As Chicago enters the holiday season, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by attending a seasonal show or performance. The city offers some of the finest entertainment options, including Broadway in Chicago, the opera, and holiday concerts. We’ve compiled a list of joyful performances you won’t want to miss while they’re in town. From Cindy Lou to The Nutcracker, here are the best Christmas concerts in Chicago.
Andrew Bird’s Gezelligheid Holiday Concerts
Grammy-nominated artist Andrew Bird is set to enchant Chicago with his annual Gezelligheid Holiday Concerts this December. The beloved tradition returns to the Fourth Presbyterian Church for seven nights, featuring a mix of instrumental violin pieces, holiday classics, and fan favorites. One of the best Christmas concerts in Chicago, these intimate performances, named after the Dutch word for “cozy,” have become a cherished part of Chicago’s holiday season since 2009.
📍 Location: Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago
🗓️ Dates: December 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13
The Nutcracker
The Joffrey Ballet is set to enchant Chicago audiences once again with its critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker this December. Choreographed by two-time Tony Award® winner Christopher Wheeldon, this reimagined classic tells the story of an immigrant family during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The performance features live music by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
📍 Location: Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago
🗓️ Dates: December 6–28, 2024
Experience Love Actually in Concert with Chicago Philharmonic
One of the most magical Christmas concerts in Chicago is happening this Saturday. View the romantic comedy “Love Actually” featuring the Chicago Philharmonic performing Craig Armstrong’s enchanting score live while the film plays on the big screen. You’ll see the intertwining love stories of London’s most charming characters, brought to life by an all-star cast and the full orchestra’s live performance of the delightful soundtrack.
📍 Location: Auditorium Theatre, Chicago
🗓️ Date: December 7, 2024
Candlelight Christmas Concerts
Get ready for a whole roster of holiday-themed and Candlelight Chicago Christmas concerts brought to life by talented musicians as thousands of candles illuminate the room. They have decked the halls with bells and holly ready for you to enjoy an evening at venues like Stan Mansion, Salvage One, Wicker Park Lutheran Church and St Luke’s Episcopal Church.
📍 Location: Various spots
🗓️ Dates: December 11—December 30
A Very Sinatra Christmas Special at Teatro ZinZanni
“A Very Sinatra Christmas Special” is coming to Chicago. Grab your favorite drink, settle in under the twinkling chandelier lights, and get ready to enjoy an array of festive songs that Sinatra loved at this one-night-only event. It’s a perfect evening to soak up the spirit of the holiday season!
📍 Location: Teatro ZinZanni Chicago
🗓️ Dates: December 10
Christkindlmarket Concerts
The Christkindlmarket in Chicago is a cherished German-style outdoor holiday market that offers more than just delicious bratwurst and raclette sandwiches. The market also features Christmas concerts in Chicago from groups such as the Mother McAuley A Cappella Choir, various children’s choirs, and the Phenix Trio, who are known for encouraging audiences to sing along.
📍 Location: Daley Plaza
🗓️ Dates: Until December 24th
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Chicago Kids Company’s holiday classic celebrates the 24th year of Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical. This show is so popular that we decided to present it in two different theaters in December 2024. It’s almost Christmas, and Santa’s list is missing! Join Mrs. Claus and the Elf Class of 2023 as they try to find it in time to save Christmas. Who stole the list? How will they get it back? Will Mrs. Claus save the day? Chicago Kids Company’s biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no time!
🗓️Apollo Theater: December 5—December 21
🗓️ Beverly Arts Center: November 22—December 22
A Christmas Carol
The Christmas Carol is back for another year, and it has been warming Chicagoans’ heartstrings. One of the most beloved Christmas concerts in Chicago, A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas past, present and yet to come.
📍 Location: Goodman’s Albert Theatre
🗓️ Dates: November 16—December 30
Merry, Merry Chicago!
Symphony Center’s beloved Christmas concert tradition continues with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing familiar carols and festive holiday songs, including I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and Sleigh Ride. They are joined by the sensational Ashley Brown, who originated the title role of Mary Poppins on Broadway. Thomas Wilkins conducts this celebration guaranteed to inspire holiday cheer in listeners of all ages.
📍 Location: Chicago Symphony Center
🗓️ Dates: December 18—23, 2024
Cindy-Lou Who’s Grown-Up Holiday Tale
Discover the hilarious and unexpected fate of Cindy-Lou Who, now 40 years old, in the Jeff-nominated comedy “Who’s Holiday!” at Chicago’s Theater Wit. Veronica Garza returns for her fourth season to portray the grown-up Cindy-Lou, who welcomes audiences into her bedazzled mobile home for a night of snacks, shots, and shocking revelations about her life after that fateful Christmas Eve with the Grinch. Don’t bring the kids to this one—it’s R-rated!
📍 Location: Theater Wit, Chicago
🗓️ Dates: November 29 – December 29, 2024
A Holiday Comedy Spectacular
Experience the vibrant comedy scene of Chicago at “You’re Invited To: A Holiday Comedy Spectacular.” This unique variety show, produced by talented black women comedians Karissa Cuffy and Wongel Abamegal, showcases diverse comedy perspectives through stand-up, improv, musical improv, and more. Don’t miss this monthly celebration of BIPOC talent at the BYOB-friendly Cornservatory venue.
📍 Location: Cornservatory, Chicago
🗓️ Dates: November 18th, 2024