Top holiday performances in Indianapolis :: Guide
We spilled the other day on our favorite {and easy!} list of non-toy gift ideas - do you know what was #2 on our list? Tickets to family-friendly performances. And speaking of: There are so. many. to celebrate the holidays in Indianapolis.
We're running down the holiday performances in Indianapolis to look forward to this year {as reported by our CityMoms!}:
The Nutcracker
The Indianapolis area is always dotted with a spectacular array of opportunities to see the Nutcracker, such as:
Butler University Ballet: Dates pending
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre: December 2-3 at Pike Performing Arts Center
Village Dance Studio Ensemble "Nutcracker Short and Suite" abbreviated performance: December 4 at Monon Community Center
Indianapolis Ballet Conservatory: November 26-27 at Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
The Indianapolis Ballet: December 16-18 at Murat Theatre inside the Old National Centre
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble: December 9-11 at Zionsville Performing Arts Center
Moscow Ballet: November 30 at at Murat Theatre inside the Old National Centre
Hansel and Gretel
November 11-12 and 17-18; Clowes Memorial Hall
The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theater bring this performance to Clowes Memorial Hall this season.Two inquisitive kids, the Sandman, a lovely Dew Fairy—and one really nasty witch! Humperdinck lightens the Grimm original and sends Hansel and Gretel into the forest to find strawberries after their mother shoos them out of the house for slacking off on their chores. But then they get lost, and the magic begins! See what happens when the siblings discover an irresistible gingerbread house and start nibbling away, only to have the homeowner (a big-time wicked witch) start cooking up plans to turn the kids into her own tasty treats! BONUS: Use promo code CANDY to save 50% off. Purchase your tickets.
A Christmas Carol
November 17-December 26; Indiana Repertory Theatre
As the weather turns cold, warm your heart with Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and spirits of the past, present and future. Filled with laughter and tears, A Christmas Carol celebrates the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man’s journey to redemption. Purchase your tickets.
The Snow Queen
November 25-January 1; Lilly Theater and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis
When her best friend is kidnapped by the evil Snow Queen, 12-year-old Gerda goes on a quest to rescue him. With the help of a troll and elf, will Gerda be able to find her friend before his heart freezes forever? Join Lilly Theater in this fun, loose adaptation of the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Free with Museum admission but ticket required.
Elf The Musical
November 23-December 31; Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
A young orphan, Buddy, is raised as an elf after he crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is taken to the North Pole. Unaware that he is a human, Buddy grows much larger than the other elves. Between his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities, Buddy is forced to face the truth and embarks on a journey to find his true identity. Discount of $6 off per ticket available to children ages 3-15. Children under age 3 cannot be admitted to this show. Purchase your tickets.
Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical
November 27-December 2; Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage, thanks to Broadway Across Indianapolis. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls "100 times better than any bedtime story!" Purchase your tickets.
IPL Yuletide Celebration
December 2-23; Hilbert Circle Theatre
Broadway’s best singers and dancers will bring the Yuletide magic and music to life on the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage. Enjoy the traditions of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” the famous tap-dancing Santas, and “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” This year also features “Holly Jolly Dollies,” “Jingle Belles and Beaux,” and Angela’s transcendent performance of “Mary Had a Baby.” And you won’t want to miss a new edition of the North Pole reality singing competition, “Santa’s Choice!” Purchase your tickets.
NEED GIFT IDEAS? WE HAVE 'EM. TRY: 5 Amazing non-toy gift ideas for kids.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
December 9; Clowes Memorial Hall
The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Purchase your tickets.
Festival of Carols
December 14, 16-18; The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts
The 2022 performances of Festival of Carols will feature the 180-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir (among the largest and oldest choruses in the nation) joined by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Dance Kaleidoscope (latter at Palladium performances only). This year, Festival of Carols will feature two Spotlight Choirs: the King’s Court Singers of North Central High School, performing at the Warren Performing Arts Center, and Covenant Christian High School Chamber Choir performing at the Palladium. The Spotlight Choir series works to benefit high school choral music programs and achieve a balanced, complete education for young people. Purchase your tickets.
Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular
December 12; Clowes Memorial Hall
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR is quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever, featuring glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole. Start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable nostalgic journey. Holiday favorite songs include; ‘White Christmas, ’‘Winter Wonderland, ’‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, ’‘Chestnuts Roasting, ’‘Jingle Bells, ’‘Away in a Manger, ’‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’‘Let it Snow, ’‘Silent Night, ’‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing, ’‘Deck The Halls, ’‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, ’‘O Holy Night,’ and many more... CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND is pure holiday magic – with enough fun and festive cheer to power all the Christmas lights in town! Purchase your tickets.
