45+ Amazing Christmas Concerts In Washington, D.C. (2023)

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… concerts, that is.

Get ready to see the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, and many more theater and dance companies, orchestras, ballet companies and even a few drag queens.

Washington Ballet The Nutcracker in Washington DC

Why We Love Christmas Concerts in Washington DC

Christmas is, hands down, one of the most wondrous times of the year. As the weather turns brisk, twinkling lights shine bright against the blanket of snow that covers the city.

There are decorations on every corner and you can hear the constant jingle of Christmas carols no matter where you are – almost like magic! The cherry on top is to enjoy the season with your friends and family as you attend one of many Christmas plays, concerts, and musicals in Washington, D.C.

I’ve always been a theater and music nerd, so Christmas in Washington DC is one of my happiest times of year.

Performances of the The Nutcracker in Washington DC

The Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker

Address: Warner Theatre
Date: December 2-30
Tickets: starting at $49
Website

No matter your age, there’s something about The Nutcracker that makes you reminiscent of childhood traditions, winter wonderlands, and that warm fuzzy feeling that often comes along with the holidays.

Add to it the original period costumes, stunning set designs, and Tchaikovsky’s magical score, and you’ve got one of the best Christmas performances of the year. The charming Washington Ballet is sure to take you back to 1882 Georgetown for the few hours that you’ll be there – don’t miss it at Warner Theatre!

Dorrance Dance: Nutcracker Suite

Address: Eisenhower Theater at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Date: November 30-December 2
Tickets: starting at $29
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Ballet West – The Nutcracker

Address: Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Date: November 22 – 26, 2023
Tickets: starting at $75
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The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Address: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Date: Dec. 19-22
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MANASSAS BALLET THEATRE: THE NUTCRACKER

Address: Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir, Manassas, VA 20110
Date: December 14-24, 2023
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VIRGINIA NATIONAL BALLET – THE NUTCRACKER

Address: Capital One Hall, Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102
Date: December 22-23
Tickets: starting at $59
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Additional performance at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on November 24 at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET (The Moscow Ballet)

Address: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102
Date: December 3 – 4, 2023
Tickets: starting at $34
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NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet!

Address: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Date: December 2 at 3pm & 7pm
Tickets: $30 – $175
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National Cathedral Washington DC — *photo via Steve Heap*

Washington National Cathedral

Joy of Christmas Concert

Address: Washington National Cathedral
Date: December 11th
Website

One of the most popular musical traditions in Washington, D.C., the Joy of Christmas Concert hosted by the Washington National Cathedral is anticipated by people all year long. The Cathedral Choral Society brings you exciting new versions of old classics that you can sing along to.

If you only have time to attend one Christmas event in D.C. this year, make it this amazing cinematic production!

Handel’s Messiah

Address: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Date:
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Christmas with The King’s Singers

Address: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Date: Dec. 15
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Christmas Day Organ Recital

Address: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Date: Dec. 25 at 1:30 p.m
Tickets: Free Admission
Website

Christmas Concerts at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

A Family Christmas

Address: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 16th
Website

Perfect for children ages 5 and up, A Family Christmas is a one-hour concert hosted by the Choral Acts Chorus at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. If you haven’t gone before, this will surely become your favorite holiday sing-along of the year.

They’ll be performing all the familiar classics along with visits from Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and the big man Kris Kringle himself.

A Candlelight Christmas

Address: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 16
Tickets: $19– $109
Website

Two-time Grammy winners, The Washington Chorus, invites you to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for their annual ‘A Candlelight Christmas’. The festive concert welcomes the entire family, young and old, to witness this lively 75-minute holiday music experience.

Artistic Director, Eugene Rogers, guides The Washington Chorus in their lovely signature candlelight processional; be ready for the audience carol sing-along to join in on the fun!

Christmas Music Concert

Address: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 20th
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The Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and Youth Choir are accompanied by a full orchestra for this beloved Christmas Music Concert. The Kennedy Center Concert Hall comes alive with seasonal musical treats, so much so that even the grouchiest of attendees will find the holiday spirit.

You’ll see performances of all your favorite Christmas carols and classics, including masterpieces performed by soprano Esther Heideman.

A Jazz Piano Christmas

Address: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 4th
Website

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and NPR come together for their annual sell-out event, A Jazz Piano Christmas. You’ll hear renditions of all of your favorite seasonal classics performed by some of the best jazz pianists in the industry.

