The Top Holiday Performances in Indianapolis
This season always brings a fun array of holiday performances. From the Nutcracker to Yuletide by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, there’s lots to choose from for date night, family night, or ‘me’ night.
Here’s Our List of Top Holiday Performances in Indianapolis:
1. The AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
One of Indiana’s most storied holiday performances returns! Emmy-nominated singer Frankie Moreno returns to host as the musicians of the ISO perform new holiday music as well as beloved favorites, but the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration is more than an orchestra performance - it’s the best holiday party in Indianapolis! New this year are the incredibly gifted Moipei, featuring triplets Mary, Maggy, and Marta who will take the stage at Hilbert Circle Theatre for the first time! The show will also feature the internationally acclaimed Expressenz Dance Center, the fabulous Yuletide Lights, a tribute to the beloved movie The Polar Express, and a virtuosic solo performance by ISO Concertmaster Kevin Lin. It just isn’t the holidays in Indianapolis until Yuletide begins!
Dates: December 5-23, 2025
Tickets: Start at $36.72/pp.
2. A Christmas Carol at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
A Christmas Carol shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man’s journey to redemption. As the weather turns cold, warm your heart with the IRT as we joyfully reimagine and tenderly bring this annual holiday treasure to new life. Runtime is 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission. Virtual and streaming options available as well.
Dates: November 15-December 24, 2025
Tickets: Start at $27/pp. Get $15 off tickets to A Christmas Carol and other IRT shows! Use code 2526CITYMOMS at irtlive.com. Valid on tickets $42+ through May 10, 2026 (exclusions apply).
3. Festival of Carols by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
A beloved Indianapolis holiday tradition, Festival of Carols brings the warmth and wonder of the season to life through the extraordinary voices of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. This joyful celebration features classic carols, stunning new arrangements, and heart-soaring performances that capture everything we love about this time of year. With special guests, audience sing-alongs, and spectacular musical moments, it’s a festive experience that promises to delight every generation.
Dates: December 19-22, 2025
Tickets: Start at $37/pp.
4. The Polar Express IMAX Experience at the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum
Another tradition returns this year - pack the fam in their PJs and head to the downtown IMAX to see Polar Express on the big screen. This inspiring adventure - based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg - follows a doubting young boy as he takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Dates: December 5-December 18, 2025
Tickets: Start at $12.50/pp.
5. The Nutcracker Ballet - multiple locations around the city
So many ways to see The Nutcracker Ballet in Indianapolis this season! Peek here for all the details.
PLANNING YOUR FESTIVE OUTINGS?
6. A Christmas Story at The Tarkington
Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn with a similar echoing response, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun.
Dates: December 5-27, 2025
Tickets: Start at $72/pp.
7. Another Christmas Carol option, thanks to Beef and Boards Theatre
From the pages of Dickens comes this delightful musical adaptation of the holiday classic with traditional carols. Experience the transformation of the miserly Scrooge into someone who understands the true meaning of kindness and love, accomplished with the help of three spirits from the past, present, and future. This one-hour show is performed without intermission and includes a buffet lunch or dinner prior to all performances.
Dates: December 5-22, 2025
Tickets: Start at $34/pp.
