Celebrate the holiday season by witnessing some of the best performances in Charm City.
Experience the magic of the holidays with modern and classic performances by choirs, orchestras, artists, and actors on stages across Baltimore. Charm City has its fair share of performance centers such as the Baltimore Center Stage, the Hippodrome Theater, the Murphy Fine Arts Center, and more.
Their line-up this year offers something for everyone, from the kid-approved Elf on the Shelf musical to the Acoustic Christmas program at Mountain Christian Church. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to enjoy Baltimore’s holiday tradition and take in a Christmas carol or two.
A Christmas Carol
- The Hippodrome Theater | November 30th – December 23rd | Website
Celebrate the holiday season by experiencing A Christmas Carol brought to life! Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption through music, dancing, and haunting storytelling. This show is the perfect way to spend time with your loved ones for the holidays.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
- The Lyric Baltimore | December 20 | Website
A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz, has captured the hearts of millions since it first aired over fifty-five years ago. Now, this classic animated television special comes to life in a faithful stage adaptation that invites the whole family to join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they embark on a journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. After the final bow, the show crescendos into a joyous celebration of song, with the audience joining the Peanuts characters in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage is the perfect holiday gift for families, providing both children and adults a chance to experience the magic of the season together!
Holiday Spectacular
- The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall | December 20th-21st| Website
Every year, The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall transforms into a winter wonderland and their line-up reflects that. You can attend events such as the Holiday Spectacular, all while buying Xmas ornaments, eating cookies, and generally enjoying the joy of the season with your friends and family.
Byron Stripling is joined by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Baltimore Choral Arts Society for a program featuring your favorite holiday music. Plus, the ever-popular tap-dancing Santas return! You’ll hear all the seasonal favorites, some of which the audience is encouraged to sing along to, and you’ll see performances by the popular tap-dancing Santas!
A Magical Cirque Christmas
- National Theatre | December 12-15 | Website
While the lights and sound are more than enough to captivate you, you are not prepared for the spellbinding performances of the cirque artists. Hostess Lucy Darling takes the audience on an enchanting journey that seamlessly meshes seasonal music with the unbelievable feats you see before you. There’s magic, dance, acrobatics, and several other endless talents on display.
A Magical Cirque Christmas is guaranteed to be one of the most enchanting holiday productions of the year. If there’s only one show you choose to attend from this list, make it this one because the entire family will cherish the experience for years.
While this event is about an hour drive from Baltimore, for sure a wonderful time is guaranteed!
Baltimore Symphony: Cirque Nutcracker
- The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall | December 14th – 15th | Website
A versatile and energetic conductor, Nicholas Hersh joins hands with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to lead Troupe Vertigo to new heights – literally!
The Cirque Nutcracker is a fabulous variation of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Attendees of all ages are hypnotized by the sights and sounds of the aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, and other performers. Head on over to The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall to catch this and other performances this holiday season.
Christmas with Choral Arts
- Baltimore Basilica of the Assumption | December 3rd | Website
The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen is a remarkable structure that has been on Baltimore’s North Charles Street since 1959. They host lots of different holiday performances throughout the season, with Christmas concerts changing year after year.
This year, the Roman Catholic Church continues a nearly 40-year-old tradition with their Christmas with Choral Arts event. Directed by Anthony Blake Clark, Baltimore’s Best Brass performs all your holiday choral favorites in a brass ensemble with Leo Wanenchak at the organ.
The Nutcracker – A Magical Tale in Mount Vernon
- The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall | December 14th – 15th | Website
Get ready to be swept away by this reimagined version of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Amy Hall Garner and set against the backdrop of the vibrant Mount Vernon neighborhood in Baltimore. Featuring inspiration from iconic community landmarks like The Walters Art Gallery, Restaurante Tio Pepe, and even the dazzling Fireworks from the Monument Lighting, this adaptation brings the magic of the season to life on stage. Dancers from the Baltimore School for the Arts will captivate audiences with their stunning performance, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. This enchanting reinterpretation is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the holiday season in Baltimore.
Annual Friendsgiving Waltz
- Polish Home Club | November 28th | Website
The Annual Friendsgiving Waltz is a charming tradition held up by local musicians, mostly in and around Fell’s Point. Every year, on the night before Thanksgiving, the musicians come together to put on their version of The Band’s 1976 Farewell Concert, The Last Waltz. All of the proceeds are donated to a local charity and the night is amazing for all.
Holiday Brass
- The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall | December 11th | Website
The BSO Brass Section brings the holiday season to life with its vibrant performance, blending classical and popular favorites to fill the air with warmth and resonance. Don’t miss this festive event that captures the spirit of the season.
Candlelight: Holiday Special Concert
- The Grand | Decem ber19th | Website
The Holiday Special Concert invites guests to a festive experience featuring a live string quartet in a candlelit setting, celebrating the holiday season with beloved songs and timeless music from The Nutcracker. The setlist includes classics like “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Holy Night,” and “The Nutcracker,” creating a merry atmosphere perfect for the holiday season. Have a merry wonderful time at the concert!
A Baroque Christmas Carols
- St. Casimir Church | December 8th | Website
Join Baltimore for a holiday concert that captures the spirit of the season with Handel’s Messiah excerpts, Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio: Cantata I,” and Mozart’s “Et incarnatus est” from the Mass in C minor. Experience the festive orchestration and powerful choruses, alongside Pärt’s “Magnificat” for a meditative touch. Traditional carols like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” arranged by Sir David Willcocks, invite you to join in the joyful celebration.
Handel’s Messiah
- The Music Center at Strathmore | December 21st to 23rd | Website
Join the National Philharmonic for a heartwarming holiday experience as they present Handel’s Messiah, conducted by the dynamic Anthony Blake Clark. The joyous sounds of NatPhil, along with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, will fill the music hall and warm your soul. Featuring exceptional soloists including soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, this concert brings to life one of classical music’s greatest masterpieces. A holiday tradition not to be missed!
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