14 Philly Holiday Shows: Philly Nutt Crak-Up, Ariana Grande at Jingle Ball, David Sedaris’s Holidays on Ice and More
Don’t miss “George Balachine’s The Nutcracker” at the Academy of Music this month. | Photo via Facebook.
With all the concerts, cabarets, plays, and ballets on stage this holiday season, there are plenty of performing arts to see on a special night out.
Down Home Holiday
A holiday hoedown from the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus filled with fiddlers, line dancers, classic holiday tunes and Dolly Parton jams. Thursday, December 4th through Saturday, December 6th, $30-55, Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut Street.
Philly Nutt Crak-Up
The Rappin’ Sugar Plum Fairy is back for another “nutty” take on a traditional holiday tale thanks to ContempraDANCE Theatre. Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 7th, $35, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street.
The Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular
Celebrated conductor David Charles Abell leads this popular sing-along of holiday favorites with the help of Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera, Hugh Panaro, and the POPS Festival Chorus. Saturday, December 6th through Saturday, December 20th, $40-131, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
George Balachine’s The Nutcracker
Join the 46-year-old tradition by seeing this classic holiday show in Philadelphia with the Pennsylvania Ballet, Philadelphia Boys Choir and awe-inspiring sets and costumes. Saturday, December 6th through Tuesday, December 30th, $50-125, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street.
Ariana Grande will perform at Q102’s annual Jingle Ball. | Photo via Facebook.
The Joybells of Melmark with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
Hear this incredible group of adult musicians with intellectual disabilities make holiday music with handbells, chimes, and percussion instruments. Sunday, December 7th, 10 a.m., free admission, Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
A Very Quince Holiday Cabaret
A night of cabaret full of holiday songs done the Quince way, featuring Quince alumni and their wild renditions of seasonal tunes. Monday, December 8th, 6 p.m., $15-25, Tabu Lounge, 200 South 12th Street.
Q102 Jingle Ball 2014
Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Iggy Azalea, Jessie J., Meghan Trainor and more will help you get your groove on at this annual holiday concert. Wednesday, December 10th, 7:30 p.m., $26-176, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street.
David Sedaris’s Holidays on Ice
Humorist David Sedaris‘ holiday tales become a twisted, darkly comedic performed by Michelle Pauls and Peter Zielinski. Friday, December 12th through Sunday, December 14th, $20 (includes a drink!), In the Red Room at Society Hill Playhouse, 507 South 8th Street.
Christmas with the Philadelphia Singers
A traditional candlelight processional precedes a night of holiday-inspired works featuring a brass quintet inside the beautifully resonant Basilica. Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th, $10-40, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 1723 Race Street.
See the Peek-a-Boo Revue Holiday Spectacular December 14th. | Photo via Peek-a-Boo Revue.
The Snow Queen
Life-size puppets and masks bring to life the tale of a girl rescuing her best friend from the Snow Queen, courtesy of the Enchantment Theatre Company. Saturday, December 13th through Sunday, January 4th, $29 for adults and $16 for children, Arts Bank Theater, 601 South Broad Street.
The Peek-a-Boo Revue Holiday Spectacular
A burlesque holiday special with dancing, comedy, and sultry singing from Philly’s premiere neo-burlesque troupe. Sunday, December 14th, 7:30 p.m., $25, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
A Soulful Christmas
Inspiring voices and community choirs gather with special guest Edwin Hawkins to perform holiday classics, spirituals, and gospel favorites including Adolphus Hailstork’s “Shout for Joy.” Tuesday, December 16th, 7:30 p.m., $25-45, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
The Rock School for Dance Education performs “Nutcracker 1776” on December 19th. | Photo via Rock School for Dance Education.
Christmas Posada
Enjoy Las Posadas, the festivities celebrated in Mexico nine days before Christmas, with Mexican pianist Juan Pablo Horcasitas. Thursday, December 18th, 5 p.m., free admission, Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Nutcracker 1776
See the stars of tomorrow – students of The Rock School for Dance Education – perform an artistically challenging and beautiful holiday showpiece. Friday, December 19th and Saturday, December 20th, $23-43, The Merriam Theater, 250 South Broad Street.
More Philly Mag holiday coverage:
- City Hall Tree-Lighting Ceremony
- 15 Holiday Events in Philadelphia
- The Best Christmas Lights in and Around Philadelphia
- Do All Your Holiday Shopping at These 14 Local Pop-Up Markets
- Christmas Tree Farms in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
