Celebrate the 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 in 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 is offering something for everyone, with the kid-approved Elf on the Shelf musical to the Acoustic Christmas program at Mountain Christian Church.
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A Christmas Story, The Musical
The Hippodrome Theater | December 21st – 23rd | Website
Nominated for three Tony Awards and with a glowing review from the New York Times, A Christmas Story, The Musical is coming all the way to Baltimore this year. The same songwriting team behind La La Land and Dear Evan Hanson transform the classic 1983 movie seamlessly to the big stage.
You’ll get to follow along with Ralphie Parker as he plots one hilarious mishap after another trying to get the toy of his dreams for the holidays. Set in Indiana, you’ll see all the aspects that made the movie so popular like the triple-dog-dare that went wrong and a delirious department store Santa.
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
The Lyric Baltimore | November 13th | Website
Elf on the Shelf has taken over our lives over the years, and now they’re taking over Baltimore. Let this live stage musical put you in the seasonal spirit and transport you to Santa’s Scout Elves in the North Pole.
There are brilliant sets, sparkling costumes, and exciting song and dance – all as the audience is captivated by the joyous and captivating storyline of the elves and Santa himself. It’s the perfect holiday activity for all ages, from the young to the young at heart.
Sign up for the VIP experience and you can have your very own exclusive photograph in front of the North Pole with some Scout Elves!
Holiday Spectacular
The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall | December 19th | 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.
Directed by Anthony Blake Clark, Holiday Spectacular combines the talents of Broadway musical director, Andy Einhorn, as well as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society. 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
The Lyric Baltimore | November 27th | 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.
Baltimore Symphony: Cirque Nutcracker
The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall | December 10th – 12th | 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
Cathedral of Mary Our Queen | December 7th | 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 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.
Acoustic Christmas
Mountain Christian Church | December 3rd | Website
Five-time GRAMMY winner Steven Curtis Chapman is touring and will be in Baltimore this Christmas. The multitalented Christian music singer, songwriter, record producer, social activist, author, and actor can be found at the Mountain Christian Church for the holidays.
Acoustic Christmas is his rendition of all of your Christmas favorites! His 31-destination tour kicks off on September 30th in South Carolina and he’ll be in Joppa, MD for one night only before eventually heading to Florida. Catch him in action in this exclusive experience!
Joyful Holiday Christmas
Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena | December 31st | Website
Expect all 6,000 seats at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena to sell out for their Joyful Holiday Christmas Experience! The party starts on New Year’s Eve and is a fabulously spiritual way to start the new year. This transforming religious experience will include performances by Marvin Sapp, the Clark Sisters, Le’Andria Johnson, Ricky Dillard, Charles Jenkins, and more.
Annual Friendsgiving Waltz
Polish Home Club | November 24th | 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.
Winter Wonderland
The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall | December 4th | Website
Conductor Jonathan Rush takes the entire family on a whirlwind musical journey in Winter Wonderland. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, alongside the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, performs your festive favorites whether it be Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite or Disney’s Frozen, creating the perfect blend of popular and classical music.
The night of musical merriment lasts around an hour and is perfect for children 5 years and older; there will also be cool-down areas for viewing the concert to provide a better experience for children on the autism spectrum or who are affected by sensory anxiety.