This year, there are scheduled performances by Eric Reed, Patrice Rushen, and Gerald Clayton.

ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH MUSIC AND WORSHIP ARTS PRESENT“Do You Hear What I Hear?” – A Christmas Celebration

Address: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 5 at 8pm
Tickets: $40-$105
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Celtic Woman – Christmas Symphony

Address: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
Tickets: $29-$99
Date: Nov 24 – 25, 2023
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THE CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON PRESENTS: O Night Divine!

Address: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 24 at 2pm
Tickets: $15- $71
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THE CAPITOL BONES BIG BAND PRESENTS: A Christmas Brass Spectacular!

Address: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 19 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $60-$70
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Concerts by the NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

NSO Pops | A Holiday Pops! with Norm Lewis

Address: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 8 – 9 (free concert on December 7)
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HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Address: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
Date: December 14 – 18, 2023
Tickets: $15-$40
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The Music Center at the Strathmore

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Address: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Date: December 1 at 8pm
Tickets: $28 – $114
Website

The American neoclassical, new-age, holiday, and progressive rock music group Mannheim Steamroller first debuted in 1974. Their adaptations of modern Christmas music brought them great success and they’ve been celebrating the holiday season with their fans for over 35 years.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas celebrates the traditional music of Christmas that we’ve all come to know and love. You’ll hear renditions of ‘Deck the Halls’, ‘I Saw Three Ships’, ‘We Three Kings’, and more.

Bach’s Epic Christmas Oratorio

Address: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Date: December 9 at 7pm
Tickets: $25 – $89
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The Washington Bach Consort presents ‘Bach’s Epic Christmas Oratorio’ at The Music Center at Strathmore this holiday season. This European Christmas tradition is the ultimate seasonal musical experience with its polished performances.

Musicians and soloists with the Washington Bach Consort will perform four of the six cantatas that comprise the composer’s magnificent ‘Weihnachts-Oratorium’.

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour

Address: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Date: December 3 at 8pm
Tickets: $28 – $98 + VIP
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Seán Heely Celtic Christmas

Address: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Date: December 8 at 8pm
Tickets: $28 – $54
Website

The Washington Chorus presents: A CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS

Address: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Date: December 15 at 8pm
Tickets: $15-$79
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SAMARA JOY: A Joyful Holiday featuring The McLendon Family

Address: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Date: December 23 at 8pm
Tickets: $38.50 – $92.50
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Dumbarton Arts & Education

A Celtic Christmas

Address: 3133 Dumbarton Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Date: December 3 and December 10th at 4pm
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Helicon: Winter Solstice

Address: 3133 Dumbarton Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Date: December 9 at 7:30pm
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Lincoln Theatre

Preservation Jazz Hall Band – Creole Christmas

Address: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Date: November 25 at 8pm
Tickets: $55
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Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show

Address: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Date: December 2-3 & 9-10
Tickets: $25- $65
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CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Address: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Date: December 18-19
Tickets: $35-$55
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A Christmas Carol at the Ford Theatre

Address: Fords Theatre, 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Date: November 17 – December 31
Tickets: $49-$111
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Eve & Other Stories

Address: Capital One Arena, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Date: December 14
Tickets: starting at $50
Website

Renowned rock band, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, comes to Washington, D.C. to celebrate 25 years of Christmas Eve & Other Stories this December. The rock opera is based on their debut studio album, which later became one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time in the U.S.

Attendees will get a chance to see the band perform some of their best hits live; keep your eyes and ears peeled for crowd favorites like ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, ‘A Mad Russian’s Christmas’, and ‘The First Noel’.

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

Address: MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino, 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Date: December 15- 18
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An Irish Carol

Address: Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Date: December 2-31
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Nightly Caroling at the Willard Hotel

Address: The Willard Center, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Date: December 1 to 23, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Tickets: FREE
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A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS

Address: Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305
Date: December 20-21
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GIRL NAMED TOM – ONE MORE CHRISTMAS

Address: Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305
Dates: December 11-12
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Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

Address: Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Date: December 8-17
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HOT 99.5’s Jingle Ball presented by Capital One

Address: Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Date: December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: starting at $25
Website

JINKX AND DELA HOLIDAY SHOW

Address: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102
Date: December 7-8
Tickets: starting at $99.50
Website

A Drag Queen Christmas

Address: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Date: November 16 at 8pm
Tickets: $39-$54

Additional reporting by Shahnaz Hossain

Christmas markets in Washington DC - photo by Keryn Means publisher of DCTravelMag.com

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