Whether you are looking to start a new family tradition or gift an experience to someone special this holiday season, we’re here with your guide to some of Phoenix’s amazing entertainment options this holiday season.
A Christmas Carol:
You can’t find a more classic piece of holiday entertainment than A Christmas Carol. TheaterWorks is reviving their special adaptation of the classic tale complete with Louis Farber reprising his role as Scrooge. The story focuses on the classic themes of generosity community over greed, but be aware that the ghosts may be spooky for your littlest ones, so you may want to stick to bringing the older elementary school kids and up. It runs December 8-24 and you can read more about it and get your tickets HERE.
Scrooge! A New Holiday Musical
If you love A Christmas Carol but are looking for a bit of a twist on this classic tale,you’ve got to check out Arizona Theatre Company’s Scrooge! A New Holiday Musical. Based on the movie of the same name, the toe tapping musical numbers and exquisite costumes paired with the classic Christmas tale is a holiday treat that is sure to be a win with your family. This production runs at the Tempe Center for the Arts December 9-30. For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.
Trans Siberian Orchestra
If your kids are anything like mine, they lose their minds when the Trans-Siberian Orchestra version of Carol of the Bells comes on the Christmas stations or playlists. If you want to experience a special night of holiday entertainment with all that energy and the merry vibes turned up to 11, you can catch the Trans Siberian Orchestra live for one day only at the Footprint Center. There are two performance options- one matinee and one evening so choose accordingly whether you want to make it a family affair or an amazing date night! Tickets are available here.
A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tale:
This Valley Youth Theatre tradition has been a family favorite for decades! This was one of the most popular recommendation from last year’s holiday guide. Valley Youth Theatre is a great place to introduce your littles to theatre if they’ve never seen a show before, but it also remains a fun experience for the whole family. A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tale includes all your favorite, classic Hundred Acre Wood characters, with the bonus of some wonderful music. This show has plenty of matinees, including over that week after school releases for holiday break and you are wondering what to do with your littles. The show runs select dates December 1-23 and you can find more information and purchase tickets HERE.
White Christmas
White Christmas is a favorite holiday film, and this season Arizona Broadway Theater brings the Irving Berlin classic to life. Filled with laughs, romance, and wonderful music, you can choose to experience this delightful story on its own, or to make it a night of dinner theatre with one of ABT’s dinner and performance tickets. The show runs now through December 30th. To see specific dates and to purchase tickets, you can visit their site HERE.
Holiday Music & Musings
Join the Theatre Artists Studio for a one weekend only special family friendly offering of Holiday Music & Musings. The Theatre Artists Studio is a collaborative artistic community in the Paradis Valley area, and their holiday show combines small scenes and musical selections from artistic members of that community. Running December 15-17, this show offers songs, stories, and fun so be sure to catch this holiday entertainment option before it’s gone! More information and tickets can be found HERE.
The Night Before Christmas
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents The Night Before Christmas, but this production includes multiple stories including the classic aforementioned tale and lots of music. Their website recommends this show for kids 3 and older and the show runs December 6-24 with all matinee performances so you don’t have to worry about adding late bedtimes to your busy holiday schedules! Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Las Noches de las Luminarias
A beloved tradition at the Desert Botanical Gardens, Las Noches de las Luminarias lights up the trails of the gardens with both holiday lights and luminarias There are various entertainment acts throughout the season, but you can’t go wrong on any of the beautiful Phoenix nights! However, if you want to know what specific entertainment will be provided on a given night, you can check out the calendar HERE. More information and tickets can be found HERE.
Wishing you the best holiday memories and adventures this season! We hope one of these options can help you celebrate time with your family as well as the wonderfully artistic community we have in the Phoenix area.
