Make magical memories this holiday season with a kid-friendly theater performances! Whether you are starting a new tradition, or continuing a longstanding one, enjoying the arts as a family sparks some extra holiday magic. We have found live drive-in shows, virtual theater events, and heartwarming holiday classics to engage all ages. Check out all these great options, enjoy your time together, and may your holidays be merry and bright!
Live Theater and Virtual Theater for Kids 2020
Live Theater in 2020
Outdoor Nutcracker Window Wonderland Show
December 19, 2020 | 6:30 pm
Aspirations Dance Company in Lombard is having a couple from the Joffrey Ballet Chicago come to perform, along with some of their own dancers, for outside window viewing of this 10 minute mini-performance! Donations welcome!
Baby Shark Live! (Future Date in 2021)
December 19, 2021 | 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Rosemont Theatre
5400 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
Please note this performance has been postponed until 2021.
Virtual Theater
How magical that we can bring the joy of stage theater to our living rooms this year. Such a wonderful way to introduce young children to the arts without the worry of restlessness or potty breaks in the middle of the show. For older children, it is a great way to continue your annual traditions, but from the comfort of your own home. The perfect first ballet for kids, The Nutcracker has colorful, whimsical scenes coupled with a magical Christmas storyline. We hope you have a magical holiday season!
It’s a Wonderful Life – Live in Chicago!
November 12, 2020 – January 4, 2021
This annual holiday tradition is going virtual this year.
A Christmas Carol
November 27, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Streaming on demand. Tickets required.
Holiday Sing Along with the Symphony
December 12, 2020 – Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020
Family sing-along with carols, a Hanukkah medley, and more music played by the New Philharmonic. Includes downloadable booklet of lyrics.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Recorded Live at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a holiday mash-up for the entire family. Tickets are $25 and streaming is available December 14 – January 3.
Trans-Siberian OrchestraLive Stream
December 18, 2020 | 7:00 pm
This year, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be hosting a live stream performance on Friday, December 18. Purchase your ticket here.
Million Dollar Christmas: Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash
December 19, 2020 | 7:30 pm
Rock-n-roll hits and holiday songs with rockabilly flair, streamed live to you.
Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker”
December 19, 2020 – January 1, 2021
Pre-recorded digital performance with magical toys, falling snow and growing Christmas trees.
The Nutcracker Virtual Experience
December 2020
The Washington Ballet is putting together a virtual Nutcracker with behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and more.
Academy of Dance Nutcracker Virtual Production
December 2020 | Exact dates coming soon
A virtual production of the Nutcracker featuring the Academy of Dance and American Pacific Ballet Company.
Ballet For All Kids Virtual Nutcracker
December 20, 2020
Dancers and musicians across the country will team up for a virtual Nutcracker showcase.
The Nutcracker – A Free Virtual Event
December 24, 2020 | 6:00 pm
Premieres December 24, 2020. This video will be available to watch any time after its premier on YouTube through January 1. Presented by the New Paltz Ballet Theatre.
Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas
On demand through December 27, 2020
Based on the book by Chicagoan Denise McGowan Tracy.
Check the Kidlist calendar for even more fun holiday events to do with kids, or find all our best winter activites.
