One of the most magical parts of the holiday season is getting to revisit cherished stories and songs every year. From classic Christmas songs to nostalgic holiday movies, they enrich our lives so much—especially when we’re able to see them performed live. Luckily, Seattle has no shortage of live holiday shows, concerts, and performances coming up over the next few weeks. Grab your loved ones and go through this list that includes something for everyone: comedy, ballet, improv, drag, and (of course) the straightforward classics.
Here are some of the best upcoming holiday shows in Seattle:
1. A Candlelight Concert Holiday Special
When: December 10, 21, and 22
Where: The Lotte Hotel OR Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
Candlelight Concerts in Seattle are extra-special this time of year thanks to the limited-time performances featuring holiday classics. There is one performance at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center on December 10 and two performances at the historic Lotte Hotel on December 21 and 22.
2. The Nutcracker Ballet
When: November 25 through December 27
Where: Pacific Northwest Ballet
Watch the Pacific Northwest Ballet perform this beloved holiday classic that is awe-inspiring for all ages.
2. The Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
When: December 2
Where: Pike Place Market
Head to Pike Place Market to watch carolers compete in this competition that donates proceeds to a good cause.
3. Festive Friday Concerts
When: December 2, 9, and 16
Where: Westlake Park
You can enjoy free live holiday concerts in Westlake Park (located downtown) this month as part of Seattle’s Downtown Holiday Lights & Delights series.
4. Live caroling downtown
When: December 5 and every Saturday in December
Where: The Urban Village at 2+U (Dec. 5) and in Occidental Square (Saturdays)
If you’re feeling sad that carolers didn’t stop at your door last Christmas, make it your mission to seek them out this year. You can enjoy carolers performing for free in downtown Seattle this month. There will be carolers at a downtown Holiday Market on December 5, plus carolers along with cocoa and cookies every December Saturday in Occidental Square.
5. A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol
When: select dates in December
Where: Pike Place Market
Throw out audience suggestions to Unexpected Productions and watch them improvise a whole new (and hilarious) version of A Christmas Carol.
6. Fa la la la la, ha ha ha ha: A Holiday Musical Extravaganza
When: select dates in December
Where: Pike Place Market
Another improv holiday show by Unexpected Productions, this one features a festive sing-along and a movie musical.
7. Q Brothers Christmas Carol
When: select dates in December
Where: Arts West
This hip-hop remix of A Christmas Carol by Q Brothers Collective is full of tunes that you typically won’t find in a holiday show, from reggae to rock.
8. Mr. Dickens and His Carol
When: select dates in December
Where: Bagley Wright Theatre
Dubbed “a new holiday classic,” this equal parts comedic and poignant performance by Seattle Rep is an adaptation of Samantha Silva’s critically acclaimed novel.
9. Naughty or Nice Burlesque
When: select dates in December
Where: W Seattle
You can register (via the link above) for free tickets to see this holiday burlesque performance in the W Living Room Bar.
10. Land Of The Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker
When: select dates in December
Where: The Triple Door
Another burlesque holiday show in Seattle is Land of the Sweets at The Triple Door. This is a burlesque take on The Nutcracker!
11. The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
When: December 21-24
Where: The Moore Theatre
This holiday drag show at the Moore will make you laugh until you cry.
12. Seattle Symphony Holiday Concerts
When: select dates in December
Where: Seattle Symphony
Visit the Seattle Symphony website throughout December to take your pick of holiday performances such as “Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
13. Live performances at Winterfest
When: Every weekend from November 25 to December 29
Where: Seattle Center’s Armory Stage
Visit Seattle Center throughout December to enjoy the various Winterfest activities, which includes daily light shows and live performances on the weekends.
14. A Christmas Carol
When: select dates in December
Where: ACT Theatre
Looking for a classic performance of A Christmas Carol? Get tickets for this show by ACT at Seattle’s Allen Theatre.
15. The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
When: select dates in December
Where: Taproot Theatre
If you’re a Jane Austen fan, you’ll love this new story that revolves around the Pride & Prejudice characters at Christmastime.
16. A Very Drunken Christmas Carol
When: December 9 and 16
Where: Seattle Opera
This operatic retelling of A Christmas Carol is hugely popular in Seattle.
Note: Online sales are currently sold out. From the Seattle Opera website: “Limited tickets are still available for the Friday performances on December 9 and 16. To purchase, call Audience Services at 206.389.7676, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m..”
17. Can Can’s Wonderland
When: select dates in December and through January 8
Where: Can Can Culinary Cabaret (at Pike Place Market)
This holiday soirée at Can Can Culinary Cabaret offers food, drinks, and a stunning holiday-themed cabaret performance.