Looking to celebrate the holiday season by taking in a show with your family? From theater to music to dance, the DC area is full of spectacular seasonal performances for all ages to enjoy. DCTA staff have curated this roundup of family-friendly holiday shows within a 30-mile radius of DC. (Let us know if we’ve missed any!) Show art for ‘Ken Ludwig’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas’ courtesy of Adventure Theatre MTC. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Tiny Lights: Tales for Chanukah Theater J (December 7-15). Taking inspiration from the great Chanukah tales of master storyteller Isaac Bashevis Singer, Theater J’s theatrical storytellers will weave tales out of words, a few simple props, and theatrical devices—and then teach you and your young kids how to do the same! A Magical Cirque Christmas The National Theatre (December 12-15). Embrace the holiday spirit with a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show Arena Stage (December 13-22). Step back into the holiday spirit with the joyful return of Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, where the rich tradition of African American stepping blends with the magic of the season. A Candlelight Christmas The Washington Chorus performing at The Music Center at Strathmore and The Kennedy Center (December 14-22). Join The Washington Chorus in celebrating the 15th Anniversary of its annual “A Candlelight Christmas,” ringing in the holiday season with joy, spirit, and unity. Featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and extra special guests, this family-friendly concert is among the DC region’s most beloved holiday traditions. The Hip Hop Nutcracker The National Theatre (December 20-22). A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker comes to The National for the very first time, brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. The Spirit of Kwanzaa Dance Institute of Washington (December 20-22). The Spirit of Kwanzaa is the Dance Institute of Washington’s most popular and longest-running cultural arts and dance production (since 1995). The Dance Institute of Washington has adapted the principles of Kwanzaa to convey the struggles and creativity of the Black diaspora. The production highlights the holiday’s principles with dance, song, and spoken word. La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos – Three Kings Day GALA Hispanic Theatre (January 5, 2025). Join in the magic of GALA’s annual Three Kings Day celebration featuring a procession through the neighborhood led by the magi, live animals, music and dance performances, and a gift for every child. A free community event. DÍA DE LOS REYES MAGOS – The Three Kings Day Teatro de la Luna (January 6, 2025). Teatro de la Luna invites the whole family to enjoy its Three Kings Day celebration, featuring arts and crafts, theatrical performance, folkloric dance, refreshments, and the Three Kings distributing toys and books to children. A free community event, RSVP encouraged. MARYLAND The 36th Annual Nutcracker The Puppet Co, Glen Echo Park, MD (November 26-December 31). This time-honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin. Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s The Fun Company, Frederick, MD (November 30-December 22). Follow the feisty and irrepressible Junie B. Jones as she plays Secret Santa to her least favorite classmate, Tattletale May. Will Junie B. give Tattletale May exactly what she thinks she deserves, or will the holiday spirit force a change of heart? A Visit From St. Nicholas or The Night Before Christmas Colonial Players of Annapolis, Annapolis, MD (December 5-15). On Christmas Eve, 1822, Clement Clarke Moore’s house is not as quiet as a mouse—in fact, everyone is stirring as the three children await the arrival of St. Nicholas. Strathmore Children’s Chorus Presents A World of Celebration The Music Center at Strathmore, Bethesda, MD (December 6). Hear festive holiday music sung by young voices during the most wonderful time of the year! Join Strathmore Children’s Chorus as they continue to explore new and familiar melodies written for the many end-of-year celebrations observed here and around the world. ’Twas The Night Before Christmas Adventure Theatre MTC, Glen Echo Park, MD (December 6-January 5). On the night before Christmas, a mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Join in the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just will not take no for an answer. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet The Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD (December 16-17). With an all-star cast and live orchestra, this touring production of The Nutcracker blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Seasons of Light Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Hyattsville, MD (December 18-19). This signature Discovery Theater show from the Smithsonian celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah, Las Posadas, Ramadan, Santa Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive extravaganza bridging communities and cultures. An English Country Christmas Revels Washington Revels performing at Montgomery College, Silver Spring, MD (December 20-22). The 42nd annual Christmas Revels begins with caroling on Christmas Eve in the country village of Mellstock, where the festive season provides a backdrop for a story of mirth, mayhem, and merriment that will change the village and its inhabitants forever. Quirky characters, rustic tunes, pub carols, joyful anthems, and rousing dances come together in this classic tale. VIRGINIA Miracle on 34th Street Rooftop Productions, Manassas, VA (November 29-December 8). When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes the difference in the ‘miracle.’ With live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved musical that will melt even the most cynical of hearts. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins City of Fairfax Theatre Company, Fairfax, VA (December 5-8). Clever traveler Hershel arrives in a village haunted by goblins who have been ruining Hanukkah celebrations for years. Can he outsmart the Goblin King and light the candles, saving Hanukkah for the village? Jingle Bell Jam, Encore Stage & Studio, Arlington, VA (December 6-15). Full of heartwarming holiday scenes and songs, Encore’s first winter revue, Jingle Bell Jam, is the perfect way to deck the halls and bring in the holiday spirit. Madeline’s Christmas Creative Cauldron, Falls Church, VA (December 6-22). In this musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic, Madeline’s schoolmates and tutor are all sick in bed on Christmas Eve, unable to go home for Christmas to be with their families. So it’s Madeline to the rescue! And with the help of a magical rug merchant she takes her friends on a Christmas journey they will never forget. Time for Christmas Encore Theatrical Arts Project Annandale, VA (December 7-15). Two high-tech elves trying to prove their worth and a harebrained-but-hopeful scientist accidentally throw the world into a time loop in this original holiday musical. With the same day repeating over and over, when will it ever be Christmas? A Christmas Story StageCoach Theatre Company, Ashburn, VA (December 7-23). Based on the classic 1983 holiday movie, A Christmas Story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, a daydreamer from Indiana who spends his days counting down to the most exciting day in any kid’s life: Christmas. Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure Dulles Town Center, Dulles, VA (December 13-29). This European-style winter circus features thrilling performances, mesmerizing lights, and whimsical delights under the big top.