouTube Theater | Los Angeles
Cirque Musica blends acrobatics, aerial acts, and holiday music in a circus-style show featuring the ensemble’s impressive stunts and live performances. Families can enjoy a lively mix of circus artistry and familiar seasonal melodies.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live
The Novo | Los Angeles
Friday, December 19, 2025
This touring production brings Charles M. Schulz’s classic story to the stage with the full Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, and Linus share songs, dancing, and a sweet, family-friendly take on the holiday season.
The Nutcracker
Downey Theatre | Downey
December 20-21, 2025
Dance to Your Heart’s Delight brings its 21st annual Nutcracker to the stage with a classical take on Tchaikovsky’s score and the story’s beloved characters. This holiday tradition highlights the spirit and imagination of the season in a graceful, family-friendly production.
Fiesta Navidad
Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Costa Mesa
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Enjoy a vibrant holiday concert featuring Grammy-winning Mariachi Los Camperos with festive music, colorful dance, and Mexican Christmas traditions.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts | Cerritos
Saturday, December 27, 2025 • 8pm
Enjoy a holiday variety show featuring world-class cirque performers and festive musical numbers in a family-friendly production. This seasonal event blends acrobatics, choreography, and classic holiday songs into an evening of lively entertainment for all ages.
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This post was written by Kidsguide
